tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65762925353970539952024-03-13T12:03:22.045+02:00Deer DiaryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-76639311304911274282017-03-01T14:05:00.001+02:002017-03-03T17:25:08.253+02:004th Lungaversary <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Sunday (5th March) marks 4 whole years since I received my 2 beautiful lungs! </div>
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Before my transplant life was very different. I have Cystic Fibrosis which is a genetic disease that I was born with (and still have). The disease affects various organs but my pancreas and lungs are the most affected. I spent my entire life fighting lung infection after infection which meant that I was pretty much always sick. From the age of 13 I was admitted into hospital every 3 months for 2 weeks of antibiotics. Doing the maths, that amounts to over 2 years of my life spent in hospital. These were my planned admissions so that number doesn't take into consideration the amount of days I spent in hospital fighting unplanned infections. These became more and more regular and the year before my transplant I spent more time in hospital than I did out. I also spent 3 months in hospital recovering from my transplant. So it's safe to say that I've spent around 4 years of my life in a hospital bed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot me?</td></tr>
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Hospital wasn't fun but it was the easy part. When I was out of hospital I still had to do physio once or twice a day (30 mins of breathing exercises and coughing up infected phlegm), nebulising twice a day (about 30 mins per session), injecting with inuslin and of course all my other medications. Later I also had a feeding tube inserted which meant that I had to clean and dress the 'wound' daily, set up my feeds at night and clean everything each day. When I became dependent on oxygen, life got even harder.</div>
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Looking after myself and staying alive was a full time job. It was physically and mentally challenging every day and if it wasn't for my amazing support system I would have easily given up a long time ago. Apart from the admin, the last year or so before my transplant I was also in a lot of pain, threw up regularly, chronically tired yet unable to sleep because I was coughing all the time. I was dying and I could feel every part of my body struggling to work. </div>
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But my efforts paid off and on the 5th of March 2013 I went in for my double lung transplant.</div>
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<u>What I want to say to those that are waiting for a life saving organ is this:</u></div>
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The road is long and difficult and giving up seems easier than hanging on, but when your time comes and you receive the gift of life, every day you sent in pain becomes worth it.</div>
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Life IS worth fighting for!</div>
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Every transplant is different and while some sail through the recovery, I did not. I knew that it would be difficult but I thought it would at least be better than what I was having to deal with - I was wrong. You don't wake up and breathe easy, you don't feel stronger and you certainly don't feel any better. </div>
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It's a whole new battle! </div>
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You go from one set of problems to another and you have to fight even harder than before to get to where you need to be. It seems so unfair that after a lifetime of fighting things don't come easy after the surgery, but that's life I guess. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New lungs</td></tr>
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Luckily I had my support system by my side the whole way, telling me not to give up and reminding me how far I had come. Although 3 months of fighting seems so little compared to the 25 years of fighting I had before that, it was the toughest 3 months of my life! </div>
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<u>What I want to say to those that have just received a life saving organ is this:</u></div>
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Don't be discouraged by the fact that you aren't immediately feeling better. Good things take time so be patient with yourself, take it day by day and don't give up!</div>
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You are closer than you realize and the reward is far greater than you can ever imagine! </div>
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Life since my transplant has been incredible! It took me a bit of time to find my feet and adjust to being 'healthy'. I spent nearly 2 years confined to my flat or a hospital bed on oxygen so just going to the shops was a big deal for me. I had no confidence, I had very few friends in Joburg and I had no idea what I was going to do with my new life. It was a scary and confusing time but like all the other fights I have faced in my life, I knew I had to keep pushing and eventually I would get there. </div>
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And get there I did! I have made so many special friends, I have pushed myself to try new things and I have worked hard to develop a career in digital marketing (working for myself). </div>
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I am incredibly grateful for the 'borrowed time' I have with my friends and family. I don't know how much longer I would have lived if I hadn't received my transplant in March but I knew that I was too weak to see my next birthday in June. Instead, I had my transplant and was discharged a few days before my 26th birthday. This year, 4 years later, I will be turning THIRTY in June, an age not many thought I would see (Including myself at times). I treasure the time I have with loved ones and I have made it a priority to never take advantage of this time. Health and family first - career and everything else second!</div>
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I've enjoyed so many 'firsts' with my lungs. My first swim, where I could actually hold my breath longer than a few seconds, my first event where I didn't have to try explain why I was having a coughing fit and my first time on a beach where I could actually walk in the sand without feeling like my chest was going to explode.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGyE4HdOya6EhDbL9PHQb_aPBc07A3O4wN2HlQECblIMphltWaUlIbPR4hyZXaoRLYWnVQv4Mz_Tu5w1NFepzmoNB4Dqvkb3AN9pvOrG6Ynjz4UptZZAstIivP-WkYWWb0vQ9ce_q61o/s1600/IMG_20160219_195227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGyE4HdOya6EhDbL9PHQb_aPBc07A3O4wN2HlQECblIMphltWaUlIbPR4hyZXaoRLYWnVQv4Mz_Tu5w1NFepzmoNB4Dqvkb3AN9pvOrG6Ynjz4UptZZAstIivP-WkYWWb0vQ9ce_q61o/s400/IMG_20160219_195227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSxGE-RI-1FAB983mxZscl1J8VPf4K02sbPCuaXz_MWeKh7QEvrOaU9qlg3wIjsyqV8SaKlUX45DdFsl7JyAzCIKABU7BuklLZuSdrWVrwOa2MhAFGVka8imb93_hg9MsKdMKUMVfBOQ/s1600/20161107_205457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSxGE-RI-1FAB983mxZscl1J8VPf4K02sbPCuaXz_MWeKh7QEvrOaU9qlg3wIjsyqV8SaKlUX45DdFsl7JyAzCIKABU7BuklLZuSdrWVrwOa2MhAFGVka8imb93_hg9MsKdMKUMVfBOQ/s400/20161107_205457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also met and moved in with the love of my life! Before my transplant, I had to focus on myself and I didn't have the luxury of being in serious relationship or planning a future. Now I can! We live in a beautiful little flat with a cat that we adopted (Count Dooku) and a Boston Terrier (Princess Leia) that Travis had gotten a while before. I'm surrounded by love! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having my portocath removed a year after my transplant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lung function</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">X-rays</td></tr>
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Life isn't smoothe sailing though. Transplant is not a cure for Cystic Fibrosis so I still have digestive and diabetic issues that I deal with daily. Your body never accepts a foreign organ and so I have to take medication to reduce my immune system so that it doesn't try and kill my lungs. These meds have a lot of side affects so I am constantly on the look out for them so that we can deal with them as soon as possible. I go for a check up every 3 months, far less than my monthly check ups pre transplant! Check-ups always cause a bit of anxiety as I never know when or if my body will start rejecting my lungs. If this happens there are a few treatments that can be used to slow down the rejection process but ultimately I would need another transplant - something I'm not keen on doing again for a while! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiM7daLppRKavZoPU01z1UL-iJ68meUodUd80Eo1JIEHW5pBcPNZ6UuBy5AsRzmUt2dovEM8CQiAcYbT9uUTFNp7t_zredYA5z3dGMCKF9kAhWJg1e6YqW0oXpQnRNKzU6MNMihomhtY/s1600/20150305_112732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiM7daLppRKavZoPU01z1UL-iJ68meUodUd80Eo1JIEHW5pBcPNZ6UuBy5AsRzmUt2dovEM8CQiAcYbT9uUTFNp7t_zredYA5z3dGMCKF9kAhWJg1e6YqW0oXpQnRNKzU6MNMihomhtY/s640/20150305_112732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tascha, Cathy, Me, Mom, Aviva</td></tr>
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I'm so grateful to my donor (who I know nothing about) and to all of the medical miracle workers that have allowed me to live a 'normal' life. </div>
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Thank-you to my heroes at Milpark:</div>
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Physios - Aviva (For being my mom when my real one couldn't be there)</div>
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Tish (For making me laugh when I was having a horrible day)</div>
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Richard (For encouraging me on my darkest days)</div>
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Psychologist - Tascha (For being so patient with me when I was psychotic) </div>
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Doctors - Dr Williams (For giving me years of great care and showing compassion when I needed it)</div>
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Dr Cathy (For keeping me going until transplant and for all the support and love always)</div>
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Nurse - Sr Lindi (For being so understanding of my needle phobia and always encouraging me)</div>
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Surgeon - Dr Sussman (For being a rockstar surgeon and getting me through my transplant)</div>
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- These are only a handful of medical professionals that helped me on my journey. There are countless other nurses, xray technicians, dietitians, lab staff and hospital porters that made my life a little easier when I needed it most. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb37BSgFw7wfoIPCrEL36_RIWBO6O5svH0Wzz65Doyyi0EEpw_0PquaIwfhWbLalM4VNhQMejRSvbY4KFGwqXHeeChwRRx3eNk8Nx80CDNqmMIgg-dTKDAc_rU3Fwgi2u2t7cpp9wrajc/s1600/11217515_10154062997751490_8154702936836362606_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb37BSgFw7wfoIPCrEL36_RIWBO6O5svH0Wzz65Doyyi0EEpw_0PquaIwfhWbLalM4VNhQMejRSvbY4KFGwqXHeeChwRRx3eNk8Nx80CDNqmMIgg-dTKDAc_rU3Fwgi2u2t7cpp9wrajc/s400/11217515_10154062997751490_8154702936836362606_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice, Shaun, Me, Charlene - all double lung recipients</td></tr>
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On behalf of all transplant recipients I want to say thank-you to everyone that has made the decision to one day be an organ donor (Make sure you tell your family <a href="http://www.lovelifegiftlife.co.za/how-can-you-help/">HERE</a>) </div>
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Without donors I and so many others would not be here!</div>
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Happy 4th lungaversary to my beautiful lungs!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-8803974354413850612017-02-28T12:15:00.000+02:002017-02-28T12:15:11.414+02:00Cruelty Free 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTaKu_6b1RIa_xwyV8CgvIFcl6_NU058LFOa23oFNyF3Zpc-Xem718wlMSReUGo7fjwJqHqvpyLSS1v60hPMWR2padJZR8ujVX2qhJlgBa5yAUozAaSEE6HKrbkRWIqdRVmfXlEMwmGs/s1600/kb-jpeg-baby-bunny-rabbits-source-http-imagesci-com-cute-baby-rabbits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTaKu_6b1RIa_xwyV8CgvIFcl6_NU058LFOa23oFNyF3Zpc-Xem718wlMSReUGo7fjwJqHqvpyLSS1v60hPMWR2padJZR8ujVX2qhJlgBa5yAUozAaSEE6HKrbkRWIqdRVmfXlEMwmGs/s640/kb-jpeg-baby-bunny-rabbits-source-http-imagesci-com-cute-baby-rabbits.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I am making a concerted effort to up my cruelty free game. I have always been conscious of make up brands that test on animals but apart from make up, I haven't really looked into other things like hair products etc. When I started looking into cruelty free alternatives for skin care and hair products I also brushed up on my knowledge of cruelty free cosmetics, only to discover that the situation is a lot worse than I thought!</div>
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Above is the current list of brands that DO and DON'T test on animals. I was so shocked to see that in 2017, the majority of brands STILL test on animals? It doesn't make sense, surely they have felt the pressure of society to change their ways? Apparently not :( When you buy a brand that tests on animals you are supporting the extremely inhumane treatment of animals. I'm not going to post any graphic images or videos as I'm sure we have all seen or can imagine the effects of harsh chemicals put into bunnies eyes and other awful tests that are done on them. </div>
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Make up was first used in Egypition times 12 000 years ago. There is no need to STILL be testing products on animals, we know what ingredients are safe for human use so there is no need to put billions of animals through torture on a daily basis. </div>
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Whilst most companies still test on animals there are some that don't, so where you have the choice, please rather consider using a cruelty free brand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagtXVkqS753MhkESqQqb82r2cAxRmGZkj3z7P54jGVGoKweYTC6Fk2baqPPhgzIMHSWOEv7JLzlPpJzHC8BIJuAqje73t3N0_h9FcLo2pdXY_9qMcejhjDFFZEXZof1SdBjB3BBT0GBw/s1600/catrice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagtXVkqS753MhkESqQqb82r2cAxRmGZkj3z7P54jGVGoKweYTC6Fk2baqPPhgzIMHSWOEv7JLzlPpJzHC8BIJuAqje73t3N0_h9FcLo2pdXY_9qMcejhjDFFZEXZof1SdBjB3BBT0GBw/s640/catrice.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.catrice.eu/za/index.html">Catrice</a> is firm favorite of mine. Their products are very well priced and they really do have a great range. All my make-up is from Catrice and if you haven't tried their range yet then give it a go! Their <a href="http://www.catrice.eu/za/complexion/concealer/coverstick/catrice-cosmetics/camouflage-cream-010.html">camouflage cream</a> is particularly amazing! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WvXcvjS0ZXfyq-Pmw9X3Dw992aWpwqZb3dvMxrcn_20ciqHKQA5KlPRkGgWHo9bPdx3LruP7fRcoiXlZBCKnb5jd6YGDnljU6GwClBhyLzldN-4Re1rIUmM-gU1fnDmUts7s51WnnG8/s1600/IMG_20161230_175238_306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WvXcvjS0ZXfyq-Pmw9X3Dw992aWpwqZb3dvMxrcn_20ciqHKQA5KlPRkGgWHo9bPdx3LruP7fRcoiXlZBCKnb5jd6YGDnljU6GwClBhyLzldN-4Re1rIUmM-gU1fnDmUts7s51WnnG8/s400/IMG_20161230_175238_306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For hair products, I used to switch between Treseme and Head & Shoulders which sadly both test on animals. There are little to no cruelty free hair products at places like Dischem and Clicks so I turned to <a href="http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/#">Faithful To Nature</a>, an online shop that stocks environmentally friendly products. </div>
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Firstly, I must commend them on their excellent service and turn around time. I placed my order online and the very next day it was delivered WITH a few free samples of other products they thought I may like. Their online shop has absolutely everything you can think of so they're a great starting point for someone looking to start a 'greener' lifestyle. </div>
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I first tried <a href="http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/Hemporium-Shampoo-All-Hair-Types-p-227.html">Hemporium Shampoo</a> which I didn't really like as my hair never felt clean enough afterwards. Upon looking at the ingredients I also discovered that it had palm oil in it. Whilst this is not considered 'cruelty to animals' I have read so much on how palm oil extraction is causing deforestation which IS cruelty towards animals. So, the hemporium shampoo gets a thumbs down from me. </div>
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You can read more about the harmful effects on palm oil <a href="http://www.saynotopalmoil.com/Whats_the_issue.php">HERE </a></div>
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Next I tried <a href="http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/Africa-Organics-Marula-Shampoo-for-Normal-Hair-p-4224.html">Africa Organics Marula Shampoo</a> and conditioner which smelt amazing and left my hair feeling super shiny! The only problem with this shampoo and conditioner is that I found myself having to use a lot more than I normally would which means that it isn't very cost effective.</div>
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Basically I haven't had much luck in the hair products department. <a href="http://www.woolworths.co.za/store/dept/Beauty/_/N-1z13rz4">Woolworths </a> have their own hair, skin and body products which are all cruelty free so my next move is to give their shampoo and conditioner a go. Travis has switched to their hair & body wash (Boys love the 2 in one thing, don't they) it smells amazing and actually works out cheaper than what he was using!</div>
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Travis has also switched from <a href="https://www.nivea.com.au/about-us/beiersdorf/Frequently-Asked-Questions/environmental-responsibility">Nivea</a> skincare to <a href="http://www.youngsolution.co.za/our-stuff-new/">Young Solution</a>.</div>
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Whilst Nivea (and L'Oreal) do not directly test on animals they do supply products to China where testing on animals is mandatory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ye52oazbvRP7QD3QJZ3cMTbJPmEz1xsOY7YN7lKJ-4-927m-NB6cdYz-07wJru5HdFlnU2BQfKHpyLyM9TUMncLa4GQT1Yx6WWFuI0kQaj8Z_zGr__-LQJ_ebfYLwg64wox7Y9rgAWU/s1600/nivea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ye52oazbvRP7QD3QJZ3cMTbJPmEz1xsOY7YN7lKJ-4-927m-NB6cdYz-07wJru5HdFlnU2BQfKHpyLyM9TUMncLa4GQT1Yx6WWFuI0kQaj8Z_zGr__-LQJ_ebfYLwg64wox7Y9rgAWU/s640/nivea.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This means that cruelty free brands such as Nivea, L'Oreal and others have allowed China to test their products on animals so that they can be sold in the country. For me this shows that the brands are more interested in sales than animal well-being and I won't support them. If markets outside of China stopped purchasing products from these brands there might be enough pressure for them to pull out of China. When this happens China would be forced to reevaluate their animal testing laws. </div>
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Again, we are in 2017 and mascara is still being tested on animals - it's ridiculous! </div>
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Learn more about animal testing in China <a href="http://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/cruelty-free-101/animal-testing-china/">HERE</a></div>
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I have a long way to go but as my products need replacing I am opting for cruelty free options and making a small difference to animal welfare.</div>
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Do your part and try support cruelty free brands! Save the bunnies :) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-19434208579543239792017-02-24T12:31:00.002+02:002017-02-24T12:41:11.747+02:00The Magic Of Sun City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp95D_uiNbEdp4DSI0P9C_0c9vZoZIRuHTjYz5W-iHnmkCuiyK5TO2nnfa1YHLu_Wx6iUC-fz2SLB7URsxKs53XAc1Ub-XbKTpji_Y8mjss2KqukfRtAUcrVk5ud8jhSUzNHoujQ3GmgY/s1600/QuickMemo%252B_2017-02-24-10-40-11-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp95D_uiNbEdp4DSI0P9C_0c9vZoZIRuHTjYz5W-iHnmkCuiyK5TO2nnfa1YHLu_Wx6iUC-fz2SLB7URsxKs53XAc1Ub-XbKTpji_Y8mjss2KqukfRtAUcrVk5ud8jhSUzNHoujQ3GmgY/s400/QuickMemo%252B_2017-02-24-10-40-11-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our very good friends Daniella and Chris won a 2 night week day stay at the Cabanas in Sun City. Being the absolutely amazing humans that they are, they decided to give Travis and I their prize so that we could get out of Joburg for a bit. What a magical time we had!<br />
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Sun City has recently been upgraded so we were eager to see what exactly had changed. Travis and I have both been to Sun City before. I went with family when I was little and I have such fun memories of the place. Travis has been numerous times but he had never been to the palace so I insisted that we visit as I remember how magnificent it was.<br />
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The upgrades were nothing to write home about. The casino, food court and mall were all upgraded and are very clean, modern and have everything you need. I just feel that if you go to Sun City and rave about the mall then you are doing it wrong. So, while I'm sure it needed an upgrade, it hasn't changed the Sun City experience at all - which is not a bad thing. Oh and there was one new ride at the valley of the waves which looked pretty epic but unfortunately it wasn't open.<br />
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We stayed at the Cabanas which was nice and clean and had everything we wanted. We had a bnb package so we could enjoy a really impressive breakfast buffet in the mornings.<br />
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We left Joburg on Monday morning around 9 and got to Sun City around 11.30. Once we had checked in we decided to go explore and get our bearings. There are shuttles every 15mins that take you from the <a href="https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/cabanas/accommodation/">Cabanas</a>, to the casino, to the <a href="https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/cascades/accommodation/">Cascades</a>, to the <a href="https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/activities/valley-of-waves/">Valley of the Waves</a> and the <a href="https://www.suninternational.com/palace/">palace</a>. It's very easy and quick to get from one spot to another which is great!<br />
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We started by visiting the beautiful gardens at the Cascades. It was so quiet so we had the 'forest' all to ourselves which was incredible. We went down every path and discovered waterfalls, caves, bird gardens, bridges and more. I'm a sucker for nature so I really enjoyed myself!<br />
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After that we decided to hit the palace. We were told that to go explore the palace we needed a high tea or dinner reservation as the palace isn't open to the public. We booked for high tea (Only R240 each) and off we went! I knew that the palace was beautiful as I had been there when I was young but you can't truly appreciate the sheer scale and detail of the building at a young age. It really is a palace, tucked away in an incredible jungle that really gives the illusion that it is an ancient lost world. The architecture and furnishings are unbelievable!<br />
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After walking through the gardens, pool area and wandering around the breath taking lounges of the palace we finally settled done for some high tea at 3. Travis has never had high tea so he was very excited to indulge in a selection of mouth watering savory and sweet treats, as well as exotic teas and pretty much anything you can think of. It was such a lovely experience!<br />
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With full tummies, we moved on to our next activity - the casino! We asked the cashier to load R50 each for us and she informed us that the minimum was R300. We're obviously not seasoned gamblers, made more evident by the fact that the lady at the cashier next to us asked for R10 000. Anyway, we got our R300 and hit the slot machines! We won, we lost, we got over it and checked out after losing about R10 each. Gambling isn't for us! We went back to the mall and decided to spend R50 each at the magic company - a much more enjoyable experience. We played all sorts of games and after a considerable amount of time, we walked out with big smiles and some sweeties we had traded in our 400 tickets for.<br />
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Day one was eventful and so much fun but I couldn't wait for day two, a whole day at the valley of the waves on Valentine's Day!<br />
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We didn't take our phones so I missed out on some really great pics but it was nice to be disconnected for a whole day. We had the whole 'beach' to ourselves which made the day that much more wonderful. I don't think going on the weekend with 10 000 other people would have been as much fun! There were NO queues for the rides, no fighting for space to set up our spot on the beach, no kids swimming into you while you enjoyed the water - it was fantastic!<br />
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What I love about the valley of the waves is that, the water is crystal clear and clean, you can see to the bottom and not have to fear creepy crawlies touching you. The waves are controlled so it's safe and you know that you can 'ride a wave' on queue. Oh and the super warm weather means that you can walk around wet without worrying about getting cold. It really was my kind of holiday, as unadventurous as it all sounds. Travis said "I've never seen you have so much fun in water" which proves my point.<br />
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We stopped our water activities for a quick lunch at the new craft brewery, <a href="https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/restaurants/the-brew-monkey/">the Brew Monkey</a>. It was pretty average but the view over the valley of the waves was lovely. We also went up to the royal baths which had an even more beautiful view! The baths is an adult only swimming pool area for residents at Sun City, a nice way to get some peace and quiet if the valley of the waves is busy.<br />
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After the valley of the waves we went back to the Cabanas for a quick game of miniature golf before heading to the mall for a movie. 50 shades darker was the obvious choice for Valentine's Day.</div>
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And that concluded our amazing Sun City trip.</div>
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Thank-you again to Daniella and Chris for giving us an experience we will never forget xx</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-59145125596679322372017-01-30T19:35:00.003+02:002017-01-30T19:35:52.645+02:00Chinese New Year At Nan Hua Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2oDZqGdXaAP0XwZ2wo2qd8poisucrXPnZ_HsJgrl-g2bORbE4wIexYGCf1gO4ogfApCIOMRj-6sPj7G5-q99bzLbpvzQRPgH-XWIhY65K2t182L5uUdGhbpxjy_Nwfa-rlDqjANeSoHE/s1600/QuickMemo%252B_2017-01-29-18-17-54-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2oDZqGdXaAP0XwZ2wo2qd8poisucrXPnZ_HsJgrl-g2bORbE4wIexYGCf1gO4ogfApCIOMRj-6sPj7G5-q99bzLbpvzQRPgH-XWIhY65K2t182L5uUdGhbpxjy_Nwfa-rlDqjANeSoHE/s400/QuickMemo%252B_2017-01-29-18-17-54-1.png" width="390" /></a></div>
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The 28th of January was the first day of the Chinese new year and to celebrate we took a little trip to Bronkhorstspruit (about 1.5hrs from Jhb North) to visit the Nan Hua Temple. </div>
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<i>"The Temple can trace its roots back to 8 March 1992, when the Bronkhorstspruit City Council, under its chief executive and former church minister, Dr Hennie Senekal, who had previously visited Taiwan to promote investment opportunities in his town, donated six hectares of land to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order for a Chinese Buddhist cultural and educational complex.</i></div>
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<i> Construction began in October 1992; the eventual cost of the temple complex was sixty million South African rand. The main temple was officially opened in 2005 by the seventh and current worldwide head abbot, Most Venerable Hsin Pei."</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> <b><i>The Nan Hua Temple is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa.</i></b></span></div>
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We arrived at around 10.30 and the parking lot was absolutely buzzing with cars. Unfortunately we missed the fireworks which apparently went off at 9am. There were also traditional performances which we missed so we failed slightly there! Whilst the temple was beautiful, there were just way too many people there for us to enjoy the experience fully. There were lots of different food stalls and market type goods to buy but nothing you can't get at any other market. It's definitely worth a visit but I'd advise going on a weekend when there is nothing on!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence that there was in fact LOTS of fireworks</td></tr>
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The Temple is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9h00 to 17h00, free of charge. There is a vegetarian lunch on Sundays @ R30 per person, 12h00 to 12h30. The Temple is closed on Mondays. Check out their website <a href="http://en.nanhuatemple.org/">HERE</a> for more info. </div>
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Inside the massive temple compound are a few different shrine rooms of varying sizes. Some are small and intimate whilst others boast massive Buddha statues and can accommodate hundreds of people. It was very special to be able to go into these sacred rooms and discover the intricate detail of each room. I would have liked a proper tour guide to accompany us and explain what each of the rooms are used for and what the meaning of the different artifacts are. You could light a stick of incense and place it below one of the many Buddha statues, but again I have no idea what this symbolises. </div>
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Apart from the incense you could also write a wish on a piece of ribbon which then gets attached to a coin. You had to toss your ribbon into the wishing tree and if it gets caught on a branch, your wish will come true! </div>
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I absolutely LOVE Foo dogs and they were everywhere at Nan Hau.</div>
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<i>"Foo dogs are actually lions. In China, where foo dogs originated, they are called shi, meaning “lion,” or shishi, meaning “stone lion.” They do share a resemblance with the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu, which led these figures to be called foo dogs (or fu dogs) in English. Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself. You can tell which foo dog is which by examining what’s beneath the paws: the male dog holds a ball; the female dog holds a puppy. The ball may represent the world, and the puppy may represent nature, or a nurturing spirit. If one of your foo dogs has an open mouth, and the other has a closed one, this may represent the in-and-out breath, or the sound “om.”. When you’re facing a pair of foo dogs, the most auspicious placement according to feng shui is with the female (with cub) on the left, and the male (with ball) on the right."</i></div>
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This year is the year of the <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/rooster.htm">Fire Rooster</a> according to the Chinese Zodiac Cycle. </div>
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I'm a Fire Rabbit - Broad-minded, smart, and flexible, with unique views.</div>
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What are you? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfMN2leimDxNrEdhMAKTlslPvkA_1xYHB1d5ofXyiHxbH-9elxVqtGNQeoaOjhq5iO3eMgqsphoy-qqhwr4G97vhm84qd1GffwScfneHF6OH54g_Vt9Iqs7oTSdSm2nKCT2ksrmLJeJJ3/s1600/QuickMemo%252B_2017-01-30-18-40-08-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfMN2leimDxNrEdhMAKTlslPvkA_1xYHB1d5ofXyiHxbH-9elxVqtGNQeoaOjhq5iO3eMgqsphoy-qqhwr4G97vhm84qd1GffwScfneHF6OH54g_Vt9Iqs7oTSdSm2nKCT2ksrmLJeJJ3/s400/QuickMemo%252B_2017-01-30-18-40-08-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-15686706358354549682017-01-13T11:07:00.000+02:002017-01-13T11:14:51.177+02:00Love Life : Gift Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCWx-nu9K6PGHRKEFNEYA0lxXY_WawQyJidtoMh7fkuQmc3rgSz0oUB729H6SX0vgwnD1v0b7GFBQk7PQAhUp3z-VnSd5X8OUEiooxsbuU4-sVluYWN61OBM4Kkfh-2EjIZ942zyw0MPJ/s1600/12963943_165622687164892_1000579545724784154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCWx-nu9K6PGHRKEFNEYA0lxXY_WawQyJidtoMh7fkuQmc3rgSz0oUB729H6SX0vgwnD1v0b7GFBQk7PQAhUp3z-VnSd5X8OUEiooxsbuU4-sVluYWN61OBM4Kkfh-2EjIZ942zyw0MPJ/s320/12963943_165622687164892_1000579545724784154_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In April last year, myself and 3 of my lung transplant recipient friends. Shaylene, Alice and Siobhan
started an NPO called Love Life;Gift Life (LLGL). We are all passionate about organ donation and want to heighten the level of
organ donor awareness in South Africa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Right now thousands of people in
South Africa are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and with less that 1% of the population registered as organ donors, the situation is alarming. As I have mentioned a few times before in my blog, I have lost many friends that did not get a donor in time. It's so frustrating to know that hundreds of people are dying every day and their organs are going to the worms when they could be saving a mother, a young child, a newly wed, a brother and so on. These people waiting for organs are NOT hoping people will die to save their life. They are hoping that in the event that someone </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">tragically</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> passes away, they have informed </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">their</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> family that they wish to donate their organs. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07RLH6Fe5qpGWloVABIqy7yurdlFuP5l6OU7FzOEc18EOBgYYeSzuYnl-OGaIuMBJKYjRJTgnXuoSm008IlsQeOQRj4aSe1xJ6ROxb3yJcpMB0RxDYXn0wFaXYg7UZg6NkGT8P1MguLEQ/s1600/girl+bin+donation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07RLH6Fe5qpGWloVABIqy7yurdlFuP5l6OU7FzOEc18EOBgYYeSzuYnl-OGaIuMBJKYjRJTgnXuoSm008IlsQeOQRj4aSe1xJ6ROxb3yJcpMB0RxDYXn0wFaXYg7UZg6NkGT8P1MguLEQ/s640/girl+bin+donation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">As someone who knows first hand how incredibly important organ donation is, I wanted to do my part in making a difference. LLGL has quite a few exciting projects this year and I'm looking forward to being a part of an incredible team of ladies who are dedicating precious time and energy towards educating the public as well as doing educational talks to health professionals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">We recently created a Facebook support group for South African organ transplant recipients and those waiting for organs. The waiting process is terrifying and it always helps to chat to people that have already been through the process. After a transplant there are many issues which we face on a daily basis. taking copious amounts of medication, dealing with side effects, going for regular tests, avoiding things that could trigger rejection and so on. Now, thanks to LLGL there is a platform where we can all discuss and support each other! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">If you are waiting for a transplant or have had one and would like to join our group please use the following link - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLGLTransplantSupportGroup/">LLGLTransplantSupportGroup</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>*Please note that this is a closed group that will only accept your request to join if you are a pre or post transplant patient. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-w7KJlXjCefxvgag-Ei0EgpsYRHRVZtXs__lX2VJLdwX5sdlGsynYttL_AelAmbRz5udZQ7XkoyTN7XWiQsiPJG6fdQrDqI-sa-B9fO1kolPsuuIoXEvY3rxUqSWQx4wtzpSpoZc4qIL/s1600/greenribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-w7KJlXjCefxvgag-Ei0EgpsYRHRVZtXs__lX2VJLdwX5sdlGsynYttL_AelAmbRz5udZQ7XkoyTN7XWiQsiPJG6fdQrDqI-sa-B9fO1kolPsuuIoXEvY3rxUqSWQx4wtzpSpoZc4qIL/s400/greenribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another important fact that I would like to highlight is that,at the time of your death, your family has the
final say regarding organ donation, so it's important that you have spoken to them about your wishes to be an organ donor. You do NOT have to </span>physically<span style="font-family: inherit;"> sign up to be an organ donor! If your family know of your wishes they will donate your organs. If they do not know of your wishes it will be a difficult decision for them to make. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have registered as an organ donor, your family can still refuse to donate your organs if you haven't spoken to them and explained why you would like to be a donor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Let your loved ones know <a href="http://www.lovelifegiftlife.co.za/how-can-you-help/">HERE </a></span></i></span></div>
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For more information please check out our website or social media pages: </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Website: <a href="http://www.lovelifegiftlife.co.za/">www.lovelifegiftlife.co.za</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovelifegiftlife/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Love Life: Gift Life</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovelifegiftlife/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">@lovelifegiftlife</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Twitter </span><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://twitter.com/LLGLSA">@LLGLSA</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgWjspCQx87VoLOQ4xy5aca4qTnelD8R4-WyDzMb5hgL9fqdCX8e5Aq2f4GBqXiBArZ07Y5eqKOYbsMR-N06xIcMF3k-u9M3tlLtazDiVzr0PUCzx6fCKEWy3hctizqw0zWp4NZ__kiUn/s1600/BeforeAfter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgWjspCQx87VoLOQ4xy5aca4qTnelD8R4-WyDzMb5hgL9fqdCX8e5Aq2f4GBqXiBArZ07Y5eqKOYbsMR-N06xIcMF3k-u9M3tlLtazDiVzr0PUCzx6fCKEWy3hctizqw0zWp4NZ__kiUn/s400/BeforeAfter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every day I wake up and am so grateful that I can take a deep breathe, get out of bed without tubes trailing behind me, get dressed on my own and carry out my day pain free! My donor, whoever they were, left me their lungs which have given me nearly 4 of the best years of my life. It is the ultimate gift that costs you absolutely nothing but completely changes someone's life.<br />
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Please be an organ donor!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">LLGL is in need of funding so that we can continue our work and increase our campaign sizes to reach more people! If you would like to make a small donation you may use the following banking details:</span></div>
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First National Bank (FNB)</div>
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Account number: 62611413345</div>
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Reference: Please use your Name</div>
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Account Holder: Love Life: Gift Life</div>
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Branch: 250655 (Sandton)</div>
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SWIFT code: FIRNZAJJ (Foreign donations)</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-66206003872440017102017-01-10T11:42:00.000+02:002017-01-10T11:48:37.632+02:00Memoirs ~ 2 ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello Independence, Goodbye Independence </b></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a>I was born in Zimbabwe and only moved to South Africa around 2009 when I got tired of flying down every month for check-ups and treatment. It made sense to live in the country that was keeping you alive! I didn't have a job or a home or any idea what I was going to do here, but I knew that this is where I had to be so I would just have to figure the rest out! I lived with my friends for a while, a month at each of their houses until finally moving in with my aunt and uncle when I got sick again. When I recovered, I found a flat with another one of my Zim friend's, Justine and we lived together for the next 3 and a half years.<br />
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I'd found a home so the next step was a job! I had convinced my parents to give me the same amount it would have cost them to fly me down to Joburg every month, as well as a bit extra seeing as they wouldn't be housing me any more. I got the bare minimum but I was thrilled to have my own independence and start my own life!<br />
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I started looking for work. All I had was my Cambridge A-Levels, with no experience or contacts in South Africa which meant that I was starting with a pretty foul hand. I enjoyed painting and thought that perhaps I could sell my art in one of the galleries here, but I quickly learnt that galleries not only take up to 70% of the selling price but that they are also very particular with what art they sell. Some only sell oil paintings, some would only stock 'local artists', some wanted framed, some wanted big paintings and some just said no. So, back to square one..... I searched online every day for jobs but it has hard to find a job that would accommodate my health needs. I couldn't au pair as being around kids could lead to increased infections and I also couldn't commit as I still had check-ups and hospital admissions. I was also SICK, some days I was ok but other days I struggled to get out of bed. How do you find someone willing to hire an individual who couldn't guarantee they would be at work every day?<br />
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As luck would have it, I finally got a job at a flower shop. I love flowers and I was so excited to start, even though my job was just running the till and doing petty cash. I worked morning only 4 times a week and if I couldn't make it I would just let them know. They were very accommodating and despite earning little to nothing, after a year of looking, at least I had a job and my parents didn't have to send as much money to me. <br />
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Another year passed and my health crashed. I was in hospital for about 8 weeks fighting to recover and once I was discharged I had to be on oxygen permanently. I had been using oxygen at night for many years and occasionally used it during the day when I wasn't feeling well or I was more tired than usual. Being attached to oxygen 24/7 meant that I had to quit my job and my mom had to move to Joburg to look after me full time. I had a portable oxygen machine so I could still get out the house and walk around but it didn't give me as much oxygen as I needed so I couldn't stay on it for long. That and the fact that my lung capacity had dropped to about 20% meant that getting around was exhausting and I didn't want to do anything except sleep.<br />
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Goodbye independence!<br />
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My mom did her best to keep me active, encouraging me to go out and have tea with my friends or to walk around the complex for a bit. I hated it but I also knew that it was important to try keep my strength up. My amazing friends Kerry and Ash even bought me a Nintendo Wii so that I could sit on the couch and play tennis or something to keep me active. It was hard and I hated that my body was a cage. A cage that kept me from doing things that I wanted but also a cage that kept me alive. I didn't hate my body or my lungs, I knew it wasn't their fault that they didn't work. It was my disease that I hated ,that was attacking my body. It was a part of me but it was never a part that I let consume me, I lived my life as normally as I could and in my head, my disease just tagged along. But as I got worse it became more difficult not to let it consume me. I had nothing else to focus on and so every day I lost a little of myself as my disease took over and slowly became to consume my identity.<br />
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My days were 100% focused on staying alive. At times I felt selfish, my decisions were based on what was best for my health. Every decision could add a day or take away a day of my life and with a limited amount of days left, I chose wisely. Not everyone understood this, friends would feel that when I didn't celebrate their birthday with them, I wasn't trying. If I didn't feel like talking, some thought that meant I didn't care what was happening in their life and that I was being a bad friend. I knew they thought this but I also knew that they didn't understand and they didn't have to. But I had to focus my energy and strength on keeping alive long enough to have a transplant. That was all that mattered!<br />
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I didn't like the person I had become. I was still positive but it didn't come naturally, I was still bubbly but only on good days, I was me but a diluted version of myself. The worst part of being sick isn't the physical pain but the mental pain. You have to be incredibly mentally strong and even then, the sickness starts to break you down. There's no escaping it, all you can do is hope that by the time you get over whatever you are fighting, there is still some of you left.<br />
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I know that through my journey I have changed as a person. I am stronger, I am braver, I am more determined. But I'm also weaker, more afraid and more numb.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-72476204989939104742017-01-05T17:25:00.003+02:002017-01-05T17:26:14.049+02:00Memoirs ~ 1 ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
My First Milpark Admission</span> </b></div>
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<a name='more'></a>It was my first admission at Milpark, or perhaps it was the second? All my memories flow into one another and after countless hospital admissions, it's difficult for me to remember them all in the order in which they occurred. It was one of my first hospital admissions at Milpark, after having to carry out my treatments at the Government hospital, commonly known as the Joburg Gen (Charlotte Maxeke). The Cystic Fibrosis ward at the Gen, ward 497, is staffed with fantastic nurses and through private donations has a very comfortable set up. Each room has a microwave, bar fridge, tv and a cozy duvet, far more than you get in private hospitals! Despite the great facilities I couldn't wait for the day that I could begin my treatments at Milpark. Maybe it was because I was still young and not used to being in hospital for 2 weeks at a time on my own, but the rooms at the Gen always felt full of sadness and suffering. I hated every single day I was there and I counted down the days that my medical aid would kick in so that I could begin a new chapter at a private hospital.<br />
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Back to my first admission, or one of the first at least... I was of course, very nervous as I always am with change. The rooms were nice, not as cozy and personal as the Gen but they definitely felt "happier" with a view of a beautiful little garden just outside. Far better than the 9th floor view of nothing but concrete below! We used to refer to the rooms at the Gen as the suicide rooms because of the terrifying fall that was easily accessed by simply opening the massive windows each room had.<br />
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I sat on my bed and admired my new home for the next 2 weeks and thought to myself, "this is the hospital, and perhaps even the room, that is going to change my life". Milpark is where lung transplants are done and I was referred there by my amazing Cystic Fibrosis doctor at the Gen who knew that my current lungs had a limited amount of breaths left. I was so used to my treatments and I was terrified that Milpark and my new Dr there would change things up but luckily Dr Cathy still oversaw my treatment at Milpark, so nothing changed!<br />
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A nurse walked in with a long stretch of stickers trailing from her files. She began asking me question after question and sticking stickers on every page as she went. She gave me 2 wrist bands with 'Cystic Fibrosis' and 'Diabetes' written on them, which I gnawed off shortly after she left. As a short term patient wearing wrist bands is fine but when you are in hospital for 2 or 3 weeks, the last thing you want is an annoying band on your arm on top of all the other tubes coming off of you!<br />
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The biggest difference that I noticed was that at the Gen, I was told which meds I would be on and I was shown how to mix them, then all I had to was go to the dispensary room and make up my meds whenever it was time (Usually every 8 hours). We were taught to take control of our meds and to be our own nurses and I loved that! In private hospital the opposite happens, you are discouraged to do your own meds, you are taught to trust the nurses and to not ask questions. That wasn't going to work for me, especially after watching the nurse draw up my meds in a way that I was taught to be very unhygienic! Dr Cathy explained to the Milpark nurses that I do all my own meds an that they must just bring me whatever I need and leave me be. And so they did! I would 'order' what I needed and I had organised a table so that I could prepare my own meds and carry out my treatment on my own. When you have a chronic illness, I believe that this really is the best way to do things! It kept me busy in hospital, it made me understand what I was taking and what my body could tolerate and it made me feel at ease that all my medication was given correctly.<br />
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Cystic Fibrosis is such a complicated disease to treat and without going into to much detail, the reason I felt at ease doing my own meds rather than letting a trained nurse take care of things is because of how complex the regime is. I used to have 1 or 2 IV antibiotics which would have to be mixed in a certain way and ran continuously with the meds being changed every 8 hours. That means that if the nurses where busy when you had to have your meds changed you risked your veins clotting and your IV line having to be replaced. It also meant that at 2am a nurse would have to come into your room, put the lights on, wake you up and change over your meds, whereas when I do it, I prepare my meds before bed and when my alarm went off, I do a quick change over and go back to sleep. Far easier! The only disadvantage is that when I was really ill, it was very taxing on me to have to do everything on my own, but by then my mom was around every day and she took over the role of nurse.<br />
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Back to day 1.... The nurse left me to my room and to my thoughts. A few minutes later a knock on the door followed by a 'hellloo, can we come in?'. In walked twin girls, slightly younger than me, one in a wheel chair and one not. They introduced themselves as Caleigh and Dominique and told me that they too had CF and had just started coming to Milpark. They said that they had seen my name on the board and had asked the nurses about me. They were very inquisitive and funny and I was charmed by their visit, especially since I hadn't met many other CF patients before. I would see them around the Gen but because we always had our own room and were discouraged from seeing each other, I never really got to know any of them really well. I asked why Dominique was in a wheel chair and she answered "Oh I just found this in the passage so we're just messing around with it". I loved how bubbly and fun they were, such a change from the 'sadness' at the Gen and I felt even better about my Milpark days ahead. The twins got my number and said they would chat to me later as they had to go and have their physio.<br />
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About an hour or so later I got a message from them and that was the start of our great friendship. We messaged each other all day every day,"Ooh did you hear that noise", "OMG can you believe this lunch", "The physio is on her way to you", "Shall we walk down to the cafe". They turned my hospital stays into an adventure and we always tried to plan our admissions at the same time so that we could be there together. We had to wear masks when we saw each other as CF patients can swap harmful bugs so it's important to keep your distance and just be careful.<br />
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With their bubbly nature and confidence we made more and more friends. I was always too shy to go and chat to someone new but the twins made sure we always went to go see whoever was admitted.<br />
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My Milpark days, despite being some of the hardest days of my life, were also some of the best. I have so many memories from section 7 and I often relive them! Sometimes, I even miss them.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-87033392875561010212017-01-04T09:55:00.000+02:002017-01-04T09:59:01.043+02:00Let Me See You Do That Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I started bio-kinetics to increase my weak muscle tone and just build up strength in general. I have no limitations in what exercise I can do, I have a healthy body and am free to choose what ever physical activity I want. However,... After a lifetime of chronic illness and having never been able to do any sports at school, my body is very weak and unfamiliar with the whole exercise thing.<br />
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Like anyone, I also struggled with my mindset. It's been nearly 4 years since my transplant, which is 4 years of time I could have started working on my fitness, but I didn't. I joined a gym and went a few times before injuring myself, then work kept me busy, then life kept me busy and now I have run out of excuses!<br />
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I'm going to carry on with bio-kinetics as it's a one on one appointment which means that I can push myself without the risk of getting injured. It also means that I avoid the risk of making excuses because I can't miss a session as these are already planned in advance (twice a week)<br />
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Apart from bio-kinetics I wanted to do something else and in keeping with my new 'zen' lifestyle, yoga seemed like the most appropriate option!<br />
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<i>Yoga is said to have originated in India during the Golden Age, nearly 26,000 years ago. The actual Sanskrit word, when broken down, means "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite". The word has also been translated to mean "joining", "uniting" and "union". The union is made between the self and the spirit. Yoga is a major part of the Hindu religion as it embodies their natural state of being and spiritual enlightenment. Yoga is also a major part of Buddhism as a part of their meditation practices. It has even been linked to Islam and early Christianity. </i><br />
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<b><u><i>Physical Benefits of Yoga</i></u></b><br />
<i>Increased Flexibility</i><br />
<i>Increased Strength</i><br />
<i>Improved Balance</i><br />
<i>Increased Stamina</i><br />
<i>Improved Body Alignment (reduces joint pain)</i><br />
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<b><u><i>Mental Benefits of Yoga</i></u></b><br />
<i>Stress Reduction</i><br />
<i>Body Awareness</i><br />
<i>Better Sleep</i><br />
<i>Improve self-confidence</i><br />
<i>Relaxation</i><br />
<a href="https://www.everythingyoga.com/what-is-yoga.htm"><span style="color: black;">www.everythingyoga.com</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLecylf7sQ0Vz3YltQntZy6EfpLNsge2XbmdcdvTcFVIoTU4AM-7s0CTDiATHkSJQIT1L79mrQfwG2tEFMItFesI2pLtqd6AnFEf3ClGCFt_HEQSyHirCaY_El1CC_OfpYjrWynBlGnjQ1/s1600/namaste.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLecylf7sQ0Vz3YltQntZy6EfpLNsge2XbmdcdvTcFVIoTU4AM-7s0CTDiATHkSJQIT1L79mrQfwG2tEFMItFesI2pLtqd6AnFEf3ClGCFt_HEQSyHirCaY_El1CC_OfpYjrWynBlGnjQ1/s320/namaste.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I did some research and found a site that offers thousands of free yoga videos which is perfect for someone like me who would prefer to learn at home. They have a 30 day challenge which I have just stared and it's nice and easy for beginners. Flexibility isn't my strong point so I'm looking forward to being able to touch my toes! Check out the website here - <a href="https://www.doyogawithme.com/">www.doyogawithme.com</a><br />
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Day one of yoga I learnt to use a yoga mat, not a blanket, otherwise this happens -<br />
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Not only do I want to practice yoga but I want to learn more about it's history and the beliefs in which it encompasses. For example the "Third eye" </div>
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<i>(also known as the inner eye) which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. The third eye refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye often symbolizes a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with religious visions, clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras,precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who are claimed to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. In some traditions such as Hinduism, the third eye is said to be located around the middle of the forehead, slightly above the junction of the eyebrows.</i></div>
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<i>The yoga symbol “Om” is found in Hindu and Tibetan philosophy. It is said to be the primitive sound of the universe and is connected to the Ajna Chakra (the conscience) or “third eye” region.</i></div>
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<i>The lotus pose is a sitting pose meant to resemble the perfect symmetry and beauty of a lotus flower. Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and Shiva, the God of Gods in Hinduism, are typically shown in this pose.</i></div>
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There are also many types of yoga, have a look at the 14 types here - <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8622/14-styles-of-yoga-explained-simply.html">www.mindbodygreen.com</a></div>
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Basically, there is a lot to learn, but I'm excited!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-52067263056444346592017-01-03T14:24:00.007+02:002017-01-03T16:39:38.312+02:00Cocktail Dresses And ConsumerismI don't believe in new year resolutions but I do believe in seizing the opportunity of a new year to start good habits. One of my 2017 goals is to be kinder to the Earth and to create less waste!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Consumerism is a social and economic order and ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Marketing, peer influence and subliminal messaging is all around us, pushing us to give in to consumerism and buy things we do NOT need. A new lip gloss, a trendy cocktail dress or a new hair product promising to make you look more beautiful and feel better about yourself. We buy the new dress and feel pretty amazing the fist time we wear it and then it goes to the back of our cupboard where it is quickly replaced with an even prettier dress... and so it goes. Not only are we wasting our hard earned inc</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">ome but we're also putting even more strain on our poor planet.</span></div>
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<i>Today, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry on earth. And the primary culprit is fast fashion—well, that and the culture of throwaway clothing that it has inspired. - <a href="http://www.esquire.com/style/news/a50655/fast-fashion-environment/">www.esquire.com</a></i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So, this year my goal is not to buy any new items of clothing. I have enough underwear, shoes, jerseys etc and whilst there are things I want to add to my wardrobe - I don't NEED to! I know that if wearing a pretty dress is what I need to do to feel good about myself then there are other underlying issues that I need to deal with.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;"><u><i>Mantra: I don't need need beautiful things to feel beautiful. </i></u></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCITJzfEHnzXHtdYqR3QFJuRzuZ5tggqg_imnmFpEOv_9OKnr1Bgv2Cxhwr3zVbSEpVhGmVxSE9bbv76j1NjAG8MRaQph-eyeXONcEhI8YD0TODUlPtObkHHhpWd9H9xBz-OU3UaMN4Uq7/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCITJzfEHnzXHtdYqR3QFJuRzuZ5tggqg_imnmFpEOv_9OKnr1Bgv2Cxhwr3zVbSEpVhGmVxSE9bbv76j1NjAG8MRaQph-eyeXONcEhI8YD0TODUlPtObkHHhpWd9H9xBz-OU3UaMN4Uq7/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recently watched the following video about a girl who tries to make zero trash for 30 days. Whilst this is extremely difficult, it's a great wake up call to how much rubbish each of us actually makes...</div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>“Whenever I hear about where the environment is going, I get really scared and it makes me feel very powerless.”
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Doing our bit to help conserve this beautiful world we live in gives us power! This video has also inspired me to start making my own compost as well as trying to be a bit better with recycling!</div>
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Let's all do our part to make the world a better place!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-80179926809571095812016-12-30T10:59:00.000+02:002016-12-30T10:59:12.264+02:00New Blog Name For A New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgEpqZSO78UZbhqcF9ZwgN_tFQO473SJ-WD5VIxo1-s32awnX9Jr2V4Xz1i32ExkAd-f_jkgXyfYh42uQTQKBRAW-V4g04vyN8EYflc3wyfPDk8NjqRvlzmTl6ewYRaMWfAmQoMvhKZNy/s1600/deer+floral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgEpqZSO78UZbhqcF9ZwgN_tFQO473SJ-WD5VIxo1-s32awnX9Jr2V4Xz1i32ExkAd-f_jkgXyfYh42uQTQKBRAW-V4g04vyN8EYflc3wyfPDk8NjqRvlzmTl6ewYRaMWfAmQoMvhKZNy/s320/deer+floral.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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As 2016 draws to an end, most of us start to look back and reflect on the year we had. We also take this time to think about what we want to achieve in the upcoming year.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>In my last blog post I spoke about my year and how it really wasn't a bad year at all, despite so many people having a terrible 2016. So, how do I make sure 2017 is an even better year than 2016?<br />
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There's always room for improvement and it takes some time and HONEST reflection to work out what areas in your life you can improve on. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><b>Being true to yourself is so important, only you know how much effort you have put into something or how many sacrifices you have made.</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></h3>
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It's natural to be protective over your accomplishments and defend your character to the outside world. This often leads to us making excuses as to we didn't do x and y, for example "I didn't go to gym as much as I wanted this year because I was too busy at work". We use these excuses to protect ourselves and that's fine because at the end of the day no one should be judging your decisions except you. The problem is, once we use these excuses we start to believe them and our 'truth' is lost. </div>
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You don't need to justify your decisions to anyone but yourself and now is the time to do that.</div>
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These are the areas upon which I did some reflection:</div>
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<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Eating habits:</b></span> My diet consists of eating low carb meals (as I am diabetic) with high fat elements (as I struggle to put on weight). Whilst my home cooking has stuck to this way of eating, my dining out habits have not. My 2017 goal is to be more strict and have better control of my glucose levels.</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Exercise:</span></b> I finally started some formal exercise this year and have been going to bio-kinetics twice a week which has helped me build some general strength. Next year I'd like to add in a bit more informal exercise and just be a bit more active on the weekends. </li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Work</b></span>: 2016 was a great year for me work wise and I am so proud of what I have achieved. That said, towards the end of the year, like most, I started to lose my passion for what I do. In 2017 I'm going to make an effort to 'find the passion' again which means starting new projects and stretching myself creatively.</li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Love:</b></span> I've always said that <i><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>you need to be happy in your own life before you can share it with someone else</b></span></i>, and when you do it should add to your life without taking anything away from it. When I met Travis, I was a very happy person and he has only added more happiness to my life. We both still do the things that we love and allow each other the freedom to do whatever it is we need to do. We work so well together and in a world where there is so much stress, it's great to know that this is an area that gives me absolutely no admin. </li>
<li><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Friends and family:</span></b> With my parents in Zim and no family except my brother in Joburg it's hard to improve this part of my life. My brother lives down the road from me and I have spent a lot of time with him this year which has been great. I haven't spent enough time with friends this year, despite being busy with something every weekend! Next year I'll make sure I get to see all my friends more and make an effort to organise more things with them. </li>
<li><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Home:</span></b> We've worked hard on our little home and spent quite a bit of money on it, even though we are only renting. It's so important to love the home you're in and I can honestly say that I love our home so much. A home is a living thing so there is always work to be done but we're 90% there!</li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Giving Back:</b></span> Looking after yourself and achieving your goals is important but there is nothing more rewarding than giving back. This year myself and 3 friends started <a href="http://lovelifegiftlife.co.za/">Love Life : Gift Life</a> which is an NPO dedicated to raising awareness of organ donation in South Africa. This year we had to get all the ground work done, registering as an NPO, bank accounts etc which takes so much time but needs to be done. We have BIG plans for 2017 and I can't wait to continue to make a difference.</li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Me time / hobbies:</b></span> Making sure you set aside some time for YOU is something we all put last and this year I have been guilty of that. I haven't blogged or done any 'me projects' and in 2017 I intend to change that. This brings me to the name change of my blog... I decided that my blog needs a mini 'facelift' to inspire me to get blogging again, Along with a few minor changes I also decided to change Deer Delights to Deer Diary, and focus my posts on my thoughts rather than 'delights' which is where my blog seemed to be heading. </li>
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I'm also going to be going a lot more GREEN which will give me something to write about, so look out for those posts :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb6g6cnxpvheV_glLtmrh1bWTu33gbJaqx6K7I4KYBsrAO4TWly4AXEA0utHACVysOl425qdZr6Q40aZuSIshQpqDBAF5BLbBpoBuT37VcD-wJEVIgd-AsnpfcGqA6kjHtluhz5-s9-U0/s1600/il_570xN.810370127_pw5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb6g6cnxpvheV_glLtmrh1bWTu33gbJaqx6K7I4KYBsrAO4TWly4AXEA0utHACVysOl425qdZr6Q40aZuSIshQpqDBAF5BLbBpoBuT37VcD-wJEVIgd-AsnpfcGqA6kjHtluhz5-s9-U0/s400/il_570xN.810370127_pw5b.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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How did you 'score' on the different aspects on your life and what areas need the most work?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-23488148906621369172016-12-12T10:52:00.000+02:002016-12-12T11:24:57.461+02:00Why 2016 doesn't suck! Let's face it, the world seems to have had a pretty rough 2016 and a lot of people have also had a bad year in their personal capacities. My year was by no means perfect but I can't say it was awful. It's actually quite hard for me to have a bad year now that I can actually breathe! Pre-transplant my life really wasn't ideal and now that I have working lungs, I am the happiest of bumble bees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5N6o9tVKFvjyrsj3YdEdmT3qxlh-X9dbowCeMI_jAQU9laiQpZvw4QVt4l-TG0lEoIjatBamaHo_Mo-0F9WlRDCRAR-u9TBHjq906Z3QZYjerSh95rNIgQ6NoI6bilE77ix7cnuHtZIP/s1600/4d0f3d81ee56e8da06c3f6da6c8fc2b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5N6o9tVKFvjyrsj3YdEdmT3qxlh-X9dbowCeMI_jAQU9laiQpZvw4QVt4l-TG0lEoIjatBamaHo_Mo-0F9WlRDCRAR-u9TBHjq906Z3QZYjerSh95rNIgQ6NoI6bilE77ix7cnuHtZIP/s400/4d0f3d81ee56e8da06c3f6da6c8fc2b1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you and your loved ones are healthy, you have everything! Yes, we all need money to survive and that can be very stressful, but too often do people forget the difference between NEED and WANT. If you have everything you NEED then you are far more blessed than the majority of the world. Whenever you are feeling down or that it's been a bad year, look at what you have, not what you don't have.<br />
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I have seen so much suffering this year in the lung transplant community. In the last 2 weeks, 3 friends have passed away. First was Lorraine, whom I got to know whilst I was waiting for a donor. She had her double lung transplant just after me and unfortunately had quite a few medical issues which she eventually succumbed to recently. Next was Kirstie Tancock who I have been following on social media for years and is someone I truly looked up to. She has a really incredible story, having had a double lung transplant and then beginning a career of pole fitness only to then need another double lung transplant! She then went back to pole fitness for a few years but sadly she has passed away from rejection. You can read more about her amazing life and last words here - <a href="http://kirstie-2ndchanceatlife.blogspot.co.za/">2nd Chance At Life</a>. Last but not least was Odette who I never got to meet but she is in a whatsapp group with a few of us and I got to know her through that. She had been in hospital for about 10 months and had gone through so much pain and suffering before she passed away. Heart breaking :(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlxpKhuGzkXX35oHe3SbSjysTM4xC35NhHc67KiRoYd5sv9LcxbD1f9Y0p68LYCXot6w5zDzF8ged2vo20vgLAzWv4tb-lWldoZrnstvWARqb5YqXQpZFKc4Yh9bIE5QI1-a_lGpYz3Yc/s1600/img1480693691570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlxpKhuGzkXX35oHe3SbSjysTM4xC35NhHc67KiRoYd5sv9LcxbD1f9Y0p68LYCXot6w5zDzF8ged2vo20vgLAzWv4tb-lWldoZrnstvWARqb5YqXQpZFKc4Yh9bIE5QI1-a_lGpYz3Yc/s400/img1480693691570.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odette, Lorraine, Kirstie</td></tr>
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For these girls, 2016 was their last year in this world and for their families left behind it is most certainly a tragic year that they will never forget.<br />
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The thing about pain and tragedy is that it's all relative. When you have experienced so much pain and suffering, your tolerance becomes a lot higher and it takes a lot more to hurt you. Not everyone has had the 'opportunity' to experience true suffering so I understand that my tolerance of what a bad year encompasses of is very different to the average person. However, everyone has experienced pain or loss of some sort, so I encourage you to revisit those feelings and then compare 2016 to that. If you had financial, romantic or personal troubles this year that has lead you to believe it's been a bad year then remember - you are alive and that's a better year than others have had.<br />
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Losing these special ladies has been hard, but I also know of some deserving humans that have finally had their transplants this year and for them, 2016 will be one of the best years of their lives!<br />
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2016 doesn't suck. There have been tragedies but there have also been miracles. Don't get caught up focusing on the negative.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogWYa-nAu_uv1UNQEftGAATPRc_eyN99p_VFRnq0AuiZBcdZ84Dub7E8rd4PVNqf7jhK0FmwG2-lRnu7fN-2AvWPrIi7xQi4u-7KlhBYcz5pU2EyzAaWJ89H6MLjb-YJMWiM6Nj0Wdzpp/s1600/4b125ffb68cb458bf84fdafc37d0ec04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogWYa-nAu_uv1UNQEftGAATPRc_eyN99p_VFRnq0AuiZBcdZ84Dub7E8rd4PVNqf7jhK0FmwG2-lRnu7fN-2AvWPrIi7xQi4u-7KlhBYcz5pU2EyzAaWJ89H6MLjb-YJMWiM6Nj0Wdzpp/s400/4b125ffb68cb458bf84fdafc37d0ec04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My 2016 has been amazing. I have had incredible work opportunities which have not only grown my skill set and confidence but also my network of friends. Travis and I moved in together and we have been so happy living together. I love our little home, it's small and nothing fancy but it's ours and it's filled with love and happiness. I finally got a cat, after wanting one for so long and Dooku is just the most handsome of cats (*In South Africa) and he really does fill the last bit of my heart with joy. </div>
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I know that my good health isn't guaranteed and that life can change in an instant so I try and make the most of every single day. My wish for all of you in 2017 is that you have a great year and where there is darkness you see only light xx</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIAZOi4owKj993BoIoVEVM6HGntCIAwPJd6lXOkVdvSae65W4hYiZgC3fO04FFTr_MumuNGqYjq_fyAtsn_sHJ8aKGsytpi8IsMAs8YGz2SSPMtw14WrQvLZqbCbzwlD5ChgN-tbGS9FX/s1600/e6f68ce0d95e85aa78d0aa3580d0d2a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIAZOi4owKj993BoIoVEVM6HGntCIAwPJd6lXOkVdvSae65W4hYiZgC3fO04FFTr_MumuNGqYjq_fyAtsn_sHJ8aKGsytpi8IsMAs8YGz2SSPMtw14WrQvLZqbCbzwlD5ChgN-tbGS9FX/s400/e6f68ce0d95e85aa78d0aa3580d0d2a5.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-23748591422751584802016-03-14T17:36:00.002+02:002016-03-15T08:44:46.052+02:00Deadpool (His and Hers Review) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-RcQl5Bbr4ToyPi3Z-_i4nYawLEQDgWwE5DjEx7gtBarRKPFYClPpnbBZTad5eDiwlj2-Bq7ZWRuvftlGJPwi0hekeHjdho6MvpStNCqnCzZKSOwG2QJUCL6dDyceImvWPj2Hf7LaZny/s1600/deadpool_ver13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-RcQl5Bbr4ToyPi3Z-_i4nYawLEQDgWwE5DjEx7gtBarRKPFYClPpnbBZTad5eDiwlj2-Bq7ZWRuvftlGJPwi0hekeHjdho6MvpStNCqnCzZKSOwG2QJUCL6dDyceImvWPj2Hf7LaZny/s640/deadpool_ver13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mnet did a pre screening of Deadpool at selected Ster Kinekor cinemas and we were invited to attend the Eastgate event on the 11th of February.<br />
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<u><b>HERS (Me) - </b></u><br />
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As a comic book fan, Travis was super excited to see this movie, Deadpool is his favourite character and one way or another he was determined to see the film as soon as possible.<br />
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This is a super late review of our experience and I'm sure most of you have already had a chance to see the movie but if you haven't then here is what you missed out on!<br />
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I'm not a comic book fan,nor are a lot of other girls and so the Deadpool marketing was very switched on to tap into this and use Ryan Reynolds to try and lure us into watching the movie.<br />
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It worked!<br />
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Unfortunately, Ryan is covered up for most of the movie and when we do see him he is very disfigured. There are a few sexy scenes where you can get your Reynolds fix but for the most part don't expect to drool over abs!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPDfNkfCyyFCN7QqVrEsX3xGSAqgjI8l_x81TeHZoWdqfrkRC2OB5bLyw1tzeRgppaii4Z7r-SCw0_gwtxpR5Oy4_CHG96DPSea5k_D9RpSx-7C0CfJgQVhtTmF4IE6ZvQ6ChP1a2A3bi/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPDfNkfCyyFCN7QqVrEsX3xGSAqgjI8l_x81TeHZoWdqfrkRC2OB5bLyw1tzeRgppaii4Z7r-SCw0_gwtxpR5Oy4_CHG96DPSea5k_D9RpSx-7C0CfJgQVhtTmF4IE6ZvQ6ChP1a2A3bi/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Eastgate Ster Kinekor cinema has been completely redone and is super impressive! Ordering drinks and snacks has been digitalised to speed things up and the whole area is very modern and futuristic. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPuphQezbwQ4N3c8LVaDqjtUs7EIa247uBsDQUfJ0kIsbQYDdfgxRFfeffzt49BJfi6vtLPEgQNCPHdQT1v_-GYLEoa-3IyDwdw3MUeSTOkl88C1acgJgzLYsfErlaXPG7ShBguP0olDe/s1600/d2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPuphQezbwQ4N3c8LVaDqjtUs7EIa247uBsDQUfJ0kIsbQYDdfgxRFfeffzt49BJfi6vtLPEgQNCPHdQT1v_-GYLEoa-3IyDwdw3MUeSTOkl88C1acgJgzLYsfErlaXPG7ShBguP0olDe/s640/d2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upon arrival we were treated to welcome cocktails whilst we waited to be let in to the movie. We were also given complimentary popcorn, m&ms and a large soft drink.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis doesn't eat popcorn so I had 2 GIANT portions to nibble on! </td></tr>
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Thank-you Mnet for spoiling us!</div>
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The story line for Deadpool is quite complex and although it helps to have a background of the character, it's not necessary to follow the movie.<br />
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Ryan Reynolds plays Wade Wilson, a former special forces operative 'bad boy' that meets the love of his love. He is then diagnosed with terminal cancer and offered a chance to undergo experimental procedures that promise to cure him. After these grueling procedures which basically consist of different torture methods, he develops accelerated healing powers. Whilst this is a 'cure' for his cancer, he spends the rest of the movie trying to find the culprits responsible for the torture that has left him severely disfigured.<br />
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The movie is full of fast witted dirty jokes. It's one of those movies you actually need to watch twice to make sure you don't miss anything. A dirty mind is needed to make the most of the humour!<br />
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I really enjoyed this movie and you can't help but love the anti-hero - Deadpool!<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><u>HIS (Travis) -</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I had to leave on the 12th of February to go to a wedding in Knysna and decided a week’s holiday with family in George would do me some good. Problem was that Deadpool was out on the 12th and being a movie snob I wanted to see it on Imax and was prepared to wait a week - but how to avoid spoilers? CRISIS!!! Mnet Movies came to my rescue after myself and Fawn were given tickets to the premier on the 11th *Breathes sigh of relief*</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I was very impressed with the new modern and improved Ster-Kinekor in Eastgate Shopping Centre, upon arrival we were greeted with cocktails presented by Liquid Chefs and got a complimentary cold drink, popcorn and peanut M&M’s. I got to swop Fawn out, M&M’s for popcorn (yes, I’m weird like that). I’ve been reading the comics on Deadpool for the last 4 years and instantly became a fan (mainly because I related to his dark and dirty sense of humour) and along with the other fans, I've been dying for the announcement of the movie. The time had finally come, sitting in my seat filled with excitement. All the amazing marketing work was done and it was time…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgTV-91pTesmsF-p34LogcznCJ1v1ms6ZQRb7hV_md-2xAqoowSKB6fBtFv9OrsbInI-6crH3RhiM4YTo3ZPfSfqBTGmdRXJLLg1nlSlYpcH5QEgGmMNJ3N4EfiINnkFww2Hw9wbSY8pE/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgTV-91pTesmsF-p34LogcznCJ1v1ms6ZQRb7hV_md-2xAqoowSKB6fBtFv9OrsbInI-6crH3RhiM4YTo3ZPfSfqBTGmdRXJLLg1nlSlYpcH5QEgGmMNJ3N4EfiINnkFww2Hw9wbSY8pE/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="380" /></a><span style="color: blue;">Deadpool was always going to be a controversial movie compared to the other Marvel movies and this is how we prefer him. As the debates have gone on and on, in the end there was no one more suited to play the role of the Merc with a mouth other than Ryan Reynolds. In all his movies, he has a witty remark of response to everything. The opening credits already displayed what we were in for with the slow motion car role and Deadpool's butt in some bad guys face - classic! They were clever in the way they switch between Deadpool in costume and telling us his story on how Wade Wilson became this disfigured man. His accelerating healing powers doesn’t get rid of his cancer but keeps him from dying from it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">You don’t need to be a big fan to enjoy Deadpool, you just need to have a basic idea of him. However, if you do know him there were so many easter eggs and inside jokes such as referring to the Green Lantern or the horrible attempt at making Deadpool in Xmen Origins. He has a few goes at Wolverine and Hugh Jackman which was brilliantly done. Deadpool knows that he is a in a comic book and due to this fact he constantly breaks that Fourth Wall in some very funny ways, like explaining that only 2 Xmen characters are featured because the Studio didn’t have enough money. Or, his excitement when Angel Dust does a super hero landing when jumping off a high object.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Without giving away too much, the character is crude, rude and does not hold back on the jokes, especially the offensive ones. This is sadly not a movie for children and should be seen by fans or open minded people that are not easily offended. I for one enjoyed every second of it, I especially loved the ending credits scene (you always wait to the end of a Marvel movie) that payed tribute to the 30 year anniversary of Ferris Bueller’s day off. Also let’s not forget the legendary cameo appearance by Stan Lee, this was one for the books.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Thanks again to Mnet movies for making this happen.</span></div>
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And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed our review!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfCbnKktOa1SyDfhUTe3xopt74CJUaKziGexyy8zZBrHC1w5crBgV4s4Q46XbLhH8ljjz_VbjCZlTRii5Ul6vAXpJ_2jJkNiVGd1W-FB5uFbbs_a3nRP0VYRHdDi_Eiq0mTPNpY4kY7CN/s1600/A+black+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfCbnKktOa1SyDfhUTe3xopt74CJUaKziGexyy8zZBrHC1w5crBgV4s4Q46XbLhH8ljjz_VbjCZlTRii5Ul6vAXpJ_2jJkNiVGd1W-FB5uFbbs_a3nRP0VYRHdDi_Eiq0mTPNpY4kY7CN/s1600/A+black+sign.JPG" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-69157947624074511892016-03-14T08:39:00.000+02:002016-03-14T09:45:06.727+02:00Magnum - Nelson Mandela Square <span id="goog_428744936"></span><span id="goog_428744937"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Verve Marketing</td></tr>
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On the 10th of March, Travis and I were invited to attend the media launch of the Magnum pop up store in Nelson Mandela Square. It was a night filled with fashion, friends, local celebrities and of course ICE-CREAM!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jeannie D </span></td></tr>
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Jeannie D hosted the evening - she looked absolutely breath-taking in her Gert Coetzee dress.<br />
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Magnum has teamed up with Gert-Johan Coetzee and he has created a Magnum inspired 'M Collection' which consists of a range of beautiful gowns and accessories.<br />
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We got to see 5 dresses at the launch, each designed after the Magnum classics, Mint, Almond, White Almond and Death by Chocolate ice creams.<br />
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<i>“I really loved working with Magnum on this collection.” said Gert-Johan Coetzee, “I was inspired by the colours, textures and of course the decadent taste of Magnum’s classic flavours and I think the dresses have truly brought them to life.”</i><br />
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I was lucky enough to win an M Collection wrap on the night :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gert and his designs</td></tr>
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At the launch we each got design our very own Magnum! First we had to decide between, white chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate ice-cream, followed by 3 toppings and then a final coat of chocolate. There were so many topping options, it was a difficult decision but I eventually chose white chocolate ice-cream with mint, chocolate popping candy and chocolate covered honey-comb.<br />
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The store opens to the public on 12 March 2016 for 8 weeks.<br />
A personailsed Magnum will cost you R44.95 which includes 3 toppings of your choice. Pretty steep but if you're a true Magnum lover then I'd still recommend you give it a go!<br />
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Store Hours:<br />
Monday – Thursday: 9am - 8pm<br />
Friday – Saturday: 9am - 10pm<br />
Sunday: 9am – 6pm<br />
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Check them out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagnumSouthAfrica/?fref=ts">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/MagnumSA">TWITTER</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-8007300809995593142016-03-11T15:26:00.000+02:002016-03-11T15:30:25.752+02:00Col'Cacchio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/">Zomato</a> spoiled me yet again by inviting me to a meet-up at Col'Cacchio's in the new Dainfern Square shopping centre. I had a lovely evening and REALLY enjoyed the selection of food that we got! </div>
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I was most impressed by the range of salads there were on the menu. Salads used to be boring 'side dishes' or diet dishes. Nowadays there are some really amazing salads that compete with other options on menus. Col'Cacchio's salads do just that! Even though their pizzas will always be their flagship meal, their salads are absolutely divine!! My favourite was the orientale which, at R80 is a great portion size and has my favourite - edamame beans! If you haven't tried these magical little beans yet, then get to Col'Cacchio's!! </div>
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I feel like I don't need to say much about their pizzas - great selection, awesome pizzas, that's all, If you are indecisive you can even select 2 pizza options and a have a half/half pizza! Also great for when you are sharing!! </div>
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Desserts were another surprise! The fire & ice (R49) consisted of frozen berries with hot white chocolate sauce and was such a different take on dessert. Check out their <a href="http://www.colcacchio.co.za/pages/menu/index.asp?menuID=1&categoryID=6#menu">DESSERT MENU</a>, it's crazy amazing! They even have a banting friendly coco berry panna cotta (coconut panna cotta with blueberry compote) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cool are their pizzas with the hole in the middle? </td></tr>
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A big Thank-you to Zomato and Col'Cacchio's for letting me experience what this awesome brand is really about! See their full menu <a href="http://www.colcacchio.co.za/pages/menu/index.asp?menuID=1&categoryID=9#">HERE</a></div>
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Give Col'Cacchio Dainfern some <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ColCacchio-pizzeria-Dainfern-753045728150974/?fref=ts">FACEBOOK</a> love and check out my Zomato review HERE. </div>
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P.s The Dainfern branch has a 50% off special on pizzas on a Monday (all day and night)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-46269400642536123732016-02-24T11:51:00.001+02:002016-02-24T11:57:55.251+02:00Western Cape getaway {Part 4} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><b>19th February</b></u><br />
Our last day! Of course on our last day we had the most perfect weather and not nearly enough beach time!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>On our quest to find beach side restaurants we set off for Sedgefield to try out <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/pilipili-sedgefield-western-cape">PiliPili</a> which was recommended by Travis's cousin. Although we didn't have a beach view, we had sand between our feet and we had a really lovely meal. I had prawns which I had been craving for a while, followed by chocolate chili spring rolls and a final Pina colada! Just a few steps over a little dune there was a gorgeous beach waiting for us but unfortunately we didn't have time to explore as we usually did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxljA3BzsI49eWh3O3VsBzqXVBezmzbgP8xj8zzQZYUwM2VfIRgWvyK37mK3pj-Amd-Qvb_MARmYXUvSjZrJJ7IPXquAj4cHWj-_g-IQ0kiULyL4xTpnfriO6DP3fUIyKn6dU-_rO6wed/s1600/g2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxljA3BzsI49eWh3O3VsBzqXVBezmzbgP8xj8zzQZYUwM2VfIRgWvyK37mK3pj-Amd-Qvb_MARmYXUvSjZrJJ7IPXquAj4cHWj-_g-IQ0kiULyL4xTpnfriO6DP3fUIyKn6dU-_rO6wed/s320/g2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Pina Colada #5</td></tr>
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Travis had signed up to do the <a href="http://www.daredevilrun.com/">Daredevil Run</a> which is an annual run done in speedos to raise awareness and funds for cancer. Why do something like this while you are on holiday you ask? Because Travis is a good guy like that :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSnOoE7FtgSgtXpy2vNhPqL1VNrmPjdEbONcIS7K9gWWwY35MbmEx5gbnUgM0kBsAzC3OyINtk4m-aUiqb2hbMV7wgRyVEdZ5gJlV2aqXATBjMl2TFqW0kfkzxD5Kiais4AFj6wFzzUHd/s1600/g7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSnOoE7FtgSgtXpy2vNhPqL1VNrmPjdEbONcIS7K9gWWwY35MbmEx5gbnUgM0kBsAzC3OyINtk4m-aUiqb2hbMV7wgRyVEdZ5gJlV2aqXATBjMl2TFqW0kfkzxD5Kiais4AFj6wFzzUHd/s640/g7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the 5km run we made our way to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zanzibar.George/">Zanzibar</a> Sports Cafe which Travis's cousin owns. There we cooled off and had a few drinks before heading out to a local night market in Wilderness. It started raining so we went back to Zanzibar and partied our last night away!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISrLMjkHAuNNLJET_p08ATwjscSvWRCQPfnJJtr3-8aFjINCm0iZgh3dyFkL-mEmSqap0sNfyuKVSO7I7S_khRQmU589epYxOPZWQTo8W85uoXW4AOiL_ZPF8udHfYQaI_MqZgz3kYZtR/s1600/g11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISrLMjkHAuNNLJET_p08ATwjscSvWRCQPfnJJtr3-8aFjINCm0iZgh3dyFkL-mEmSqap0sNfyuKVSO7I7S_khRQmU589epYxOPZWQTo8W85uoXW4AOiL_ZPF8udHfYQaI_MqZgz3kYZtR/s400/g11.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis and his cousin Elizabeth</td></tr>
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And that concludes our little getaway. We flew back to Joburg the next morning (20th).<br />
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I just want to say a huuuge thank-you to Elizabeth and Chris for letting us stay with them and looking after us so well. We really couldn't have asked for better hosts!<br />
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And of course, a massive thank-you to the most amazing boyfriend and travel buddy anyone could ask for! I was so well looked after and wouldn't change a thing - Travis really is an absolute gem, in case you didn't know! </div>
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I don't think it will be the last time we see George, we had the most wonderful relaxing holiday!<br />
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Tomorrow I set off to Cape Town for the weekend to celebrate my good friend's 30th birthday. I'm sure it will be a completely different experience to George but one that I am looking forward to none the less.<br />
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At the end of March I have my cousin's wedding in the Midlands so I really do feel like a jet-setter at the moment. I am delighted to be healthy enough to travel and even more happy that I am finally getting to explore South Africa properly. It is such a beautiful country and we really should make the most of living here.<br />
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Hopefully next year (for my 30th ) I will get the opportunity to go overseas for the first time! None of this would be possible if it wasn't for my beautiful 'new' lungs. My 3rd lungaversary is next weekend and I just keep having more and more to be grateful for.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-10677124914276419052016-02-24T11:11:00.000+02:002016-02-24T11:19:21.321+02:00Western Cape getaway {Part 3) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNysDLeO7DMELMKOZSv950S08sZj50ItVkFqaQRnnlZJjV4jqGzPoiL_vu-Gdh2Ubhhe53Yjf7YFL77IW19FtcYRj3jZjwp-SQIBWTWxDFbSvbS_ckHlleTgO64aSqp_QdKv7KAdeOUvKX/s1600/g1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNysDLeO7DMELMKOZSv950S08sZj50ItVkFqaQRnnlZJjV4jqGzPoiL_vu-Gdh2Ubhhe53Yjf7YFL77IW19FtcYRj3jZjwp-SQIBWTWxDFbSvbS_ckHlleTgO64aSqp_QdKv7KAdeOUvKX/s640/g1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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More beach time, jelly fish and strawberry picking! Such diversity on our little getaway!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u>17th February</u></b><br />
Another day, another beach! Victoria Bay was the pick of the day but it was another very windy day so we did some beach exploring and then made our way to lunch.<br />
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Random, but there were so many jelly fish on all the beaches we visited! Travis took great pleasure in 'checking if they were dead'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdaNK5R1XUfvkAjkGdBC95JevTVF656K6Z1Ar6iuQDwp2iBH_Borjul5KXPPfsrHgKAHf58WmQQd1g0nTWeW9mYz1qhB31LessKD5TDmoFNjbc7uWi7SH45S0FeL-P9rbYTN3YKATBdiz/s1600/g6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdaNK5R1XUfvkAjkGdBC95JevTVF656K6Z1Ar6iuQDwp2iBH_Borjul5KXPPfsrHgKAHf58WmQQd1g0nTWeW9mYz1qhB31LessKD5TDmoFNjbc7uWi7SH45S0FeL-P9rbYTN3YKATBdiz/s640/g6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the scenes of our holiday photos! {Pina Colada #2}</td></tr>
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We looked everywhere for a 'beach view' restaurant and the only one we could find was <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/salinas-beach-restaurant-wilderness-western-cape/menu">Salina's</a>. Food was average and a bit over priced but the view was definitely worth the stop.</div>
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On our way home we decided to stop at <a href="http://www.redberryfarm.co.za/">Redberry Farm</a> to do some strawberry picking. Apparently there is also miniature train rides and a maze there too but we didn't see these. We did the the horses but someone isn't a fan of horse riding so we picked our fruit and made our way home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTEqdRGoHv1RQCZ0Jz-NB_6Vh25AJ2U-UaFWwYNHDu9hFXiNc1tY6THJKz4LC8zaN_pWyV6lbPYy5bznydlfqvWfWKw8BhPUI1-xxRoHRo1Cnmx0mgKzJH9e0mIQIMhNvSWHuesc8hb8w/s1600/g8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTEqdRGoHv1RQCZ0Jz-NB_6Vh25AJ2U-UaFWwYNHDu9hFXiNc1tY6THJKz4LC8zaN_pWyV6lbPYy5bznydlfqvWfWKw8BhPUI1-xxRoHRo1Cnmx0mgKzJH9e0mIQIMhNvSWHuesc8hb8w/s640/g8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0kyfNdcNZBbMUV6C7RvSJQsMTSQCDB0J_5drQ-xT8f5D0S93mPs_Bn7QYzaGddY0thRcsu5YvCe41hLEzbjvRYEV8yyHzbkEpYBAsnO85KwENaB2ZjxYOr-0QTdywhtaOWfREG3i49Zj/s1600/g7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0kyfNdcNZBbMUV6C7RvSJQsMTSQCDB0J_5drQ-xT8f5D0S93mPs_Bn7QYzaGddY0thRcsu5YvCe41hLEzbjvRYEV8yyHzbkEpYBAsnO85KwENaB2ZjxYOr-0QTdywhtaOWfREG3i49Zj/s640/g7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By this stage I'm sure you can see that Travis is my holiday model. </td></tr>
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<b><u>18th February</u></b><br />
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We wanted to go kayaking but the weather really wasn't playing along in Geroge. It was very overcast and windy so we went to Mossel Bay which was a lot sunnier!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyaktE2gZFGi7qtLCoiKoIReEWeG0kAKuMhiCCVG0a7K5dYtKDnthbx1c_YkpIWPqKhblNPapJrr_pJ-hjRqKcTt9AMRKdbS7AKcmIxEPvxXCiUr0CXobwaOQ0rAc049hFD8eLPn7oVgm/s1600/g1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyaktE2gZFGi7qtLCoiKoIReEWeG0kAKuMhiCCVG0a7K5dYtKDnthbx1c_YkpIWPqKhblNPapJrr_pJ-hjRqKcTt9AMRKdbS7AKcmIxEPvxXCiUr0CXobwaOQ0rAc049hFD8eLPn7oVgm/s640/g1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the clouds following us</td></tr>
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Travis had found a restaurant online that he wanted to try - <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/kaai-4-braai-mossel-bay-western-cape/menu">Kaai 4-Braai</a>. It was a very rustic sandy restaurant with a big braai area in the middle where all the food was being cooked. The food was decent but we think it would have been a better evening venue as there was space for bands etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdWwiqH20xQXnLt_dOuONhkKRBNDziErJ6106hUewFgljv569LNPIFVXJ8ZCLXSlkJA9kCOwA8i5itpJMgCI8gTJwtJuE2UgdPcvJmmhW5mitpZryOhXooITjDFA_enukeUlyETh5c7Tj/s1600/g3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdWwiqH20xQXnLt_dOuONhkKRBNDziErJ6106hUewFgljv569LNPIFVXJ8ZCLXSlkJA9kCOwA8i5itpJMgCI8gTJwtJuE2UgdPcvJmmhW5mitpZryOhXooITjDFA_enukeUlyETh5c7Tj/s640/g3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Pina Colada #3}</td></tr>
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Right next to Kaai 4 Braai was <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/mossel-bay-oyster-bar-mossel-bay-western-cape">Mossel Bay Oyster Bar</a> where I got my oyster fix! This was such a quaint little sushi/cocktail bar that was by far the most modern restaurant we had been to. I really enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the harbor.<br />
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Side note - Another thing there is a lot of in George is paragliding!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-48595426043805638512016-02-24T10:38:00.001+02:002016-02-24T12:20:51.339+02:00Western Cape getaway {Part 2}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvOyoTxJ1Looc_njAfgOXponVVFeSea2ECG-GDD5nGC5zv5CPQ7KO-Hv6eXDuN7JoFk58YBzWn0ZhJgZJVIZT9H2O18Te6KUBkapyOzUPl0-hFd22SB7y0BTZ0BLmljiO8yFixTVN-X4p/s1600/g1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvOyoTxJ1Looc_njAfgOXponVVFeSea2ECG-GDD5nGC5zv5CPQ7KO-Hv6eXDuN7JoFk58YBzWn0ZhJgZJVIZT9H2O18Te6KUBkapyOzUPl0-hFd22SB7y0BTZ0BLmljiO8yFixTVN-X4p/s640/g1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>14th February</u></b><br />
Valentine's Day!! We hadn't quite decided what to do for Valentine's and as luck would have it, we were tipped off that Rodriguez was going to be doing a surprise set at the <a href="http://thewildernesshotel.co.za/">Wilderness Hotel</a>!!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Apparently his daughter is a local and he was down to visit her and wanted to play a few songs at the hotel. We were in a small conference room and probably about 15m away from this legend! It was such an awesome, totally unexpected surprise!<br />
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After Rodrigues we went to find somewhere to have a bite to eat and decided on <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/flava-cafe-wilderness-western-cape">Flava Cafe</a> which ended up being possibly the best meal of my trip! </div>
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The rest of the day was pretty chilled and we spent it with Travis's lovely cousins who we were staying with in George.</div>
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<u><b>15th February</b></u></div>
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We hadn't panned anything for the rest of the trip so every day we woke up, checked the weather and made a decision on what we should do for the day. So off to Herolds Bay we went. It was such a lovely beach and DEAD quiet which was great! Unfortunately we forgot our beach stuff so we just walked along the rocky beach and explored the waterfront. </div>
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After getting some sun and being hit by more waves, we made our way up to <a href="https://www.zomato.com/garden-route/duttons-cove-george-western-cape">Dutton's Cove</a> for lunch. It was rather windy so I opted for a latte instead of a cocktail. The food was good but the view was the real winner! </div>
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<u><b>16th February</b></u></div>
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Travis had visited the <a href="http://www.cango-caves.co.za/">Cango Caves</a> when he was younger and said that it was a must see, so we set off to Oudshoorn to check it out. It was a bit of a drive but so pretty in the mountains so we didn't mind at all. There were also so many ostrich farms along the way and as an ex ostrich farmer it always makes me happy to see these big birds! </div>
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I had NO idea just how big these caves were! </div>
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<i>The caves were discovered in 1780 by a local farmer, the chamber he first was lowered down into (Van Zyl Hall, which is as long as a football field), is named in his honor. Further exploration was done and a second chamber discovered in 1792.</i><br />
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<i>Some of the biggest stalagmite formations in the world set in Precambrian (a time about 4500 million years ago) limestone can be found in the caves. </i><i>In totality, the extensive system of tunnels and chambers in the Cango Caves stretch for over 4 kilometres, but the section open to visitors is about a quarter of this.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was more to explore but for the second section it involved a lot of climbing and crawling through narrow tunnels so we gave it a pass! </td></tr>
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Photos really don't do the caves justice! Our guide was fantastic and shared some very interesting facts about these mysterious caves!<br />
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On the way home we stopped at a little look out point and took some epic photos!<br />
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All in all a great day!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-25818602314456883922016-02-24T09:32:00.001+02:002016-02-24T09:32:14.635+02:00Western Cape getaway {Part 1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPhnJvJjG-CSDIHxFF0-1SL7IEemcrHT-9_HgWjJDzmxi_nQtUtiuMc_Pf5lC2DeMYIlR1Q7DIr4xnt9cKMpTx3LONKKSuIB7gjohUGerM1bC23fo0o-XQqR4bhZHvLiIeY0nI4kDzjvi/s1600/george+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPhnJvJjG-CSDIHxFF0-1SL7IEemcrHT-9_HgWjJDzmxi_nQtUtiuMc_Pf5lC2DeMYIlR1Q7DIr4xnt9cKMpTx3LONKKSuIB7gjohUGerM1bC23fo0o-XQqR4bhZHvLiIeY0nI4kDzjvi/s640/george+map.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had one of the most amazing little holidays recently and in the spirit of sharing, I'm going to tell you all about it! </div>
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<b><u>12th February</u></b></div>
We arrived on the Friday and made our way to our very quaint little accommodation, <a href="http://www.brentonview.co.za/">Brenton View</a>. Before we headed off to Brenton on Sea we first had to organize a car rental - Travel Tip: George airport isn't as quiet as you would expect so book a car before hand! Thrifty car rental managed to hook us up with a little polo but otherwise all the other car rental places were completely out of cars! We stopped at Buffelsbaai for an unexciting lunch at the Buffalo Bay restaurant which luckily the view made up for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEQGFpFXgoZII8upJv-kZpr86-HiJUaeQg8cCcCtHimzMOSmK2qcXGE2v3k68GRmo2ZggR-KwATB4iqHHb7hHs3WYsyp0FSdOPksJuFL5oDsvk6AvZJem3B-Rk-9UqBkKNmBLovXfcc3o/s1600/20160212_142636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEQGFpFXgoZII8upJv-kZpr86-HiJUaeQg8cCcCtHimzMOSmK2qcXGE2v3k68GRmo2ZggR-KwATB4iqHHb7hHs3WYsyp0FSdOPksJuFL5oDsvk6AvZJem3B-Rk-9UqBkKNmBLovXfcc3o/s640/20160212_142636.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few hours out of Joburg and already I have no shoes on! </td></tr>
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After lunch we stopped at the Belvidere Church which is super old, it was built in 1855! It was 'closed' to the public but we snuck in anyway and had a look at the creepy graveyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnX1UyPOWj6K7a4HWmnwVMGSsyjv8vWTA3MQHqyBHTiYYdIHfDzei3EEtHV9OOso3L80zvBAJq4LaDSMFxEEPLpv2PFqZDbX4SU0uYr7Go56Pe-WwLA39sYl7ir34-x1SZqLZE8pEx5wa/s1600/20160212_185202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnX1UyPOWj6K7a4HWmnwVMGSsyjv8vWTA3MQHqyBHTiYYdIHfDzei3EEtHV9OOso3L80zvBAJq4LaDSMFxEEPLpv2PFqZDbX4SU0uYr7Go56Pe-WwLA39sYl7ir34-x1SZqLZE8pEx5wa/s640/20160212_185202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We dropped off our baggage at our house and had a look around. It really was the perfect accommodation and we paid virtually nothing for it! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_7zHTvf-mHqxAuwkIGYxxQIrGajs8WuN56GExUL_LAjYraCrhDsFSNwhlHNu7aAHdNcpI5qXNcA52UbLFFATMvovG9pFwhaFt5Ouu2UCx1qt4yo6YbKDjZ8MyCAz2gGLTxdkpvW0oohh/s1600/g1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_7zHTvf-mHqxAuwkIGYxxQIrGajs8WuN56GExUL_LAjYraCrhDsFSNwhlHNu7aAHdNcpI5qXNcA52UbLFFATMvovG9pFwhaFt5Ouu2UCx1qt4yo6YbKDjZ8MyCAz2gGLTxdkpvW0oohh/s640/g1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZx3LXIAfB7rleATGLK8c_TWb4RvvNKDmwXJTn9EGtDmf4h5thtBnX1Jr77ajfgNQwXzYwJbHJaoPz1Um_MaoqPxYLVGTCdypDwu0CxMrqEmqx4UHHs5dh-TQHhHbBg702fTHtTO2QVFx/s1600/g10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZx3LXIAfB7rleATGLK8c_TWb4RvvNKDmwXJTn9EGtDmf4h5thtBnX1Jr77ajfgNQwXzYwJbHJaoPz1Um_MaoqPxYLVGTCdypDwu0CxMrqEmqx4UHHs5dh-TQHhHbBg702fTHtTO2QVFx/s1600/g10.JPG" /></a></div>
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Lastly we stumbled across a Friday Night market which turned out to be pretty cool. We had coffee and some incredible mini doughnuts whilst we people watched and got a feel for the locals of Knysna.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F6n2JGZ4PvazFi9sC0u-WXmnnyoereD3IF9vsQFhG3P3oTqGbRyV4SyjOMQyLG44KdUBCW-D6sMWspkmf9LfPtctlzC0c-Q_TKmJnVI2ZNjFT2hFV2SjOFoMg6t40KKvAiyVOU1Gsx-2/s1600/g8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F6n2JGZ4PvazFi9sC0u-WXmnnyoereD3IF9vsQFhG3P3oTqGbRyV4SyjOMQyLG44KdUBCW-D6sMWspkmf9LfPtctlzC0c-Q_TKmJnVI2ZNjFT2hFV2SjOFoMg6t40KKvAiyVOU1Gsx-2/s640/g8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We ended the day with a braai at our house and got an early night's sleep in preparation for the wedding the following day! </div>
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<b><u>13th February</u></b></div>
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The wedding only started at 3 so after a pancake breakfast (by moi) we set off to play on the beach. It was very windy and overcast so after an hour or 2 of walking around and exploring the rocks we called it a day and went for cocktails (Pina Colada #1) and a light lunch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvquljDqXzrqQvFPS9zF1tlKoD3Pu_5nlSSxO0RBeh7-Cg3QJ3x4u21cZiF1af_0x_z8BVMxg7Dr03NLfLbyJwMFsqZeTJCRVj-2BJXrM3Bqn8Q4Mh7uAtDhbDSI0Mf1vIdMXTB_r08oNh/s1600/g17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvquljDqXzrqQvFPS9zF1tlKoD3Pu_5nlSSxO0RBeh7-Cg3QJ3x4u21cZiF1af_0x_z8BVMxg7Dr03NLfLbyJwMFsqZeTJCRVj-2BJXrM3Bqn8Q4Mh7uAtDhbDSI0Mf1vIdMXTB_r08oNh/s640/g17.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis the explorer</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZhVo1_37XT_1eX7mGF8LHTIlVQG_1NVhto8eAlvyQQebaoiEEnTZosKBvW58oOc38kTkUwNGX3PXFWRyqIaklC4ONI8XWxrPcLOSprvxaJc_6KTIrr0-QRYW07k_Vypt0vX7PAanTs5z/s1600/g11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZhVo1_37XT_1eX7mGF8LHTIlVQG_1NVhto8eAlvyQQebaoiEEnTZosKBvW58oOc38kTkUwNGX3PXFWRyqIaklC4ONI8XWxrPcLOSprvxaJc_6KTIrr0-QRYW07k_Vypt0vX7PAanTs5z/s640/g11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlHjWfB02U80avlsJMjKZKldJ2Ilp-u7k9l9za0Ha2_xTpan-nJWXnXqsIxboJosWi5BEftaPMVRtv_1XoRInMmY_NdaxOFYc7jwrLLVcoSsDLGIoiDapVHSTYC5o-w7Rml1Zc1DPKJcw/s1600/g12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlHjWfB02U80avlsJMjKZKldJ2Ilp-u7k9l9za0Ha2_xTpan-nJWXnXqsIxboJosWi5BEftaPMVRtv_1XoRInMmY_NdaxOFYc7jwrLLVcoSsDLGIoiDapVHSTYC5o-w7Rml1Zc1DPKJcw/s640/g12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Let's take a selfie"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5RBEQ9vMlfTtByOiJ4DNeKAo3yyGn8B_ODZdjjYWmbce1sQ4YsyjzsfwGGtQc9BkdV8Q2h8g3sgkppQ_S6JmHhePR5uVxTjmOnuWLWnmGcudgtlAPjv9icTfYW7xzWTpv8RTLqy8xs8e/s1600/g13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5RBEQ9vMlfTtByOiJ4DNeKAo3yyGn8B_ODZdjjYWmbce1sQ4YsyjzsfwGGtQc9BkdV8Q2h8g3sgkppQ_S6JmHhePR5uVxTjmOnuWLWnmGcudgtlAPjv9icTfYW7xzWTpv8RTLqy8xs8e/s640/g13.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... followed by being hit by a MASSIVE wave!! </td></tr>
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After spending way too much time messing around, we rushed back home to get ready for the wedding. I had put about a bottle of gel in my hair to attempt to control the "Humidy frizz" but this was undone by being hit by the wave and so a second hair effort attempt as undertaken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpkuJeu93j2Yk9PlxtuTic2uonDc9RqrESkV7iIilxSlF1d-63APqCFLFn4woyEsBZnZSUTiMTuRcRE50r1TCzZ9f7_Vq7B787ngf51lEVXkIUAI2hRVgDMKGK4HAQ96rLkyIK-PBkqj9/s1600/destaque-cabelos-com-frizz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpkuJeu93j2Yk9PlxtuTic2uonDc9RqrESkV7iIilxSlF1d-63APqCFLFn4woyEsBZnZSUTiMTuRcRE50r1TCzZ9f7_Vq7B787ngf51lEVXkIUAI2hRVgDMKGK4HAQ96rLkyIK-PBkqj9/s1600/destaque-cabelos-com-frizz.jpg" /></a></div>
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The wedding was held at the stunning <a href="http://www.castollini.co.za/">Villa Castollini</a> and it was done so beautifully! The bride looked stunning, there were little games for us all to play (bowls, croquet, etc) whilst the wedding party had their photos taken and the buffet style dinner was superb! It was just a lovely day and evening all together. Thank-you Cynthia and Dilin for having us and I wish you all the very best for your future together! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This view though!</td></tr>
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The end... of part 1. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-50374107605416229802016-02-04T10:30:00.002+02:002016-02-04T10:32:38.504+02:00#ThePinkTableProject<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wQ8sKWtnlTN8jnSW68gz0lj4nYui2wpzIumaflZmnT50YL4hHVBPr29UkqhmLPZLE5ZD-CLGrBaoVMZz0tN3OF7Lk5N5nbThL_zd72jr5N58uf4vJY-kWlS9KOc7hCf1V0-egpUhxpwW/s1600/pinkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wQ8sKWtnlTN8jnSW68gz0lj4nYui2wpzIumaflZmnT50YL4hHVBPr29UkqhmLPZLE5ZD-CLGrBaoVMZz0tN3OF7Lk5N5nbThL_zd72jr5N58uf4vJY-kWlS9KOc7hCf1V0-egpUhxpwW/s640/pinkt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Today is World Cancer Awareness Day and in honour of that I would like to talk about a truly great initiative that is taking place!</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">#ThePinkTableProject is simple - participating restaurants will host pink tables and the patrons that book to dine at these tables will have an additional R100 per person added to their bill. This money is given to the <a href="http://www.pinkdrive.co.za/">PINK DRIVE</a> and put towards educating people about early detection of breast cancer, as well as providing free screening. </span></span></div>
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You can see all the restaurants that have signed up in Johannesburg on Zomato <a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/thepinktableproject">HERE</a></div>
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Daniella and I were invited to the #ThePinkTableProject influencer launch at <a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/aurelias-restaurant-peermont-d-oreale-grande-kempton-park">Aurelias</a> in <a href="http://www.emperorspalace.com/">Emperors Palace</a>, Here we got to meet and listen to passionate cancer awareness activist <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Ryan Mattheson. </span></div>
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Our evening was lovely, not only did we get to listen to inspiring speakers but we were spoilt with delicious food and seated at beautifully decorated PINK tables! </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">#ThePinkTableProject will also be offering a prize for the BEST DRESSED TABLE, where each patron seated at the winning table wins a R1000 dinner voucher to any restaurant participating in the PINK TABLE PROJECT. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I love initiatives that are not only for a good cause but are fun too! So get creative and decorate your own table at any participating restaurant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Great speakers, stunning table decor and just look at that food! Thank-you ZOMATO and #ThePinkTableProject for hosting us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Now back to World Cancer Awareness Day - </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Last year my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Unfortunately she didn't go for regular tests and so by the time they picked up she had cancer it had already progressed to stage 4. THIS is why it's so important to go for regular tests and do home checks as well. Early detection really does save lives! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Because of my suppressed immune system I go for very regular check-ups. Last year potential cervical cancer was found and I was opertaed on to prevent this from spreading and developing into full blown cancer. Ladies please, see your gynae annually and have ALL your tests done!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.cansa.org.za/breast-cancer-warning-signs-myths-facts/">Breast Cancer Warning Signs, Myths & Facts</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.cansa.org.za/what-you-need-to-know-about-cervical-cancer/">What you need to know about cervical cancer</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-3256711014788743232016-02-01T16:43:00.001+02:002016-02-02T10:05:43.286+02:00Pre Lungaversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;">
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So next month my amazing lungs will be '3'... as in I would have had them for 3 years, I have no idea how old they actually are.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Every lungaversary gives me time to reflect on my life, remember where I've come from, what I've been through and where I'm going.<br />
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I'm a very practical person, the type that keeps lists of EVERYTHING and has a step by step action plan to achieve my goals. I believe that without a goal, we have nothing to work towards and this is what makes so many people feel lost. Before my transplant my ONLY goal was to get new lungs. Every day, all I would do is focus on staying alive and keeping my body as healthy as possible whilst I waited for lungs. People suggested I get out the house more, paint or study to take my mind off things. I didn't want to take my mind off things (and I was way too sick to do any of these things anyway). My goal was set and if the task wasn't going to help me achieve that goal then I wasn't interested. Then, on the 5th of March 2013, my goal and lifetime DREAM came true, I received a beautiful pair of lungs and was happier than ever! </div>
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After my transplant I had the difficult task of setting new goals. First I needed to be able to look after myself, both physically and financially. I achieved this. Financial independence is something I am very proud of. It was challenging trying to bring in a decent income having never really worked or studied anything. On top of that, I always prioritise my health and working a full time job would not be in the best interests of my health. So, basically I needed a non student income, without any qualifications or experience AND I needed it to be a part time job. Fairly impossible, right? Luckily, I was blessed with a problem solving mind and an attitude that allowed me to strategically place myself at the 'right place at the right time'. I am now a freelance social media manager and whilst the digital marketing world is a very challenging fast paced industry, being able to set my own hours is exactly what I needed. </div>
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Last year I also met the most amazing human who has added so much joy to my life. I always said that I was very happy being single and unless I met someone that could ADD to my life, it wasn't worth the admin! Travis has done exactly that, my life is less complicated and more fun. He is amazingly supportive and I really am SO lucky to have found him.</div>
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So, life is good. My career is growing, I have great friends, a lovely home, an amazing boyfriend and good health. </div>
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But that has lead to a rather peculiar state of mind. Instead of feeling contempt, I am feeling very overwhelmed and a little 'lost'. Yes, I have career goals and I can always improve on my health (fitness in particular) but I am feeling very 'goalless'. I suppose this is because none of these goals will ever be as important as 'LIFE'. I will never be able to explain the emotional and physical challenges that came with my transplant, I can say that I am often in awe at the fact that I got through it. It has definitely left me with a mindset that not even I can understand most of the time.<br />
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Basically I need to find something more fulfilling to do in my life. Time is precious and even though the progress I have made over the last 3 years has been incredible, I feel like I need to up my game and push even harder. I know my good health won't last forever and so the pressure I put on myself to achieve as much as I can in a short space of time is immense.<br />
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Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud here but to summarise -<br />
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<li>Don't wander through life without a dream. Set goals and make them happen.</li>
<li>Time is not guaranteed, do things TODAY because you may not have tomorrow to do them.</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-17065481477451285892015-12-17T16:26:00.000+02:002015-12-17T16:34:29.004+02:00Goodbye 2015As we draw near to the end of another year, it's time to reflect on 2015, the good, the bad and the unexpected....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sasha and I at our epic birthday party in June</td></tr>
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<b>THE GOOD </b></div>
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My amazing lungies turned 2 and they reached an all time high lung function of 93%. Before transplant they were below 20% and life was bleak to say the least. I am grateful everyday for the 'extra time' my lungs have given me and I look forward to years of good times with them!<br />
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So far I have had NO lung problems what so ever but I have had other small health issues which are a result of my low immune system. I will always have health problems but these are all minor compared to what I was dealing with before my transplant.<br />
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My portocath was finally removed making me OFFICIALLY tube free :)<br />
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I went on a little trip to Rhenosterpoort with friends. This doesn't sound like much but it was the first time I have been able to go on a trip and stay somewhere without electricity. Usually I would have to take my oxygen machine and nebuliser machine and these require electricity. It was such a great feeling to be completely without power or signal for a few days.<br />
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I also got to let out my inner farm girl and walk around without shoes on ;)<br />
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I met and started dating an amazing human! Travis and I have followed each other on Twitter for years and he was always very supportive when I was going through my transplant - even though I had never met him. A mutual friend of ours said that we should meet up IN REAL LIFE so Travis made that happen and the rest is history.<br />
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The timing couldn't have been better, after my transplant I needed some time to find my feet and myself. By the beginning of 2015 I had done that and even though I wasn't looking to meet anyone special... I did :)<br />
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<b>THE BAD </b><br />
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My very special mommy was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has spread into her lungs and lymph system. This was a shock to us all and we all felt that it was very unfair. It's unfair for ANYONE but after my mom spending years helping me fight for my life, then to lose our farm in Zimbabwe only to end up having to now fight cancer, really does seem like a lot for someone to go through.<br />
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Luckily my mom is an absolute trooper, she got herself some stylish wigs and head scarves and started chemo. She lost all her hair (eye lashes and brows included) and chemo made her feel awful BUT it shrunk all her tumors enough for her not to need a second round of chemo.<br />
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She is currently on hormone treatment to keep the cancer at bay. If the cancer grows we will have to do more chemo. There is no cure for stage 4 cancer and so this is something she will have to live with.<br />
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I managed to fracture my foot which left me in a moon boot for over 6 weeks. I wish I had a more interesting story for this but unfortunately I have very weak bones (from all the medication I take) and so I simply twisted my foot walking in flat shoes, on a flat surface during the day and my foot fractured.<br />
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Being in a moon boot was HIGHLY frustrating, I spent about 2 years stuck at home on oxygen so this experience took me right back to those dark days. Having to rely on people to drive me around and help me. It wasn't fun BUT it wasn't the worst either and my foot has made a full recovery.<br />
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As I mentioned earlier, while my lungs are absolutely perfect, I have had to deal with other issues that have come about due to my low immune system. My immune system is suppressed with medication to prevent my body from rejecting my lungs. It is vital that I take this medication but they come with a number of side effects. When a normal person gets any kind of infection, their body can fight it. When I get an infection, my lack of immune system means that it spreads fast and can be quite severe. This means that any infection I get is treated VERY aggressively.<br />
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I've had to have a small procedure done to remove part of my cervix that showed a bit of a cancer risk. Unfortunately the biopsy showed this risk has spread and so it looks like I will be needing more procedures done in 2016 to eliminate these risks.<br />
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On the up side, I was given a gas induction with my anesthetic. This means they basically gassed me to sleep then dripped me to give me anesthetic once I was asleep. I was very nervous as my old lungs were always too weak to gas so I wasn't sure how my new lungs would react but they were absolutely fine. Apart from the usual throwing up after the op, everything went very smoothly and I only spent 1 night in hospital. (First night in hospital since my transplant)<br />
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<b>THE UNEXPECTED </b><br />
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After about a year working with my good friend Daniella at Pink Vanilla, I was offered a work opportunity I couldn't turn down. I was very sad to leave Daniella as we had so much fun working together and I knew even though our friendship wouldn't change, I wouldn't get to see her as much.<br />
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However, work has been great, I have learnt SO much this year and whilst it has definitely been more stressful, I am so happy (and proud) to be growing in my career. I am a free lance social media manager and digital marketing consultant. For those of you who have no idea what that is, I basically manage business's online presence, on social media (Facebook, Twitter etc), web (design, SEO, adwords) and PR.<br />
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A group of us Joburg based Cystic Fibrosis girls started the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cysticbellas/?fref=ts">CF Bellas</a> and made a calendar! We sold these at R100 each and managed to sell 500 to raise funds for the CF ward. This was a big undertaking and I wish I had more time to dedicate to it but I think we did rather well for our first year! Next year will be even better and we'll raise even more! (If anyone wants calendars, I still have a few left)<br />
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Unfortunately I couldn't make the annual CF zoo walk (again) but I did do the Transplant zoo walk with fellow transplantees Alice and Charlene!<br />
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As with every year, 2015 had ups and downs. I lost 2 more CF friends, one had his transplant and passed away afterwards and the other died waiting for lungs. I also lost my friend Jenna who had her transplant last year December but never made it out of hospital and died on my birthday this year :(<br />
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A reminder of just how lucky I am!<br />
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I got to spend more time with fellow CF and lung transplant friends. I always have fun with these guys and it's great to have people that you can make inappropriate medical jokes with. They are such special friends that provide me with much support!<br />
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Last but not least, I have worked hard but I have also played hard this year. As someone who knows just how precious and short life is, I truly believe in making the most of every day. I have made so many good friends in Joburg and I love the energy this city has. Everyone is always up for a little party and we always have such a good time!<br />
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I'm not one to sit back and watch TV on the weekends, I'm out with friends, having a good time and good times I have had. Sometimes I've had a bit too much fun but that's all part of life and I have loved every moment.<br />
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I have some great memories from this year and thank everyone who has been a part of them. (You all know who you are)<br />
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I definitely feel like I've managed to 'catch up' on things I have missed out on in life so thank-you 2015 for helping me achieve these things.<br />
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Here's to an even better 2016!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-52383692399076115182015-12-14T15:26:00.002+02:002015-12-14T15:27:34.054+02:00Joburg's best low carb options<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87iQISM6ujqvfxW6zwPZNOuWRAAxEabsYx7bK8WDbI312AiUK45ihLLO-sv-UVlMnXYd3p6uSZYpfodGuULhyV2LNlRLmCVKjPFKw2vM9ajCSepld_XjigXum8jLuxt7nEJAZ0ohc-IoU/s1600/deerecoli-406internal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87iQISM6ujqvfxW6zwPZNOuWRAAxEabsYx7bK8WDbI312AiUK45ihLLO-sv-UVlMnXYd3p6uSZYpfodGuULhyV2LNlRLmCVKjPFKw2vM9ajCSepld_XjigXum8jLuxt7nEJAZ0ohc-IoU/s400/deerecoli-406internal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As we're nearing the end of another amazing year, I thought I' quickly just share my top few low carb meals I've had this year. There are so many healthy alternatives now that really, we are left with very few excuses to choose junk foods. I am diabetic and insulin depended and so I try and have as little sugar (carbs) in my diet as possible. This means that I can inject myself with less insulin which, for a needle phobic like myself, is a HUGE incentive. The other benefits include maintaining a healthy weight and just generally being a healthier happier human.<br />
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There is so much controversy around low carb, high fat, Banting, paleo diets. Here's what I know for sure, processed sugars (white flour, sweets, fizzy drinks) are bad for you. Natural carbs (potatoes, rice, etc) are the lessor of the 2 evils but they still contain sugar which, for a diabetic and those trying to lose weight, is bad. Natural fats (cheese, full cream milk etc) are good for you but these need to be consumed in moderation if you are trying to lose weight.<br />
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Everyone is different and they respond differently to different diets. The low carb lifestyle has worked for me and I know others that have lost masses of weight on it. I also know a few people (mainly girls) that have struggled with the HIGH FAT part of these diets and therefore did not lose weight. My advice is to remember that whether you want to lose weight, gain weight or simply be healthier you need to decide on a LIFESTYLE not a diet.<br />
What's the difference? A diet is a short term way of eating designed for immediate effects. A lifestyle is a way of eating that you commit to... for life. So when committing 'for life' you need to be realistic. Set realistic goals, slowly ease into the new way of eating and don't have 'cheat days' where you binge eat yourself silly. Eat well, eat smart and listen to your body - you know it best!<br />
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I digress, the best low carb options -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotuCHgW4k4vMC2wRW3ldiALqQFO4w4cywE8miSBdXpqjhUupgYrjwXWERro4MuHL82NkU2jCLCsohc-yjq_D32T_vanyywy4DU5IyZBtleuBux-NxTnL6h5MzaprmbOJGuKfOF83m5CKD/s1600/20150818_131606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotuCHgW4k4vMC2wRW3ldiALqQFO4w4cywE8miSBdXpqjhUupgYrjwXWERro4MuHL82NkU2jCLCsohc-yjq_D32T_vanyywy4DU5IyZBtleuBux-NxTnL6h5MzaprmbOJGuKfOF83m5CKD/s400/20150818_131606.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
BURGERS:<br />
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Bunless burgers are popping up everywhere, my pet hate is when a bunless burger is served with potato fries, like... how is this a low carb option? Generally though, bunless burgers are served with sweet potato fries which means that you can have a burger and chips without the guilt! Mugg & Bean do a great bunless burger with bacon and avo served with sweet potato fries.The winner has to be <a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/craft-parkhurst">CRAFT</a> in Parkhurst who have a deliciously creative range of low carb burger options.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnJrizT2xeaZvy7w7AqWGyJsDADkeHfYJD1yaHD6_NMVIOqGPuybzsd-7RIyDUyjWJqqYdNegSC9tKdX6_tFgguDZo7EReTqrai6f_DSOlQOvBNXv-OPcKRA-1xSwkO9FW4KDimT_92Dw/s1600/craft+burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnJrizT2xeaZvy7w7AqWGyJsDADkeHfYJD1yaHD6_NMVIOqGPuybzsd-7RIyDUyjWJqqYdNegSC9tKdX6_tFgguDZo7EReTqrai6f_DSOlQOvBNXv-OPcKRA-1xSwkO9FW4KDimT_92Dw/s320/craft+burgers.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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ICE CREAM:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/2ScoopsSA/?fref=ts">2 Scoops</a> makes the most amazing sugar free rich dark chocolate ice-cream! They also have a classic sugar free vanilla flavour as well as their most recent flavour - milk tart! This should definitely be on your summer must have list as it's SO hot at the moment and everyone loves ice-cream ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezbAL4L8CJclviPOkqFzhthDOMeextK4iroodFUXIA2V7GqQ5Mz0GzSWufWbyu1LQcVc0mJXhsRD3dSA2-ZkpVLJFJUs87oxr6-WhxDkkyRyYTBJ-ebc84OxHLhtw_hNs_N9d-VdRJZTQ/s1600/20151003_201724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezbAL4L8CJclviPOkqFzhthDOMeextK4iroodFUXIA2V7GqQ5Mz0GzSWufWbyu1LQcVc0mJXhsRD3dSA2-ZkpVLJFJUs87oxr6-WhxDkkyRyYTBJ-ebc84OxHLhtw_hNs_N9d-VdRJZTQ/s320/20151003_201724.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOTE: NOT LOW CARB</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYCQzwjlbw40Z68mhFrJHoAieUZGFHCAgrQgnt4UN1qOFBgiDvx_dq7x1d9AE-kcex4qjovAE8UCmMlOBhSfWjtkcywyJYk1AtdeBJGNoFfCossLO4rNfn3vhm9fq2XT4X31TIBuxaI4V/s1600/IMG_20150902_134246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYCQzwjlbw40Z68mhFrJHoAieUZGFHCAgrQgnt4UN1qOFBgiDvx_dq7x1d9AE-kcex4qjovAE8UCmMlOBhSfWjtkcywyJYk1AtdeBJGNoFfCossLO4rNfn3vhm9fq2XT4X31TIBuxaI4V/s320/IMG_20150902_134246.jpg" width="240" /></a>PIZZA:<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/restaurants/colcacchio-pizzeria">Col'Cacchio</a> does a yummy cauliflower base pizza which comes with a side salad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.andiccio24.co.za/">Andiccio24</a> makes cauliflower, pumpkin or zucchini base pizzas. They're decent but nothing amazing!<br />
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And the winner is... <a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/rockets-parkhurst">Rockets</a> in Parkhurst who make a delicious cauli base pizza!<br />
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They also happen to serve my favourite cocktail...Miami Vice (Half pina colada, half strawberry daiquiri)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMCOaHUa4FRx2M-oMvgLd8Y2t-T5X1yM3GGx5r5ywWZ3DZwO2vSvsBE7he7oYdOe8FQmMRQx4AIJrqm8_COHpF2sAwfWFkOoyiazMNaQ93DBQPFY-TEoBNuALiWBXNH39JsV7tXjALsUg/s1600/IMG_20151012_191821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMCOaHUa4FRx2M-oMvgLd8Y2t-T5X1yM3GGx5r5ywWZ3DZwO2vSvsBE7he7oYdOe8FQmMRQx4AIJrqm8_COHpF2sAwfWFkOoyiazMNaQ93DBQPFY-TEoBNuALiWBXNH39JsV7tXjALsUg/s400/IMG_20151012_191821.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
OTHER:<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/salsa-mexican-grill-fourways">Salsa</a> is a Mexican restaurant in Fourways and I'm addicted to their lettuce cup tacos! You can select your own ingredients to stuff your taco's and make it just the way you want it! Their prices are super reasonable and the food is great.<br />
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P.s - The frozen Jalapeno and watermelon margarita is also a must try (I'm thinking I should do a BEST DRINKS blog post?)<br />
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SALAD:<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/johannesburg/park-cafe-parktown">Park Cafe</a> makes the most scrumptious salads and is such a lovely little cafe. Their Salmon, cottage cheese and caper-berry salad will definitely have you coming back for more.<br />
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As a little extra low carb tip - WOOLWORTHS makes a great sugar free ginger beer!<br />
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Happy eating everyone :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-81600990480230645992015-12-09T17:03:00.002+02:002015-12-09T17:03:56.688+02:00Kream <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week I and a few other foodies were treated to a night out at <a href="http://kream.co.za/">KREAM</a> in Pretoria. I had heard of this restaurant a while ago and have been wanting to try it but Pretoria is a little out of my way and so I never got around to visiting them. A big thank-you to <a href="https://twitter.com/ZomatoSA">Zomato</a> for the invite!<br />
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My favourite thing about Kream is without a doubt the decor. It was absolutely stunning and filled with interesting pieces of art works which kept my eyes exploring through out dinner. If you're looking for a place to take someone on a special occasion then Kream is it, this magnificent restaurant will definitely impress even the toughest critic. </div>
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Once I had taken in the 'view' it was time to look through the menu. We had a set menu for the night but I had a browse through the standard menu and was very impressed by the number of dishes available. Not only was the menu extensive but it was also creative. From gourmet sushi to quail, there really is something for everyone!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desserts</td></tr>
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For starters we had Salmon Tartar, cucumber ribbons, red onion & coriander salsa, crisp tortillas, coriander oil. The salmon tarter was so soft and creamy and I savoured every mouth full! The dish was presented beautifully and it was enjoyed by all.<br />
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Between each meals we were served a strawberry sorbet palate cleanse and some commented that they would order the sorbet for dessert if they could - it was really good!<br />
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Next up was my favourite dish of the night, sesame marinated mussels, crayfish bisque, fennel and nor. For me, mussels is always a safe starter, they are always tasty and the standard creamy wine sauce that they come in is usually great. Kream managed to take this dish a step further with the crayfish bisque and nori which brought out the 'fishyness' of the mussels and nearly made my mouth water!</div>
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Ostrich 'Bourguignon', fondant potato and braised spring onions was the next dish to be served. I was looking forward to the ostrich as I've only had this a few times in my life. The meat was done well and the portion size was great but compared to the other dishes I felt that the presentation fell short and that the single potato and spring onion on the side was a bit of a let down. </div>
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Last but not least the dessert - Christmas candy crush, caramelised popcorn, gingerbread gelato, candy floss and crushed candy cane.... sounds divine right? The pure creativeness of this desert won me over, then when it arrived, it looked spectacular and when tasted it me all expectations! </div>
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Throughout the night we were served wine specifically paired to each dish and whilst I'm not a huge wine drinker, the wines selected complimented each dish perfectly. </div>
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I rated Kream 4.5 out of 5 on Zomato and you can read my review <a href="https://www.zomato.com/fawn">HERE</a>.</div>
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Thank-you so much to Kream and all the staff (they were amazing) for looking after us all so well. I thoroughly enjoyed my night :) </div>
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Check out Kream on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kreamrestaurant/?fref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KreamRestaurant">Twitter </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-30619188328013533172015-11-05T16:22:00.000+02:002015-11-05T16:22:14.613+02:00Come Wine With Us <br />
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2 weeks ago I joined <a href="http://comewinewithus.co.za/">Come wine with us</a> at <a href="http://www.doppio.co.za/restaurants/gauteng/fourways/menu">Doppio Zero Pineslopes</a> with KWV Brandy's finest portfolio ranging from the NEW Cruxland Gin as well as the "Worlds best Brandy" which is their exceptional 20 year old brandy. We were also treated with a 3 course menu that was paired with the KWV reserve wine Range.<br />
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We were each given a selection of delicious dinner options...<br />
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The arrival drink was my favourite of the night. I love a good ol' G&T and the KWV Cruxland Gin was simply divine! I may or may not have asked for another arrival drink later on in the evening!</div>
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For starters I had the flank steak which was perfectly done and very tasty. I was quite surprised at how big the starters were, especially considering we had 2 more courses ahead of us!</div>
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For mains I had the Pollo Involtini (Bacon wrapped chicken breast) which was slightly dry for my liking but again, very fulling and full of flavour! I had a bit of food envy over the Shotgun Cannelloni if I'm honest! </div>
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For dessert I chose the lemon meringue over the chocolate done 3 ways with BarOne sauce. This got a lot of laughs at the table as everyone seemed to think that when you are offered chocolate, you take it!! I had the last laugh when my dessert arrived and was incredibly delicious, I was very impressed and if I wasn't diabetic I definitely would have seen if there was any possibility of getting another one! </div>
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Each course was carefully paired with a KWV wine or brandy!<br />
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It was such a lovely night and we all enjoyed trying new food and meeting new people! </div>
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There was an ample of amount of wine, brandy and gin. I'm not a big brandy drinker so I stuck to the wine and gin but Travis enjoyed the brandy selection and his favourite was the 20year old brandy. </div>
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Thank-you so much to the <a href="http://comewinewithus.co.za/">Come Wine With Me</a> team, we thoroughly enjoyed our night out and we hope to see you again soon! </div>
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The Come Wine With Me events are held nearly every month and for R360 per person and they are definitely worth trying out. Whether you want to meet new people or simply catch up with friends, the CWWU evenings are well organised, well priced and just a lovely experience in general!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150175931779860924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6576292535397053995.post-41075844477005634662015-10-20T11:29:00.000+02:002015-10-20T11:29:34.949+02:00Your Family April 2015 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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