#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 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 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

#100HappyDays: Days 9 – 16

Day 9: When I moved into my new place at the beginning of #2015wasashittyyear last year, my dog had to go live with my sister. While I am really grateful and happy that Nicci Noodle got to go to a safe and happy environment and be with people that love her, I still miss her snuggly warmth every day. I got to spend some time with her recently and that made me really happy. I’ve also been kind of obsessed with block heels since they came back at the end of last year. They are great – you can actually work in them because they provide support for your feet, and they look uber cool – I feel like I can do anything when I wear them. I saw this pair in the shops but they didn’t have my size, and when even the online store for the retailer didn’t list them anymore I wrote it down as bad luck. So when I found them in another branch, my happy cup filled over and I was dancing (at least in my head) in the shop.

Day 10: Started watching Homeland Season 5 – oh goodness, what a crazy great and intense season! Also did nails in a gorgeous new color and continued with my adult coloring book.

Day 11: This sassy little book bag gave me such joy when I bought it.

Day 12: I’m busy reading this incredible book from Elizabeth Gilbert – Big Magic. It is everything I want in a book that wants to be self-helping. I am having such a great time. The woman is sensational and I just want to be like her when I grow up.

Day 13: Johannesburg was being lovely

Day 14: Had some delicious meals throughout the day and updated blog’s look as well.

Day 15: These Paris prints in my room makes me so happy. Motivation and reminders of what I want to do in my life.

Day 16: I’m doing really well with the no-sugar thing so far. However, with amazing cappuccino I don’t even think about sugar. How amazing is that?!

What made you happy this week?

 

 

January 18, 2016January 17, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, adult coloring book, bag, Big Magic, block heels, blogging, Books, Cappuchino, clouds, Dog, Elizabeth Gilbert, fashion, Homeland, Johannesburg, meals, nails, Paris, pets, Reading, salad, Shoes, Sorry not Sorry, Travel 1 Comment