Hello April

April is already here. I'm gobsmacked at the thought. 1/4 of the year behind the belt, although great relationships & friendships (old & new), an awesome steady new job and the passing of the first 2 subject tests for Law & Economics to show for it. Realizing how fast time is passing by I thought to make an effort to have MORE of the below in my days

 

★ Baking

★ Drinking Mineral Water

★ Reading The Girl who Played with Fire

★ Taking the doggies at Animal Welfare for walks

★ Catching up with mum

★ Pampering my love

★ Aerobics classes

★ Fresh flowers in our home

★ Bubble baths

★Trying new wines

Easter Delights

What a wonderful Easter Weekend off. Its not often anyone in the service industry is off on a public holiday, although we were lucky to have had Good Friday off this year and it worked out to be my Saturday off too, and although I wasn't able to make the weekend away to East London with my family, I did have the most relaxing and rejuvenating weekend with my amazing boyfriend.

Whilst remembering the true meaning of Easter, we still indulged in plenty chocolate Easter Eggs and other delights. I baked fresh muffins and stocked up on delicious hot cross buns. We made yummy french toast and spent the bulk amount of time on the rainy days that graced us, reminiscing on good times, keeping warm, cuddled in bed making the most of series marathons from dawn til dusk. I had a refreshing gym sesh to break the lazy spell but fell right back into it for the remainder of the weekend. I too took the time to learn the amazing fish plait,  my favourite new classic hair do ♥

Grey Fences

 

And I will stand here
While the storms rage all around
And I will sway, but I will not break
I believe in right or wrong
But I cannot commit people to either category
So don't ask me to say that I will stand
On either side of the fence
That I am intent on tearing down
Just join me, and pick apart each nail
And lets take every piece of wood
And instead lets build something
A shelter to keep us all safe
No matter where we stand

 

...

 

 

Tis' the season to be jolly

What a whirlwind of a year.  I cannot believe that in 3 days it will be Christmas again.  It's an exciting time none the less.  Having a little brother around keeps Christmas fun and fresh and silly, whilst keeping to my routes, and remembering the birth of Christ.  Christmas eve is usually the big get together with my entire family. 20 of us all bringing different dishes and desserts and prezzies gather at one home each year and wine and dinn into the night. 

Although i will be starting my new job very soon, and even with being in the hospitality industry, running right through this holiday season, I am really enjoying the holiday spirit!

Here are a few of my favourite holidays things ♥

 

 

Charity High Tea

I recently attended a charity high tea fundraiser for Lake Farm Centre, a Port Elizabeth based home for 90 intellectually disabled adults who live in 7 hostels. Most of the residents work in 10 different work groups or workshops and contribute to the upkeep and running of the centre.  More so than attending for a very worthy cause, the delight of spending the Sunday afternoon with my two very special girlfriends Zaskia and Daynah was quite the winning formula. It was a spectacular event, a welcoming little Lake Farm resident membered band playing fab upbeat tunes to set the mood, gift bags, tea and coffee, hot fresh scones jam and cream, cupcakes, guest speakers and lucky draws!

 

 

Banishing winter blues

Funny enough winter blues haven’t hit til
the very end, with only 1 day to spring. This past week, almost 2, I’ve been caught up in a rather horrid slump, state of mind and unhealthy bod. With everyone around me motivated on getting fit for summer, I’ve been losing mine. I’m not sure if the stress of settling into a new home is the cause, or whether it’s trying to get back into studying that’s weighing me down.

Not all my days have been blue however. I've recently enjoyed reading my book on days out like at the beach where i get to feel the sand beneath my toes, dates and laughter with close friends, charity work and passing my very 1st test of my new qualification. But I’ve decided that with spring about to spring its time I banish the despondency and get LIVING.

Here are a few things I plan on doing to lift my spirits :)
 

♥ Take long walks

♥ Catch the first winter to spring rays of sunshine

♥ Make lists of things I’m grateful for

♥ Eat lots of yummy radiant fruits

♥ Long baths and early nights

♥ Sticking to my gym regime

♥ Light incense around my home

♥ Schedule more time for yoga or meditation or quite bible time

♥  Watch and enjoy spring blossoms

♥  Daydream more

 

Spring Inspired Foods

So spring = start of braai's, light and refreshing salads and all sorts of goodie foods like potato bake, crackers, french loaf, fruit stacks, tarts, sushi, dressings, marinades, cocktails and smoothies, to mention but a few!
 I can't wait to share all these lovely SRPING FOOD & DRINK ideas, facts and recipes with you. Follow me on my cooking and baking blog http://peaches-sugar-n-spice.blogspot.com/