I want more of Mauritius

Mauritius is a place where a lady can wear a flower in her hair everyday. It's an island that thaws your stiff bones with the warmth of the sun, its people and fiery, vegetarian friendly cuisine. Its where local dancers can really move their hips! And it has become a destination I would want to return to.

"Let me do the cliched thing and go there on honeymoon," I thought. My needs were simple: I wanted to go to a place that was not too far from South Africa, I wanted a visa free destination, I wanted some peace and stillness from the intense busy period of the wedding and by George, I also wanted ample, tasty vegetarian food. I cannot tell you the amounts of times I ended up eating tubes of Pringles and chocolates...for the entire holiday. Mauritius emerged as the shining beacon.

A view of the beach from the reception area literally took my breath away. "This is going to be good," I thought. I felt instant relief and a weight off my shoulders. S.O and I made our way to our room, and my initial thought of things being good, improved to better. The room was magnificent, with the beach a short walk away. Perfect for some RnR.

It felt like any other holiday S.O.* and I had been on, there was no pressure to make it special simply because it was the honeymoon. We spent a lot of time on the beach, doing water activities like snorkeling (sea water kept on going into my eyes and troubling my contact lenses, so I gave up), the glass boat, the pedal boat, and sitting on a tube while being pulled by a power boat. There was time for gym, touring, morning walks on the beach, aqua aerobics, attempting to water ski (S.O.) and yoga.

I simply revelled in the fact that wedding was over, my time was mine and I was not neck deep in wedding chores! In fact, there was absolutely nothing to do except eat, relax, drink and take in the salty sea air and warm sun rays.

S.O: Significant Other 

A Writer's Block

According to this article on Huffington Post, Jason Crombie recommends writers do the following: 

Drink

All the great writers drank like fish: Ernest Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ethan Hawke, etc. There's no point trying to write a single word sober, you'll only disappoint yourself and your family. Start the workday with a six-pack, and then work your way up to a bottle of Johnny Walker Black; that's when the magic happens.

Don't bother with rewrites

You've written it; it's there on the page, see? Job done. Now why in the name of heck would you do it again? To make it better? Don't be stupid. Ever heard of a little thing called, 'First thought, best thought'?

(Click here if you want to read more)

I found the tips refreshingly sarcastic and wonderfully entertaining. Then I stared at my computer screen and realised my writing has reached a horrible stagnant stage...and I cannot see beyond the murkiness. Fact is, I am not writing the way I should, the way I want to. This blog has suffered, and there are even blank pages in my diary, where the past year should have been documented... 

There was a time when words flowed out of me, when I did not struggle with every paraphrase and paragraph. That was when I did not second guess myself, and stare at blank word documents on my computer. I almost feel crippled by fear at the thought of jotting something down now. 

Life seems to have gotten in the way - too many things to juggle and I always have these points in the future (after the wedding, after I move house, after I settle in, when I am not so tired) that  I think I can write again.  My job has also put me in a formulaic mode of writing - making me, God forbid! - such a lazy writer. 

These are precisely my mistakes, aren't they? I have excuses instead of forging on. I have more reasons defending myself, than to persevere and prosper despite circumstances. Because, as Jason mentions in his first line, "Good writers write. They don't always write well, but they must write!" I suppose this is a good a start as any... 

Chocolate Monday: Week 15

The Significant Other's (S.O) aunt made this for me past weekend. How cute is it? So much so, my first reaction was: "That looks too good to eat!" Nevertheless I got over it and happily dug into my dessert. I even managed to share the saucer and the spoon with everyone... I suspect I was so touched I was left in a generous mood. ;)

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.

I have good reasons for my absence

A work colleague once told me that getting married and getting a new house in the same year is a bit over ambitious. Now I understand what she meant. Since December last year, I have been "Wedding Mode Engaged" plus trying to move house. It feels like I have not had a weekend since then.

Two of my closest friends (more like sisters, really) flew to South Africa from Doha for the wedding. They hosted such an epic bachelorette and I was so touched. It was the only weekend that I really enjoyed this year! They were also invaluable in the week run-up to the wedding. It was so busy and overwhelming, I am so grateful to have had them there.

Thankfully, the 17th of March came and went, with only a few glitches. What else can be expected out of a wedding, right? The honeymoon in Mauritius was much needed RnR, and then there was just another week to set up the house before I returned to work. It felt like I came right back into intense busy-ness! (Is there such a word?!)

I am now sitting at my office desk, feeling all of this has happened to someone else. It has been a surreal experience - me - getting married?! I see pictures friends and family took, and I sit there gobsmacked. Surely, that is not us...surely.

Pictures of the new house and the wedding (when I have it) to follow in the near future!

Some truths...

...I cannot hide from:

Image taken from here.

Chocolate Monday: Week 14

A 400g slab of lovely Cadbury! Image taken by Prixie. 

Don't you hate those Mondays that feel as if you did not have a restful weekend? Today is one such Monday! Let me tell you about it: Friday after work, the S.O* and I went shopping for paint and other DIY things. After an early morning yoga session on Saturday, we went looking for furniture and those seemingly elusive vinyl folding doors (BTW, if any of you readers from Johannesburg know of a place where I can it, please let me know. We went to one DIY store, where they were very rude so on principle, I am not getting it there). In the afternoon, we went to the dressmaker who is altering my clothes for the wedding. I first saw her in July, and after numerous fittings, they are finally complete and fitting perfectly! At night, we went to a surprise 30th.

On Sunday, we rallied the troops - S.O's* parents and cousin, and made our way to the new house to paint. Naturally, we forgot a few things, so I went to the nearby DIY shop to buy those items. We only managed to paint the lounge and dining room area. I have to admit, this is the first time I have ever painted and I feel such a sense of accomplishment. We are still not done and need to go back next weekend to finish it up. So today, I am exhausted and my body is sore - I suspect it must be from the combination of painting and yoga. I also suspect, till the house renovations are done, and the wedding is over, my weekends will be like this. I might as well, grudgingly, make peace with it.

So here I am, on a Monday, in dire need of chocolate to perk me up. Luckily, I was given this gorgeous 400g slab of chocolate after a friend visited Dubai. She said: "I saw it and thought of you." Needless to say, I am thrilled. S.O* had the nerve to take it out of the grocery cabinet and say: "This is for sharing." I  looked at him with cold eyes and stonily relied: "No, it is not. Put. It. Back." 

*S.O = Significant Other 

A New Home

The house hunt is over. Last night S.O* and I picked up the keys to the place we bought. That's right, we have bought a house! Since then, I have had this silly smile on my face. I can't help it. Who knew that something as simple as keys would turn me into this sentimental, mushy character? You know, the one that wants to shed happy tears, hug everyone and tell them how much I love them...that sounds awfully a lot like my tipsy/drunk-self too!

The thing is, I always wanted a place of our own. I have desperately wanted to leave my parents' place for many reasons. After living on my own in London, I could not wait to do it here in Johannesburg! For various reasons (safety, cultural aspects, financially) I have not gotten a place sooner. It feels right though, to do this with my S.O. Once we are married, we will move it together - that is because of the traditions our parents hold dear. In the mean time, we will start to furnish the house, re-do the kitchen and a few other things.

The seller and his family seem like lovely folk. He bought us a pot plant with a card that read: "To wish you everything of the best in your new home, may you spend as many happy years as we did in it."

*S.O = Significant Other 

Chocolate Monday: Week 13

I cannot recall where I found this image, but the smiley on the end of the spoon is much too adorable. And I really need something like this today because I did not sleep well last night, so I am rather cranky and irritable. I wish I could leave work and snuggle into my duvet...if only for a few hours.

I'm baaaack

Those times when work is all consuming, and you're working long hours and weekends, and that does not seem to be enough...that has been me over the past few months.

If you do not know what I do, I am a journalist. My career has veered off to an online medium in recent years and now I am in a role that involves certain South African TV shows - amongst them Idols and MasterChef. Being the online person, everything seen on the official websites and social media comes from my team and I. The new skill I picked up is live social media interaction over Facebook and Twitter during broadcast of these shows. It is nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time. But God help you if you make a typo - the online audience descend on it like vultures to a carcass! I cannot say it is my dream job, but hey, if it helps me pay the bills, so be it. If you're in SA and you watch these shows, you know they are over. So it is time for me to:

1. Pause.
2. Breath.
3. Learn to live my life again! I think I've forgotten...
4. Breath some more.
5. Get neck deep into my wedding planning.

I have also sorely neglected my wedding planning during this time. Now when I think about it, I begin to hyperventilate knowing that March 2013 is not at all far off (I am not counting December 2012 and January 2013 because everything comes to a standstill in those months). When I see my  to-do list, what I have ticked-off as complete seems far too little compared to what still has to be done. Sigh... (Ward off panic mode!)

The S.O* and I have also managed to find a place to stay! Can I get a round of cheers, please? And pop the champagne! I am so happy about that. I am so glad we are getting a chance to live out lives and not stay with the in-laws. They are great people, but I really do want us to have our own space. The paper work is still in process and we shall only move in once we are married. This is the part that I cannot wait for. The wedding itself I can do without, but this what is important to me - a life, together. Look at me, getting all soppy this early on a Tuesday. Hahaha...

What has Bloggerville been up to? What has changed? What is new? Please, do tell! You know, I've missed everyone!

*Significant Other.

Chocolate Monday: Week 12

I mentioned in my previous post how busy I have been and how much has happened during my Blogger-ville hiatus. One of the more recent events is that I turned 30! Ten years ago, it was an inconceivable thought. But, lo and bold, time sneaks up on you.

What's a birthday with no cake? So, I baked a chocolate one this weekend. The recipe itself is vegan friendly, but I used nutella as icing (my cheats way out to make baking faster) and I sprinkled flake on top. I gotta admit, I enjoyed this cake. And I do plan to make it again this coming weekend.

Almost vegan friendly chocolate cake. Images taken by Prixie. 

Do you have any baking tips? Do you have a go-to-recipe that always works? Have you baked without eggs? Let me know in the comment section!

Chocolate Monday: Week 11

Image found on Imgfave. 

I have been so atrociously busy at work, I have neglected many parts of my life, including my blogs. So much has happened in the interim too, that I feel that could be a post all on it's own. For now, it is another Monday and that means everyone needs to survive it. And the picture of this mouthwatering cake may do the trick...  

Tag 2 of 2

Thank you Azra, for the tag and sorry for taking so long! I've been a bad blogger of late - and I blame work, fully!

Enough of that, though...here goes:

1. What is your favourite saying, or motto?
Face the sun and let the shadows fall behind you. - Not sure who said this.

2. What is your dream job?
A travel writer for National Geographic, or an established author of fairy-tales, science fiction, fantasy and other weird stuff.

3. What part of the world do you have little interest in travelling to? And which part of the world is next on your “list”?
I have no interest in places that are overly hot and too humid - that counts out most islands for me! I would love to do see the Northern Lights next.

4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London or New York.

5. When you travel, do you prefer to go to the city or the countryside?
Both.

6. What is the last thing you think about before falling asleep?
About my day, I suppose.

7. Are you a gardener, or a garden admirer? You can be both!
A little bit of both - I have a potted garden at the moment.

8. Do you enjoy cooking? If so, what are some meals you like to prepare when you entertain?
I adore cooking - it actually helps me to de-stress! :-/ I cook within my vegetarian diet, but folks do enjoy it. I often get asked for recipes. :)

9. Do you parallel park or drive around the block?
Drive around the block, so I can find one bay to alley dock into.

10. If there were 7 people from any time period you could invite to dinner, who would they be?
Jane Austen, Gregory David Roberts, Neil Gaiman, Pocahontas, Leonardo da Vinci, Desmond Tutu, Joss Whedon.

11. Have you ever written or would you like to write a short story, memoir, or novel?
I have scribbled down a few things, and yes, I would love to write a novel. There is only that pesky lack-of-time-and-discipline problem.

12. What kind of music helps you unwind?
Soft, soothing music.

13. When was the last time you cried?
Last week Saturday.

14. Which lyrics aptly describe your love life?
Okay, this is going to be corny and schmaltzy! S.O and I are getting married soon. I've never wanted to get married, so this entire experience is rather weird. Nevertheless I noticed, it has brought us closer. And we have both overcome many personal and joint problems to get to where we are. I am so proud of how S.O got his life back together, I feel astounded by his progress. I guess, Lonestar's Amazed are the perfect lyrics for now:


"I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you, It just keeps getting better, I want to spend the rest of my life, With you by my side, Forever and ever, Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you..."


15. What do you most enjoy about blogging, and what advice would you give new bloggers?
I enjoy blogging because it is a release from the daily grind. Sometimes the daily grind gets too much and I put blogging aside for a short while. I love the sense of community and the bonds formed. I love to share what I find interesting, to vent if need be, to share my opinion on matters. And hey, coming across like minded people!

New bloggers should start, and keep at it, when and where they can. Write from the heart!

Cupcakes and playlists in Japanese

The Red Velvet cupcakes for S.O's Bday.

The S.O* had his birthday recently. I decided to bake Red Velvet Cupcakes with a Cream Cheese Frosting to celebrate the occasion. This was the first time I had ever attempted to bake such cakes. Usually I stick to my go-to-quick-and-easy eggless cake recipe, so trying this out was a bit of a risk. Added to that risk was that the recipe called for eggs (I do not eat anything with eggs) so I used Egg Replacement. I was terrified it was going to be a huge flop, but thankfully it did not. The only problem was that they rose beautifully, but sunk a little after baking. Thankfully the icing covered it up! Since I do not usually eat desserts (eating only eggless goodies limits my options), I found the icing much too sweet. Other than that, they were yummy.

The playlist in Japanese. 

On a different note, I recently bought a CD - yes, some people still do that. As I ripped it to my computer, this is the music titles that came up. Who else understands Japanese? Bizarre and curious, don't you think? Has something like this ever happened to you? And here is the other strange part of this story: the music came on two CDs and the second CD pulled through the English music titles!

*S.O = Significant Other 
P.S: Happiest of birthdays to S.O. Celebrating this special day with you for the past 11 years has been beyond awesome. 

World's. Largest. Chocolate!

OhMyGosh - I read an article about the largest chocolate sculpture and man, oh man, I want it now! 

Qzina Speciality Foods built it to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Read the article here on the Gourmet Guys website.  I love how they pay homage to the Mayans, and take into account the Mayan calendar too.

Excuse me as I wipe the drool off my computer.

**Still salivating though.**

PS: They may sign me up to 'destroy the structure' in December 2012.