Going Green

Every family gathering we have, there always seems to be someone who feels the need to comment about my weight. My father is the biggest culprit. They ask why don’t I eat? Am I starving myself? Frankly, food is just too good to let it go to waste like that. So, of course, I do eat. I began to lose weight without knowing how. So then what’s your secret they say?

2013, is the year I finally dropped a jean size. I would give thanks to the 101 stairs I climb every day at UCT upper campus. But also, I found a new addiction… GREEN TEA! Don’t get me wrong, it tastes terrible but with the numerous health benefits it has, I couldn’t give it a miss. I found a box full of it at home and thought ah, why not. So slowly but surely, I started to lose weight - without even trying!

Green tea aids in the increased ability to burn fat fast, reducing cholesterol. In addition, it naturally boosts the rate of your metabolism. So, along with regular exercise and healthy eating (bear in mind, this does not mean dieting) – green tea will just give your weight loss challenge an extra kick start. I really don’t believe in dieting. Salads are not appetising. There are only so many times that leaves could taste good. Ten-to-one, you’re going to end up eating regular food sooner or later so why begin to go through the torture? It’s really all about cutting down and cutting out. I started off with cutting out take-aways. I waved goodbye to McD’s long ago. But every now and then I go to Nando’s, Kauai or even Subway. That’s real good food, the healthy way. Another thing, I stay away from gassy cool drinks. It’s loaded with sugar and tends to make me feel bloated and uncomfortable. However, everybody’s body is different, so just try and see what works best for you. One thing I learnt about weight loss is that you shouldn’t be viewing your body under a microscope. Don’t measure yourself and step on the scale every day. That’s like watching a clock and expecting time to move by fast. The less you pay attention to how much you’re losing, the more surprised you’ll be. To track your progress, go according to how your body feels and how you fit into your clothes. That’s how I began to notice a difference. There is no over-night weight loss secret. Give yourself a couple of months to see some results.

As a university student, sleep is a privilege so I always relied on my daily, delicious cappuccinos from the cafeteria, but then I realised that my green tea actually enhanced my energy levels, naturally. Apparently it also eliminates the excess water stored in your body and suppresses food cravings, making it easier to burn that fat! The antioxidants in green tea helps flush out all the bad toxins that kind of make us feel … “bleh”. Your skin will thank you as well as the detoxifying agents prevents you from signs of aging - like wrinkles. In addition, green tea is packed with nutrients and vitamin C that will help strengthen your immune system by destroying bacteria in your body, making it easier to fight against infections.

Boom.

Great body, great skin and a healthy immune system… why have you not put the kettle on already?

You don’t have to endure the horrible taste. Spice up your green tea by adding perhaps a slice of lemon and some honey for flavouring. 

Enjoy the benefits, here’s to going GREEN!

"Do you think you're more beautiful than you say?"

#RealBeauty

Before reading this post, please make sure you are using a device that is compatible to view videos online as this post makes reference to the clips attached to this post. Thanks!

One of my favourite adverts has to be the Dove Real Beauty campaigns, it just gets me all teary-eyed with goosebumps. I mean, on one hand it’s really sad that society has somehow rubbed off on us. We women are just the worst critics of beauty – we can’t even see the beauty in ourselves yet we are so quick to point out the beauty in others. It’s sad because everyone is beautiful and everyone should be able to see the beauty in themselves, a quality that we all possess. We shouldn’t wait to be complimented to acknowledge this beauty. Then again, half the time we do get compliments, we easily brush it off. It got me questioning why is this so and why do the negative comments create a bigger impact on our self-esteem? Dove has a vision that is "committed to building positive self-esteem and inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential". The Dove campaigns are such a raw reflection on ourselves and its quite evident that we put a great deal of pressure on ourselves. We all possess beauty, it exists in each and every one of us… it’s just unfortunate that we find it so difficult to see it in ourselves. 

The reason why I wanted to write an article on this topic was to talk briefly about the effects, perhaps the media has on our perception of beauty, as well as our own perception and the unnecessary amount of pressure that we put on ourselves to reach this unrealistic expectation of beauty. Studies show that the greatest source of beauty pressure comes from ourselves. We find this source of ‘inspiration’ from magazines and advertisements inundated with beauty enhancing products. Half of the time, those very pictures are edited and enhanced. It’s unfortunate that we put this pressure on ourselves to reach these high levels of what beauty is perceived to be. We were not made to be perfect. It simply does not exist. 

I did a little research. I spoke to a couple of my friends about what they find to be beautiful about themselves and what they dislike about themselves. Like the Dove advert illustrated, we women are very hesitant to compliment ourself or unable to list a couple of our best qualities. Yet we are quick to point out our faults and say what needs to be changed.  Do we fear that we may come across as vain? It saddens me because we should be bold, we should confidently accept ourselves. Why do we, women have all these body insecurities. It’s always the issue when we are trying on new clothes, or dipping into the swimming pool. We’re always quick to cover up or quick to say “don’t look at me”. Why are we undermining ourselves? Like I said, we are the worst critics of our own beauty.

I spoke to a couple of my guy friends to get their perception about what makes a girl beautiful. Majority of them go along with the idea that "looks attracts but personality keeps" – in other words, one’s personality has the ability to overcome one’s looks. Yes, first impressions are really important. The way you carry yourself or present yourself gives another person a little bit of an insight into who you are or what you’re all about. However, physical appearances are not the be-all-end-all. I think we should really just work on ourselves and our character more than how we physically look. We should stop trying to constantly enhance ourselves. 

One of my biggest dislikes, is when people feel the need to surgically enhance themselves. Hollywood known to be the home of plastic surgery – its filled with people who are not satisfied with themselves, nor does it seem they’ll ever be. One would only need to take a look at Joan Rivers – an example of someone who could simply just not get enough of altering herself. These Dove adverts really opened up my eyes and made me ask a whole lot of questions of what beauty really entails.

I have a friend who time after time undermines how beautiful she really is. This saddens me. I so badly just want to give her my eyes so that she can see for herself this incredible quality that she possesses. That no matter what she's wearing, no matter whether she has make-up on or not, she will continuously remain beautiful for the mere fact that she is who she is. I know you will read this post sometime and you will know without me having to tell you. You are beautiful my friend, just accept it.

Nonetheless, I hope that these advertisements have impacted you as much as they have made an impact on me and my perception of beauty.Let's work at finding our inner beauty, something that we ALL possess. Don't let the media fool you, don't let this unrealistic 'idea' get the best of you. Let the beauty shine through all our faults and imperfections. Let's be OK with the way we are and the way we look. I can guarantee you that if YOU see yourself as a BEAUTIFUL being and you're confident about that... people will be convinced to think the same.

Stay beautifully beautiful

XOX

Tribute to the Father of our Nation

Our Hero!

www.apple.com

Blessed am I to have lived in a time and country as you, Nelson Mandela. Never have I been more proud to be a South African than I am today. The effect you have on us is palpable. Pick up a newspaper, tune into the radio, flip through the news channels – everywhere you go there is a tribute to the great hero that you are to us all. I cannot be more grateful for the freedom that you have given us today. I may not have been born in the years of the apartheid struggle, but through the stories my folks have told me, you have been the rock for our country. You have provided a brighter future for our people and for that, we are forever in your debt.

We were prepared for the end, but the end is not something we wanted to accept. My heart aches for you. It’s like a light went out in our country. I wish I was privileged enough to have been in your presence. I wish you could live forever. But now it is our time and our duty to let your legacy live on forever. 

“You may have closed your eyes, but you have opened up the eyes of the world”. 

Thank you Madiba, Thank you!

The Empire State Building

Sand sculpture in India

Eiffel Tower, Paris

On behalf of the free youth of today, I vow to continue to uphold your moral values and always strive to create a better and equal South Africa for us all. One of my favourite quotes from you: “No-one is born hating another person because of the colour of their skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite” - powerful words from an inspirational being. It shows the potential us humans have of changing the course of history and I hope that the youth of today will honour his wishes of creating a world of harmony and equality.

South Africans from all walks of life
came together to celebrate the
life of Madiba outside the
City Hall, Cape Town

 Our rainbow nation mourns your passing but we also celebrate the life you had. May you rest in the peace that you have provided us with and may your spirit continue to radiate throughout the land. 

Paying my respects at the Grand Parade, outside the
City Hall, Cape Town

Long live Madiba! Long live!  

Trend Alert: The Gold Linked Chain

Shashi Naidoo

The gold linked chain has been my recent favourite accessory this summer and a definite must have! It adds a dash of Rihanna to any outfit, come day or night. I love the simplicity yet bold statement it brings, giving any outfit that perfect dose of pizazz.

I’ve paired mine with a plain white tee, a bright coral blazer, jeans and nude heels. Less is more, so I tried to keep it simple with stud earrings and minimal/plain jewelry.

Gold matches with every colour. I love how Shashi has paired it with both casual and formal wear and still manages to ooze with sophistication, no matter the occasion. 

www.instagram.com/shashinaidoo

Tip: I find that many stores are selling the gold chains that either look or feel like plastic. Try not to buy these ones. I guess there’s a fine line in turning the gold-chain look from classy to all out trashy, if you get what I'm trying to say. I've seen good quality necklaces at SassDiva or Lovisa, Canal Walk - so check those stores for good deals. 

Someone once told me that I’d look too gangster wearing a chained gold necklace…I responded: "I did not choose the gangster life. The gangster life chose me." Hahaha.

Nonetheless, my friends have agreed with me that its an accessory every girl should have this summer!

Kouthar: “I love them. They so funky and gives every outfit that edge.”

Naz: “Love it. It makes an outfit look so classy!”

Qaanita: "I love, love, love it. Perfect accessory for summer that goes with everything. It adds that bit of edge and funkiness to an outfit. It's a summer season must-have!"

Aqeelah: "It can make your outfit completely fabulous!"

XOX

Cafe Review: The Creamery

Recently, hidden café’s or petite coffee boutiques have really intrigued me. My latest obsession has to be “The Creamery” that has opened up in Dean Street, Newlands. It's perfect on a warm Sunday afternoon before we all head right into Monday morning madness. The 'calm before the storm', I say.

The Creamery specialises in handmade ice-cream and desserts.  I tried out the waffle with birthday cake ice-cream, chocolate espresso dust, topped with chocolate sauce. It was like heaven melting in my mouth!

What really blew me away were the extraordinary different flavoured hand-made ice-creams that they offered. The flavours are so precise to the label; Peanut Butter, Birthday Cake (my favourite), Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Choc Chip, Pistachio, Farm Cream, Rosetta Roastery Coffee, Naartjie Chocolate Chip and Lemon Curd Swirl. The prices are fairly decent, but definitely worth every penny (Single scoop R18, Double R28).

In addition to this, they offer Sundaes, various seasonal desserts and of course your tea and coffee.

You may find this brand a lil familiar. After only 18 months since launching their brand, The Creamery made an appearance on the second season of Masterchef SA as the nation's best artisanal ice-cream producer! So big ups on them for the incredible achievement!

I love the turquoise colour palette of this place and the boutique look and feel of it. Do pop in and give it a try be it for breakfast or a late night craving. For those sweet tooth lovers, it's pretty darn good!

Feroza Petersen: “The service was warm and friendly. It appeals to the young and trendy generations. Their ice-cream was absolutely divine and the flavours were to die for! It comes highly recommended for both adults and kids.” 

Visit their website for more information. Do pop in and give it a try.

www.thecreamery.co.za

Shop 4, Newlands Quarter,

Deen Street, Newlands

021 686 3975

Mon: Closed

Tues, Wed: 10am - 7pm

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10am - 11pm 

My Role Model: Shashi Naidoo

Every girl grows up with someone in their life that they look up to, to aspire to be like - someone that motivates them to do better, to be better. My role model has inspired me in more ways than I could have imagined. Not only have I had the pleasure in meeting her, but I have also been honoured to know her personally.

Shashi Naidoo

Shashi Naidoo is a highly ambitious and driven woman who has been blessed with not only impeccable beauty but brains as well. Her countless achievements continue to grow on a daily basis. She’s a model, business owner, chiropractor, actress, MC, TV presenter, winner of Come Dine with Me & Tropika Island of Treasure, a blogger, an ambassador for many brands, FHM’s most hottest woman in the world and as I run out of breath trying to list the things she’s involved in, you will understand why I say she’s one of many talents. Ask her to write up a CV, I’m sure she’d end up with an entire book!

My fascination, with who Shashi Naidoo is, all started off when I read an interview in the People magazine about her new role in Egoli. And of course, I tuned in every evening and was glued to a soapie that I’ve never really taken interest in before. From then, her career blossomed and Shashi became a household name. She graced the covers of many magazines and appeared on many television and radio shows. Everyone who knew me would know who Shashi was. If they didn’t, I’d be sure to tell them all about her and would no doubt convert them into being a fan.

Her achievements inspired me and the manner in which she carried herself set her apart from the rest. Often celebrities are tainted by the media. Nevertheless, I have only come across words that have painted Shashi in such a positive light. She has managed to stay so humble in spite of her rising fame and has continued to give back where she can. The way in which she values and cherishes her family and friends is palpable, and I admire her for that.  

She welcomed me into her home and I got to get a very surreal first-hand experience of “The Life of Shashi Naidoo” and yes I would say it is as glamorous as it seems, but a lot of hard work and long hours is behind it all. I remember the day she gave me a couple of tips the first time I did a commercial shoot. Or the day I told her I started off at UCT Radio and she said “And so it begins! I am so proud of you”. To have your role model motivate you and inspire you to be GREAT, makes all that hard work a whole lot easier.

I thank you Shashi for all that you’ve done for me and all the inspiration that you’ve given. Continue to be the phenomenal person that you are.  I am sure I am not the only one to be blown away by your heart of gold :)

Have a look at her stunning fashion blog: shashiscloset.com

4 year old Kai sings Bruno Mars #Ellen

Jimmy Kimmel Prank: I told my kids I ate their Halloween candy

Witness The Fitness

Running. 

That exercise we love to hate and we hate to love. I’ve never really been a fanatic about running. In fact, every time I ran I was reminded of how unfit I was and questioned why I was doing this to myself. Whether it was running on a treadmill in a fancy gym or running on the road, I just couldn’t find the pleasure of going the distance. What I didn’t know was that it wasn’t running that was the problem, but the way in which I was running. Now some of you couch potatoes may not be interested in all the technicalities of running – perhaps the very reason why you’re stuck on the couch in the first place. To me running was all about speed but in fact, running is all about the distance. I wouldn’t say I’m a ‘know-it-all’ about all things running, but I definitely found the pleasure in running from following these few tips I learnt along the way.

First things first, keep at a pace. Get the rhythm going. Run at the speed at which one would walk in a fast pace. Focus on that rhythm and perfect it. It’s not all about how fast you get to your destination - we’ll leave that to the speed trainers. It is rather about how much of the distance you can endure at a regular pace.

Running is considered to be very therapeutic. It gets the happy endorphins pumping and secondly it gets you thinking and helps you clear your mind. Focus on your thoughts because as we all know, one thought leads to another and another and another. Before you know it, you’ve run half the block already.

Music is like my mantra! I suggest you put together a running or exercise playlist before you hit the road. On my playlist I have tunes from Zedd, Avicii, Swedish House Mafia and Calvin Harris to name a few. Electro-house pretty much gets me going. The beat also helps me find a rhythm. If it means that I have to sing along in my head to help me get through the distance, then that is what I’ll do. Just don’t take it too far and be fist pumping along the road haha, because then you’ll just be making a fool of yourself.  

Another tip I always tell my friends is “Never Look Ahead”. Focus on the ground before you and only on the ground. Looking at the distance ahead just puts your off and ten-to-one youre going to find a landmark and tell yourself that that’s where you’re going to stop. Biggest trick ever is to not pay attention to the distance. Listen to your thoughts, listen to the music, focus on your pace. The distance will melt away the moment you get into that zone.

I often have this debate with people between which route is best: Road vs Treadmill. This could be different for everyone, but I think that road running is by far more advantageous. Too begin with, the treadmill has a STOP button! Haha! That is no good for people who don’t want to run in the first place! From experience, running on the treadmill started off with a half hour run, down to 20mins and down to a further 5mins. I became lazy because it was easy for me to stop. Pathetic you may say. Indeed!  Next thing you know, there’s Husain Bolt wannabe next to you trying to outrun that treadmill and there goes your self-confidence. Sounds like lame excuses I’m making up here – fact is, I just don’t enjoy it. Running on the road you have the scenery, you have the distance pushing you to the end. No-one is there to carry you home. You are forced to run home! May it be running or walking, you are forced to complete that distance and that is what keeps me going. That is what helps me reach my goals and I can come home satisfied, having conquered the road!

Running CAN be FUN, you just have to find ways in which to make it easier for yourself and more enjoyable. Make it a habit. Make a commitment. The moment you start to crave that after-exercise burn in your legs. That’s when you know you’ve got it right! 

Restaurant Review: Tasha's

Tasha’s is one of my favourite restaurants in Cape Town. Natasha Sideris, the founder and owner of this boutique cafe has managed to utilise her entrepreneurial talent to make Tasha’s into a whopping success in less than a decade. It has remained popular nationwide with several branches open in Johannesburg, Cape Town as well as in Durban and Pretoria.

What is her secret might you ask? It is her attention to detail and precision in all spheres required to make a brand and business successful. It is evident from the moment you walk in, from the service to the fresh, delicious cooked food, or from the stylish boutique styled look to the at-home ambiance  No matter what time of the day it is, there is a constant buzz.

With its increasing popularity, you will find you have to be patient and wait in line for the next available spot as booking or reserving seats is not allowed. Make no mistake this has not stopped people from coming back for more!

Not only does the food look good, it tastes good too!
Real value for money I say.

Although I have not yet explored the whole menu, my favourite dishes thus far would have to be “Tasha’s Panini” under Sandwiches as well as “The Brazillian” Quisidillas. 

To drink, I love the Spiced Chai.

My mouth just waters thinking about it!

Cape Town has been newly introduced to the trend of frozen yoghurt with branches like Wakaberry and Menchies on the market. In order to stay trendy and current, Tasha's has created a new popular dessert with their very own frozen yoghurt, coming in different flavours and toppings. 

A definite “must try!”

Delicious assorted Milkshakes

Tasha’s is for sure to remain a quality brand and I cannot wait for more branches to open up in Cape Town!

TASHA’S CONSTANTIA:

021 794 5449

Shop 55, Constantia Village, Constantia

 Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 7am till 6pm, 

Sunday 7h30am till 4pm

My Soulmate

I believe in soulmates and it doesn’t come from someone telling you that they’re your soulmate, you just know. It’s a feeling, a feeling of happiness. Like your world is at peace with them in your life. Your missing puzzle piece. Your other half. Your best friend.

You soulmate changes your life completely and you start to wonder how you got along without them in the first place. From here onwards, you both know without a doubt that you’ll be spending the rest of your lives together.

There’s an old myth that goes by saying: “You enter this world with a soul, and it splits into two - each half inhabiting a different body. These two are forever soulmates and will never be complete until they find each other.” I know you might be thinking this is bonkas and what not. But once you’ve found your soulmate, everything will start to make sense.

I have been blessed to call someone my soulmate. Nicole Megan Gounder, I knew from the very beginning that our friendship would blossom into something incredible. Who knew we would be so lucky enough to find each other in a world with billions of people.

I am ever grateful to have you in my life, and I will remind you this on numerous occasions. You ask us to explain our friendship to someone, they would be mindboggled. They won’t understand. But that’s okay, because our friendship should only matter to us. You just make my world that much more beautiful to live in and I am forever smiling because of you :)

To my soulmate, here’s to many more years of happiness, love and a phenomenal friendship!

I love you with all my heart

#Hastags #For #Days

We live in a cyber world where we feel the need to #hastag ev.ver.ry.thing.

This is one of my favourite videos from Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake. I'm #ROTFL #Lmao #lol

Start your day on a healthy note:

As the saying goes:

 “breakfast is the most important 

meal of the day”

So why not make it healthy while you're at?

This is a very quick and easy treat I learnt from Shashi Naidoo.

Ingredients:

Whole wheat bread

Egg whites

Avocado

Tabasco sauce (for  flavouring)

Pretty simple method:

Pop the bread in the toaster

Separate the egg white and sizzle it on the stove

Spread the avocado and place the cooked egg white on top

Top it off with some spicy Tabasco sauce for flavouring – avoid using any other sauces rich in calories, it would defeat the purpose of it being a healthy meal!

Finished Product

Not only is this meal quick and easy to make, it’s also filling. 

You start your morning off with some healthy carbs to get that immediate energy. 

Using the egg white instead of the whole egg is healthier. Egg whites have a less calories, fats and cholesterol. 

Although avocados are perceived as containing a lot of fat, however it contains healthy fats that are necessary for a healthy living. It contains substantial amount of vitamins and minerals.

Enjoy!

Welcome!

The key to a fulfilled life…? 

"do the things that make you happy" 

and 

“live life to the fullest”. 

My two mottos that I live by, hence the title of my blog: Euphoria - "an intense state of happiness".

Euphoria is all about putting my passion to writing, so do join me on this journey as I explore the pleasures that life has to offer!



(Layinah Petersen) The Holi One Festival of Colours