My Life in Gifs Part Huit

What I did over my holidays 

Which is why my wallet and clothes are now like this 

So I decided to take control of my life 

Then I turned 27. I woke up on my birthday and felt like I hadn’t achieved a thing 

And this is how I tried to forget about it 

But now that I’m old, this is how I felt the next morning 

 

And the entire day

 And the day after

 That is right, it now takes me two days to get over a hungover. Happy 2014 bitches!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Three Ways the Cosmo and Marie Claire Lingerie Show Changed My Life

Last week I was invited to attend the Cosmo and Marie Claire Lingerie Show. For someone who is dealing with weight issues and low self-esteem, this was a sure-fire way to make sure I went home and cried into some carbohydrates. Nevertheless, it’s a party and who doesn’t like parties especially when you see Skyy Vodka is sponsoring. So off I went.

The fashion show itself was amazing, the models were all gorgeous, the music and production was awesome and the free drinks were a treat. But enough about that. It was clearly fate that I showed up to this show. As I sat there surrounded by other bloggers, media and the oh-so-fabulous I watched the models traipsing down the catwalk, something happened to me that made me question my life. Not one of those horrible “when are you going to be more responsible” things I usually experience after a particularly bad hangover but more the inspiration to better my life. See below.

Witness the Fitness

Obviously when models are around you notice how beautiful they are. But as so many editorials and beauty adverts like to remind us, it’s what’s inside that counts and with the right lighting and makeup we could all shift magazine sales. But that doesn’t fly when you’re confronted with several hot bodies. There ain’t no faking that. Sometimes it’s good genes, most of the time it’s because they work hard. And oh man, does it pay off. I found myself drooling over their bodies as much as the pervy guys sitting in front of me. 

 

clicking on the pic should make it bigger

This has made me firmly believe, exercise is missing from my life. I have found that when it comes to going to gym, my talent lies in finding excuses to avoid it. From I don’t have any cute workout clothes (even though I don’t believe I should ever sweat in designer clothes), to the gym is always full after work and before work and during work (I like the extent of that one) to what if this is the day the gym gets attacked by racist ninjas. Like I said this is where I am talented. But after seeing these bodies in action, I was a little more inclined to do some cardio. And maybe a bit of weight training. Also some squats and shit. Eventually this new motivation lead me to sign up – and pay – for bootcamp. Since I am super cheap and I have already given away that money, I’ll definitely be going. In 4 to 6 weeks, I’ll be parading my new body around the streets of Cape Town.

No More Granny Pants

I used to be unashamed of my love for granny pants. Anything that keeps stuff in and smooth is a winner in my book. Sadly there isn’t anything sexy about this type of underwear. Like not even a bit. It’s never in black, it’s never got lacey bits and they really look like a grandmother could rock them. Normally I wouldn’t give two shits about my knickers, especially because no one has been seeing them. Crickets in that department. But the lingerie show changed all of that. 

clicking on the pic should make it bigger

 While in my seat watching the ladies strut their stuff in sexy shapewear and big pants that still looked comfortable, I was mentally going through my underwear drawer and chucking out all the cotton boy shorts, the ugly beige pairs that sit under my boobs and the magic knickers that allow me to look sleek as long as I don’t drink or eat. I thought I’d made some good mental decisions. I also decided to put the magic knickers back but on the whole I am inspired to change my knickers. After all, if I wear them, surely the boys will come.

Making An Effort

There is a saying that there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. I believe this. I also am very lazy. So while I want to change and make more of an effort, the fat girl on my shoulder makes me snooze for an extra 10 to 30 minutes. This is the time I could spend curling my hair, or learning how to contour my face or finding an outfit that I haven’t messed food on.

Clicking on the pic should make it bigger

 It’s a truth universally acknowledged in girl world that looking good makes you feel good which makes your outlook all sparkly and happiness personified. I have had those days. I usually have those days when I work. On the weekends however I became a slob. And after two days in baggy jumper and stretchy pants, you lose all direction in life. So if anything this has made me more determined to make an effort. Look at these girls with the good hair and the glowing skin. I want to be that girl dammit.

So thanks to everyone at the Lingerie Show for their help/intervention J

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Images from Cosmo’s FB page.

Back To Blogging

After an amazing holiday and break I’m back at work, back to blogging and feeling pretty good.

I hope everyone had a lovely festive season. Mine consisted of eating way too much delish food, praying it would go unnoticed at beach and avoiding the gym. I also spent lots of time with friends and the family and enjoying the fabulousness of Cape Town.

I also managed to try many new things throughout the holiday which I’ll be posting in the next few days.

But for the moment, it’s been great just catching up on all the blogs. Have missed you guys.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Things I've Realised...

…I cannot keep blaming changing room mirrors, clothes that seem to shrink in the washing machine, bad genes and random skinny bitches for the fact that I’m overweight. At some point I need to put down the cheese and admit that I don’t work out enough or eat right. It’s taken scary photos at bad angles and skinny jeans bursting at the seams to make me realize that I need to re-think my habits. Any suggestions on how to motivate myself would be gladly appreciated.

…I’m getting closer to a happier work life. I could even say I was on my way to starting my desired career. Things are changing slowly and at times they barely move but they’re looking up. I have some very exciting things to look forward to and hopefully one day I can say “I love what I do!”

…I need a financial adviser. Every month I swear I’m gonna stick to my budget and save more money. Come the middle of the month and I have to do some stealing, um shopping at my parent’s place, restrict the social gatherings and go without new pretty things in my wardrobe. What’s even worse when I panic about not having enough money I tend to spend more. In my mind, spending calms me down and makes it all okay.

…I will definitely be making new year’s resolutions next year. I plan to stop being late for everything and instead be 5 minutes early. Except for fashion events, for those I’ll be a little bit late, tis the fashionable thing to do! I also resolve to be one of those annoyingly happy people. My optimism will be so great, you’d think it can cure cancer. Hopefully it will also be contagious and make a difference and all that nonsense :)

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

End of the Week Notes

*My new favourite show is Modern Family. It’s the perfect fill-in while I wait for the new seasons of 30 Rock and Glee. My favourite characters are Cam and Manny.



*Starting the day with a bacon and cheese crossiant from Jardine Bakery is awesome. My brother and I headed over for an early breakfast. They also serve Deluxe coffee which I love so it was a double score.

*It’s Blue Eyes’ birthday today. Happy Birthday to an awesome roomie and friend!

*This picture from The Sartorialist makes me want to buy lots of dresses and count down the days to summer.



*Peanut butter on toast is the bomb diggidy and my new favourite snack.

*Have found the motivation for gym. Stop going for four months and discover that you’ve gone from an hourglass figure to a blob. Then look at yourself in the mirror. Result? I’ve been to gym all week.

*Alphabeat is the happiest music you’ll ever hear. It’s even happier than ABBA.

Have a fabulous weekend bitches!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week I hope work pays my expense claim.
I believe everyone should watch Mean Girls at least once in their lifetime.
I’m addicted to Adelita's Way.
I wish thinking about the gym counts as going to the gym.
It’s sucky that it's the beginning of the month and I'm broke.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the Week Like it or Not: This is Who I Am

Image from here.

I'm The Type of Girl...

…that thinks people have just got the title wrong when discussing the film “Sunshine”. In my head they’re talking about “Little Miss Sunshine”. It makes for very confusing movie reviews.

…when spelling things on the phone, says “A for ABBA”.

…that loves it when purchases are wrapped in tissue paper.

…that judges people over the age of 25 saying “My bad”.

…who will never walk under a ladder.

…that gets a thrill out of wearing red shoes.

…that makes wishes at 11:11.

…that will obsess over any nice gesture a guy does for or towards me. Mixed messages are the reason I am crazy.

…that believes in the Loch Ness monster.

…who gets goosebumps when someone cracks their knuckles.

…who counts going into the gym to pay your monthly fees counts as cardio.

…that believes most problems can be solved with a latte.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week sees the start of a new fitness regime.
I believe all that early morning fresh air is making me sleepy.
I’m addicted to mini chocolate brownies, bright nail polish and the Glee soundtrack.
I wish I hadn’t walked in to a road works sign (in front of a cute guy by the way).
It’s sucky being a girl sometimes.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the Week Keep on Movin’

Image from here.

Photo Recap

It’s been forever since I actually blogged. Definitely not enjoying all this work, especially ‘cause it keeps me from the blogs and twitter. I’ve definitely missed reading your blogs and commenting.

Since I still have work piling up, I don’t really have time for a long post. What I can do is recap the past week. It’s been pretty amazing and what better way to do so than with the help of pictures.

Enjoy!

And have a lovely Wednesday!

Ex-Oh!

Kelly Clarkson

As already mentioned the concert was pretty awesome. If you were a girl and showed up with a guy, he’d have either been gay, closeted or whipped. We choose our gays.


Here are some pics from Kelly. They’re not really good quality mostly ‘cause we were dancing and singing along too much but you can kinda make out it’s her.

St Patrick’s Day

Considering one half of Skinny Bitches is part Irish, we had to celebrate. So after the concert we headed to The Dubliner to celebrate. Single ladies, there have never been this many good looking guys in one room before. Wow! We didn’t know where to look. The place was packed though and as it was a school night we left after 1. Not sure how but I made it to gym the next morning. After that I was pretty fragile.

The Vibe Party

Thanks to our awesome friends The Wedding DJs, we were on the guest list for the 2oceansvibe party in Camps Bay. It was pretty awesome. Here’s Seth doing some Celine Dion. Blue Eyes was in heaven. I was in a not-as-happy place 

Here’s the boys doing their thing.



Skinny Bitches with some angel wings.



Here’s us with one half of the Wedding DJs.

Africhic Package

I was invited to the Africhic.com launch a while ago. It was lovely and I love the idea of buying clothes online. I decided to make my first purchase last week and I choose this dress by Michelle Ludek:

Yesterday it arrived. Am loving the packaging.



As soon as I have somewhere amazing to wear it too, I’ll take some pictures.
If you can, visit the site here. They have free delivery in SA and great service.

SA Flag Mirror Caps

I’ve seen these around on Minis everywhere and always wanted a pair. Then I found out, you didn’t need a Mini or had to pay for them. It’s a great (and free) initiative. Mini SA helped me out via Twitter and this morning I went to collect my pair. I ♥ them!

Things I've Realised...

I just need to hear the theme song from Flashdance and all I want to do is dance.

I really like being single but, I wouldn’t mind someone telling me I’m pretty every now and again and holding my hand at the movies.

Jennifer Aniston chooses the wrong movies.

Sometimes all you need is a little faith.

Drinking in the afternoon is awesome.

I’m going to start taking more risks.

Even though I struggle to get up in the morning, I am really starting to like gym.

I miss my number one gay best friend. Come to Cape Town please!

Whenever I’m feeling sad, fat, fugly and as if I have no direction, the opening scene of The Devil Wears Prada perks me right up. I’m so gonna be one of those women when I grow up.

I never want to hear the phrase “I have a large phallus.” It was overheard in the kitchen, repeated to me and now I am disturbed.

Popcorn with salt ‘n’ vinegar flavouring: delish. Inhaling salt ‘n’ vinegar flavoring by mistake: not as delish. In fact kinda painful.

Happy Thursday!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week it's back to gym.
I believe strawberry trifle is evidence that angels exist.
I'm addicted to Dallas Divas & Daughters. Trashy TV at its best.
I wish the wind would stop. My hair looks terrible.
I'm jealous of no one this week, it's time for a positive attitude.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Nothing left for me to do but dance.

Monday's Mantra

This week I need to go the gym five times.
I believe that money should grow on trees.
I'm addicted to Woolies white peach yoghurt. Bonus, it's fat free!
I wish I could speak a foreign language.
I'm jealous of Pam from The Office. Jim has to be the best husband ever.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Since you've been gone...

Yeah It's Tuesday

Normally Tuesday doesn’t illicit such a happy response from me but any day after the Monday I had I’m really glad it’s a new day. It was so bad I couldn’t even conjure up the energy to blog. So we’ll be doing the Mantra a bit later today.

The day started off as crappy as any other Monday, got up way too early, made my way to gym. At gym, worked out a bit, watched some E! and then tried to think of ways of avoid work.

Work is a whole other story but basically the fact that I didn’t murder any of my coworkers is a miracle. When I finally managed to leave, all I wanted to do was change into my comfy clothes, watch trashy TV and eat bad food. As I’m still on my last day of detoxing I didn’t have the bad food. Or in fact do any of the other stuff. I got a call from Dexter who’s in town for work and instead got all dolled up and met him at his hotel for a drink.

Spending a couple of hours with a bestie who shares your weird sense of humour is enough to make any Monday fabulous. Major snaps for Dexter.

Just like that my week has turned around. And it’s going to get even better. It’s almost lunchtime and have a great meal prepared. Also we’re having massages at work and I’m in the next spot.

Hope you’re in a happy place.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Beautiful Blogger Award

Skinny Bitches were tagged by Miss E over at Little Lady for the Beautiful Blogger award.

What a great way to start a Monday! Thanks E. You is awesome!

Make sure you go and visit her blog for some doses of loveliness.

Now the criteria of the award is that we thank the giver and link back to her blog (as above) and then we list seven interesting things about ourselves.

Here goes:

1. Nothing gets me more motivated for gym than listening to ABBA on the way there.

2. My favourite episode of Friends is the one where the girls lose their apartment to the guys through Ross' trivia game.

3. I have learnt to bite my tongue and not let every little thing get to me. But it is an ongoing struggle.

4. I love love love Oreo McFlurrys.

5. It's one of my (more superficial) dreams to be on The Sartorialist.

6. I'm terrible with money.

7. I have always loved makeup but now I'm learning how to apply it properly. And I'm not sure how I survived without MAC.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Is it Home Time Yet?

In a bid to be more disciplined this year and commit to my four weekly gym visits, I got up at 5.30 this morning to get ready for the gym.

Actually what really happened was alarm went off at 5.30. I ignored it till 5.45 and then decided if I left now the gym wouldn't even be open. So I waited (i.e. dozed) till 6 and then walked to the gym.

I'm not sure how I managed to do all that cardio and still walk home. But I did. I felt energised when I got home. I even had a spring in my step when I got to work. Early morning sessions do make a lot of a difference.

They also make you incredibly tired as I have just found out. I feel as if I'm about to pass out at my desk. Not even coffee or a coke light has helped. I'm afraid of blinking too much cos my eyes might like the closed sensation and then I'll fall asleep at my desk.

Going to have lunch now and hoping that will help. Otherwise you will find me sleeping under my desk.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

My Holiday

This year I had one of those amazing holidays that I never wanted to end. Now I realise that sounds a bit silly. Who would ever want a holiday to end. But sometimes, mostly when I was studying I would get a bit reckless when I had so many days free. This year I only had two weeks so I decided I'd make the most of it. And what better place to spend it than Cape Town.

What I did:

*I finished my xmas shopping in record time.

*I walked to most places in town, burning off calories and saving petrol.

*I watched Avatar and although the graphics were amazing I thought the plot and script were eh.

*I went to the beach on an overcast day and burnt.

*I along with Blue Eyes hosted our first ever Christmas party, aptly titled Christmas Ho Ho Hos and Bros.

*I went to the gym and had the best workouts because I didn't have to rush.

*I found out where all the cheap breakfast spots are. Carmellos in Kloof street have a great special on btw.

*I watched 2012 and cheered along with the rest of the cinema when Cape Town was the place they all sought refuge.

*I went to the beach on a scorching day and got a nice tan.

*We had the most amazing burgers at Royale.

*I tried to master my new curling iron. It's not going too well. Half my hair has these amazing waves while the rest look like little girl curls.

*I had one of the best cosmopolitans at FTV. But I really do not like the remodelling.

*I saw The Rebound and have found myself in love with Justin Bartha.

*I watched the sunset at Signal Hill.

*I counted in New Years with my gays.

*I ate way too much carbs.

*I went to the aquarium and saw how slow the sharks swim. I could totally outswim them.

Hope everyone else had a faboosh holiday.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

This Year...

Third day back at work and am still crying out for my bed or to be at the beach.

Luckily work has not been too strenuous, in fact it’s pretty slow. This is normally a good thing, especially if I’ve come to work hung-over or feel like having a lazy day. I’m a bit sleepy today so the lack of deadlines is a great friend.

In order to stay awake and look productive in case any of the bosses stroll past my computer, I decided to make a list of things I should be doing this year. I don’t want to call them resolutions because I’m pretty crap with discipline and labeling them so will automatically give me the green light to forgo them. So instead I’m just trying to accomplish some stuff.

This year:

*I want to go to the gym four times a week.

*I want to watch what I eat (not in the “look how pretty the food is looking” way but seriously stop eating so much crap).

*I want to think before saying no to any requests. I don’t want to look back and regret things because I was not feeling up to it or I thought I couldn’t do it.

*I want to make small changes like switching from coke to coke light, to saying please and thank you more often, buying the Big Issue and to drink more water.

*I will not let grownup mean girls make me feel inferior. If you have a problem with the way I dress, act or the fact I’m getting more attention than you, then deal with it. That’s why it’s called your problem.

*I’m going to start saving money properly.

*I’m going to stay positive. No one likes a grumpy gills.

That’s just a bunch of things I want to try and do. I have more but am so afraid it’ll be too much too soon and then I’ll give up and you’ll find me eating bag after bag of chips with full-fat coke and no money.

Anything special you guys wanna do this year?

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week things can only get better.
I believe a latte can solve almost everything.
I'm addicted to carbs which is v bad.
I wish I had the energy to go to gym.
I'm jealous of no one, except my usual feelings for skinny, pretty & wealthy people.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week It Won't Be Long*
*Just noticed there are an overload of Beatles songs on the blog. I watched Across The Universe for the gazillion time and am on a Beatles binge.

Things That I ♥ and Things That Bug Me

Things I ♥:

Pride and Prejudice. Whether it’s the book, the Keira Knightley version, Bridget Jones adaptation or the one where Colin Firth dives into the lake. They are all amazing and all evoke good feelings inside the tummy.

How a pair of lumunious pink tights (like the pair I’m wearing today) can make your whole day better. Patterned stockings and brightly coloured tights with boots are totally going to be the things I will miss most about winter.

Getting to wear make-up again. I spent the whole of the weekend looking like a swamp creature. Finally my hair is straight and clean, my face is no longer pale and I can wear makeup again. I took full advantage of this fact but doubling the eyeliner and applying bronzer everywhere. I was so overdone for work and I didn’t even care!

Cupcakes. One of my favourite things about working where I do is that when it’s an employee’s birthday we get cakes. Lots of it. And right now, nothing tastes better than a chocolate cupcake. Mmm, there are even Astros on top. Today is going to be a good week, two birthdays to celebrate. Lots more cake.

Things That Bug Me

People who cannot express themselves articulately enough so they make every second word a curse. Now do not get me wrong, I have nothing against swearing. When I’m drunk, I sound like a fisherman’s wife. And sometimes there is no better answer to a shocking story than the F word. But if you feel the need to insert a cuss after every word

The fear of leaving the bathroom stall with my dress tucked into my knickers. It hasn’t happened yet but I’m petrified. Even more so, I doubt anyone would tell me as to be polite. Then I’d get home, Blue Eyes would say something and I’d be filled with mortification for a year. The only consolation I have is that I’ve thrown out all my ugly underwear and if it does happen, people will be getting a glimpse of some sexy lace numbers.

That for the first time in my life, I really, really want to go to gym and I cannot. The fat kid inside of me has been waiting for this to come forever and now thanks to my doctor I will only be working out next week. I may have gained a gazillion more kilos by then.

Boys who are bigger drama queens than girls. I am all about the drama, it’s one of the things that make me special. When someone else takes away my production time and that someone is not one of my beloved gays, then I get really mad. I have spent the last couple of hours listening to a grown man moan more than my two-year old nephew when it’s bath time. Are my ears bleeding? Because it certainly feels like that.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Looking for Motivation...

They say to write well, write what you know. I try to always follow that adage, other times I let my opinion take the wheel. Because I love to write and I have become so proud of the blog I am constantly thinking of new topics I can write about it. I'm not sure why but whenever I'm at the gym or on my way to work in traffic my head clears up and I know what I'm going to write about. Unfortunately, I have not been to the gym all week. Also it is still school holidays so the roads are clear. So I want to write but there has been nothing I really want put into words. Until my creative juices flow, I found some motivational posters of a different sort on my work computer. Why should I be the only one to laugh at my desk. Happy Thursday!