September Favorites

I haven't done one of these posts in ages - but I thought as this September is more than marginally special, I'd swing back into an old habit.

September Socials:

I didn't really realize it until creating this post but September was an extremely sociable month for me!

I got to see my best mate in the world, Lucien.. A LOT. It's a wonder we aren't completely sick of each other by now. 

I also made a new girl friend... Sandy. 

She's such fun and it is blossoming into a lovely little friendship which I'm thrilled about as I don't have many girl friends left in my little town anymore. 

I'm at this horribly awkward age where everyone either abandons this tiny town to go off and obtain a degree or otherwise sets foot on different land and gets the travel bug! 

I'm not really sure why I've stuck around as long as I have... but I am pretty content right now doing my online degree in journalism, working my little tush off to save enough up to get to Bali and surf there next year and just spending some quality time with family and friends. 

'Aint a bad life, I must admit.

Speaking of quality time with family.... there's been lots of that with my adorable 9 month old nephew, Jenson. He's growing so quickly it's frightening - I cannot believe it is nearly his 1st birthday... it seems like just yesterday he came into this world. 

India:

I got lots of snuggles from my beautiful cat, India while on my three week holiday from work. She is quite possibly the best snuggle buddy in the world.

Addo Elephant National Park:

My family and I managed to escape for a few days and head out into the wild on some game drives. It was so nice to get away from the inevitable routine you build around yourself.

Port Elizabeth:

The weekend after Addo, I went on a little excursion with my three best guy friends: Lucien (as seen above,) Ashley and Louis. 

It was a mad weekend and I doubt I have ever felt more hungover than I did on that Sunday morning.

Music:

I picked up the guitar again and have been played it Like. A. Boss.

I got my hands on my friend Justin Serrao's second album which was released recently. 

I am seeing him live next month and cannot wait! 

My Favorite Recipe:

I have always been the biggest curry fan - so when I had the chance to learn how to make Chicken Tikka Masala I was so excited! 

Unfortunately I didn't have all of the correct ingredients so I made the curry with a bit of a unique, 'Jade' twist. 

There will be a Jade's Chicken Tikka Masala 'With-a-Twist' Recipe coming soon.

Birthday's:

As with any birthday... when my manager turned another year younger we celebrated it the good old fashioned way at work with a bottle of bubbly and lots of laughter.

The Dreaded Flu:

Why is this a favorite you might ask???

Sam:

I am now officially a girlfriend to the most incredible man on the planet.. Yip.. that's right. On the 17th September, this handsome bearded fellow asked me to be his girlfriend.... and while I was practically dying from the flu, he was shoving vitamins and meds down my throat, giving me back tickles and head massages and just being an absolute gem.

Once I was recovered however, we wasted no time in devouring three and a half bottles of wine, an entire season of The Walking Dead and battling through a mean ass hangover the following morning with the help of some double bloody mary's.

Creativity:

It's been a few months since I have hauled out my pliers, beads and gut but I took this as a fabulous opportunity to give my incredible man a little gift. 

I made him this bracelet with his three favorite colors: red, blue and green. 

I added in the wooden bits as I thought they were very beach-vibey and he's an amazing surfer and beach bum just like me. 

I've also been working on my novel, The Other Woman, in which I have just finished the most amazing chapter! I am absolutely loving writing it out and have so much inspiration spilling out of me lately... I wonder why! Hehe

Lastly I've been dabbling in a bit of painting again too. Granted this piece has taken me freaking YEARS but I'm enjoying it when I do occasionally pick up a make-up brush (because I don't own any actual painting brushes.... nor can I afford them....) and put some paint to canvas:

Giggles:

Sam and I had lunch with his family this weekend and I decided to make them all a trifle. 

On the way to their house the trifle cream just kept thickening as we drove over every speedbump - until we ........ had a fight with the trifle.

The trifle won. 

September was such an incredible month for me - and I have no doubt that it is only going to get better as the year continues to fly by.

I am beyond blissed out and ecstatically happy.... and we are also booking our tickets to Bali soon for our holiday next year. 

Then these two surfing beach bums will be playing in the waves across the globe.

I cannot wait.