Here is Madonna, minus the airbrushing.

I always thought Madonna is ageless, I mean, she just looks so good for someone so old. My mom grew up with her music and I grew up with her music, yet, Madonna still looks incredible to this day. Then I came across this image...

I haven't changed my mind about how incredibly talented she is, but I have definitely changed my mind about the 'ageless' part. Saying that Madonna has made her mark in the music industry and in music history is an understatement, because she is phenomenal! I just wish someone would tell her that a lady of her age shouldn't be posing in undies anymore. It just aint sexy when you're all wrinkly and stuff.

J

Fabulous Find!

When it comes to shoes, I don't need an excuse to buy them, I don't need to elaborate on how much I love them and I consider them investments. Today's fabulous find is a pair of shoes yet again, but this time it's actually affordable. Try R99.99 affordable! If you love these shoes as much as I do (I can already see myself wearing these with skinnies), then head to your nearest Mr Price and get a pair.

I like, I love, I definitely want.

Things I can't say NO to... #004

I can't ever say no to karaoke! I should actually say no, in fact, my friends shouldn't even take me near a karaoke bar, because I'm not the best of singers and I always tend to choose songs that only Celine Dion can pull off! Restraint is especially hard when I'm drunk. Not because I can sing better then, but because then I don't really care.

Whether it's karaoke at a dodgy bar, at a party, at someone's house, in the car or Singstar, I'm first in line! My friends know better than to take the mike away from me (they can't, even if they want to), instead they cheer me on and take pictures.

J

(Image found here)

Motivation for Monday!

I can't believe it's Monday already. Not only are we back to the habitual, but we're back to a soccerless world. I'm really going to miss the Soccer World Cup, because I enjoyed it way more than what I could ever have imagined.

Here's a little Monday Motivation in case you are, just like me, suffering from soccerlessness or caffeine withdrawal:

"There is a thought in your mind right now. The longer you hold on to it, the more you dwell upon it, the more life you give to that thought. Give it enough life, and it will become real. So make sure the thought is indeed a great one." - Ralph Marston

Hang in there my friends, it's only a couple more hours to go before you can go home and climb back into bed!

J

Things I can't say NO to... #003

I can't say no to sweet things! I try really hard to be strict about what I eat, but sometimes I let go and completely overindulge. Ok, that was a lie. I pig-out more than I should, but I really can't help it. It's a good thing though, because it keeps me from becoming a skinny bitch. I'd hate to look like something that's been dead for a while or have flies hovering over me.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

(Image found here)

Does it make me a bad person if I laughed at this?

No disrespect to disabled people, but I'm sorry, this motivational poster made my day. I'm not a bad person, I just have a really good sense of humour!

(Click on pic to enlarge)

J

So this is what a skinny bitch looks like. No thanks!

There are three things a girl can never have enough of,

1. A girl can never have enough shoes
2. A girl can never have enough money
3. A girl can never be skinny enough.

True. But today I changed my mind about rule #3. When there's a new fad diet, detoxing kak or 'be thin by the weekend' gym routine, I'm first in line. But as of today I promise to never complain about having meat on my bones. I promise to never even try losing my curves. I promise to never skip a meal again. And I promise to never feel bad when I go for that second helping.

New rule for girls:

3. A girl can never be voluptuous enough.

Somebody please give this model a sandwich. And fries. And a double cheese pizza with onions and a steak on the side.

Jemma

(Image found here)

It's Friday and I'm...

...really happy I get to sleep late tomorrow!
...relieved my tax return is halfway done.
...counting down the days to my birthday!
...sad that the Soccer World Cup is coming to an end!
...extremely stiff from all the squats I did last night.
...feeling another crazy craving coming on.
...looking forward to seeing the in-laws on Sunday. They're back in the country!
...getting in shape for a photo shoot with Robert Miller in the near future.
...in need of a GOOD party and loads of champagne!
...driving around with my brand new 5FM mirror socks.
...shocked that they want to turn Paul the physic octopus into calamari!

How are all of you feeling today?

(Image found here)

Things I can't say NO to... #002

I simply can't say no to a freebie of any sort! Whether it's a gift, a crap freebie that comes with a magazine, handouts at robots, free drinks from the nerd at the bar or even a competition - I try very hard to say no.  In fact, one of the reasons I decided on starting my own blog, was so that I can blog about competitions to earn an extra entry. Pathetic, I know, but I'm totally hooked. With that being said, I can proudly say that, because of my competition-entering-obsession, I've received some rad stuff like shoes for a year, Armani sunglasses, Givenchy sunglasses, accessories and loads of wine. And this is just a fraction of it!

Ok, I'm off to go enter a competition! Sigh.

(Image found here)

Fabulous Find!

I have come across another Fabulous Find, with the emphasis on fabulous!

I've always been fascinated with photographers, but there's a certain photographer who I have the biggest respect for and who I would love to work with one day! I introduce to you Robert Miller Photography or 'Panascape' as I've come to know him. He really isn't your average landscape or boring wedding photographer, and I can't tell you enough how talented he is.

Ladies and gents, please do yourself a favour and go visit his website. I visit his website often and spend hours browsing his photos and reading his blog. He's worked with all my favourites like Richard Hardiman, Cape Town Girl and Seth Rotherham, just to name a few.

Robert, if you're reading this, give yourself a nice pat on the back - you're not only cool, nice and hot, but also a genius.

J

(Images by Robert Miller)

Things I can't say NO to... #001

Things I can't say no to, is shoes. I'm sure many girls feel this way, but there's a long list of things I'd shamelessly do for a pair of really nice shoes. Especially if they're from Aldo!

My birthday is coming up and my boyfriend asked me what he should get me. Though I actually need a Tom Tom or a new hairstyle, needless to say, I chose a pair of shoes. Killer gladiators I might add. When I saw it, I just couldn't say no.

Jemma
(Images found here and here, and very similar to what I've chosen)
x

Crazy Craving - so early already?

As you know by now, I blame my crazy cravings on gym! As my physical activities increase, so does my appetite. And boy, now that I'm back to doing weights, I have lost all control. Over the cravings that is.

I've had my breakfast and my morning caffeine-fix already, yet, a sudden craving has taken me by surprise. Today's crazy craving is rice. Basmati rice with croutons, dried cranberries and cream cheese. Ooh and a vienna for sure! Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a floating marshmallow. And yes, I do want fries with all of this.

It's a good thing I don't have any of these near my desk right now, because if I did, I don't think I would see my birthday next week. And who will then open all my prezzies?

Jemma
(Image found here and here but edited by me)

I welcome back Lady Luck with open arms!

Thank you to everyone at Hello Fox, Button Candy and Cupcake Couture for the fabulous giveaway they had a few days ago, but an even bigger thank you for choosing me as the lucky winner! All I had to do was follow them on Twitter and tell them how I'd wear the accessories if I were to win!

As soon as I receive my prize, I'll post a picture of me wearing it, so watch this space! But here is a sneak-peak in the mean time. I especially love the blue button earrings!

Then, I just want to say thank you to 5fm - they sent me a 'fan pack' which the couriers delivered this morning! The best part was, I didn't even know I won. So thank you for replacing my mirror socks with even cooler ones and thank you for the much needed surprise!

Lady Luck, it's good to have you back...
J

Motivation for Monday!

To me, Mondays suck because I had just spent the weekend (which now seems like a distant memory) with friends and the boyfriend, going out, gardening, sleeping late, shopping, dining, planning my birthday and absorbing some sunlight! Then, on every Monday, it's back to doing the same old shit   back in the salt mines   doing things I don't get paid for   leaving home when it's dark and returning when it's still dark back to work and spending loads of time with people who gossip   who don't always appreciate my creativity who are almost like family!

So, if you can relate (just a 'lil), here's some Monday Motivation to get you through the week, or day at least - a quote I thought of this morning! How very prophet-tee of me:

"No one in the world was ever you before, with your gifts, personality, strengths, passion, abilities and possibilities. It will be a shame to waste all those by trying to be anything but you."

Jemma
(Image found here)

Would you still eat Caviar?

These photos were sent to me this morning, and, if there were any chance of me ever trying Caviar, these pictures have just ruined it. Permanently. I know Caviar is just some fancy word for fish eggs, but I had no idea just how disgusting the whole expensive process is.

The next time you enjoy a cracker with cream cheese topped with Caviar, think about this blog post.

Gross.

They say, I say... what do you do say?

Ever been told that you 'should do this because it's good for us' or 'shouldn't do that' or 'buy this instead' or even 'you know what they say'. My question has always been, who are they? Who are these people who think they are so superior? It could be old wives' tales to try and keep me out of trouble, but nevertheless, this is what they say and what I say to them (the shit some people come up with...):

They say drink 8 - 12 glasses of water, because it's good for you.

I ask, do you have any idea how many trips to the bathroom this will be? I've been drinking about 3 glasses of water a day, ever since I can remember, and I'm still alive!

They say if you live off salmon and water for a month, it will take about 10 years off your face.

I say, I don't eat salmon and I don't want to look like a 13-year old anyway! If I were to reverse my ageing process, I'll just buy anti-wrinkle creams. It is the year 2010 after all.

They say (and I've heard a lot of beauticians backing this), don't use Bio-Oil because it's bad for you.

I say what the eff are you talking about? There's a HUGE market for it and, thanks to Bio-Oil, I don't have one mark, scar or stretch mark.

They say you should eat about 3 - 4 meals a day with snacks in between.

I say I don't have time.

They say Christmas is a time for giving.

I agree, BUT to me it's a time for receiving too. I love gifts and if I spend time and money on finding you the perfect gift, I sure as hell expect something in return. Agree?

The say don't hate the player, hate the game.

I say, seriously? There's nothing a player can say in his/ her defense, because you should never cheat!

They say people who smoke at the office, actually have 2 days extra leave.

I agree, so where are my 2 extra days!

They say good things come to those who wait.

I say get up from your lazy ass and make it happen.

What craziness have you heard and what do you have to say to them? I can write a book!

(Image found here)

Crazy Craving - I'm worse than a pregnant woman!

Gym might be very kind to my hips, but let me tell ya, it does nothing for my appetite! It just sends it through the roof and makes me crave shit like you won't believe!! It just hits me. Out of nowhere.

My current craving is eggs. Scrambled and covered in Aromat - bring on the MSG! Then I need soft, yellowish avo drenched in vinegar. Topped with rocket. Oh and throw in some pastry-anything in there and deepfry something!

Go away craving please, because if I DO give in, I'm afraid the weird combination will do some permanent damage!

Fabulous Find!

Opposite the beautiful beach of Gordon's Bay and next door to pubs, lies a really bizarre, not your average, bookstore. When you set foot inside, you actually realise that the store had to be a house once upon a time. With passages and doors leading you from the one room to the next, surrounded by books stacked to the roof, it was so easy to get lost in there - literally and figuratively! Every single book you've ever heard about, every single book you've ever read and every single book you've ever wanted, lies under that roof.

I feel so sad that all the books there are for sale for a ridiculous price, because it must've taken ages to build up that collection. If you're a book-lover, you will think that 'ol bookstore is the mother of all libraries.

I'm not really big on reading (apart from reading magazines), but I couldn't leave such a legendary place empty-handed! So I bought a book with the idea that it would be a suvenir, but I ended up buying a book that every girl should own. The Fabulous Find for today is a book called How to Walk in High Heels – The Girl's Guide to Everything. It doesn't literally teach you how to walk in high heels, because that's a quality you're born with, but it's a fun, straight-forward, hilarious encyclopaedic catalogue of how to live modern life to the full! Call it a reference book if you must. It teaches a girl anything from playing poker, to climbing out of a car in a mini skirt, tackling lobster in a restaurant, changing a tyre - you name it!

Gals, do yourself a favour and get this book! If you Google it, a list of pages will pop up and give you more info, reviews and online websites where you can buy it. It also makes a great gift and you can even pass it on to your daughters!

Jemma

Christina Aguilera - it keeps getting better!

 

The 90's will always be remembered for the 'fros, rap breaking into the music scene and the whole pop explosion that took place. Oh and I was so behind that pop explosion! I had all the CD's (and tapes!) of the Backstreet Boys, Madonna, Venga Boys, Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Aqua and Christina Aguilera. I'm so glad to see that most of these artists are still around today even if some of them lost the plot a bit.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I still love Britney and my favourite is still Christina Aguilera! I have all their CD's, DVD's, live shows and perfumes - I'm such a nerd! Christina has the rarest and goose-bump-worthy talent out there and I just love how she keeps reinventing herself. She went from the innocent girl in Genie in a Bottle, to the wild woman in Moulin Rouge, to the dirrty phase, to the 1950's pin-up girl, then the apparent Lady Gaga look, to being a mommy and now back to the glam goddess. This woman really likes to keep her fans on the edge of their chairs! She changes her look so much, that it's often hard to recognise her, but I guess that leaves room for role-playing with her and Jordan. I mean, is it Lady Gaga or Marilyn Monroe or Katy Perry? Though there are some resemblances at times, I don't believe Christina is a copy-cat. If she's copying another artist's style, they should take it as a compliment!

I will always remain a loyal fan, because in my eyes, Christina can do no wrong. Her style is so sexy, yet she does it tastefully and with class. Her music career, marriage and parenting skills are all successful, and you'll never catch her without underwear! Britney, Paris and Lindsay, are you taking notes?

What do you think of Christina's transformations over the years and which is your favourite? I love her 1950's pin-up girl look and I'm really looking forward to whatever she's planning next!

Jemma

Coveted Couture!

Of the many things that have made a comeback this winter, I would have to say grey nail polish and name necklaces are my favourite! With any fashion-first, I'll let everyone else try it while I observe from the corner, but it didn't take me too long to be a victim of this trend too. In fact, it didn't take much persuasion at all!

I usually hate fashion comebacks for three reasons: one, I had that exact item five years ago, when it was a quarter of the current price, and it would've been considered vintage now! And, two, clothes don't really change that much when it comes from the 80's to haunt us. As in, no reinvention. Three, why should there even be a comeback? There's probably a reason it didn't stay in fashion. Attention designers, stylists and buyers, think of some fresh vogue for the next season!

There are exceptions with comebacks, but glitter pants, shoulder-pads and flower hats aren't one of them. To think grey was previously considered sombre, conventional or restrained in style and avoided showiness. But now, now we wear grey nail polish, grey boots, grey jackets, grey leggings and grey eye-shadow! Oh how bold we have become. Just vivaciously fabulous! I did my nails last night and my colour is actually called 'Dove grey'. What do you think?

Then name necklaces, I thought, were reserved for only for Carrie Bradshaw and Christina Aguilera, but not anymore it aint! It's definitely a one-size-fits-all fashion! I don't know if I'd hang my name around my neck (...stepping back into my corner, observing, hoping someone would break the ice...), but I'd definitely go for phrases, a word (like the 'love' one I bought) or even an initial.

Ooh, speaking of initials, visit Being Brazen's blog and enter her name necklace giveaway! I really want this one BB!

J

(Images: writer's own)