Tuesday 30 June 2015

Literary Ladies Summer Reading Challenge

For my South African readers I will be treating this as a Winter Reading Challenge because well, we're in the midst of winter.



I have been meaning to post this list since last week but first I wasn't sure I could raise to the challenge of reading 10 books in a matter of two months but then I decided I have to give it a shot! And secondly, life just got really busy so I had to play around with my book options. Now it may seem like I've started this post in the middle of a thought process and that would be true #hidesfaceinshame. If you're not sure what I'm talking about check out Kay's post



So this is my preliminary list but it is subject to change.

1. A YA Book - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

2. Non US Author - By Any Means by Kurt Ellis 

3. A book recommended by a blogger or friend - Where We Belong by Emily Giffin (recommended by Kate)

4.  A book that's been on my TBR list for more than a year -  I am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

5. A kickass Female lead - Seamless by RL Griffin

6. A book that is or will be a movie - Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

7. A book written by a comedian or celebrity - Kris Jenner or Giuliana Rancic's books (I haven't decided yet)

8. A book with one word in it - Divergent by Veronica Roth (This may also change) 

9. A suspenseful book - Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

10. A book with the word Summer in it - The Boys of Summer by C.J Duggan

So there it is, what do you think? I'm only 100% sure of books 3,6,9 and 10 otherwise based on feedback I could change things up.. 

x Nats x



Wednesday 24 June 2015

A Few Confessions



I haven't been around for confessions in a very long time but I miss it and I miss all the ladies' confessions... so here I am, ready to go... let's do this.

I CONFESS...

... I am running super late this morning so I will probably publish this post before checking for typos, I guess I'm sorry seeing that I do belong to the grammar police!

... I still haven't watched  Jurassic Park. I heard it's made tons of money but I have no urge to see it. At all. I didn't really like it when I watched it the first time round but whatevs.. 

...  I'm kinda sad that all my shows are done. I can't even fathom how GoT will be without a certain person or will that certain person come? ( Trying not to give away spoilers for those that still haven't watched it!) Also Greys?! Seriously what the heck is going on with killing off my favourites.

... I recently shared some big news as to where I now live and this weekend a whole lot of my family is coming and I am super duper excited 


What have you got to confess?

x Nats x

Monday 22 June 2015

One Direction - On The Road Again Tour



Good morning lovely people from all around the world! Well technically it’s good afternoon, because I am actually prepping this post on Sunday! Yes, you read me correctly, I am prepping my post. This hasn’t happened in a VERY LONG time and it’s sort of weird because I’ve gotten used to just typing from the heart but today (and tomorrow when you probably read this) I feel like I have to share a review of my One Direction concert experience.

Now I know that the concert was on March 28th but I really could not let this experience go without recording my thoughts on my little bit of cyber space. You see, I’ve mentioned before that I’m a pop culture junkie but the truth is I really never grew up after I reached 15 (which is over 10 years ago for those keeping score). What I mean is, I’m very into all things which are popular and often I take a lot of flak for that but a few years ago I decided “Screw it! Why do I have to act like a grown up because everyone else wants that? I just want to be me”. Which, of course is a story for another day. Today’s story (with a very long intro) is about how I got to be the 15 year old version of myself when I attended One Direction’s concert.


You see, my cousin camped out for those tickets during her final year of High School so I knew we were going to make the best of the experience and for those keeping score,  this is the second time we’ve fan girled over a pop sensation. However this was a TOTALLY different experience.

A week before One Direction were scheduled to come to South Africa, Zayn Malik took a “break” which actually was him leaving the band which they announced just before they made their way to South Africa’s sunny shores.  I was angry, I’m not going to lie but that is also a story for another day.  The reason I even mentioned his departure is because that meant that our show, was the first official show of the newly adapted One Direction sans Malik. We were anxious ( and slightly heartbroken) to see what would happen to Zayn’s high notes – how were the guys doing. Really. Not the “ we’re happy for him” bull but rather the real away in which they have adapted to life without Zayn.



The hours coming up to the show were insane and honestly I can say that the SA Directioners out did themselves but what I should also add is that the moms of these teens were the most catty set of moms I have ever encountered at a show (and I went to Justin Bieber!). It was like five* four times the boys five times the catty. In retrospect, I would probably be the same for my kids one day.  Other than the moms who were pushy there was a genuine excitement in the air for the boys and the concern for everyone’s well-being was high priority.


The concert itself was ridic. I cannot put into words how ridiculously amazing they were. My few points would have been that Liam (my favourite) really rallied and performed as if nothing had changed and while to the tweens surrounding me that seemed cold, to me was the illustration of professionalism. Niall was probably the one who showed the most hurt during the show. Even when looking back at the numerous pictures and videos I took, Niall never looked at the front row (where I was!) and whenever he looked at thr crowd he looked into the far lights. To me that was because he looked sad so I think he took Zayn’s departure the worst or he hid his feelings the worst…

Louis, who was always my least favourite band member was kind of freaking awesome. He made me eat my words about if someone had to leave why wasn’t it him. It’s not that I hated him he was just my least favourite (you know you have yours) but then he had to the member who had the most incredible one on one moment with me. Pictured below. He is looking directly at me! I have the video of it too but the screaming is just insane and while Harry also looked at me I couldn’t capture the picture because of the insaneness that surrounded me.  Louis was awesome, he interacted with people in the crowd, made fun of those crying. He was definitely reserved but still managed to show his quirkiness which is a trait that has most tweens falling for him.



Lastly the beast that is Harry Styles. People, I cannot express in words how impressed I am with Harry. In photos and interviews he comes across as very mature and serious, cute  a bit quirky but serious. On stage – Harry is insane!! That’s the only appropriate word I can use to explain it. His energy levels were on another level, he also interacted with crowd. He spat water on me (#FrontRowProblems) numerous times and I loved it (#ImNotEvenSorry) . Seriously, walking away from that concert all I thought about was the fact that Harry is probably one of the best young performers out there and he does it without any dance moves.



[Side Note: Harry went out of his way to shake hands with the security personnel who were surrounding the stage #GotToLoveTheBritishChivalry.]

There were moments in the show that felt a little sad that Zayn wasn’t there but the boys didn’t mention it which is probably better because the tears would have been rolling even more than they already were from my surrounding concert goers.

If you recall, a few months ago I went to The Script’s (and Phillip Phillips) concert and I told you it was still so intimate on a large scale this was the opposite. Well, this was massive showmanship, crazy, quirky, fun and sexy. The group delivered vocally, effortlessly and beautifully. Whether you’re a fan or not, if you get a chance go watch them. Adults will make fun of them for being a boy band until you watch them perform, they are beyond brilliant performers and are definitely worth every penny you pay for them.


Who is or was your favourite boy band??? 

Talk to me;)


Thursday 18 June 2015

You Probably Don't Know... {Link Up}

I've had a lot of news to share about what's been going on with me so I was super excited to share it today because I could meet some new readers and I could update my faithful readers all in one! So thanks Helene for forcing me to open up, it's about time!

For those of you who aren't familiar around here, I'll tell you, I'm South African but for those that are used to my surroundings, I wanted to share the big news... Well big to me anyway - I've moved to a brand new city. Durban, South Africa.



I'm still getting used to things around the city which explains part of why I'm not blogging regularly because I don't have a regular routine any longer... I have a new job, no; a new business venture which is going with the expected (and unexpected) teething problems. I've been house hunting for a while and it's a challenge and the biggest challenge is that Durban has always been my least favourite of the three big ones in South Africa but God has put me here and I'm ready to embrace it. 

I will blog more about it and my experiences of moving to a new city, finding friends/a boyfriend (which my family is all pushing me towards) and mostly finding myself. 

I hope you stick around to how how the changes happen.

Also, if you want to know more about my country, I've blogged about it on Amy's blog a few weeks ago but it's easier to send you there than to repeat it here. 

A few other random things you probably didn't know about me..

I'm an Aquarius (which is an air signbut everyone  thinks is a water sign) 

I am a huge soccer/ football fan whichever you care to call it.

I'm a pop culture junkie.

And Johnny Depp is 51, people - the sexiest 51 year old I've ever come to know! 

Remember to go check out the other bloggers sharing some of their stuff you probably didn't know... 


Helene in Between

x Nats x 


Wednesday 17 June 2015

Do You



Sometimes, scratch that, most times in life you will find yourself making decisions for the betterment of others. We call that being a considerate person. 

I'm all for being considerate, I honestly believe more people need to be considerate but here's where the twist comes in... 

Being considerate does not mean giving up who you are and what you believe for others.  Being considerate does not mean you're selfish or self-centered. 

Basically I just wanted to take a moment to remind you, you're living YOUR life so you should just... Do You! 

Have a great day readers xxxx

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Lusting List



Guys I have been shopping way more than I should and I still want more!! Isn't that the age old tale of wanting more then you have. Although to be honest, I probably haven't shopped for well over a year and while I would buy one or two things every couple of weeks there is still loads of things I need want no want and need.

SO here's my list of what I'm lusting over...

* Make-Up

I just bought a new concealer but I definitely want to buy a really pretty pink lipstick. MAC is my favourite but really I'm after the colour. I'm not sure what colour this is but I really like it... 



* Nail Polish

I have a slight obsession with nail polish but seriously, I want to own all of the colours from Morgan Taylor. Every single shade is beautiful and I want it. Now! 


* A New Trendy Coat

I'm really short and big busted so I can't really wear any type of coat . I usually have to get a longer coat, I have a cobalt blue coat that I adore but I really want a cute nude one but haven't found anything I love yet... something like this


* Home
I tweeted a few weeks ago I tweeted  that I'm househunting ... and I'm still househunting which is so frustrating...



And I really want this :
* Double door Fridge

What's on your lusting list??


Wednesday 3 June 2015

Caitlyn Jenner

I was planning a totally different post today and then I was running late so I thought I may as well skip posting but because one of my goals for the month is to post more ... Here I am.. Sitting on a plan and typing this post up off my blogger app (which is my way of apologizing for the terrible font and picture quality. 



I just felt I couldn't ignore the thing that almost broke the Internet (and Kim K's naked body wasn't the reason for it) but rather who used to be her stepdad, Bruce Jenner. 

To say I'm surprised by the timing is an understatement, Kim just announced her second pregnancy and then not long after Caitlyn is introduced to the world. I think that in itself is telling of what a big impact Caitlyn will have in the future. 

If I'm honest, I wasn't a big fan of Bruce Jenner but I'm already liking Caitlyn. 

I can't begin to imagine what Caitlyn felt like when she was Bruce and while I've seen many different responses and/or reactions to Caitlyn's introduction none have particularly shocked me because well... The more open minded and younger group of people will allow themselves to be open to the changes that people may go through and be more accepting of it while the older, more sheltered generations will be more sad, disgusted and scared of "what this world is coming to" . 

Me? Not that you asked, but I'll tell you. I'm very happy for Caitlyn finally feeling like herself. I've watched over the last couple of months waiting to see how the transition will take place and how the very public family will react. While I know they have a lot of haters I can't help feel sorry for them. As open minded as anyone can be they have had to endure their dad no longer being their dad. Yes who Bruce was will translate into Caitlyn but there is just so much the transition will allow for. I feel bad for the boys because they always seemed to believe that Bruce was continuously emasculated by Kris (now we know why she could) and they saw him as their man's man. Caitlyn won't be that for them and for that I feel bad. 

That being said, I hope that Caitlyn finds her happiness and that the world treats her better for who she is now and not who she was as Bruce. 

What are your thoughts? I know you have some!! 

Monday 1 June 2015

June Wishes + Weekly Wishes

I cannot express how I feel now that June is upon us. Here in the Southern Hemisphere it's officially winter but the truth is where I am I am still wearing shorts and sandals without a chill but more detail about that will come during the course of the week.



Yes, that means I will be showing up later this week and I'm so excited to get back into my blogging. I know I've been pretty much absent for the last couple of months or if I'm honest 2015 - but today I am promising myself (and all of you) that I will be here and if I decide to stop blogging I will let all of you know.

Considering that it is Monday and the 1st of June, I figured I should set out my wishes and/or goals for this month and week thereby killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.

* To create a routine for work which can be flexible if there needs to be changes

* To finish planning my blogging schedule and to actually draft some posts

* Eat healthier

* Complete 210 minutes of cardio a week.

* Go shopping (seriously, I need to buy some new clothes and make-up)

* Go on more dates. This one is probably the most challenging with my schedule and well because men don't want to date any longer they just want to hook-up and well, as Kelly says... 

Source
So... what have you got planned this month?