Bangkok: The Countdown

There are less than 3 weeks left before I depart for Bangkok, Thailand to start teaching English, and I can't explain to you how much is going on in my head right now. It has got to the point where all other forms of inspiration and creativity have evaporated from my brain (including my sense of humour if I'm honest). I am a nightmare to be around lately, and I apologise in advance to family, friends and strangers (the man at the post office on Tuesday) that have been caught in the thunderstorm mood-swing that is Sarah. I feel the necessity to share what is going on in this head of mine in the hopes that it won't explode. It's not pretty...

Image from vegatravelbangkok.com

9 Things Real Housewives has taught me

The women from the reality show 'Real Housewives' have really opened my mind up to what its like to have so much money that you develop an alter ego. This elite group of females may seem aggressive and intimidating, but you have to admit they can teach us normal middle-class folk a thing or two about life.

Its all about reading between the lines and finding the poems among the swear words, and the wisdom among the insults. Ladies get out your notebook and pen because here is what the Real Housewives can teach you about being feisty, rich and fabulous.

1. Sharing is caring

When I'm gone

As some of you may know, I have only 2 months left in South Africa before I leave to teach English in Thailand, and thereafter travel around Asia as I have always wanted. Having this brief time left with my family and friends has really made me think about my priorities, and how they could inevitably change while I am in a foreign and unfamiliar country.

I didn't write out a list of resolutions for the new year as most do, its not really my style. I thought I would instead make a list of priorities to remind myself of whilst I am in Thailand.

If we were all honest for a day...

Ever wonder what would happen if you had no choice but to be honest for a whole day? I personally think the world would blow up. Us humans don't realise how often we lie on a daily basis, whether it is a huge deliberate lie or a tiny innocent white lie. We all do it, and some are better than others! I'm talking to you sweaty-palmed-avoiding-eye-contact liers.

To be honest (haha I know), I think it would get you into a whole lot of trouble, and possibly effect your future. Watch any episode of 'Real Housewives' and you will see where honesty gets you...possibly being kicked in the face with a Louboutin.

The gift of higher education

When I finished my final year of high school back in 2009, I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to further my education and study a degree of my choice. My parents had never questioned this notion either, and urged me to continue studying after school.

How to avoid people

Whether you would like to admit it or not, you have all had a guilty moment where you really don't want to acknowledge someones existence in public. It could be that annoying family friend that doesn't stop talking when you see them, the ex or the random stranger you hooked up with one time, or simply someone you don't enjoy too much. Don't be ashamed though, I'm here to assist.

Be present

So often I found myself being distracted. I would be talking to someone and look down at my phone when a notification popped up, or gaze behind a shoulder at the television programme that caught my eye. The worst part is that I caught others doing it and would feel offended.

The 7 types of friends every girl needs

As we get older we realise more and more that when it comes to friends, quality beats quantity every time. It is, however, quite challenging when you transition from a student to a working woman and instead of seeing your friends by default (at varsity or at social gatherings) you have to make a conscious effort to designate time for them.

Durban Day

As someone who lived in the city long enough, I somehow never went to Durban Day until this year, and my oh my have I missed out over the years. It was epic.

The perfect birthday dinner

It's my birthday tomorrow so I thought I would share my planning and preparation, along with TONS of help from Pinterest. I really wanted to have a relaxed dinner party with a few friends and family just to celebrate my special day.

All of these ideas are so easy to do and only require a small budget. I like to keep things simple, because I find that as soon as you try too hard to impress everyone or spend too much money it doesn't usually have the desired effect. It's never easy to cater for a group of people so I thought I would have a variety of snack foods to keep everyone going. I have also included a few ideas for atmosphere and decor.

The details
It's always nice to add small touches to the evening to make it seem more put together, whether its adding tags of peoples names or having a nice arrangement in the middle of the table. I saw an idea where each placemate is a piece of black paper and you simply write each guests name in chalk on the black paper. I love monochrome, it always looks more sophisticated than it is. Another idea is to present knives and forks in a serviette tied into the shape of a bow tie. This is perfect for a barbeque or help yourself type event.

The human connection

When you meet someone who is completely intent on listening to what you have to say and truly getting to know you, that’s when you make a human connection. Its instant, it’s overwhelming and it’s powerful. This happens very rarely, but when it does, that person can often change the course of your life.