The Perfect Valentines Date

As some of you may already know, my name is Sarah and I am a hopeless romantic. At the same time, I personally don't think that love and romance requires tons of money spent on me or materialistic gifts. I prefer thought, affection and a mushy well-written card.

I am so over the same old thing each year when it comes to Valentines Day. Giving each other big fluffy teddies and silly gifts emblazoned with hearts that go into the back of closets, and spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy dinners at that fully-booked restaurant is just not my idea of a good time. Not being able to have a nice conversation and worrying about what to order or if you chose the right outfit can easily make you forget what Valentines Day is actually about.

A letter to my future child

Dear Charlotte/Hunter/Rome/Saige/Branson/Everleigh/Tanner/Vivienne

Those are my favourite names for non-existent future you, which future me will probably have a good laugh at no doubt. Whatever we decide your name to be, it will become your identity for the rest of your life so no pressure on me or anything!

I think so often of what you will be like one day, whether you will be extroverted or shy, have dark hair or blonde, be good at maths (no thanks to my genes) or artistic, and whether I will see parts of me in your personality . I thought that it would be an opportunity missed if I didn't give you the chance to meet 23 year old me, who is currently writing at her desk in her office in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

French Connection: A tourist in Paris

This was the day in Paris that we decided we were going to be ultimate tourists and see the big 4: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, The Arc de Triomphe and The Love Lock Bridge. This would be my chance to collect the iconic pieces of Paris, so that I could put together everything this city means to me. I can't say I was prepared for the ways that this day in Paris would change me, but I can somehow put it into words.

I was wide awake at about 5am, and I could actually feel my heart beating faster than usual. At this point I had only had a taste of Paris, and now was the day to drink it all in. Our small group of travelling compainions decided to leave bright and early to see as much as the hours would allow. We started off our Parisian adventure the best way we knew how- we took a taxi to the Champs-Elysees (pronounces shanzer leezay, isn't French so romantic!). 

The Champs-Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world, situated along nearly 2 kilometers of central Paris. This was where we browsed the colour-coordinated shops (even the McDonald's sign was the signature white and grey) and took in the prominence of the luxurious restaurants. The smells of the different French patisseries with their inviting glass displays were making all our stomachs ache with hunger, so we stopped at one of the more low-key cafe's, and ordered a cappuccino and a pastry of our choice (a chocolate croissant for me).

Sitting down at a small table with a view of the opulence outside, I finally let it all sink in- I am in Paris, eating a French croissant and sipping on coffee on the Champs-Elysees. It was unbelievable, for loss of a better word.

The Official sign on the Champs-Elysees Street

French Connection: The Streets of Paris

Paris is an enigma in every possible way, where does one start? The city of love, fashion and art to name a few. It is the epitome of sophistication and architectural history. Paris was the first city I traveled to where everything I imagined it would be, it was. All expectations are fulfilled, there is no need for exaggeration whatsoever...

Why being in a relationship is awesome

I was recently unfortunate enough to have been included in a conversation between a few select males about being unfaithful in their relationships due to boredom. They informed me that cheating is something that most men and women do at some point in a relationship, or at least think about doing, and that I am ignorant if I think otherwise.

The real pet obsession

So this last sunny Sunday was rather relaxed, as are all the other Sundays in my home. We had guests over who are friends of my parents and whom I hardly know and have little in common with, but I digress. As we were sitting casually outside, all with our chosen drinks in hand, my mind started to wander off with boredom. These people had been talking about their pets for over an hour, I'm not joking.

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.

Happy times

When my family moved cities, my parents had interviews to find a domestic to assist with the cleaning, washing and general household chores. My parents both had full time jobs and couldn't manage on their own with two young children. When they met Happy amongst other possible candidates, they just knew that she would be the right person for our family.

Our love story

I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend Travis for nearly a year. I am not one of those girls who floods news feeds about us on social media or irritates everyone with stories of how much I love him- it's not my style. I try to avoid this because I firmly feel that a relationship is between two people, not everyone you know.

Being the right girl

Women constantly complain about not being able to meet the right guy. Have you ever considered that you're not the right girl? Its harsh I know, but in many situations we have to consider this as the solution to the problem by looking at ourselves first.