World Ocean Day

Yesterday was World Ocean Day and even though South Africa is in the middle of one of the chilliest winter's we've ever known, with snow on the mountains and ice on our windshields in the mornings; we were blessed with 25 degree weather and intended to make the very most of it. 

As a surfer, I was invited to attend and take part in a wonderful campaign set up all around South Africa, to raise awareness for the sharks. People are killing the sharks, passing the meat off as tuna or other seafood and we can barely tell the difference. It was such a wake up call when the event organizer mentioned that for those of us who eat seafood have definitely 100% eaten shark in the past without even being aware of it. 

A beautiful thing that made yesterday so special was heading out into the water, forming a circle with the other surfers and having a moment of silence for the sharks whose lives have already been taken.

The thing is, as a surfer you're biggest fear in the water is of course.. sharks. Yet here we all were, forming together in our wetsuits and on our boards, out in the water and fighting for their lives. 

Beyond that, being back out in the water and in the waves made me ecstatic. Yesterday was one of the best days that I have had in a long time - and you can see that from the laughter, smiles and happiness in the following photographs of my World Ocean Day.

This was us, on our way to the beach at a painfully early hour... especially as some of us had rather mean hangovers:

Suiting up to head into the water!

(Best feeling in the world... the smell of neoprene rubber, sea salt and wax puts me into a happy bubble.)

Just after the surf, at the beach cafe getting breakfast and soaking up some rare winter sunlight and warmth.

All of us were full of happiness, laughter and unmissable smiles as we ordered some food and caught up as we basked in the warmth of the sun.

Of course, by the end of the day, all I wanted was to head back out into the beautiful ocean and ride a few more waves before heading home. 

How unbelievably breathtaking is it to be able to look out at the early morning mist hovering over the inviting ocean...? Knowing that those waves, are yours. And in one moment in time, you become one with the universe. Sacrifice yourself to the immensity of the ocean and it's creatures and waves. It is something truly beautiful.

Did any of you celebrate world ocean day and if you did, what did you get up to?

Have a fantastic week ahead guys. 

Catch ya all on the flip side.

Got Ink?

Who here has tattoo's??? If you do.. you'll know just how delightfully addictive they are. 

There's a fine line when enough is enough (for me anyway). I'd never judge someone else on their tats because their body is their canvas.

I'm desperate to get more. I already have four - that feeling and buzz on the tattoo machine is just too divine. I love everything about it.

Here are the one's that I already have:

I am on the far left of this photograph. 

I covered up an old and silly tattoo with the only thing I could find that would cover what I'd had done in Thailand many years ago.... stars. 

These stars have no meaning and I really don't like this tattoo. I'm very sad that I didn't take the time  to choose something more meaningful. Although I do hope that one day, maybe, these stars will symbolize my future family??? Who knows. Only time will tell.

On my right ankle I got a quill to symbolize my passion for writing. The quill is made from an eagle feather. To me, the feather symbolizes freedom. There is also a swirls sprouting out of the feather which means happiness, in the swirls are thorns, which symbolize the hard times. Amidst it all is a single rose, which symbolizes the beauty of life with the good and the bad times. This tattoo is my favorite that I have and to me, by far the most unique and symbolic.

The past for all of us, is both painful and beautiful. 

This African symbol on the back of my neck means 'Learning from the Past.'

I liked it because it has the 'African' history to it and as I moved to Africa at the age of 10, it is a very special place for me.

I also like it because it reminds me that whatever happened in the past, it made me who I am today... and it made me all the wiser. 

My newest and latest addition I had done in Prague.

I had 'Live Free,' tattooed on my left side of my ribs. It was when I was traveling around Europe, backpacking and camping completely alone. I knew no one and had to make friends along the way. It was wonderfully liberating - free.

And the following tattoos that I am sharing with you, are SIMILAR to the ones that I am still wanting to get done. I say similar because I would like to believe that any future tattoo I get will be only mine - that no one else will ever have the exact same thing. I guess that is why the stars bug me. The African symbol too, as much as I love it, is on a lot of other people... but I guess it's like clothing. Unless you design and make all of your clothes, someone is going to have the same shirt as you somewhere! 

I would absolutely LOVE to get 'C'est La Vie' tattooed on my right inner arm. C'est La Vie is French for, 'It is Life.'

This is the sort of look that I'd be going for with it:

The second tattoo I would adore on my body is cherry blossoms on my feet. 

Cherry blossoms symbolize mortality and as my dad's health isn't at it's best - I thought this would be a beautiful reminder of not only the fragility of life but also of his life. 

Cherry blossoms bloom for one day - and in that space of time they become such a beautiful flower. They make the most of the time that they have on the earth and I think that is an important part of life. Making the most of the time you have. 

In addition the the cherry blossoms, I would also have the quote, 'Happiness is a mood, not a destination,' entwined in the branches.

It is clearly no surprise that I have a slight (ok .. huge,) obsession with feathers and freedom. 

The third tattoo I would love is something similar to these beaded feathers, dangling down from the back of the ear. I just absolutely love them. It looks so free-spirited and beautiful with your hair both up or down. It is almost like a permanent accessory that I just have to have.

The Om symbol is the most special symbol in the world to me. I wear a pendant of the Om symbol around my neck nearly every day. 

In short, the Om symbol  is an ancient Sanskrit word. It is close to impossible to describe the meaning in English unless you are a spiritual being. Om symbolizes everything... the seed of all creation. These two letters together contain all of the power that there is in the universe.

Instead of just getting a plain black Om, I found this beautiful design and was so inspired. 

Buddha statues and paintings adorn my house and garden. So the Buddha eyes for me, especially being peacefully closed, is very comforting. 

The lotus flower you see is also something that holds great meaning to me. 

Lotus flowers grow in muddy water. They rise and bloom above the murk to achieve enlightenment.

Three in one. Just stunning.

This famous Dr. Seuss quote is a must have on my body. I have decided to place it around my hip in one straight line, written in small italic writing. It will look almost like a tiny link belt curving around my side.

The placement I have in mind is something like this:

Then there's my fascination with dream catchers (and of course, more feathers).

This I would love on my rib, either below my Live Free tattoo I already have or on the other side.. I haven't decided what will look best yet????

It won't be as big as the below image, more so the above. But the below gives you a better indication as to what it looks like. 

Lastly - and happening only in the very far away future... is the tattoo that I have been planning since I became the broody, motherly woman I am today.

At first I thought I'd just get the hand print of my baby tattooed, but then I came across this image and fell so in love with the look and feel of every inch of it!! 

All of these tattoos are pieces that I really feel a strong connection with and would feel honored to display on my body.. but as I mentioned earlier, for me, there is a fine line when enough is enough. I am worried about getting ones that would be visible for my wedding day, such as the C'est La Vie I really want on my inner arm. I know that sounds stupid. Any other day and I'd happily show them off to the world - I just don't want to look like a tacky bride. So silly though - as I'd need to find a husband for that to be possible first! hahaha 

I have NO idea which one to start with... I really desperately want C'est La Vie... I want them all!!

Which one do you think I should start with????

Somewhere along the way I'd also love to get a little surf board tattooed on the back of my ankle. No more than 3cm high. Just a tiny dedication to the ocean - which stole my heart and soul many moons ago. 

Thursdays Trio of Blessings

Blessing One:

Bundling up in an abundant amount of wintery layers this morning, I slowly hobbled off to work, stiff and sore from my jogs around the island in the mornings. 


I fired up my PC and logged in to my email, clutching desperately onto my first cup of coffee for the day. That was when I saw it. An email from a client that I have been corresponding with for over a week. He's decided to buy a painting from the gallery for his home in Australia! I made a sale! It still feels good every time I make a sale. Just yesterday I sold a beautiful chandelier to another client - so on the work front, I am feeling incredibly productive and blessed!

 
 

Blessing Two:

I know that many people would find this an odd 'blessing' to mention, but considering that we all have one vital thing in common (we are all bloggers,) I have a certain amount of faith bestowed in you all regarding this one... I am sure you can all relate. 

My writers block has finally been vanquished! 

 

The past week or so, I have been really struggling to pick up my pen or open up my MacBook Pro to continue writing my second novel. 
Writers block happens to the best of us and there are many ways in which you can attempt to overcome it. 
This time though... I decided to just give myself a break and forget about writing completely and let me just say that the break was indeed, definitely needed. 

I let it all go - every chapter, every character and every smidgen of an idea that had been blossoming in my creative noggin. 

What did I do instead?

  

I rented and watched an entire season of Pretty Little Liars... thankfully NOT in one sitting... I might have gone crazy had I done that.. Oh wait, I already am! :)  

I caught up with some of my oldest friends. 

I made new friends.

I cooked... a lot. 

I read... a lot. 

I painted.. messily. 
 

Sometimes, just living is just what you need. 

Stop continuously pressurizing yourself and give yourself a chance to breathe... a chance to MISS the things that make you tick - the things that you work hard on. You'll appreciate it so much more when you welcome it back into your life after a few days break. 
We, as human beings, are always trying to achieve something - just be careful you don't end up resenting your greatest passions by asserting too much pressure on yourself. 

My writing is now back in full force!

 
Blessing Three:

I received a bouquet of flowers at work a few days ago and they have finally started to bloom. There's something truly beautiful about watching the petals slowly unfurl... I've been watching them gently open for a few days now and it has made me appreciate the beauty of flowers so much more than before. 

 

Lately I have been inspired to head back out into the garden. I wanted to start up my little herb garden. How wonderful will it be to make dinner one night nip out into my backyard to collect the basil and cherry tomatoes? 

Today - on this blessed Thursday, I feel inspired. Very inspired.

Namaste.

Steak in a Stunning Spicy Marinade

This is one of my all time favorite meals.

Ingredients you will need to make this dish (Serves 4):

1. Four Potatoes 
2. Milk
3. Two Spring Onions
4. A packet of rocket
5. A packet of portobellini mushrooms
6. A bottle of red tobasco
7. Worcestershire Sauce
8. Balsamic Reduction
9. Balsamic Vinegar
10. 1/2 cup of brown sugar
11. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12. 1 Red Onion
13. 4 - 6 Garlic Cloves
14. 2 Table Spoons of Ketchup
15. Ground Black Pepper
16. Salt
17. One Tablespoon of Horseradish
18. Steak!

Firstly, peel and half your potatoes and put them on the boil in salted water. While these are softening you can prepare your marinade. 

(Please note that the below recipe instructions for the marinade does not need to be done in any particular order):

Pour 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar into a big bowl (big enough to put your steak in later on).

Pour 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce into the mix.

Dice up your red onion and scatter that into the bowl. 

Stir in the cup of brown sugar along with the diced garlic.

Chuck in the sliced mushrooms and give it all a good stir. 

Dollop in two hearty spoonfuls of ketchup.

Grind in salt and pepper to your liking and then add the tobasco. Be as brave as you like this the tobasco - personally, I poured in over half of the bottle!! But even I will admit that it was a little bit much!! So experiment and taste - you can always add more in later. 

Don't worry if it doesn't look very liquidy - it just needs to be enough for the steak to lie in (for as long as possible). 

Turn the steak regularly to soak up the flavors on all sides.

While the steak is marinading in the fridge, ruggedly chop some spring onions.

Once the potatoes are boiled, rinse the water from the pot and mash the potatoes with a lug of milk. Toss in your chopped up spring onions into the mash (trust me.. it is delicious!).

Take the marinade from your steak and plop it into a pot to cook. You need to make sure the mushrooms are ready before you cook your steak.  

Quickly sear your meat on a very hot pan - personally, I like steak blue, but this is completely up to you - but anywhere over medium is considered sacrilege!!!

Dish up the mash, place your steak beside it and layer in a delicious spicy tabasco sauce! 

Squeeze some balsamic reduction over the dish and top with a handful of rocket.

Voila!!!

Grubs up!

 

The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes | Book Review

Welcome to 66 Star Street . . . In the top-floor flat lives music exec Katie. She spends her days fighting off has-been rock stars and wondering how much cheesecake you'd need to eat yourself to death. Below her, a pair of muscular Poles share with a streetwise cabbie named Lydia, who has a sharp tongue, an even sharper brain but some unexpected soft spots. On the first floor is Fionn - a gardener who prefers the company of parsnips to people. But he looks like a fairy-tale prince and when he's offered his own television show, he's suddenly thrust into the limelight. And at the bottom of the house live Matt and Maeve, who are Very Much In Love and who stave off despair by doing random acts of kindness. But a mysterious visitor has just landed at 66 Star Street, bringing love, friendship and heartbreak, and a new-found optimism. Old secrets are working their way to the surface and all their lives are about to change in the most unexpected of ways

Blurb taken from: Good Reads 

Is there anything better than spending a wintery morning reading under the duvet with a big mug of hot chocolate in hand?

No. 

No there isn't.

 

What an incredibly strange book.

The whole while I kept on asking myself, 'who the hell is this narrator?!' 

 I couldn't figure out if it was some spiritual being - a ghost??? 
Was it 'Karma,' or 'Fate,' in word form? 
I couldn't even figure out if the narrator was creepy or not.. spying on people's lives and particularly interested in their sexual relations with one another.

It took me a while to click on (perhaps why I recently dyed the blonde out of my hair....) but when I eventually realized who the narrator was it made much more sense to me!!!

After 2013 being my year for spiritual growth and enlightenment, I have decided to blunder back into the world of chick-lit this year - and how better to do that than with the likes of Marian Keyes? 

She is one of the most successful chick-lit author's around and I have enjoyed many of her books in the past - even though I've noticed it does take me a while to get into them.

Admittedly and unsurprisingly, it took me a while to get into this book too - I struggled to understand the concept.

I hated getting to know a certain character and learning their story-line then as soon as I was starting to enjoy it, I was whizzed off to another characters story in a new chapter.
It follows each different tenant in the flat and explains their story throughout the different chapters.

The chapters were short and counting down days until Day One, but I didn't understand what we were waiting for? What would happen on Day One that was so special? Nothing really led me to believe that I was reading up to some dramatic high spot...  perhaps until so near the end it was almost ridiculous.

But then... BOOM! I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was coming.

It was hard to keep up and follow. I found myself forgetting the characters and needing to backtrack to remember certain elements from past chapters until a good halfway through.

Although I was still uncertain of the story-line as I reached the halfway mark and had no idea where the story would go, I was starting to enjoy it a little more - even though I found it incredibly 'dark.'
I had started to bond and connect with each character and found myself falling in love with each one of them for different reasons.

Why are we following these flat residents of 66 Star Street though?? That is the question that bugged me a bit. Yes, it was a good read but I saw no reason as to why I should be reading about their lives until I got deep into the book. Then, slowly (very slowly,) small snippets of mysterious events and emotions were portrayed which lead me wanting to keep turning the pages.

Why was Mauve so miserable? What had happened in her past that made her rigid and afraid and suffer from panic attacks? Who was this man that she and Matt secretly stalked?
I think I enjoyed their story the most. Something about it grabbed me - I was also able to relate to it a lot more than the other people's stories in the flat.

I also thought Lydia had something deeper. What would happen with her and the muscular Polish man?? The two detested each other yet their was clearly strong sexual tension there. And what about her mum with her illness? We were led to believe that Lydia was this ghastly women with no heart - yet I found myself developing a big weak spot for this character. Plus the sauciness of her living with two well-built, sexy Polish men was quite exciting. I was living vicariously through her for a while :)

Katie is an older character - entering her forties and in a struggling relationship with a workaholic. Will she finally give up on their romance and move on?
I couldn't tell whether I loved or hated Conall - her workaholic boyfriend. He seemed like a bit of a fairy-tale man to be honest - sweeping girls off to London for first dates and taking them to posh Opera shows. What was with his strange obsession with chocolate anyway!? 

Fionn's character was an absolute mess - although in saying that, part of me adored him too. I loved and hated him equally. He was so spontaneous and footloose. He didn't know if he was going left or right - a bit like me I suppose. His head and his heart were continuously changing paths and always up in the clouds.

All in all though, these characters sadly failed to save this book. Mauve was my favorite and the only one that I really enjoyed. There were too many characters slung into the pages.



As always, Marian Keyes sticks to the Irish roots but I found this book extremely different compared to the other novels that I've read of hers. With the bold, gold hardcover and the 600 + pages it contained ..... I really was holding high hopes for this book and from the start I was very disappointed.

It wasn't her usual cheery, humorous writing. It was heavy and sporadic. It focused on problems such as depression, mental illnesses, trauma and cheating to name only a few.

Yet, as always with any book I pick up, I finally turned the last page and put the book down - leaving with a handful of messages and lessons from the writing that I hadn't had before the read.

That's the important thing about books - each one has something special and unique to offer you. Sometimes you just need to dig a little deeper to find what you're looking for.

I fully believe that every book you pick up, you pick up for a reason. 

That book was put into your hands by fate / destiny.. whatever you choose to call it.

As my good friend Adrian once said to me:  

"You could find the book that will change your life today."

That saying will resonate in my heart for the rest of my days.