#100HAPPYDAYS ROUND 2: DAYS 61-70

Happy Monday everyone! Here’s another 10 days worth of happiness, posted on my Instagram account. I am almost done now, and I can’t wait to have another successful happy days behind me.

Day 61: Did a Parkrun and got some excellent step counts in. Woohoo!

Day 62: My mom got me this France mug. It is now my favorite mug.

Day 63: No visit to Nelspruit is complete without a trip to the coffee shop around Bestie’s house, and we went three times. Because coffee is delicious.

Day 64: Besties birthday!!! We had delicious steaks at Cicadas in Nelspruit. This is Steak with Halloumi, bacon and Onion jam. Salivating.

Day 65: After an astonishing day of bad service, we licked our wounds at Cicadas with Strawberry Daquiries and Burgers. SO GOOD, with excellent service

Day 66: We got our movie day in with two old favorites. The two new films (Chef and Arrival), now joins the favorite list.

Day 67: A fun birthday braai with illuminating new terminology learnt!

 

Day 68: Remember my project on day 58 – check how it grew!

Day 69: Roadtrip home. It was such a wonderful visit, thanks bestie!

Day 70: More rings from Woolworths. These are so me!

What have you been up to lately?

May 29, 2017May 29, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2017, Movies, movies, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, 2017, Amy Adams, Arrival, Bean Tree Cafe, Besties, Chef, Cicadas, Coffee, crochet, Dan Stevens, Drive, Forrest Whitaker, Johannesburg, Jon Fraveua, mug, Nelspruit, Parkrun, Road Trip, Spar, steak, Strawberry Daiquiris, The Guest, Woolworths 1 Comment

#100HAPPYDAYS ROUND 2: DAYS 51-60

Day 51: Just a basic picture of my lunch. It was really delicious and super healthy though.

Day 52: My bestie came up for a quick pop-in, and we went to watch Beauty and The Beast.

Day 53: Makeup spoils. I really have such a problem. Rimmel is one of my favorite brands, and I am liking Essence quite a lot these days – for a “cheaper” brand they really have quality products.

Day 54: My mom got me these bunny slippers for Easter. They are so toasty and have the additional benefits of being bunnies.

Day 55: Another manicure, this a Revlon one. I’ve really gone for the pinks lately.

Day 56: To get more steps in, I again visited the Nature reserve. It is such a beautiful place and I am always so surprised that it is smack in the middle of Joburg and manages to be so quiet.

Day 57: My favorite snacks. 70% Lindt is as dark as I’ll go, and it is such a delight of tastes. It is really low in sugar, so if you are craving some chocolate, you only need to look as far as this.

Day 58: I watched Warm Bodies for the 100^th time, and I enjoyed it. Also see my crochet project here? It is growing super-fast!

Day 59: This was SO good.

Day 60: Had drinks with the work colleagues at the Hogshead in Illovo. It was lovely, and although I didn’t get a picture of it, their Consol glasses look fantastic.

May 24, 2017May 24, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2017, Movies, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, 70% Dark Chocolate, Avon, Beauty and the Beast, Best Friends, biltong, Bunnies, crochet, Dark Chocolate, Easter, Essence, fun, Healthy, Hogshead, Illovo, Johannesburg, Kliprivier Nature Reserve, Lindt, Movies, Nailpolish, Revlon, Rimmel, Slippers, Walking, Warm Bodies, Weight loss 6 Comments

#100HAPPYDAYS ROUND 2: DAYS 41-50

Happy Monday Everyone!

I’m way behind with posting these… I am now almost at day 75 as I am scheduling this, which is great as it means I am very likely to finish this round too. Let me know how you’ve been in the comments and if you are doing something similar 🙂

Day 41: I went to a Singles Event where you had to choose four words that would ruin a date. Some people were really creative, and some just pulled things off the internet. The event itself was hosted in a section of a trendy bar, but felt a bit crowded. The people were also really just focused on winning the game instead of getting to know each other, which is the whole point of the exercise. I really doubt whether these events actually succeed in hooking people up, but it is a great exercise to becoming more outgoing and actually speaking to strangers.

Day 42: I really adore this Lovisa necklace my sister gave me for my birthday. It is just so pretty. I have a slight Lovisa problem.

Day 43: This is literally just a screenshot of my WordPress calendar showing that I had shit scheduled throughout the month. Definitely doing it this month too, it makes life really easier.

Day 44: Anyone who has successfully dieted will tell you that if you fail to prepare, you should prepare to fail. I nearly failed the one day after I forgot to pack lunch. My colleague saved me with this yogurt, apple and walnut salad, which was pretty delicious.

Day 45: I really love this pretty pink Sorbet nail polish titled Pink Cheeks – it can’t be more appropriately labeled.

Day 46: One small cheat with a Woolworths Marshmallow egg. I am not a marshmallow person, they are generally too sweet and sticky for me, but I do like the Woolies ones, they are superior quality.

Day 47: I went to the SA on Tap festival with a friend. I’m really not a beer person, so this was quite enlightening. I also saw some other people I know, which was good – being seen with a guy always ups the street cred, so no complaints from this side

Day 48: This post, which I thought was just the lazy and basic pic of my breakfast and dinner, got a huge amount of likes (yes – 52 likes are huge for me!). I was so pleased.

Day 49: I’ve been laughing myself silly at 2 Broke Girls recently. I wasn’t a big fan of Season 3, but seasons four and five seem to have gone back to their roots and it worked really well.

Day 50: I go batshit crazy at work if I don’t have hand cream readily available. Something in the hand soap here makes my hands so dry, and without cream I want to scratch all the time. I’ve stopped buying creams now as I have so many unused ones at home, like this one. While I’m not the biggest fan of lavender, I did like this cream. Which reminds me that it is nearly done and I should bring another one tomorrow.

May 19, 2017May 16, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2017, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, Beer, Craft Beer, Dating, Dieting, healthy eating, Montecasino, Oh So Heavenly, SA on Tap, Two Broke girls 2 Comments

#100HappyDays ROUND 2: Days 31-40

So it is Monday again, and I thought I’d post this specifically as a reminder about happy things, not Monday things. However, I am almost going on leave and seeing my bestie, so today is pretty great!

Day 31: I went for a walk in the nature reserve close to where I live. It is really beautiful there, and it was really relaxing walking in the green after a long day at work.

Day 32: The crochet-bug has been around significantly more frequent now that it is a slight bit cooler. I am trying heroically to finish this granny square blanket that I started over a year ago. Wish me luck!

Day 33: I sat down with my mom and sister and watched another old-school film I haven’t yet seen. Andy McDowell has NO clue how acting works, but I did like Hugh Grant. He was so handsome as a younger man.

Day 34: I went back to the same nature reserve for another walk. glorious!

Day 35: Some wine before Power Rangers. Did it make the movie better? Not sure, but might have contributed.

Day 36: I do love this Avon French Manicure nail polish. It always comes out looking so pretty!

Day 37: I love these pretty rings I bought!

Day 38: I bought this USN shake after I finished my Nutritech shake. Further investigation reveals that this is actually just a bit too sweet for me. Anyway, at the price it goes for I will definitely finish it. Maybe it grows on me!

Day 39: At this stage in my life I have no issue admitting I love buying shoes. It is my own money, so I couldn’t give a damn about opinions anymore. Anyhow, here is my tan heels I purchased recently. #love

Day 40: Attended a babyshower. Let’s be real – most women face these only because you like the mom-to-be and not because of any actual potential fun. I have to say, this one turned out great. I am happy I went!

What have you been up to lately? Let me know!

April 17, 2017April 4, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy DaysTags: 100 Happy Days, Andie McDowell, Avon, baby-shower, crochet, fashionista, Four Weddings and a Funeral, French Manicure, hobby, Hugh Grant, Kliprivier Nature Reserve, rings, Shoes, USN, Walking, whey protein, Wine, Wool 1 Comment

#100HappyDays ROUND 2: Days 21-30

Greetings, everyone who still comes here. Sorry I’ve been so scarce. I’m currently in data wars with my service provider again, and I had to take a necessary break to prevent me having to buy yet more data. Soon I’ll start naming and shaming them.

However, this is supposed to be a HAPPY post, and we seriously need one right now. I’m doing quite well on this challenge. I’m actually at Day 40-something now, so I just know how long I’ve been missing from here. So, without further ado, here we go!

Day 21: I am also currently in a war with unhealthy eating habits and carbs in particular. It really isn’t easy, but on this particular day I actually chose a nice and healthy option at a restaurant here in South-Africa. Since that said restaurant has been in the media for unsavory reasons as of late, I’m not willing to praise them too much right now. Day 22:
There is a coffee machine at my work that makes us cappuccinos. YES, I am that lucky. They get me through the mornings where anything other than caffeine would be scoffed at and chased away. It was delicious!

Day 23:

To be honest, this was another day where I had to work really hard to get something to post. I was still dieting really good, and this picture really is the truth, so there you go.

Day 24:

My mom bought me these shoes from Woolworths for my birthday. They are so comfy, pretty and corporate that I can work in them in ease and still look professional AF.

Day 26:

I know. I took a bathroom selfie. I’m so ashamed. That jean is officially hanging on me now (starting to sag already in the pic). So yay for progress!

Day 27:

Went to see Kong. It was such a fun, popcorn-entertainment film.

Day 28:

Yoh. Let me tell you that this particular day tested my patience. This cappuccino was literally the only thing that kept me from biting people.

Day 29:

We had some dinner at John Dory’s. I love good seafood when I can find it, and this was really delicious!

Day 30:

My sister, myself and mom pictured above went to the Botanical Gardens here in Johannesburg. The drought that plagued Gauteng for two years was recently broken, and this is evident looking how gorgeously green and in full bloom the garden is right now.

What have you been up to lately? Tell me in the comment section!

April 5, 2017April 5, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2017, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, Cappuchino, Gauteng, good times, happy, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, John Dory's, Kong: Skull Island, Life, Seafood 1 Comment

#100HappyDays ROUND 2: Days 11-20

Hey Everybody!I’m back today with my latest update on #100HappyDays. It is going quite well at the moment with this challenge, although I really am stretching at times to find something specific to photograph and record. Of all the skills I possess, I have to say that photography is not one of them. It is such an enviable trait, but alas, not for me. Anyway, here is my rundown of what went down in days 11 – 20

Day 11: The humor in Harry Potter is so fine. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the antics of Ronald Weasley in The Half-Blood Prince. Gosh, I’m having such a great time working through these books again!

Day 12: I’ve been having some really bad toothache lately and finally forced myself to go to the dentist. I have a pathological fear of them since on broke a tooth in my mouth as a teen and had to extract it twice. The news was not good, and I will have to return. I vented my irritation out in the shops, and at least got myself a nice new toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. That sentence there is some insight into the joys of getting old, kiddos. I also bought L’Oreal’s Extraordinary oil, and it is the best hair treatment I’ve ever used at home. Thoroughly impressed!

Day 14: I bought Stars of Fortune for R60 bucks on a sale. I’ve been somewhat avoiding this book, sure it would be on the same (bad) level as the Dark Witch series. I am enjoying the last of the three books in The Guardians Trilogy now, and I’m still having the greatest time.

Day 15: I went out for sushi with my sister. It was so delicious!

Day 16: I have such love for this doggo. She’s the best and I love spending time with her.

Day 17: Everyone celebrated International Women’s Day and naturally I was game. I do feel the need to mention though that the plight of the female empowerment should not be an activity for one day, but for 365 days per year.

Day 18: I’ve been having a real little sulk after finishing Daredevil. I want more, and I want it now. So I essentially forced myself to watch a film, and chose Southpaw. I’m really against Gyllenhaal as a general rule – don’t ask me why, he’s just irritating, but I really enjoyed the film and will send my bill for emotional trauma to the director.

Day 19: I really usually do eat a large amount of junk. In a desperate determination to not go up a dress size, I’ve gone cold turkey on all things carb and junk related. I’m actually doing really good right now, and celebrated reaching the end of the week by not eating an entire slab of chocolate and grabbing biltong instead. It was delicious!

Day 20: I confess that this is one of the times where I really didn’t have a pic ready. We spent some time together as a family and it was really enjoyable.

There you go. Till next time friends!

March 15, 2017March 14, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, Life, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, 50 Cent, biltong, Dog, Family, Forest Whitaker, Ice Skating, International Women's Day, Jake Gyllenhaal, Life Grande Cafe, Nora Roberts, Rachel McAdams, South-Africa, Southpaw, Stars of Fortune, Sushi 2 Comments

#100Happydays Round 2: Days 1-10

Happy Thursday everyone! I’m sure it is Thursday – WordPress changed my time settings again, and I’m really confused right now with 12am and 12pm. I know, its’ been a long week.

You might notice that I’m busy posting at different times – I’m tracking which times delivers the best traffic to my blog. Most of the readers on here are either in the States or the UK (thanks guys!) and I would like to cater for them, which can be a little bit of a juggling act with all the timezone things.

Anyway, here’s a bit on the actual post: Zoë and I decided that it was high time to do another round of #100HappyDays. I’m enjoying my second run very much, but I can once again not count properly… see the mistake in the pics below. I have to say, it opens your eyes to what makes you happy. This time around I’m posting about what actually makes me happy, things that either boosted my confidence or gave me some real smiles or contentment. Here’s the first week below.

Day 1:
I’m still recovering from my Daredevil binge. It is such an amazing show. Dark, broody, intelligent. I need a third season and I need it now.

Day 2:

I’ve been suffering from a Suduko addiction the last few months. This highly stimulating and addictive game has kept me entertained and I’ve driven everyone around me crazy with intense suduko sessions.

Day 3:

This cup really makes me happy. Combined with my nighttime tea, it makes me SUPER happy.

Day 4:

Here’s my numbering mistake. We had some crazy crazy rain in Johannesburg, resulting in pot holes, crazy floods (I did mention crazy, right?) and generally terrible driving. The good news is that our dams are full for the first time in two years, and the water restrictions have been lifted off Gauteng. Whoop! The weather made for some really comfy at home time as well.

Day 5:

Still unaware of my numbering error, here I enjoyed my favorite Coke Light. I need a stronger stress ball than the one pictured, but at least it is smiling.

Day 6:

I made cheescake for my sister’s birthday. It turned out deliciously #notSuchAHumbleBrag. I’m still experimenting with the amount of flavor I’m giving it, but this is by far the best one I’ve made yet. That Merlot from Longmarket wines was also really amazing.

Day 7:

This Bahamamama from Essie is the loveliest purple!

Day 8:

I had some delicious Cappuchinos from Woolies. I wasn’t expecting that they would be so tasty, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Day 9:

I’m really working hard with my eating plan right now, and this turned out to be not only a healthy meal, but a truly delicious one.

Day 10:

This was the day I truly ventured out of my comfort zone, which inspired the picture. I went to some clients I dreaded seeing, because I’m such an introvert, we haven’t met yet, and they are on all accounts horrible people. However, I still went out and got my job done, a huge huge achievement for me.

That’s it for now, folks. Hope you enjoyed, and if you ever did something similar please let me know!

March 9, 2017March 8, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2017, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, 2017, bahamamama, baking, Cappuchino, Cheesecake, Coca-Cola, Coke Light, comfort zone, Daredevil, Essie, Gauteng, health, healthy eating, Johannesburg, LCHF, Longmarket Wines, Nail polish, Rain, Series, Tea, Woolworths 6 Comments

#100HappyDays: Day 93 – 100.. DONE!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!

I MADE IT THROUGH THIS CHALLENGE!

I didn’t think I would, really I didn’t. I have this… ability… to not finish things. And some days are just so crap that it feels so inauthentic to post a picture about what makes you happy. However, it was a really nice challenge and it does teach you to see something good in the day. Here are my last few days.. hope you enjoy!

Day 93:

We are having regional elections this year in South-Africa. I don’t think we’ve ever needed an election more. This country’s parliament is in shambles, and I think that we are in a dangerous place right now. The past weekend we all went to check that we are indeed registered to vote – because it really is true that if you don’t vote you can’t complain. (Note: America, please don’t make Trump your President)

Day 94:

Reading my favorite series with my favorite soft drink (Coke Light has replaced its evil older brother in my life), and it was a great night.

Day 95:

A wild moment of determination, and I am a member of a gym again! SO PROUD!

Day 96:

I think this is my favorite pic I’ve taken in this challenge. The food was delicious too.

Day 97:

Going to the gym is really exhausting right now. Wait, I think that is a good thing.

Day 98:

I contradicted an entire week of healthy eating by this meal, but it was so nice. It seems kind of illegal to post pics like these currently. Anyway, it was delicious.

April 19, 2016April 15, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2016, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, calamari, Chicken Schitzel, exercise, food, Gym, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Healthy, Instagram, Schnitzle, South-Africa, Spur, Virgin Active, Voting 4 Comments

#100HappyDays: Day 81 – 92

Day 81:

Easter was such a lovely family event. Way too much sugar was ingested, ensuring that I felt vaguely ill for a few days. But it was totally worth it! How lovely are these cupcakes, cleverly decorated by my sister’s mother in law?

Day 82:

Following the great sugar ingestion of Easter, I forced myself to go for a walk/run in the nature reserve. This week my sole focus is sorting out a gym contract, because I’ve proven that I can’t exercise on my own at home. It is stalling my weight loss project and I really think if I can sort that out, the rest will be much easier.

Day 83:

Did my nails with this Avon gel polish, but I was so disappointed by the quality and that it peeled within the first day.

Day 84:

Reading this wonderful series again. The books remain so touching, hilarious and entertaining.

Day 85:

Driving in peak hour traffic in Johannesburg is such a schlep, but scenery like this makes it slightly more bearable!

Day 86:

Another day, another iced coffee. Nom!

Day 87:

Me, pictured through the sunroof of a limo for a bachelorette. This whole night was quite insane, but fun. But I’m never driving in a limo again.

Day 88:

Doggie cuddles!

Day 89:

Continuing the insanity of the weekend, my house flooded. I am just going to say that my reactions and that whole day was not something to post on a 100 days of happy post. However, I found this pic of my sister and myself in primary school. How adorable?!

Day 90:

Finally in the 90’s! Can you believe I got this far?!

Our company gave us all a mammoth pack of stickies. It made me happier than I ever thought possible.

Day 91:

After the longest struggle imaginable with my service provider I finally upgraded to the Sony Xperia Z5 compact. So far I’m loving it!

Day 92:

Finished this incredible book (review up this week), and it has been such an interesting read.

April 11, 2016April 10, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, bachelorettes, Big Magic, Books, Elizabeth Gilbert, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix, Iced Coffee, Kliprivier Nature Reserve, Nature Reserve, Reading, Sony, Sony Xperia Z5 compact 4 Comments

#100HappyDays: Day 69 – 80

I know, I know. It’s been ages since I posted a 100 Happy Days update. Hell, ignoring yesterday, it has been a whole week since I’ve posted anything. I took a very little hiatus, mostly from my responsibilities, just to focus on myself and rest a bit. It’s been great, but I love blogging and had to return. I refuse to return to my other responsibilities though 😀

Day 69:

I have been on the prowl for a red pair of shoes for a while. Red is such a kick-ass color, don’t you think? I had to be particular though because I have no wish to go full on stripper while working at a Pharmaceutical company. I saw these shoes first when they were not on sale and a bit pricey. So just think of my happiness when I found them on sale at nearly half price!

Day 70:

I’m reading the Inn Boonsboro series of Nora Roberts again and having such a blast.

Day 71:

Packing and wedding prep had me hyped up the entire week for my Bestie’s wedding!

Day 72:

I’m currently obessed with this purple polish from Revlon. The pic doesn’t really capture the true color though.

Day 73:

The day of my Bestie’s wedding. The rain stayed away, the bride looked amazing and the venue was so on point. It was a wondrous occasion. Pictured here is our bridesmaid’s bouquet. How gorgeous?!

Day 74:

On the way back from the wedding we stopped at the Sudwala Caves in Sabie/Hazyview. If you ever travel in South-Africa and find yourself in the region, definitely pay them a visit. It is humbling to see the majesty of the caves, and an education and highly entertaining to listen to the history, well told by properly trained tour guides.

Day 75:

Gosh, this little dog of ours. Things to note: How Nicci Noodle is lying inside the house when it is their “outside time”. How Olive, the larger black dog in the pic, can’t fit through the gate and is feeling very sorry for herself, and the guilt that radiates from Nicci. It’s hilarious to watch these two!

Day 76:

I obviously had very little to post that day. However, I do find it so stimulating to talk to people who has passion for something. It is a rare thing to find lately.

Day 77:

Biltong, my favorite snack.

Day 78:

Went for some coffee and cake with my sister. We used to live close to  one another and work together, and now both those scenarios have changed. It was lovely just sitting and talking uninterruptedly for a few hours.

Day 79:

Everything was good about this Good Friday, yo. I woke up naturally, wasn’t forced to function at a godforsaken hour and baked some delicious savory muffins.

Day 80:

Zoë did my nails with this topcoat, and it is ridiculous how well this Essie Good to Go range works. My nails were unchipped for more than a week, and I am very rough with my hands. I got my hands on some in the shops, and am so happy to have in stock now!

What have you been up to darlings?

March 29, 2016March 26, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, 2016, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, 2016, baking, Bestie, biltong, Cake, Cappuchino, delicious, Essie, Essie Good to Go, Mousse, Movies, muffins, nails, South-Africa, Sudwala Caves, Travel, Travelling, Weddings 6 Comments