Handbags, handbags and more handbags

Ever have that problem of having to change handbags for different occassions, and you have to swap your items to the next bag that you're going to use that day? Its the handbag dilemma! Never mind the fact that you've got to change the handbag, but to choose which one suits the occassion! Whether it's a lunch date, out shopping in the high streets, just a trip to the grocery store, a trip to the movies, or a night out, each bag is designated to a specific use. It's like you have to prepare your handbag the night before in order to have everything you need. Little things like your purse, your compact mirror, lip balm, lipstick, handcream, tissues, pen, brollie, sunnies, alcohol handgel, gloves, hat, scarf, and my fave, my litttle notebook for my cafe writing moments, and maybe the novel I'm busy reading; not forgetting the items for your phone, the charger, the earphones, some mints for those breathfreshing moments (just in case you have a George Clooney look alike sitting next to you on the bus~~~ not likely in London~~but hey, one can dream!). It's the process of transferring everything, and not forgetting anything! Handbags are getting biggger and bigger, so much so they're more like overnight bags, and I have to admit, I love it! Truth be told, you can never have enough handbags...right?!

And what do men have to carry? Just a wallet, mobile phone and maybe a handkerchief? Well, there are those brave and courageous men out there actually carrying a man bag, or a satchel these days...good on you guys!

Wear your bags with pride ladies,...and gentlemen!

                                                              Photos taken from THIS SITE

Thankyou for the inspiration, my love....

My Musical Hero....





The loves of my heart....

If music be the food of love, play on... (William Shakespeare)






My love forever.  Thankyou for the inspiration Mr Clayderman!






Just awesome!

Videos fromTHIS SITE,THIS SITE AND HERE!

                                

                                                                                   

Have a Nice Day :)

Picture taken from :)

Who knew the simple expression 'Have a nice day' had a history of it's own! It was first used in the 1949 movie 'A Letter to Three  Wives' and became popular by truck drivers on their CB radios.
It's seen as a polite and genuinely nice phrase used in Israel and America merely to express a 'thank you', and quite surprisingly seen as offensive and artificial in Europe, and hence very rarely used.
In the early 70's the Spain brothers designed coffee mugs and bumper stickers with the phrase and a yellow smiley face on them.
Today we use smileys in our texts, in our emails, and even on post-its, and it's become part of a universal language!

When I think of all the everyday stresses one goes through at work and home, sometimes we just need a little kind word from someone to change our whole day. Some people at work seem to forget that we're all human at the end of the day , and forget the meaning of respect for one another. These are just natural human pleasantries in life. I think people can get so caught up in their status and line of authority at work that they tend to treat the people below them in a demeaning way! Respect begets respect...do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's not just about being a leader, but leading with respect so that others can look to you as a role model and find motivation and inspiration from how you set the bar.

At the end of the day, we're all striving to work towards a similar goal, a sense of self achievement and fulfillment and helping others to the best our ability, for the common good.

I've known people to whinge and moan the minute their day starts, and I can only help but feel sorry for them. If  you're in a position to change someone's day to make it a good one, use your potential to do so. A simple smile goes such  a long way, to whoever it maybe. My dad always says that when you meet someone and have a chat with them, always leave them with saying something good, because you never know what they're going through, and how your words can even make the slightest impact in their life. My mum used to say that a smile costs nothing!
Use your leadership to LEAD and guide in the most positive way!


A smile costs nothing, but gives a lot.

It enriches those who receive it without making poorer those who give it.
A smile takes only a moment, but the memory of it can last forever.

No one is so rich, or so mighty, that they can get along without a smile.
And no one is so poor that they cannot be made richer by a smile.

A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business and is the counter sign of friendship.

A smile brings rest to the weary,  cheer to the discouraged,  sunshine to the sad and is nature's best cure for trouble
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen
for it is of no value to anyone until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give a smile so give them one of yours as no one needs a smile so much as he who has no more of his own to give.

( Tate Gallery )

 Have a Nice Day, be nice and spread the word!

WELCOME 2011!!

Here's to a great year!

As a new year has dawned upon us, we are overloaded with articles about new fad diets, detox diets, superfoods, beating the winter blahs and how to feel more energised, living a healthy lifestyle and how to be more positive...and so we should take heed, because it all sounds so good, and is very relevant! True enough, we all need a little bit of motivation at the start of the year just to take off on a good note, but consistency becomes the turning point sometimes. We get so excited about making a new start and turning over a new leaf for the new year, it's like starting to write in a brand new book, on a clean blank page!

We all have a list of our things to do, and changes we would like to make and improvements that we need to address, and we probably do so every year, because every new year we say it's going to be a better year! We focus so much on our big plans and dreams, that sometimes we lose track of our actual goal that we want to achieve in life. It's important to appreciate what we have got right here and now, and yet still dream and plan.We don't know what lies ahead, but enjoying life is part of the adventures of this journey that we're on. The year will be as according to us and how we perceive it to be. Be positive ~ it's an attractive quality, and people like being around those who are positive, upbeat, confident and happy.


A few years ago while I was holidaying in Australia, I was on the Whitehaven beach, one of the uninhabited islands of the Whitsundays. When I dusted my towel off the almost white sand, something terracotta coloured showed through the sand. On clearing the sand, I found a book called 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz. To me, this was definitely some sort of sign!! (For what, I haven't quite yet figured out, suffice to say I have learned some valuable lessons about basic human nature, and the timing seemed ever so perfect at that stage of my life.)
This book has been very inspiring and portrays a code of conduct that encompasses the following:

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best

As basic and natural as this list may sound, it's amazing how it can make a simple and fulfilling difference to your life. Try it!


Be strong and brave to embrace the adventures that lie ahead for you and make 2011 work for you in a positive way.

Have A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!



Photo from THIS PLACE

THANKYOU 2010!...the world in review

As 2010 draws to an end, some people will make a list of resolutions for the new year, some will look back to all the highlights and events that took place, and some people will just get a new calendar for their office or home.


This year at large saw  thousands lose their lives in the Haiti earthquake, millions of Toyota vehicles were recalled after problems with sticky accelerators, Apple launched the fascinating IPad (tablet computer), the Iceland ash disrupted flights over Europe,the Worldcup took place in South Africa and Prince William proposed to Kate, and while we're at it, Playboy's Hugh Hefner, 84, gets engaged! There's obviously much more that made memorable moments, but every year there will be more memorable moments to look back on, and eventually forget some! With South African heartlands deep within me, it makes me so proud to recall the Worldcup in our beautiful country!

From the bottom tip of the African continent, South Africa was put on the map and became the top talking point of the world; 2010 WORLDCUP WAS HERE!! (André S Chetty)
Waka waka was on the lips of people world over!! And to help you remember, "JUST" in case you've forgotten.......


Proudly South African!
                                               Video from THIS SITE  and HERE

With the first decade in the naughtie years almost over, there's definitely so much to look forward to. So here's to happy endings and memorable moments, and to new and happy beginnings! May your dreams and hearts desires be fulfilled and fruitful. Life is about the journey, enjoy it!
"All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on,and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there"  ~ Lao Tzu ~
Wishing you and your family a blessed and exciting 2011!!!
                                                              
                                                             HAPPY NEW YEAR!




...as aptly as always!!    
                                                                                       

A Beautiful Life... For those I will always remember

We all know and have experienced the painful loss of someone close and dear to us at some point in our life. As much as it may be such a sad part of life ( ironical as that sounds), it is very much a reality that we must all accept. We may mention it jokingly, talk about wills being drawn up, just never want to talk about it, or just try to change the topic, but the fact of life is that one day our time too will come.

Today a school friend I've known for a long time was laid to rest. The day I came to hear the news of her passing away, brought a painful shock. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Even though I haven't seen her since we've matriculated from high school, the memories I have of her and our childhood friends seem to appear so vivid. And even though I'm a continent apart from home, my thoughts and prayers go out dearly to her family.





The shock was to realise just how suddenly life can be taken away. It's challenging to allow out hearts to say goodbye to our beloved, and even though the pain never really seems to ease, somewhere down life's road we find the courage to accept it. When we think of them, we have treasured,priceless and beautiful memories that will live in our hearts forever, and we know they've moved on to a beautiful life. These moments make us learn to appreciate life much more and also be greatful of those around us. There's no time for squabbling and worrying about the things that aren't going to make our lives any healthier. Material things have so little value in life, and no value when we finally leave.

Love those around you, and let them know how much you appreciate them. Don't wait till it's too late...there should be no regrets in life.
Goodbye to our dear beautiful friend.

It's Christmas time once again

The white flurry stuff seemed to have come much earlier this year. This week saw all of the United Kingdom  covered with this white magical and yet somewhat disruptive stuff. London and all surrounding parts were  transformed into a winter wonderland, and at Christmas time could you ask for anything more? (apart from world peace).
Somehow when the snow arrives it just seems as though the sound of everything around has drowned into a dull silence. Just watching the snow fall feels so relaxing and is such a wonderous sight.

As I made my way to the bustop two nights ago, it felt like a scene out of "The Book of Eli" where the only sound resonating was the sound of my breathing and my boots trudging through the three to four inch snow walking past dimmed street lights. It's like the cars that I walked past full of snow, were just abandoned, and the road for that matter. It's like I was the only living soul around,and even though I could see cars in the nearby distance, that's all they were, without any sound whatsoever.
My sense of relief came when I saw my bus approaching, and finally the signs of life.

It's a few weeks away from Christmas and something about snow falling around this time of year just seems to make the atmosphere so magical. It's the time when so many emotions come to heart, when people think about lost loved ones, the sadness of being alone, the thought of being far away from family, bringing family together having roast turkey lunch,thoughts about being kind, giving,  and thinking of those most unfortunate. It's the one time of year that people from all walks of faith can come together and share a common spirited goal, that of selflessness.




So even though some children around the world will eagerly await to open their presents under the tree  on Christmas day (if they're fortunate enough), my hope is that the spirit and the true meaning of Christmas will never be lost through the pressures of commercialism.

May the magic and miracle of Christmas bring you everlasting love, joy, peace and happiness!!

A new journey!

When God closes a window, somewhere He opens a door...

Sometimes in life things dont always work out the way you'd like it to, but I always believe there's a reason. There's a time and place for all things, and somewhere down the line you get to see the bigger picture of things and realise why it wasn't so. Most times it's a sign of a direction for a new journey that you're meant to embark on! A new journey is an adventure and always so exciting...you can always envision the positive!
Like most things in life there is always some risk involved with whatever you do, and then you pen out your pros and cons, and wonder if the risk is ever worth taking. Well, as said before, life is too short not to take the risk sometimes (obviously within some common sense).




I think that whatever life holds for you, you should be able to embrace it in the best way possible. We're always going to have some diversions, obstacles and some real "pain in the necks" just to make our journey a little more challenging, but the great thing about it is the will to stay focused, and that destination once reached!

So even though we may not know how long this journey will take us, some will be a lifetime and will be just that worth it, the fact that we were brave enough to embark on a new journey is a sure enough sign of moving on and allowing ourselves to do so! Sometimes it's just a matter of time to realise that a door has been opened, and it takes courage to take the next step!

Whatever journey you're on, and whatever new journey awaits you, may it be paved with success and enlightenment, enveloped in love.

Following your heart

It's funny how we sometimes are constantly chasing dreams in life, or always needing a sense of fulfilment in material things that are mostly of temporary value, and that will never really provide a complete fulfilment and satisfaction that the heart really requires. Making decisions in life can sometimes be so daunting that we're so afraid of taking that risk that we're willing to sacrifice our happiness because of fear of the unknown.
Life is just too short not to be able to take some of those risks, and sometimes we realise that when it's a bit too late.

Sometimes we just have to take the plunge in life and go with the heart, because the voice of reason always interrupts and righfully so, but sometimes it prevents us from reaching for that unknown that might just be the answer that we've always been waiting for.
I, personally, feel the need to go with my voice of reason, because it's the most sensible and logical thing to do, barring the true and inmost feelings of my heart, which at some point in my life makes me realise that I could have lost out on some priceless opportunities.


It's not too late to realise that your heart could actually be the voice of reason sometimes, even though it may be late with lost chances, especially with matters of the heart. It just takes that little bit of courage to go with that heartfelt and inmost feeling and you most realise it when you lose someone precious in your life.

So, when lifes buzzer eventually sounds, there should be no space and time for regrets and "if only's.."
You can have everything in life, yet you can never really have it all.

A thing called LOVE

LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
                                                                                                                               1 Corinthians 13:4-7


Songs,books, poems, verses in the Bible, all have connotations about love that are expressed in numerous ways which all in all capture the very same meaning to be conveyed. It teaches you and guides you about love, and whether you're young, old and whatever disability one might have, everyone has gone through this wondrous experience of being in love, even if it has been unrequited. It is the one universal experience for all things that breathe life! How amazing, and what a blessing.


It's the flutter of your heart, the warmth within your chest, the lightheadedness, the weak knees,the heartache when you're away, the smile on your face when you think of that special love, the feeling of being loved and knowing that someone has a special place in their heart for you, the excitement inside when you see that love after a long time, that look at exchanged glances, unspoken " I love you's...".... and the list goes on, and yes it is all chemistry between lovers and the feeling of being in love due to Phenylethylamine (commonly known as the 'love molecule') which is a natural chemical released from the brain triggered from seeing your love. You often hear the expression 'there's a chemistry or spark' and Cupid's arrows are full of this magic potion. Love makes you do funny things, the extent one goes through even though it sounds and looks foolish, it just doesnt matter, love makes the best excuse!

The happiness that love emotes is indefinable, a magnitude that is undescribable, even if it is shortlived, it is the fact that it has lived within your heart. I've heard the expression "A woman's heart is as deep as the ocean" and I like to think so, there are moments of love in one's life that are locked away in some deep treasure box, and the key is kept close to your heart. Some loves are never forgotten, first loves, meaningful relationships, and special friendships.


Love is blind, and maybe so, but if you have met your match in life, that ONE that compliments you in ways that nobody else can, and that ONE that completes you, then you have found your priceless treasure for a lifetime.



The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return...
eden ahbez 'Nature Boy' (1948)