Resolutionize

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEGGTIWVKZXWcbg2Og2c4QRxSpzO_Y_lfbEv7E91xCNnMDsYrxBPC29eWdPzrnAbOGsfKHxn5V-VuchlO99DGi2bNCqa7sLRb750fFTCuCcjEYni5qi0XapNKtFxCjVfcT91LxFoTGUs/s1600/hny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEGGTIWVKZXWcbg2Og2c4QRxSpzO_Y_lfbEv7E91xCNnMDsYrxBPC29eWdPzrnAbOGsfKHxn5V-VuchlO99DGi2bNCqa7sLRb750fFTCuCcjEYni5qi0XapNKtFxCjVfcT91LxFoTGUs/s400/hny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: auto;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is that time of year where we complete Chapter 12 of 2010, and begin afresh with 2011, eager to fill the blank pages with rediscovered dreams, new hopes and fervent aspirations. It is also a time when we reflect upon the year that has passed, willing to right the wrongs and change our lives for the better. This is when New Year </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Resolutions are formed, where people make (sometimes impossible) pledges of self-improvement and commit to accomplish (often unreachable) goals. </span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: auto;">I don't do New Year's Resolutions. Simply because it's pretty hard to stick to. It's no wonder people make the exact same resolutions at the beginning of every single year. January goes as well as planned, you're still motivated in February, March is when you begin to slip, you start to neglect them in April and May is when you wonder why you made such unrealistic resolutions in the first place. You completely forget about it for the rest of year, until December, when you pledge that you will fulfill all those unresolved resolutions that you couldn’t attain within the year. It's a vicious circle. </div></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>These are some of the most popular new year resolutions that people make:</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Lose Weight and exercise more </li><br /><li>Quite smoking </li><br /><li>Get out of debt and save money </li><br /><li>Find a better job </li><br /><li>Improve on their education </li><br /><li>Go away on a long holiday</li><br /><li>Find their soulmate </li><br /><li>Volunteer to help others </li><br /><li>Buy a house or move to a better place </li><br /><li>Become more organised and less stressed </li><br /></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I bet that 3 or more of these were on your list for 2011. Instead, why don't you try some of these funny new year resolutions that I stumbled upon: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>I will no longer waste my time reliving the past, instead I will spend it worrying about the future. 
 </li><br /><li>I will not bore my boss with the same excuse for taking leave. I will think up other innovative excuses. 

 </li><br /><li>I will not spend every weekend in my PJ's, lazying in the living room. I will move the TV to my bedroom instead. </li><br /><li>I will give up chocolates totally. Completely. Honestly...Ok maybe just the white ones. </li><br /><li>I will stop sending e-mails, BBM's, SMS's and be on the phone at the same time with the same person. 
 </li><br /><li>I will not bribe any more traffic cops, but <i>only</i> because I need the money for petrol. I'll try to drive closer to the speed limit. </li><br /><li>I will learn to make decisions... </li><br /><li>I will cut my hair. I will grow my hair. Okay, maybe just a trim? </li><br /><li>I will stop worrying about things that don't worry about me. </li><br /><li>I will keep my opinions to myself. <i>Yeah right.</i></li><br /></ul><div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrY_3C0VLoq4s70yEPNfhGtmq7_fiQCawuVJPSUZgV7IA1Cbs9jDQICuCV7Mr5HOvOYES3R0At9r0ujoJPq8bRIhhWiYTz0g5TK5kTeSI5g7XBAOhlDwylZY5TNf3GNtS06ThyphenhyphenzJv9E/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-ponders-his-new-years-resolutions1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrY_3C0VLoq4s70yEPNfhGtmq7_fiQCawuVJPSUZgV7IA1Cbs9jDQICuCV7Mr5HOvOYES3R0At9r0ujoJPq8bRIhhWiYTz0g5TK5kTeSI5g7XBAOhlDwylZY5TNf3GNtS06ThyphenhyphenzJv9E/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-ponders-his-new-years-resolutions1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Here are some resolutions that anyone would be tempted to keep:</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>I will aim for the world record for number of hours spent watching TV.</li><br /><li>I will read something other than the newspaper. Like fashion magazines.</li><br /><li>I will chat more over phone. </li><br /><li>I will get more credit cards and max them out shopping. </li><br /><li>I will gain 15kg. Putting on weight is much easier and more fun than losing it. </li><br /><li>I will stop exercising, because it's such a waste of time. </li><br /><li>I will procrastinate more. Think I'll start sometime next year. </li><br /><li>I will spend less time at work. </li><br /><li>I will eat more junk food.</li><br /><li>I will take up a new habit. Maybe smoking, it helps keep tobacco workers employed. </li><br /></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Wouldn't it be easy to keep <i>these</i> resolutions for more than a week?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, onto the serious stuff...My New Year gift to you is the wise and wonderful words of <i>Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen</i> (which I modified slightly). It's a timeless and insightful piece of modern poetry which will alter your view of life in some way or the other. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjNF9_kzlFZWEBR9gf_DsJ2AbEhZBoyTOYPuC2HOzgis8gKp0s_Wy8zjajPzjVEp3j8J0XOa3igkZT4TdqUxIVJIucx6OjJO33SO9a_DK-E8k-I0elMzoiT_SC9DwOAZftWdzSWKzJx0/s1600/happy+2011+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjNF9_kzlFZWEBR9gf_DsJ2AbEhZBoyTOYPuC2HOzgis8gKp0s_Wy8zjajPzjVEp3j8J0XOa3igkZT4TdqUxIVJIucx6OjJO33SO9a_DK-E8k-I0elMzoiT_SC9DwOAZftWdzSWKzJx0/s640/happy+2011+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of 2010, </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas, the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked…. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">You are </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> as fat as you imagine. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Do one thing everyday that scares yo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">u. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Sing</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Floss </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Stretch </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Get plenty of calcium.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…What ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Dance...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"></span>Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Do </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.</span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Live in Johannesburg once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Cape Town once, but leave before it makes you soft. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Travel. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Accept certain inalienable truths; prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do, you’ll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect <i>your</i> elders. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">But trust me on the sunscreen… </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Wishing you a very Happy New Year! </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Looking forward to sharing more Frills and Thrills with you in 2011. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></span>

Resolutionize

It is that time of year where we complete Chapter 12 of 2010, and begin afresh with 2011, eager to fill the blank pages with rediscovered dr...

Read more »

A Mellow-Dramatic Mountain Retreat

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My family has a tradition where we spend a holiday away every year in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This year, the Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel was the retreat of choice for 30 members of my family and I. The resort is situated in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg, with panoramic views of the world famous Amphitheatre. It is named after the highest peak in this area, Mount-Aux-Sources, which stands at an impressive 3282 meters. It was discovered in the 1830's and aptly named 'Mountain of Springs', as it forms the source of three major rivers; the Tugela, Vaal and Orange.<br /><br /><br /><br />The formidable task of climbing Mount-Aux-Sources will provide you with a breathtaking view of the cascading Tugela Falls, which plunges at 948m (3110 feet), making it the 2nd highest waterfall in the world. I was amazed to find out that we have such an incredible natural wonder right on our doorstep. This spectacular sight, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal, is one that every South African should see. See <a href="http://www.world-waterfalls.com/">www.world-waterfalls.com</a> for all the stats.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAiMUC3kaYbLMA-thCTU8A_gaL-9B4Aq9YfHzXap7XL2CAv5I_-N_oNWmBo57M0G2RJ2AfQ-ltxyvQoiydkQDHKL9SDtro7PWgqe7Fu8OfrdQXudYzHceApWXLLE2d_WT5Mxr0iEI5DE/s1600/Tugela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAiMUC3kaYbLMA-thCTU8A_gaL-9B4Aq9YfHzXap7XL2CAv5I_-N_oNWmBo57M0G2RJ2AfQ-ltxyvQoiydkQDHKL9SDtro7PWgqe7Fu8OfrdQXudYzHceApWXLLE2d_WT5Mxr0iEI5DE/s320/Tugela.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenic Tugela Falls</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span>The Resort</span></b><br /><br /><br /><br />We stayed in the self-catering chalets, where the décor can be described as, er, shabby chic. I guess when you choose to spend time in the Great Outdoors, 5 star luxury is not to be expected. The hotel rooms are in slightly better condition. Next time, I must remember to pack bug spray – there are giant ants the size of grasshoppers and all sorts of zzzing, flapping, flying and buzzing things, waiting to strike while you sleep.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14lXGRt34NRbOplnLFG62XLKEuWOFzFczrX5qlRDGb9t1R5G1fsGxU72_jPxrGWBI9xJbZkjc3qO2RnU1VbxxEvYB7_w_oixGKEUBJcxXOuLvOuJfSVxLl3HUDqL1A17V5M49COPtcYM/s1600/Mont+Aux+Sources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14lXGRt34NRbOplnLFG62XLKEuWOFzFczrX5qlRDGb9t1R5G1fsGxU72_jPxrGWBI9xJbZkjc3qO2RnU1VbxxEvYB7_w_oixGKEUBJcxXOuLvOuJfSVxLl3HUDqL1A17V5M49COPtcYM/s640/Mont+Aux+Sources.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Images of the Orion Mont-Aux-Sources Resort and Hotel</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scenic view from the front porch of our chalet set the peaceful atmosphere in this marvelous mountain locale. Of course, no holiday at the Berg is complete without some drama. There was a Christmas crook on the loose, hopping in and out of chalet windows, stealing everything in sight; wallets, shoes, glasses and even all the food from the fridge! Must have been one hungry barefooted thief. A few policemen were kind enough to leave their Christmas dinners and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">investigate the crime scene. The last we heard from CSI:Drakensberg, there were no leads. Word of Note: Even though there's no air-conditioning, do not sleep with the windows open; you rather suffer from heatstroke than have your snacks stolen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Things To Do </span></b><br /><br /><br /><br />There's something for young, old and the in between at the resort and surrounding areas. For the outdoorsy types, there's horse riding, mini golf, swimming, tennis & squash courts, trout fishing, volley ball, hiking and mountain bike trails. A 4.5km walk down the windy mountain pass to the gushing Tugela River is quite energizing and a great way to experience nature. But I really wouldn't know, because I was wise enough to drive there to pick up all the hikers who couldn't make it back up the hill. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other facilities include a restaurant, pool tables, darts, kids activity room, jumping castle, jungle gym and a life size chess board. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you drive 10km out of the resort, you will find the farmstyle Tower of Pizza Restaurant. Appetizing Italian food is served in this quaint countryside venue.  We had towers of different pizzas, naturally, and the most delicious basil pesto with tagliatelle. Visit their website at www.towerofpizza.co.za</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesZjCcxhoHMu4vbuOJGNbV7kqFd49bwJtq5uj5Tb7IOZFz-7yw1ju3ko1dRRJ58rysle15d0i5NOREc_g0B6LHS8ge15l4XavIi27IQlp-dOEWsyxQeLL25sMOiSHyCBHcTHn7KMBT8/s1600/DSCF0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesZjCcxhoHMu4vbuOJGNbV7kqFd49bwJtq5uj5Tb7IOZFz-7yw1ju3ko1dRRJ58rysle15d0i5NOREc_g0B6LHS8ge15l4XavIi27IQlp-dOEWsyxQeLL25sMOiSHyCBHcTHn7KMBT8/s400/DSCF0125.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Countryside Cuisine at The Tower of Pizza</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our nights were entertained with boardgames, braai's, karaoke and competitions. Now, you get those who sing karaoke like true Idols and then, you get the karaoke kings and queens who keep the wildlife away. One more mortifying rendition of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hotel California</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and The Eagles are going to sue. My ears were in actual physical pain after being tortured by a petrifying performance of Abba's Dancing Queen. Trying to hit those high notes is a health hazard. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guests staying at the hotel could also participate in a megafun music trivia competition. Families were grouped together and played musical Trivial Pursuit for a grand prize. I am proud to announce that our team, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Outlaws</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> won.  </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Applause </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To clear things up, we didn't win because we had the largest team of em..14 or is it 15 members, we won because good teamwork pays off. Cheating (by Googling the answers on your Blackberry) doesn't...hope our rival team, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Police</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are taking heed of this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to get away from the city traffic, busy streets, clamour and crowds, then the tranquility of this rustic mountain resort is the remedy. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3MJgTc-fMqr7jBP93INwhETrGjcwQL2ps5OW4InLNguB6z1FKYX85MtRspfG3Ajl3l5E_TIosXJKEPOvnjxqi-56LX88jNlIH7R0y88KlydgcvQsCb6KJiymQehORDxUetd3tNi56ds/s1600/Mount+Aux+Sources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3MJgTc-fMqr7jBP93INwhETrGjcwQL2ps5OW4InLNguB6z1FKYX85MtRspfG3Ajl3l5E_TIosXJKEPOvnjxqi-56LX88jNlIH7R0y88KlydgcvQsCb6KJiymQehORDxUetd3tNi56ds/s640/Mount+Aux+Sources.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Glorious Drakensberg Mountains and Tugela River</span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Criminal offences, run-down rooms and rainy weather could not put a damper on our fabulous family getaway. It doesn't really matter where you are, as long as you have great company and a sunny state of mind.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For further information on the Mont-Aux Sources Resort, contact the General Manager on </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(036) 438 8000 or visit <a href="http://www.oriongroup.co.za/">www.oriongroup.co.za</a></span></div>

A Mellow-Dramatic Mountain Retreat

My family has a tradition where we spend a holiday away every year in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This year, the Mont-Aux-Sources Re...

Read more »

Happy Holidays

<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weekend holiday is here, with high spirits and a festive atmosphere all around. </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a great time for each of us to spread the happiness by engaging in some good deeds. Your acts of kindness and compassion will add a spot of sunshine to someones day and inspire others to do the same. Don't worry, you don't have to donate your entire xmas bonus to charity, being benevolent doesn't cost a thing. The greatest reward is seeing how your positivity reflects upon others. </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEeDTmbmGk9uARQIifF-naDSWEcM9KZF2dEdkYlw_NnseVi5-pQMgwzJ87TUZC2MN1TwS6aSr1rsORPJ31Gsgr37ZKGIYAoIt0D-YR45W5PgQkANC2WxDFOaNmmMBplk5tLuN10jpEwE/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEeDTmbmGk9uARQIifF-naDSWEcM9KZF2dEdkYlw_NnseVi5-pQMgwzJ87TUZC2MN1TwS6aSr1rsORPJ31Gsgr37ZKGIYAoIt0D-YR45W5PgQkANC2WxDFOaNmmMBplk5tLuN10jpEwE/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Sprinkle some fairy dust this holiday with these altruistic ideas:</span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><ol><li>Be courteous to other drivers on the road.</li><br /><li>Instead of being plugged into your phone, laptop or iPod, spend that quality time with family and loved ones. <i>“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.” </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Harvey MacKay</span></li><br /><li>Hold the door open for the person behind you, especially if they are carrying packages, bags or babies.</li><br /><li>Thank people that provide a service to you; waiters, cleaners, cashiers, etc. Remember that they have to work while the rest of us enjoy the public holiday.</li><br /><li>Offer to housesit for friends or family that are going away on vacation. They will have peace of mind knowing that you're there.</li><br /><li>Thank your mum or gran for the wonderful meal they prepared. They need to know that they are appreciated.</li><br /><li>Help someone who is lost and looking for directions.</li><br /><li>Offer to babysit for friends so that they can have the night off. They will be very grateful.</li><br /><li>Give out at least 5 compliments per day. Everyone needs some positive reinforcement.</li><br /><li>Smile, it is the simplest act of kindness. <i>"All the statistics in the world can't measure the warmth of a smile." </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Chris Hart</span></li><br /></ol><ol></ol><ol></ol><ol></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Wishing you a lovely long weekend!</span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i><br /><br /></i></b></span></div></span>

Happy Holidays

The weekend holiday is here, with high spirits and a festive atmosphere all around.  This is a great time for each of us to spread the happi...

Read more »

Shopping and Showers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawoUAIN-rBsu6Avt5zrd6LZJ2rMU-6S_If2wUzvCpoAoZ0ysbbCkCeE186icky4Z7V69tSgHw79H5iEToctyLr7M1kKXrnlCme4EKPK-8m2cXarRH9lae1Q92kwfrqOUIFqppPg3oyHI/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawoUAIN-rBsu6Avt5zrd6LZJ2rMU-6S_If2wUzvCpoAoZ0ysbbCkCeE186icky4Z7V69tSgHw79H5iEToctyLr7M1kKXrnlCme4EKPK-8m2cXarRH9lae1Q92kwfrqOUIFqppPg3oyHI/s1600/rain.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hats off to all those brave enough to face the crazy crowds at shopping centers this week. Even attempting to buy the simplest thing, like shampoo, can turn into an all day frenzy. Okay, I should have known better than to leave buying essentials to the busiest shopping week of the year. To top it off, it was the rainiest week of the year too. Trolley wars, empty store shelves, mile-long queues, no parking spaces and highly strung last minute shoppers. I could barely make it through the packed store aisles, where customers were clearing out every box of chocolates in sight. It seems that if you haven't already bought a gift, forgotten someone on your list, or just have no clue what to buy, chocolates are definitely the way to go. And a set of mugs. You can never be too sweet or have too many cups of tea. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At least I think that was the thought behind it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The streets were swarming with soaked shoppers, ankle deep in water, carrying armloads of newly wrapped gifts. To make matters worse, there was no covered parking. People paddled to their cars, trying to safeguard their HDTV's, bicycles, appliances, PS3's & other ridiculously large gift boxes from the wet weather. You should count yourself lucky if you receive a slightly damp smoothie maker. It's either that or the chocolates.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting drenched in the downpour for a bottle of shampoo is really not worth it. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Note to self:</i> If I ever make the mindless mistake of doing year end shopping in a rain shower again, I must remember to carry an umbrella.</span></div>

Shopping and Showers

Hats off to all those brave enough to face the crazy crowds at shopping centers this week. Even attempting to buy the simplest thing, like s...

Read more »

A Fair To Remember

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3Q_Nktb3shiGUJYe63XRYO03p6yPfNd_jJHsJfzgDLJWLv8KBzpzKhBH-yxR0YFuqLFL9-ImGWEtmX9woBEtMDsrFnK8SpkFhbF672xucK_HQSV7wIabQwYf44INsvokT3by9FokRBc/s1600/Blog-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3Q_Nktb3shiGUJYe63XRYO03p6yPfNd_jJHsJfzgDLJWLv8KBzpzKhBH-yxR0YFuqLFL9-ImGWEtmX9woBEtMDsrFnK8SpkFhbF672xucK_HQSV7wIabQwYf44INsvokT3by9FokRBc/s640/Blog-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can imagine, the entertainment element in Small Town, SA is basically non-existent. So, when there's word of a town fair, we get pretty excited. I always imagine any fair to have lots of little stalls selling quaint crafts and collectables, homemade confectionary, carousels, freshly made pancakes, pony rides and my all time carnival classic, candy floss. It's a place where families flock to buy handmade ornaments they will never find space for, </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">get a tooth ache on a toffee apple and lose their kids in the crowd. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After actually attending the fair, I realised that I may just have an overactive imagination. Our local event involved a kilted Scotsman playing the bagpipes, some lost American tourists and a bunch of stylish Joburgers, drunk on the fresh farm air, among other things. The entire 'fair' was a single table selling overpriced gardening gear. Not a stick of candy floss in sight! Under normal circumstances, I would have been disappointed, but I figure that a country fair with 10 attendees, R700 pot plants and some bagpipes is far better than not having one at all. Here's to next years fair! It couldn't possibly get any worse, right? </span></div>

A Fair To Remember

As you can imagine, the entertainment element in Small Town, SA is basically non-existent. So, when there's word of a town fair, we get ...

Read more »

Jessica Alba's New Hairstyle

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Jessica Alba</span></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>Little Fockers NYC Premiere</i></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjt69QJbzS2nIxwu1-3VggMgL2mSmbebbkiMfFFUmjLa9LPRU_X2RGRXS5MtGfuE-2IHe4soDXBQnWTqZJxDj5Zb5K8hme3pwhxyv9i3chwAECZiv5-8MX76Gp7Lk1YbZcVkM6dWDJXE/s1600/Jessica+Alba+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjt69QJbzS2nIxwu1-3VggMgL2mSmbebbkiMfFFUmjLa9LPRU_X2RGRXS5MtGfuE-2IHe4soDXBQnWTqZJxDj5Zb5K8hme3pwhxyv9i3chwAECZiv5-8MX76Gp7Lk1YbZcVkM6dWDJXE/s640/Jessica+Alba+.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessica Alba shows off a short sleek bob at the premiere of <i>Little Fockers </i>in New York this week. Her white fringed tier dress is by <i>Valentino Couture</i> and the stunning gold heels are by <i>Christian Louboutin</i>. She stars in the third installment of the hilarious <i>Meet the Parents</i> movie franchise.</span></div>

Jessica Alba's New Hairstyle

Jessica Alba Little Fockers NYC Premiere Jessica Alba shows off a short sleek bob at the premiere of  Little Fockers in New York this week. ...

Read more »

Divas & Darlings - Hollywood Style Awards

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Red Carpet Fashion</span></b></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><i>Hollywood Style Awards 2010</i></span></b></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Awards Show, held in Los Angeles on Sunday, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">celebrates the essence of Hollywood style by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> honouring celebrity fashion icons & </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">trendsetters. </span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">These are some pretty looks from the event.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCtqbX6d4QzApwW52u3HbbOmjYQqs6wz3SWa8GckITRrIsXnU0oBxbZ6DI1Y-v5impTDAhgtUwH4km2stEwPMnlTfoxhOExIWyVbIKvDknjCpyoZIafH-m-eEm_ugwUC8vmhYt6HqRY/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mCtqbX6d4QzApwW52u3HbbOmjYQqs6wz3SWa8GckITRrIsXnU0oBxbZ6DI1Y-v5impTDAhgtUwH4km2stEwPMnlTfoxhOExIWyVbIKvDknjCpyoZIafH-m-eEm_ugwUC8vmhYt6HqRY/s640/Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Camilla Belle wears a demure gray Kimberly Ovitz dress with beautiful origami detail. <i>Gossip Girl </i>Katie Cassidy looks stunning in a black lace Georges Chakra gown & walked away with the Female Future Style Icon Award. Kate Bosworth does chic & simple in a Jil Sander dress with pockets. </span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And a few questionable dresses</span></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgB0L4gy9TBosIBHQzRo4yLN3zns_2QCBgSIoX8mX2dCY9_5AfxYwn8-RrGH-9dLClRtpUiD4N_3p40fDOxH4EasHFjBE_klMCanrEOyra0UGq5O8e3zHK3FnqsvTIiT1sDpvE8kzxNg/s1600/Style+Awards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgB0L4gy9TBosIBHQzRo4yLN3zns_2QCBgSIoX8mX2dCY9_5AfxYwn8-RrGH-9dLClRtpUiD4N_3p40fDOxH4EasHFjBE_klMCanrEOyra0UGq5O8e3zHK3FnqsvTIiT1sDpvE8kzxNg/s640/Style+Awards+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Krysten Ritter in a floral Alberta Ferretti frock that would be better suited as Victorian upholstery. Selena Gomez in a multi-coloured, glittery Max Azria Atelier dress with a front slit <i>&</i> a train. Too many trends on one dress. <i>Glee's </i>Lea Michele in a strapless white gown by The Row, with Christian Louboutin heels. A white towel wouldn't have cost as much. Oh well...</span></span></td></tr><br /></tbody></table>

Divas & Darlings - Hollywood Style Awards

Red Carpet Fashion Hollywood Style Awards 2010 The Awards Show, held in Los Angeles on Sunday,  celebrates the essence of Hollywood style by...

Read more »