Airport Attire

Airport attire is more than just planning a cute outfit, it has to be comfortable, well thought-out and sensible. These words might sound slightly boring when talking about clothing, but allow me to prove that you don't have to look like a dogs breakfast to have a great airport outfit. This is especially necessary when you are on a long flight, because your sense of humour will soon fade if you haven't chosen the right kit (trust me).

7 Things I hate about long flights

I doubt there is anyone in the world that enjoys being cramped up in an airplane on a long haul flight for 10 hours (or more). Since I have a super loooong flight from Johannesburg to Bangkok in less than 2 weeks, I thought I would share my deep loathing of such. Lets just leave the 'I should feel fortunate to be able to fly to another country, and I am very lucky' argument. I am aware of this but it sucks okay! It has to be done.

Confessions of a 'Yes' Girl

I have this terrible affliction, and anyone who knows me would have at one point been on the receiving end. I like to say yes to everything. Let me stop you before you think 'oh good for her, she is adventurous and spontaneous'... um NO. I like to think that I am this carefree and nonchalant individual who seizes every opportunity, but I seldom follow through and it's such a problem in my life. Tell me I'm not the only one!

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

7 Signs you are no longer that young

I am 23 years old, that's young right? Obviously to any one older than me it is considered young, but I have had a few situations with various teenagers that has proven otherwise. I can remember my teenage years like they were yesterday, but again and again I am reminded of how much I have changed and 'aged' since then. I know how ridiculous it sounds, but I genuinely had a moment of acceptance that I am no longer as cool, young and carefree as I was when I was 16 (or 18). Here is how I came to this conclusion.

So Yesterday Volume 4

Here is another instalment of 'So Yesterday', just to remind ya'll about what is no longer in fashion (at least as far as I'm concerned). We have all been victims of the fashion industry at some point or another, so I am here to maybe assist those that have trouble letting go of old trends, or simply refuse to. Fashion evolves over time and so should we! It is easy when you know your personal style basics and add fashionable pieces to it as you go along, instead of being trend obsessed and looking like you try too hard from head to toe- don't be that girl.

Upside down Crosses

The only place you should be wearing a cross is around your neck as far as I am concerned. Apart from upside down crosses on a crop top being equally blasphemous and offensive, they are not even cool anymore so please I beg of you to stop wearing them. This includes scarves, pants and anywhere else you want to spread your non-Christian ideals. That's all!

Image from gojane.com

4 Things I Learnt in the Bush

Something I really appreciate about my relationship with my boyfriend Trav is that we are so different in the way we see the world, but we get to learn and appreciate these differences together. When it comes to holidays for example, I am all for any place with the sun and the sea, and he prefers camping and the bush. When I go to a restaurant I always order the same kinds of food, and he will order the strangest meal no one has ever tried. I am impulsive when it comes to making a decision and he thinks it through first. These are some of the factors that allow each other to expand our minds and our perspectives, especially when it comes to holidays and traveling.

Our recent holiday to the private game reserve Kube Yini in Mkuze, Zululand proves no different. We had been in hot and tropical Mozambique over the Christmas holidays, and now it was Trav's turn to do what he loves best: be in the bush. Here is what I learnt...

Trav and I at the lookout point

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.

8 Ways that you know you are having a good day

There are those bad days where everything goes wrong and you just want to crawl into the foetal position, and then there are those glorious days where the sun shines just a lil brighter, and the birds chirp a lil louder. These are the days that I live for, and they aren't necessarily dramatic or full of excitement. It's all the small things that add up to one big happy day, and you get to revel in the complete bliss that is life. This is how you know you're having a good day.

Create the life you want

Any individual can choose the life that they want by having the right mindset and a positive attitude. 'Lifestyle design' is a concept made famous by Timothy Ferris, who delves into a world where you do not have to sit in front of a computer screen in a white-walled office everyday of your life to be successful. I could not agree more, and since finishing my degree and dipping my toe into the corporate world, I realised that I want anything but that office bound life, and I will do anything to avoid it.

Here is my point. You work 40+ hours, 5 days a week with only 2 weeks leave in a year where you can actually look forward to having a break or going on holiday. Weekends are usually spent running errands, cooking and finishing work you couldn't get done during the week. Before you know it, it's Monday again and you are back at your desk, with the only ambiance being telephones ringing and the smell of cheap coffee. A promotion or a salary boost is nowhere in site, and you feel that your hard work goes unnoticed the majority of the time. All you are really waiting for, and saving up for, and longing for is the moment you can retire at the age of 60 or so and take your life back. Sound familiar? What kind of life is that?

If you are one of those lucky few that actually enjoy their chosen career, take pride in their work and gain fulfilment through their contribution to society...this post is not for you.

The do's and dont's of a wedding guest

Wedding season is fast approaching for all those individuals who are lucky enough to tie the knot with their one true love. I personally have two weddings to attend in the next 2 months and I am so very excited! I mean who doesn't love weddings? Side-note: can I just say that at the age of 23 I am yet to be a bridesmaid, and at this point I will agree to be one at your wedding even if I don't know you. Is that weird?

Anyway, I thought it would be helpful (or at least somewhat entertaining) to discuss the do's and dont's of a wedding guest. Yes, as a guest you are enormously insignificant in the greater scheme of things, and you might even find yourself missing from every single photo that was taken that night, but it is important to understand a few things before attending a wedding. Listen up!

Things we need to leave in 2014

As the new and exciting year of 2015 draws near, I can't help but reflect on the moments, trends and people that have become the highlights of  the last 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months of 2014. We all love to use the new year as a way to start new hobbies, lose weight, tick items off bucket-lists or break bad habits.

As you turn over the a new leaf, why not throw the old leaf away? Ah if only it were that easy my friends... creating a list of what I wish could be left behind in 2014 could be as worthwhile as emptying a pool with a teacup. If I had any power over society, I would try my best to make sure all of the following no longer existed in 2015. I personally think you would all be very grateful with the changes I would make. Here goes!

How to pack for a beach holiday

There are only 5 sleeps left until I go on holiday to Ponta Malongane in Mozambique! A beach holiday is my type of holiday, and what better beach than Mozambique, which is only a 6 hour drive for us, north west (haha) of South Africa. With white sand beaches and a vast 2500km coastline,  as well as the infamous R&R's and the friendly locals, this holiday destination is popular to say the least. I have been waiting for my long break over the festive season for weeks, and with only a few days remaining my holiday planning begins!

When I say holiday planning, what I actually mean is packing. Us girls know how important this is, especially if you are going away for 2 weeks like I am! I am a fantastic packer, and so often people look in disbelief when I show them how light I pack, whilst still being able to wear something different each day. If packing was a job, I would be an expert in my field! 

I have compiled a list of summer holiday must-haves to pack for a getaway, a local beach, or anywhere hot and sunny. There is no need to pack too much, or pack items that don't actually match anything else. When I am back home next year (how crazy does that sound??) I will make sure to have a post of my holiday photos and Mozambican experience!

Image from whowhatwear.com

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.

10 Things I hate about humans

Do you ever have those moments where you get so infuriated that you actually need to take a deep breathe before you turn into a werewolf? I get you, I really do. Some are small insignificant annoyances and others are huge I-could-turn-into-a-serial-killer triggers. This doesn't make us deranged freaks, it just makes us humans who wish such situations and stumbling blocks of society would go away...forever.

Tips for Summer weight loss

It is officially summer time and what better reminder to start looking after yourself than muffin tops and cellulite Sally! I have been on my own lil weight loss journey since putting on weight over December/January a year ago. This was due to a bad reaction to 'the pill' and eating and drinking too much over the festive season (I can't blame it all on the pill you guys).

How to earn cash and save

When it comes to earning and saving money as a young person, you are highly advantaged in some aspects and slightly disadvantaged in others. Part-time work is reasonably easy to find but the pay is inconsistent, and full time work comes with a long-term commitment and certain requirements such as experience and qualifications.

When I had 6 months to do whatever I could to earn and save money, best believe I got stuck in very swiftly and worked very hard. It was so worth all my efforts because I managed to stay motivated and save even more than I was expecting to! As far as I'm concerned, whether you are fresh out of high school, studying or completed your studies, there is a job (or two) out there for you. You have to start somewhere so don't be too picky, and remember that a job isn't just going to fall on your lap while you're watching series reruns on the couch. Go out there and make some money! Here are some ways you can do so:

Types of guys at the club

I have moved away from the club scene since starting a full time job and growing out of all those antics, but that doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about the stereotypical guys that you will find at any given club on any given night out. For all those single ladies out there trying to suss out the situation as you walk into that dimly lit club with flowing drinks and loose inhibitions, this is my interpretation of the guys at the club that you should attempt to avoid or at least observe for a laugh.

Why men and women can't be friends

Oh did I get your attention with that title? I hope so, but let me explain myself. I'ts not to say that men and women don't have the capacity to be friends, I merely think that we are not able to be close friends without complications. This is something that I have only recently figured out, and my observations are my personal opinion so take it with a pinch of salt. This is what I like to call the 'When Harry met Sally' theory.

Tips for going on Contiki

Going on a Contiki trip is possibly the best decision you could ever make as a young student/adult. It is one of the most affordable ways to travel, and it is extremely well-organised with experienced tour-guides, well-coordinated activities and great value for money in terms of accommodation and food.

I would personally recommend this to anyone wanting to see the world on a budget, and between myself and the friends of mine that have also gone, I have only ever heard positive feedback and tons of epic stories! Since I learnt some things the hard way, and did other things right first time round, I would like to give out some helpful advice to anyone who is thinking of going. There is not much that can go wrong, but make the most of your opportunity by being prepared and having an unforgettable experience!