#TBT - Flash back

I have really been enjoying myself with clothing of late and it was only fitting that I do a post on some of my favorite moments with clothes in the past couple of months. I have really come a long way because I had a time where I was properly allergic to dresses and now thou, some of my favorite things I own are actually dresses.

First things first is this awesome maxi dress I got from Traffic. I love the print on this dress and how light it feels. It’s a lot of dress but, when I have it on it just feels effortless.

Then we have this “traditional” dress my mom bought for me, for a function I was going to. It’s such a cheeky dress and just loads of fun. I had a lot of complements when I had it on and in all honesty I loved every single moment of it.  I teamed it up with my all stars (this is actually my first pair ever, I know, I know, shock and horror) and the wooden bag I got as a gift.

For our staff outing I got my Anisa skirt. I had been hunting for this everywhere and when I eventually got it I was very happy. I am obsessed with the print as well as how it just fits. One other thing that I am obsessed with are the pockets cause, I am just that kind of girls. I am all about little added extras. I teamed it with my all stars as well as a simple black body suit I bought from Legit.

Last Sunday I played it simple with this white blouse I got from Forever 21 and cigarette chinos from Mr Price. I had also managed to finally get this fedora with the kitty ears from YDE. This is like my staple hat and I am constantly looking for ways to wear it with every outfit. I am wearing it as I write this post.

Last but not least is this little dress I got from YDE. I added the beaded necklace to the dress just for that extra bit of “pow”. I wore it to my sister’s confirmation mass and it was just one of the most beautiful moments to experience.

For most part most of my outfits that I am feeling I post on instagram. J

DIY denim shorts

As the heat starts to go up and shorts are becoming a prominent feature on the streets. It was only fitting I make mys own denim shorts. Well my other reasons for this DIY project is that, I'm a bit of a cheapskate and want to make something that is a tad bit different. 

What you will need: 

- a pair of jeans you are willing to snip.

- scissors 

-cotton a small needle as well as a big one. 

- beads 

- a foot scrubbing thing ( something with a rough surface that will distress the denim).

After I cut my jeans to the desired length, I cut strips in the jeans. These don't have to be the same length as it gives dimensions. I used the foot scrub thing to rubbed the jeans so that they got a bit of a aged  look. 

I then started with the needle on the slits. I removed some of the threads in different directions to get the look I wanted. 

On one side of the jeans I started with the beads. You can use one bead at a time or two, it all depends on you. 

I cut a block of fabric and placed it under the slits. you can start sewing the fabric on the sides. Don't worry if the thread shows a little bit , it just ads to the "rustic and I don't care much" look. You can also opt to not put the fabric in. 

The final look:) 

I just love how it turned out. It's not over the top which is what I was praying for when I was busying cutting and beading. 

This was truly fun to do. It's official I will b adding more DIY projects to the blog from today on.

After body

Hahahaha that's me looking like a fool. It's safe to say I'm no longer on the challenge. I tried my best at it and it's safe to say I am not for repetitive workouts. I got bored. *sigh* 

I kept my word thou and posted an "after " 

Run baby run

I write this on my bed after the most amazing body and mind experience ever. I woke up at 03:30am ( on a Saturday of all days) started my 10k Vital Winelands Marathon race at 06:05am in Stellenbosch and was finished at about 07:35am. I did all of this while the world was  snugged up in bed and only a few brave  or stupid people like me where up to brave the chilly morning. 

This race was by far the most difficult and gruelling of the ones I have ran. I thought the previous one was but, this one took the cake and it smashed it. It was treacherous uphills and downhills that tested your human brakes and some long flats. What made it even more of a challenge was the weather, the where points in the race where it just rained like it wasn't going to stop. 

The relationship between the body and the  mind was tested many times during the race. The body screaming and almost begging to stop and the mind pleading with the body to hold on for one more kilometer. 

The were two things I learnt from this race. The first is that I need to train more. If I could do as well as I did with the little preparation I did then, I could actually kill the next race. The other thing is that the are no limits to what the body and the mind can do. The were times when I wanted to give up because I was just too tired and the rain was beating on my body so hard but, I didn't. It was constant communication between my body and mind and the sick excitement of what the next up hill and down hill can bring. 

 

As Lady Gaga's applause played towards the finish line I smiled. I was was so happy and already planning for my next run. I guess the running bug has bitten and I'm all in now. 

Plank & Squat Challenge

It's that time of the year again where water bottles with lemon are prominent features around the office and new diet plans are heated topics. I would be lying if I said this whole thing hasn't got me a little on the frazzled side. I have been to the most part watching what I am eating and attempting to keep active. The important word in that sentence is "attempting" and I always console myself with the fact that I am not entirely doing nothing about my health. I am not getting the results that I want mainly because I don't stick with workout plan or the eating plan long enough to see results. So I have decided to take on a fitness challenge. This challenge is called the plank and squat challenge. The reasons for me taking on this challenge is very simple really, I want to tone my body and a possible 6 pack will be amazing too.

What is a plank: it's a balance and core conditioning exercise. You balance on both arms and toes. See below picture. 

not my picture

What is a squat: it's a compound exercise. It works out your entire body: hips, buttocks, quadriceps, hamstrings ext see below picture. FYI you do not need to use weights for this challenge but I have been told using them will be a excellent idea.

Not my picture

I have taken things a bit serious as well and I have taken a picture of myself as a before picture and then I will be taking an after picture. I mean business hey lol. I will also be eating as clean as I possibly can and drinking lots of water. In all honesty the eating clean will be a challenge all on its own. 

before: 8 November 2014

let the games begin. 

I am not here to be forgotten

The world knows her as Khuthii, an amazing and talented photographer based in Cape Town ,who is carving a name for herself in the industry one amazing shot at a time. It was only fitting that I pester her for an interview. It wasn't one of those serious interviews, it was her expressing who she is and her love for photography in a way only she can, all I did was ask the questions.

I am ..

Summer. I'll explain. Summer to me is happiness. The long days and warm nights. There's a carefree spirit about the summer that I love. Best season to fall in love too. I am that happiness (or I at least strive to be, daily). That life loving spirit. 

                        

I shoot because... 

I love to create. I love showing people how beautiful they are. I love the idea of seeing something in my head and creating a photograph of it. 

My earliest memories of photography are...

a blur. I can't trace back to when I really got into photography. Only when I look back in retrospect I realise that I've loved it since forever... (Maybe I was born with it lol)

My favourite style of photography is...

portraits. Because people are beautiful. I love candid shots, because freezing a real moment is pretty amazing. 

In the sea dominated by male photographers I bring... 

sunshine lol. Refer to the first line. 

In my journey this far as a photographer I am proud of ... 

how far the confidence my friends have in me, in my work has brought me. They believe in me when I don't. This sounds cheesy but it is so true. 

The future is... 

exciting. Scary but exciting. 

Where can people get hold of you? Easiest/Fastest way to get hold of me is through my Twitter (@khuthii) I live there #unashamed

Otherwise I'm also on;

Instagram.com/Khuthii

Facebook.com/Khuthii 

Where can they see your work?

I'm using my Tumblr for now notjustavendagirl.tumblr.com My website is under construction. Exciting times ahead. Remember: khuthimages :)

#ClosingThought:  You can be whatever you want to be. You just need to want it bad enough (and obviously work towards it). The universe & God will conspire to make it happen. Trust. Me. 

“I am not here to be forgotten.” - Khuthii Nedohe, 2012

I am excited about Khuthiis future in the industry. Keep your eye on her and thank me later. This is that moment where it all comes together. ;)

I hope...

“I hope you have the courage to pursue someone who is worth pursuing, and not someone who is convenient. Convenience is impatience disguised as your desires, you are worth more than what time has told you, you are worthy of finding someone who will wait for you; don’t settle for what is easy, settle for what is good.”

T.B. LaBerge // Go Now 

Fitness Diva by passion

With the rise of Team Fitness and many more of us wanting motivation I decided to talk to the inspiration that is Simphiwe. She is a breath of fresh air as she is that girl next door who is taking control of her life and showing us what a little determination can take you. 

Who is @Simzarr?
 

Simzarr (Simphiwe Mathebula) is this vibrant fitness diva and aspiring fitness model who loves everything about fitness who is  born and bread in Mpumalanga.  She is goal driven, a hard worker and is always inspired to inspire. 

What was the driving force to getting you into the world of fitness?

Growing up I always have been quite the sports fanatic having participated in athletics ,basketball and netball.  It was in high school when I started training my abs for the first time, I remember my first ever basketball coach teaching me how to do sit ups  and telling us about the importance of a strong mid section in order to gain stamina in sport. 

What accelerated your inspiration to be at the place you are in right now with your ?

My moment really was when I started following the @fitnesspageforall account on insta after it was posted by Lorna Maseko 53weeks ago.  I immediately explored it and I was inspired for days lol, it lead me to all the fitness accounts I'm following today both local and internationally... It was then that I realised i need something more than just home workouts, something that will challenge me everyday to get to my dream body, I then for the first time joined the gym around September 2013.  

Seeing all those motivational pics on a daily basis and meeting up with our very own fitness models Nonhle Ndala and Stacey Holland has always been the driving force for me.

 So basically I'm thankful for Instagram lol, it's been instrumental in my journey.

Is the motivation still the same?

I wouldn't say same, but it's something that grows with how I challenge myself. Like when I started at gym I was training alone with the help ofinsta  videos but, with time I met people who where as focused as I am and from them I have gained a lot.  That has brought challenges that change the driving force on a daily basis, (I'm inspired everyday) 

What have been the difficulties? 

 The only difficulty I was faced with was that once I was in the gym I never wanted to go home lol .. Because to me that place is heaven... But now got used to it.  

You have recently entered something exciting. What has it been?

The best part of it all.  Yes I recently competed for the first time at the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness) Provincials in Witbank, Mpumalanga.  

I entered this competition because I felt I was at a stage where I need a challenge and all the exposure I can get because you never know who's watching 😉.. 

This to me was the best experience ever.  The feeling of walking that stage is indescribable.  I can only say you only need to try it to know and there's nothing to lose but motivation and a great physique to gain. 

What goes into preparing for something like this? 

This is one of the most demanding sports I have ever participated in, but you definitely feel great about the progress after. 

It requires serious dedication and clean eating. From cutting Carbs to water, sugar then some oil depending on what stage you in towards your competition.  

I must say it is not easy, but the goal is what keeps you going and more focused.  

Some serious coaching is required for the workout program, diet and everything else.  Fortunately I trained with the help of a national competitor. 

It is most definitely worth it because when you come back you never want go back but carry on from where you left.   Basically you are more inspired and the driving force changes lol.  

I have been reading about clean eating all over the place please explain this.

My definition according to how I understand it and how it has worked for me; 

Clean eating is eating all the healthy foods that supports lean muscle growth and have great health benefits for your body.  

In terms of cooking it's either grill, boil or raw.  That to me is clean eating.  

It differs from person to person, depending on what our goals are.  One thing I can say about junk food is "as long as u do it right 99%  of the time, the one percent u cheat won't hurt"  

What is your typical eating plan?

 

 

 500ml water before gym

Meal 1:  (8h00)

oats with honey and, some, seeds or berries 

3 egg whites 

500ml water 

Meal 2: (10h00)

1 apple and 1 banana 

Whey protein 

500ml water 

Meal 3 (12h30)

1/2 cup basmati or brown rice 

Hake 

500ml water 

Meal 4: (15h00) 

Sweet potato / gem squash 

Chicken breast 

500ml water 

Meal 5 (post workout) 

Boiled Veggies 

Chicken breast 

500ml water 

1hour before bed I drink a post workout supplement (USN lean-8)  and eat a banana.  Bananas help with muscle recovery and the absorption of nutrients. 

I am beyond inspired by this amazing fitness Diva. If you want to find out more about her or just want to get get your daily motivation you can follow her on Instagram @simzarr.

Peter's House

Finally after much deliberations and just never getting around to it I visited Peters House. Its at 14 Kloof Nek Rd, Cape Town if you want to experience it yourself and better yet if you want to take me out for a bite :)

First things first I love the deco of this place. It's not pretentious and just not overly trying to be what it is. What it is to me is a chilled little place with character filled with little interesting things and a chilled vibe and good food. I noticed something new and different the whole time and I bet you next time I go I will notice something new.

It's a place where the little details count. The little details being presentation of the food and my cute little biscuit with my coffee.  More importantly the food is fresh and tastes pretty good. If you are part of the "we don't Instagram our food click" you will surly find yourself being tempted to. 

 

If you will be looking for a menu, don't even bother. The menus are on the walks which I really like. Details people, details. 

I couldn't stop looking the cutlery light fixture. I am totally obsessed with it and really wouldn't mind one when I get my first home. It's a stylish talking peace and  just hella interesting. 

Yip! That's me taking a selfie in the bathroom. I will totally be back at this place soon. I can see it being my thing now.  I cant wait to go back and better yet sit outside and watch the beautiful people while I have a cup or a glass of something.