It's Friday and I...

... have decided that Lola Ponce (the Argentinean singer) is my new inspiriation to get my ass in gym everyday. I want a body like that! Spill it girl. What is your secret?
... have no special plans for the weekend (yes, again), but I have another upcoming celebrity event. Watch this space!
... didn't realise that stage 2 of a break-up lasts this long. Sigh.
... did karaoke last night with a friend. As you know, I can't say no to karaoke! At all.
... received a great response to my giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, please do!
... don't understand the weather in Cape Town. Another dark, cold, windy day. Bleh.
... am itching to dye my hair dark again with bangs and all. I feel like a change!
... haven't been pole dancing in a while, but I'm not looking forward to the aftermath. Stifness!
... saw the most beautiful skinny jeans and nude gladiators at Guess. I didn't even want to look at the price tag.
... am looking forward to our girls weekend. It's around the corner! Trip planned, house booked, six girls on board, bikini shopping planned and two extra days off from work. Enough said.
... have finally won something! A DKNY Be Delicious mini coffret set from Fairlady magazine. Lucky me, but I'd prefer to win some cash.

What fun things are y'all up to this weekend? Whatever you get up to, enjoy it and keep safe!
Happy Friday! Finally.

J

Girls just wanna have FUN!

Yesterday I felt a bit fragile because of the hectic weekend, but it was all in good fun. Girls really just want to have fun. And loads of it too! Here are some pics of the hectic party chaos drunken night innocent fun we had weekend. Enjoy!

Just warming up!

Trying hard to concentrate on the rules of the drinking game

My fellow-fabulous-females!

Dra-ma-tic!

That night we told everyone we're twins. Some people are just so gullible :)

Single and ready to mingle!

Oh, what's going on here?

Dancin' like nobody's watchin'

I can't tell if this is beat or sparks...

Fun times!

I think the music's to blame

 

Having a serious moment here...

We've got another serious 4-day girls weekend coming up! Darlings, do yourself a favour and just pack the car and go on a road trip. A trip to nowhere. Turn the music up and sing along to the top of your lungs. Listen to Miley Cyrus. Record video clips of your singing. Leave the GHD's at home and pack in drinking games. Explore all the pubs. Try new shooters or cocktails. Make new friends and exchange numbers. Go without sleep and eat junk food. Forget about what your mama told you and rather embrace what your mama gave you. But most importantly, take loads of photos! It's such fun and a genuine bonding experience!

Jemma

So he didn't put a ring on it. That doesn't mean he didn't like it.

I thought it's time for me to blog about something a little more personal. If you follow my tweets, you would probably have noticed that I'm newly-single. Today I thought I'd share the ups and downs of single life and things I wished someone could've shared with me. Just like my emotions right now, this post is probably going to be really perplexed and bewildered.


How and why we broke up, isn't important. It ended on good terms and I walked away with loads of lessons and memories. But let me tell you, if you're in a relationship that is just not working, let it go! Yes, you will, just like me, end up being ten times more miserable, but time (apparently) heals all wounds.

Single life sounds so glamorous and like it could be filled with wild, drunken nights. You can be who you want, be with who you want and do just what ever the fuck you want. Yes, single life equals freedom, something I thought I really wanted. The future looked so bright. Boy, was I wrong, because before you get to the fun part of actually experiencing the true meaning of singlehood, there are a lot of shit to deal with. My journey thus far can only be described as 'one huge adjustment'. Starting over isn't for sissies, I'll have you know.

I've been told that, after a break-up, one goes through three stages. Grieving. Regret. Moving on. Stage 1 is where you fight about who gets what (if you have lived together and it could turn ugly); you try to go out to just distract yourself; you move out and you start over. If you're a girl, you suddenly realise how much of your independence has been taken away. Before I met my (ex) boyfriend, I lived on my own and had my own car. It wasn't the biggest flat and my car was an ancient Beetle, but it was mine. Now I walk out of this relationship with zero. After 6 years I'm back to living with my parents and I am looking for a car, because as Murphy's Law would have it, the car I'm driving is in my boyfriend's name. Stage 1 you're still numb about the whole thing and you're so distracted by just adjusting to your new environment and routine, that you don't actually deal with your broken heart. You go to work in the week and do the usual thing, but it's the weekends that are tough. You wonder where your ex is, whether he's ok or who he is partying with. You drive yourself crazy with questions. Whether you have initiated the break-up or not, you fear the day he will actually move on to someone else. Once you've moved out, you start missing materialistic things like (in my case) a walk-in wardrobe, a big room, a big kitchen, the spacious bathrooms and the privacy! It sounds shallow but it's the honest truth. There is an upside to living with your parents. For starters, you don't need to clean the whole house, you don't have to cook, someone does your laundry with love and you don't pay rent. It's also great having a support team around you, because if I had to be alone right now, I probably would've gone into depression. Thus far I've been really strong, but when I get to stage 2, it will all sink in and then the shit will hit the emotional fan. Do note: stage 1 is different for men than to women, because where we would cry and deal with our emotions, men would just avoid it. And avoid you.

I don't know what stage 2 or 3 is like, but when I get there, I'll let you know. One thing is for sure, I don't believe the break-up is final, but I've also been told that 'denial' is part of the first stage. So go figure.

A lesson I have learnt is, relationships require a lot of work, from both parties. If you're not willing to work everyday, do things that keep the romance and spark alive, respect each other, put each other first and compromise, it might be time for a serious chat. Both of you need to have the same goals for the future, so that you can achieve it together (meaning, marriage and children). Another important lesson, always have money saved up somewhere because that rainy day will come and it comes like a storm out of no where.

I'm a strong girl and I will survive! I've got exciting things in my life that I can focus on (like getting my own wheels in my name, an opportunity for me to start saving up and focus on my goals for a change). Men aren't everything, but yes, it's awful going to bed alone. That's when it hits you.

Jemma
xxx

It's Friday and I...

…had a full week of gym behind me for the first time in weeks!

...am not happy that it's raining!
…still haven’t filed my tax return.
…am looking forward to working with the amazing team at NoMU, the absolutely talented Robert Miller and, of course, actress and model Vanessa Haywood (whoops, looks like I’ve just dropped a few more hints).
…need to be extremely cautious of what I eat or it’s cabbage soup diet for me, which is pretty much like Fear Factor.
…am leaving early today, again. Yay for pest control!
…have this sudden craving for chicken curry and a double brandy with coke!
…am planning to go on a girls weekend with all my best friends – I can already feel a major party (and an even bigger hangover) coming!
…have an urge to go (and voucher for) lingerie shopping!
…have an extremely bad hair-day! Frizzy and flat – not my two favourite things!
…am totally happy that it’s Friday, of course!! TGIF and TGIP (thanks KFM)
...am contemplating whether I should go out for drinks after work, even though I know it will turn into something more than that!

What are your plans for the weekend?
Happy Friday!

(Image found here)

Birthday Celebration - here's what I did!

Turning 24 was not something I looked forward to, because it just sounded so 'old'. But now that I'm here, it's actually not so bad, in fact, it's pretty much the same as last week!

When I received gifts at 06h00 on Friday morning, I knew it was going to be a great day. The boyfriend spoilt me with gladiator shoes and a huge black handbag, both from Aldo. I also got a bottle of D&G The One fragrance - my absolute favourite! I still had to go work, but luckily only half day, then it was off to the Maze Restaurant at The One & Only. What an experience that was! I thought it was going to be just another fancy and overpriced place, but they totally lived up to the hype and all my expectations! I had the best 3-course meal I've ever had and, coming from me, that means a lot! I was more than impressed, so they can expect another visit from me real soon. Look at the pretty cupcakes they sent me; how did they know about my 'little' guilty-pleasure?

Afterwards I met up with friends for cocktails which turned into an unplanned party! You only get to celebrate a birthday once a year, so I had to make it count - that was my excuse for not going home when I knew my Saturday was going to be busy and long. Saturday the celebration continued with friends and family, and again, we went out partying afterwards. And there I was thinking I'm getting too old to party two nights in a row! Though, Sunday I paid the consequences, but it was totally worth it. I finished the birthday weekend off with a huge Sunday lunch at Cattle Baron and a big dessert!

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday weekend so much fun and special. I absolutely loved every single gift I got!

Jemma
(Images: Writer's own)

My world is about to get a whole lot juicier!

I know I've been very quiet with blog posts - and please forgive me - but I have been busy with work and a very exciting project. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but these pics should definitely give you a clue of what's to come.

Make sure you follow me on Twitter and visit my blog regularly to be updated with my latest venture! You guys will be the first to know about it all, I promise. So while you're trying to figure out what it is I'm busy with, I'll be at the gym working my ass off or at the sunbeds getting a tan. S'all part of the evil plan 'spicy' preparation... *wink wink*

Believe me, you have to keep watching this space.

(Images found here and on the NoMU website)

I welcome back Lady Luck with open arms!

Thank you to everyone at Hello Fox, Button Candy and Cupcake Couture for the fabulous giveaway they had a few days ago, but an even bigger thank you for choosing me as the lucky winner! All I had to do was follow them on Twitter and tell them how I'd wear the accessories if I were to win!

As soon as I receive my prize, I'll post a picture of me wearing it, so watch this space! But here is a sneak-peak in the mean time. I especially love the blue button earrings!

Then, I just want to say thank you to 5fm - they sent me a 'fan pack' which the couriers delivered this morning! The best part was, I didn't even know I won. So thank you for replacing my mirror socks with even cooler ones and thank you for the much needed surprise!

Lady Luck, it's good to have you back...
J

Party like it's 1950

Some days I want to be a writer and some days I want to be an events coordinator. Though I've been leaning more towards writing these days, a healthy switch was needed. So when there were talks of my friend wanting to do something different for her 30th birthday party, I fervently volunteered and took control of all the party arrangements!

There was some debate as to what the theme would be, but after I had a 1950's photo shoot, we were all in love with the vintage glamour from back then. Even though I did look forward to my first suggestion, 'Bollywood Nights', I must admit, a 1950's theme is very unique. But beware, I am just a tan away from a belly-dancing costume!

After a few weeks of planning - venue choices, food, champagne, invite design, decor, managing the guest list and deciding what to wear - it finally all came together on Saturday, June 19th.

The English crowd is really different to the Afrikaans crowd (now I know that for a fact). They are way more conservative when it comes to dressing up, they drink less and they don't dance. At all. Oh, and they leave early, at least, earlier than what is accepted on a Saturday night! Even though everyone didn't dress up (sorry, a simple hat doesn't cut it), I'm glad I made an effort and I thoroughly enjoyed all the confusing stares I got from the non-guests.

Overall the evening was a success. Everyone pitched, brought gifts, wore pearls, gloves and feathers, danced (only the Afrikaners) and had fun! We made friends, bumped into old ones and discovered more alter-egos (hopefully Genevieve won't start blogging too)!

One event down, one hundred more to go (then only I can call myself 'experienced').

J

(Images: writer's own)

Peek into my life - Part 2

I haven't gone onto Facebook lately, because, between blogging and tweeting (and a little work somewhere in between), I hardly have spare time on my hands. But when I actually did decide to finally update my status and see what my friends' kids look like (wedding and baby albums are completely taking over cyberspace), I saw a childhood friend had posted photos of me from when I was still innocent a tiny 12-year old. While gazing at the photos, it just took me back to my childhood and really made me miss, what now seems like, the times of yore! I'm a real nostalgic person and often long for the good 'ol days. Not that there's anything wrong with the present, but I just had a such a great childhood that I often find myself wanting to revive it.

We weren't extremely wealthy, but I had everything I needed (and 'need' is more important than 'want'). Both parents were still alive and married, and still is to this day, and I have a sister. Back then we never got along and always tried to either get each other in some deep trouble or kill each other! But today things have changed completely. Like a total 180, but we look back and have some good laughs!

We lived in a big house with lots of pets (I'm to blame - I couldn't ignore a stray animal), attended a normal school and played with all the kids in the street. Back then we still played outside, got our feet dirty and our knees scraped. Stuff like DSTV, Playstation, Wii, cell phones, ipods or social networking sites didn't exist! I think all the technology and gadgets available today, that is supposed to make our lives more convenient, are responsible for the fat and lazy youth of today. Kids, if you're reading this, go outside and get on your bike, skateboard or rollerblades. Take your dogs for a walk or chase the neighbourhood kids with funny worms!

My high school years were the best years of my life! So far, at least. Back then I could party without drinking, I didn't need to wear make-up, boyfriends changed like my moods and I was thin, naturally. There isn't much I would change if I could do the whole thing over, just simply relive it. I wasn't one of the nerds or the sporting heroes, instead, I was the popular one who took part in everything - from debate, to cheerleading, to pageants to even being a prefect! Generally, I was a good girl (oh how things have changed) and the worst thing my parents ever found in my school bag was book of poorly written songs.

I also had the perfect grandparents! In the movies you see chubby healthy grandparents that live on a farm far away, who can do anything from baking to knitting to killing a spider with their bare hands. Well, I had that exactly. Let's not even go into my lovely family (especially my cousins), because I can write a book on all the great memories! Maybe a teensy peek in the next blog...

Now you know even more about me and a little about my past. Baby steps, like they say.

Yolandi (today I feel like being myself) x

(Images: writer's own)

Peek into my life - Part 1

So my slogan on my blog promises to give you a peek into my life, yet I haven't given you much carte blanche thus far. I've been told that 'blogging is supposed to be about your life, something personal', but to me blogging is just a way to keep me from talking to myself. I'm really just your average girl who wishes she could make it big somehow, someday. I'm someone who is still on the road of discovering my talents and my true self. There are days when I want to be famous and live the high life, but also days when I'm determined to climb the corporate ladder and make my mark in the corporate world instead. But there are also days when I'm completely demotivated and just live for the next weekend or pay check. I'm sometimes hard to understand or to make myself clear, because I don't do 'tact', I hate gray areas and I'm the most straight-forward and outspoken person I know. I'm more blunt than Larry King and Simon Cowell put together. That's why my friends love me, because I'll tell them when they look fat in that jean, when they should've worn less make-up or when it's time for an eyebrow pluck! There's a fine line between honesty and being a bitch, and I know never to overstep. I love writing, because it's one of the few times where I have to think before I speak. I proofread it a thousand times and edit over and over before I post my blogs. I also love writing, because I don't need to face anyone. If I have to say sorry, moan about something, ask for something or need advice, I'll send you an e-mail. Ask my friends. I also consider myself a closet-comedian. I love being the life of the party, the one who the limelight is on and the one making you fall off your chair laughing.

Underneath the sexy-but-tough illusion I often create, hides a sensitive sole. I have a really big heart and I dote on my family - they are small, but they are my everything! My best friends are like the older sisters I never had; I love them. I have a boyfriend who I consider to be the love of my life and I know the 'big bling' will come in time. I'm the one who cries when I see a hungry or abused animal or when I see an elderly person suffering. When I cry, I'll do it alone when no one is watching, because I don't like expressing my emotions. I don't have a psychological problem; I just don't like being a retard in front of people. Besides that, I'm ugly when I cry! I pull my mouth, my face goes red and tears even stream out of my nose. That's how I do it. Properly.

I'm also not the type of girl who has a list of hobbies, because doing the same thing over and over will bore me to death. I love painting, scrapbooking, knitting (at times), cooking (these days), reading, writing, crafts, arranging parties and even taking photos (loves it), but these are things I do when I have some spare time. My time are spent at work, working at home, spent with my family and friends, with my bunnies, sleeping, practising the art of cooking and social networking. And somewhere in between I have time to enter competitions. Totally hooked on it! I love to party (especially if it has a dress-up theme) and socialise, meeting new people, trying new drinks, karaoke and I'm the queen of the dancefloor. If it weren't for hangovers, I would spend my days drinking champagne and coffee-tequila.

I hope I painted a clearer picture of myself and my life. Useless information to you, 'blogging' to others.

Jemma

(Pictures: writer's own)