Thursday, June 18, 2009

Another Flat Update

On Monday, Skinny Bitches had an impromptu flat viewing. As a result, we have no pictures. But trust us, it's a keeper!

This flat is situated in Tamboerskloof right around the corner from Beleza restaurant, the home of the cheap breakfast. Already makes it a winner in our book. It's a cute little area with other coffee shops and guesthouses. Also it's very leafy so it's all the homeyness of suburbia with the bustle of the city thrown in.

It's a ground flat with parquet flooring. The rooms have built-in-cupboards and are fairly large. The kitchen has some sort of red cupboard design-y thing going on, which isn't that great 'cause it will clash with all of our pink accessories. But we will learn to deal.

The bathroom has a shower over the bath, another item I have am dealing with, but at least the geyser is on the other side of the room. It gives the bathroom a much roomier feel. And there's this cute little cabinet which I cannot wait to put all my beauty products in.

We're not sure what it is about the place but we both loved it. It was just an instinctive feeling. And so, we're going to go for it. Eeeek! This is a big step for us. We have seen many places and still have quite a few more to go, but there is something about this place. Wish us luck because there are a million things that are against us. Mostly the fact that I spent my deposit savings on a pair of brown boots. Also it's available for July and we only want it in August. What are the chances the rental agency will be sympathetic and say "Shame, we can lose a month's rent so they can live their dream."

We have faith! And we're lighting every candle. throwing coins in every fountain and blowing away all our eyelashes. Although we have the faith, a little wishing won't harm us.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A La La La La Long

As I've mentioned before, The Soapbox is a great blog where anyone can contribute their opinions about any topic under the sun. Please do not be scared away by all the political talk and real issues! I certainly am not and therefore I contribute articles about relationships and Long Street. You know, the important stuff in life. Read my latest piece here. And contribute as well!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Inventory

I hope we don't start boring you all with our moving out tales, but if you cannot tell, we're EXCITED, really excited. This is huge for us.

Moving-out cements the fact that
1. we are grown-ups
2. we are achieving our dreams
3. we're independent, woung women
4. that we're 100% all about fabulousness.

And so we'd like to fill you in on our 'inventory' list. This is a list of the things we have, the things we need, the things we'll beg, borrow and steal for, and most importantly, the things we hope to get as house warming gifts.





Excuse the bad copy quality of our inventory list, but cheap scanners will be cheap scanners. This list was written probably 4-6 months ago...see we weren't lying, we have been planning this for almost a year. On the list you will notice ticks, 1/2 ticks as well as blanks. Ticks mean we have, 1/2 ticks means we will have or steal via a family member when we actually move out, and blanks, for no obvious reason, means we still need. You will also notice on the list that we don't mention needing bedroom or bathroom stuff. This is partly due to us sorting out our own bedrooms and the first things we bought were for the bathroom, so nothing urgently needed for those rooms.

Some things on the list that I would like to point out:

  • did you notice that a Mr Can Man and Popcorn Maker are on the list? Yes, you may be thinking we can live without these things, we however disagree. Firstly, if I am not around how will Green Eyes open a can of food? She will starve. And secondly, how on earth do you expect us to be Skinny if we cannot make fat-free popcorn.
  • you will also notcie the mention of 1 x cat and 5 x fish, if you haven't read our previous blog about this, then please do, it will explain why they are on there.
  • we have 'entrance hall table' on the list, extreme you may ask, well we can dream can't we.

If you have noticed anything vitality important being left off the list, then please tell us. We don't want to move out and find that we are missing a Fondoo set or a personal chef. We'll be too broke by then to get them, so a heads-up will be much appreciated.

Skinny Bitches out

P.S. we have not forgotten the most important thing for a Skinny Bitch to have on her inventory list, a wine rack filled with wine, we'll have to hit Bastille Day in Franschoek and gather some much needed resources.

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Forbidden Garden(s)

Friday was a great day in Cape Town. First of all, it was great weather, it was a Friday and I got to wear a dress. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy as you can tell. But apart from those three factors, I was buoyed on by the fact that the whole plan to move out was officially happening.

Blue Eyes mentioned to me that the plan started almost a year ago. In fact the day we have set aside for moving is in fact the day one year ago Blue Eyes started harassing me about moving out. It's not that I didn't want to move out but on that particular day, I was nursing the effects of a quiz night at Neighbourhood and all I wanted to do was drink lattes and read Perez Hilton. But I am so glad that she started that conversation.

In little under a week we have seen four properties. Two have huge potential to be our casa. One is a serious fall back. Like both the other places have to unavailable and our parents have to kick us out. And the last one...well it feels like our place. But we wish we had never have seen it.

It's situated in Gardens, about 5 minutes away from the Gardens Centre shopping complex. For two skinny bitches who like to spend money, this is fabulous news. It's in a cute complex; there aren't many units but there are some cute boy neighbours! Already a plus. The flat is on the back end of the complex on the second level, which means it has it's own staircase. This will be great for those days when we're having fights with the future boyfriends and we're listening from the second floor and they're grovelling at the bottom. Okay, stuff like that doesn't really happen but it would be great.

When you reach the entrance, there's a welcome mat, three doors and a hallway. The first door opens up into a huge bedroom with it's own balcony. The second bedroom is slightly smaller but we'd be able to fit a double bed and a desk and there'd still be enough space to perform the dance routine from Slumdog Millionaire (Jai Ho!).

The kitchen and bathroom are quite nice looking, considering it's an older place. Which sadly means another shower over bath, but I am learning to deal. With this place, we're lucky enough to inherit a stove. It's actually a stove and oven but only the hob bit is working. The previous tenants left there, the current tenants will also leave it there and we'll be happy cos at least we can make pancakes even if we cannot do a roast. The lounge has one of those warm and cosy vibes. We could have probably taken off our high heels, grabbed a glass of wine and felt right at home. And I suppose that's why we're both so in love with the place. It felt like a home. Plus it had two balconies and it looked pretty.








Alas there was some bad news to follow. According to the tenant, their rent was way higher than what was advertised. The rent for this place was basically the most we're willing to pay. Something fishy was going on. It had to be what was advertised otherwise we'd have to forgo our dream. A call to the agency only confirmed our suspicions. The rent was still to be confirmed. Which we understood as, there's a lot of interest in this place and we're going to make the most of it rent-wise. This is totally sucky for us. But we're still holding thumbs.

Good Points

- AMAZING location
- Large bedrooms with built-in-cupboards
- Hardwood floors
- Two Balconies
- Fabulous Vibe

Bad Points

- Parking at an extra cost
- Shower over bath (still a problem)
- Rent to be confirmed

More to follow on this flat soonish.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra



This week has only 4 working days! Hurrah!
I believe I'll be filthy, stinking rich one day.
I'm addicted to Milo, hot water bottles and the Will and Grace boxset.
I wish life was a little bite easier for a little while.
I'm jealous of people who can afford the good housing in Gardens, Cape Town.
Soundtrack for the week you can't hurry love, money or a decent flat.


Friday, June 12, 2009

Flat Hunting Round Two

So thursday night after work,came about round two of Skinny Bitches on the flat hunt and we had two viewings lined up.
Checklist, camera and directions in hand we were off to our first viewing in Woodstock. Green Eyes coming from the southern suburbs and me coming from Greenpoint to meet halfway was no easy feat.
Did you know how easy it is so get lost in Woodstock? I think we both must have spent an extra R20 bucks on petrol just driving around trying to find this imaginary apartment complex. Eventually (while on the phone to one another) we spotted the high rise sticking out amongst all the houses, but we couldn't seem to get to it, almost like a forbidden fruit. Needless to say, we eventually found the entrance where we were met by the estate agent and the apartment...oh wow, a forbidden fruit most definately.
Somehow I think the pictures will speak for themselves...you be the judge.








And OMG, check out the view and the roof deck area...can anyone say cocktail party?

And then came the shocking truth. Did you know that not only would we have to fork out for 1.5 month's deposit, but we would also have to salvage together a R750 electricity deposit as well as R600 admin fee. That's a lot of cash, cash we don't have lying around or growing on tree's. Now what is a skinny bitch to do, but kick up a fuss and move on to the next viewing in Vredehoek.

Here we hoped we would find another pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but sadly no. Cheap rent, check; awesome location, check; lack of fitted furnishings, check; hidden costs, check; still wallowing over place in Woodstock, most definately a check.

See the pics below, then scroll up to the previous pics, then scroll back down, scroll back up again....and now you understand.






Let's sum this up.

Bad Points:

  • so in general there are HUGE upfront costs and deposits to be paid and making a decision is hard, being a grown-up is hard, life is hard
  • Woodstock: location (as such), not the best place to be walking around, scarce amount of local coffee shops and boutiques
  • Vredehoek: not as pretty as Woodstock, no BIC or stove, and some bad gay decor in the bathroom (orange floors, how can they call themselves gay with orange floors?)

Good Points:

  • Woostock: is ticks every box on our checklist, every one, it even has a heated towel rack in the bathroom and 2bathrooms. Skinny Bitches most definately need two bathrooms
  • Vredehoek: awesome location right in the heart of Vredehoek by trendy Derry street cafe's and bars, good size bedrooms and lounge...and I spotted a cat.

We're still on the hunt for the perfect Skinny Bitch bordeaux and the 1 August is fast approaching. We're getting really excited and feeling really nervous and crossing fingers that all will come right. We'll keep you posted on the viewings.

Skinny Bitches out

P.S Did we mention that estate agents can be crooked people sometimes. The low down on that story to follow.

(Fashion) Rant For The Day

I was browsing Fashionista for my daily fashion fix when I came across this quote by Andre Leon Talley, Anna's No.2 at Vogue:
"I, for one, am over the mania for the high, high heel. Too many career women look like a herd of fashion beasts, aping one another in impractical shoes.”


And while I agree with him on the imagery, I will certainly not give up my high heels. I am short. Like super tiny and without my heels I just look like a teenager who's trying to get into a club. Hence the numerous times bouncers have stopped and asked me for my ID. This is usually followed by a long hard stare at the date of birth, a moment to work it out, a puzzled double take look and then finally resignation as they have to let me into the club. So as a proud high heels wearer, let's do away not with the ridiculously high works of art. Instead let's get rid of those girls who make the rest of us look bad. And I'm not talking about the people who only wear high heels on weekends. You're forgiven for stumbling. I'm talking about the girls who wear high heels day in and day out and still look silly. And to one of these girls that I know personally, still trying to wear high heels, even though you can't, while having a broken toe is not brave. It's dumb and all the fashionistas of the world would agree.

That's all!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I Love You Like A Fat Kid Loves Cake


You know when Oprah is moaning on and on about her weight and you wish it was a Favourite Things show. I used to be like that. But I was avoiding the issue. You see Oprah mentioned countless times on her show, that she had a food addiction. And the reason people don't loose weight or eat when they are not hungry is because they are addicted to food.

And so I stand up, Hi, I'm Green Eyes and I'm a food addict. Actually I'm not just an addict, I'm a Fat Kid.

The urban dictionary defines a fat kid as any person who, regardless of age, sex or stature, adores food with every fiber of their being. Note that being a fat kid does not imply anything about a person's weight; it is purely a state of mind.

So instead of just being a fine connoisseur of worldly cheese, I'll eat it like it's my occupation. But let's be honest, a little bit of cheese on something tastes amazing. Which is probably why my diet hasn't been much of a success. Initially I was all about sticking to the diet and losing weight. After the first four kilos and being able to fit into my skinny jeans again, I got a little sidetracked. I struggle with discipline so cheating on a diet with me is a prerequisite. And the way I justify it is pathetic.

After a 45 minute cardio session, I think I deserve a cheeseburger. If I've managed to stick to four, even five gym visits a week, I have a slice of white bread or even better feta. I'm a whore for cheese! When it comes to work, a snack will help me through the day. Dinner should be followed by dessert which is why after a completely healthy and balanced Low GI dinner, I'll try not to open the freezer and steal some ice cream without making a sound. I've almost mastered it.



And now, my fake diet and constant cheating have caught up with me. Although I'm short and it's harder for me to lose weight, I should not be doing it so slowly. My dietitian did some calculations and I should be without a couple more kilos than I currently am. So I decided to get tough on myself. Otherwise I'm just wasting everyone's time and my own money seeing a dietitian.

So the month of June was decreed No Cheating Month. This way at the end of the month I will be able to determine whether I'm not losing enough weight because I have a slower metabolism or whether it's the countless cups of milo or salt and vinegar lays. It is now day 11. So far I have managed to not fall into temptation and it's taken what little willpower I have to do it. It's getting harder with the constant stream of birthdays we have in the office. And let me tell you, if at the end of this I am not at least two kilos down, I will attacking the next birthday cake. Seriously they're going to have to bring in security after I'm done with it.

20 more days till my next weigh-in. Wish me luck!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Flat Hunt Begins

So Blue Eyes and Green Eyes are finally starting to become grownups. And by grownups I mean we are foolishly leaving the rent-free, heating-provided, free-meals-and-satellite-TV arrangement of our parents homes to live on our own.

But when you live in the unfashionable parts of town and all you want to do is live in the CBD what's a skinny bitch to do. Let's not forget about the other fun things too...no more mothers complaining at you because you wanted to stay in your pajamas all day, no more making the bed, no more fake-smiling at annoying relatives and more importantly no more dubious and disapproving glances when you stagger in at 7 in the morning with your makeup all smudged and your top the wrong way around. Also we can eat what we like, listen to 80s music all night, dance in our knickers, drink and cry when watching The Notebook (my dad complains when I scream at the TV) and have boys stay over. We could probably do the the latter in our current situation but this time they wouldn't have to sign a no-touching contract for our dads and we would be in the same room.

And so begins our flat hunt.

We are planning to move out in August into the cheapest 2 bedroom place we can find. (Skinny Bitches note: If you hear of anything please let us know!) There are many things we're willing to forgo in order to have our own homely bliss. We don't mind sharing a bathroom, we don't mind parking in the street and we don't mind ugly wall paint. We do however require decent size rooms to fit a double bed and side tables, some built-in-cupboards, and preferably an oven. Otherwise we'll be confined to cooking in a microwave. A view of our fabulous city wouldn't hurt either.

Last night we began the flat hunt with a viewing at a place in Tamboerskloof. It's up a scary high road and my poor little car was struggling. If we do move there, I'll have to drive with my choke permanently on.
The place from the outside was not looking too pretty. But at least it has this view:
(Excuse the bad quality of the pictures, I was trying to remain inconspicuous whilst actual residents were entering and leaving the premises).

And that view is only from the outside. Inside it's much better and both bedrooms have huge windows. So that's a definite plus. The entire flat is 84 metres squared. And there's ample space in both bedrooms. Below are some pictures of the bedrooms. This is so clearly a boy's apartment.


Next onto the lounge and sitting area This is also quite big and there is a balcony. So more chances to enjoy that view. The tenant forgo painting the place so the decoration is hardly Queer Eye style. But there's a lot of potential. we're thinking the right colour and accessories and tada! A palace fit for two skinny bitches.



The next picture is of the kitchen. It runs along the passageway of the building. So other residents will breathe in the aromas of your cooking. It's a good thing Blue Eyes can cook otherwise the only thing they'll be smelling is my world-famous-burnt-chicken. It could also use some fixing-up but otherwise it looks good and it's big. I couldn't get a full length picture. The tenant was following me everywhere and I felt more like a stalker rather than a future occupant.
Last and by all means least is the bathroom. It's not even nice. firstly it's got pink tiles. And it has a shower over the bath and even worse, it's got a shower curtain. I don't like to gossip, but mildew anyone?! This is definitely the place where good taste came to die. Also there was a leak in the ceiling which still needed to be seen to. We'll need it fixed and it has become a serious black mark against this place.

So there you go, there is option number 1. and apart from some decor problems it's really good for a first viewing.

Good Points:
- The size
- The view
- One bathroom and seperate toilet
- Secure complex
- Balcony
- Entrance hall

Bad Points
- Only one parking space
- Leak in bathroom ceiling
- No oven/hob included
- Shower over bath
- Needs sprucing up

Keep reading for more flat visits.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Fabulous New Blogs!

When you have nothing better to do at work because your job can be so tiresome and some of the people you work with have not developed social skills you ... read more blogs!

These are some new additions to the Skinny Bitches archives:

Babalub.com - Hot Mama is someone I work with and someone I mention frequently when discussing my work life. Luckily for her, she doesn't have the same problems I do. Mostly because she's on maternity leave. She started her blog when she had her first child. But returning to work, having another baby and then taking care of two boys under two means very little time to blog. Luckily she's started again and now we can all read about being a young mom of two in the city.

Hele Says
- OMG! I am a beauty slut. Actually I am a wannabe beauty slut. Mostly because my budget does not allow it and also I am too scared to try new trends. That's where this amazing beauty blog comes in handy. Hele gives great reviews, does fabulous makeup and studies at the same time. She's one of my heroes!

Juz, Jax & El on Planet Capri - Three hilarious, creative flat-mates, who drink too much and then draw about it. What more do you need.