Life Via Phone

I haven't done one of these posts in so long. Maybe not even all year.
What inspired it is that I am getting a little disillusioned with blogging. Part of me thinks it may be dying out. Which is scary given that I am soon to be launching a new blog - but that is a project close to my heart and is far more practical than a fashion and lifestyle blog. So it will run on passion and practicality and I have every faith that it will be well received. But more on that another time.

I know we live in an instant world. Instagram and Snapchat are killing the lifestyle blogs, and we have no need to go to their actual sites to get the information we want. RewardStyle hasn't really got to the SA blogs yet, but it will only be a matter time before we start being more Instagram focussed when it comes to information and shopping.

I then had to sit and ponder on why I started blogging. The reason was a creative outlet, and to document my life and also to share information on pretty things. I love shopping and I love sharing that with all of you - who doesn't love talking about shopping actually?
The blog has grown and taken on new twists and turns, but I really want it to retain more of a focus on fashion, travel and what is going on in my life. As for makeup and beauty posts? Well, I am not a beauty blogger in the traditional sense. I only share with you what has worked for me and what I love. I couldn't pick apart the chemical components or decipher an ingredient list, I just like what I like, and will let you know if it works - for me anyway. All I can do is hope that you find the information useful.

I have some amazing partnerships coming up and I've worked hard on keeping things as true to me as possible. I am also going to bite the bullet and get in front of the camera more, and show you how the clothes I spend so much time and money on actually look on me - probably helpful on a style blog no? I'll figure out a way of getting over my camera shyness. You know, grow as a person or something.

Now that was a whole lot of waffling on about nothing in particular. I just wanted to get personal again. Because I miss you guys.

So here's what has been going on. Rocco. My whole world and whole heart consumed by a ball of fluff. Dave and I have had him for just over 3 weeks now and it has been a total upheaval. We've lived pretty cushy and selfish lives up until now. Sleeping in, travelling, going out for dinner a few times a week. Now we are up at night letting Rocco out to pee. Then up again at 5am when he wants to pee again and then play, and eat - and then has the cheek to go back to sleep while we get ready for work. Eventually he'll be fine left at home for an hour or three - but as a puppy we have to take him along with us, or forego those dinners. Travelling means arranging sitters for him. I've spent hours researching pet friendly restaurants and accommodation so we can take him with us as much as possible - so watch this space for 2016. Pet friendly travel will be my game!
But it is completely worth it. Puppy training, puppy creche, vet runs and what seems like millions spent on toys and treats has been more rewarding than anything I've experienced yet. A cuddle from this fur-kid could cure anything from bad days, to broken hearts. He is just that wonderful. So wonderful in fact, that he has his own Instagram account @thatdogrocco. This is more for documenting his life and not annoying my own followers than it is a hope for pet Instagram fame. But hey, Mr Price Home already featured him, so maybe there is stardom on the cards for my boy wonder.

Other than being obsessed with my dog, I've been trying to get into shape. For summer, and in general. I've been so good with training and running. My eating outside of my incredibly elaborate and healthy breakfasts leaves much to be desired however. And that needs to change. I am even contemplating hypnosis to get rid of my chronic sugar addiction.
Weight training with my trainer Torie has seen a massive change in my body. I don't jiggle as much and I am stronger than I've ever been. Even after taking a 6 week break from running, I was able to finish a 6km without a problem - a first for asthmatic, sad-act me.

 This weekend past, we took a little break with some friends and went to Sun City. I hadn't been for years and years, and I'd also never been to the Lost City or Valley of Waves. I was completely blown away by the opulence and the incredible attention to detail. It felt as though we were in another world completely. I totally get the hype. I am not really that into big resorts and prefer boutique hotels, but this is a South African institution and definitely one to experience. I also had a slush puppy for the first time in forever (not counting the Fanta ones in Singapore - but those are completely different). I now have a full blown addiction that I will need to wrestle with - especially given my complaint with sugar above. As the occasional treat though, I will be indulging in one of these. Movie date anyone?

I got quite a bit of sun, and I'll definitely talk more about the Lipidol suntan oil in another post. I would never have thought an oil would protect me from the sun as I spent my teens slathering it on to fry myself - but with a SPF of 25, it did the trick and I came home from our trip without any damage. And there is a heat wave over there at the moment so we're talking serious sun.

Thats me for now. I want to get back into these posts again. I know they are not particularly glamorous, or packed with professionally shot images. But I want to go back to sharing and engaging with you, and having the feeling of just sitting down with old friends over coffee and catching up. 

xx

#ONEPERFECTWEEK X TOTALSPORTS

This is one for my fit ladies! I have been so excited about this giveaway for weeks and finally we get to do this!

So many of my readers joined me in my 50 days of exercise a while back and it meant the world to me to have the support. Summer is here now and it is also party/wedding/year-end season. And cocktails season. And ice cream season. And also the season that new places open in Cape Town that you absolutely MUST try. So keeping things tight for the beach are not always easy. But life is about balance and if you can keep your cheat meals for the weekend you'll be just fine.

On that note, this giveaway. It is perfect to motivate you to get to the gym or onto the promenade because you'll want to show off this gorgeous gear. Totalsports have given me R2500 worth of their amazing range to share with one lucky reader. If you haven't seen their online store yet, go and have a look. Their in-house brand, called TS, is affordable without skimping on quality and great design. Since they launched I've bought a few of the tights because i love the pretty patterns, quality and also that they used their brains when designing pockets and zips, and realised that my iPhone is not the size of a matchbox (I'm looking at you every other brand out there!). See there TS range online HERE. 

Because this is a giveaway designed to help get you into shape, we're not doing a little tweet-and-go number here. We're going to work. Together. For a week.

The challenge is called #oneperfectweek which you may have seen on Instagram. The idea is to commit to 6 days of clean eating - no alcohol, no sugar, no nasties. Just good, clean, fresh food. Ideally no caffeine either but I'll stick to that part loosely and do decaf as much as I can - just not that first cup. Never the first cup.  Oh, and don't forget to drink loads of water. The Kayla's Army folks do all 7 days of clean eating, and you are more than welcome to - but I am a realist. 6 days of being on your best behaviour is a damn perfect week to me. Hello? Wine Sundays!
Then you need to commit to 6 days of training too. I am going to break it down as follows: 2 days with my rather fabulous personal trainer Torie Alexandra (follow her blog for inspiration on food and being hot in general), then I am going to get back into running (le sigh. arg. oh dear) and do that 3 days this week. I use the PUMATrac app for this - it really helps with logging km's and seeing how I'm improving. And they make you sign a commitment to yourself via the app and that helps too. No one wants to lie to Usain Bolt.
Then I'll be doing a SWEAT class on Saturday to round out the week.

What you need to do to win is join me. Follow me and Totalsports on Instagram or Twitter, and on either social platform commit to #oneperfectweek. Then between now and Sunday, tag me in a picture of you exercising, or a shot of your healthy meal and please use the hashtag #TotalsportsOnline. For every day you tag me, you get an extra entry - with a maximum of 6 entries obviously. Winner will be drawn on Monday next week.

So here's a breakdown of the prize: 3 pairs of tights in the amazing prints in the picture below - 2 are long length one one pair is capri length. 2 vests, one burnout style and the other with mesh detail (they are soooo pretty), 1 long sleeve top with open back. Sexy for a little yoga or just looking hot at gym in general. Then we've got some gym gloves and a jump rope for you Kayla BBG girls.
So it is the perfect little starter kit for looking damn fine while getting damn fine.

Get cracking ladies, today we begin!

Disclaimer: Open to SA residents only. We will obviously endeavour to send the exact items featured, however items might sell out so if that is the case we will send the winner an item (of clothing) of the same value if the one featured has been sold out. 

fun, fresh and fit - #nomatterwhat

I've been working with PUMA for a while now and I am so lucky to have them. It was their latest launch that got my jiggly butt back to gym and my beloved SWEAT1000 classes again. I left feeling inspired and motivated to work even harder for my Bali trip, but also for summer and my general wellbeing.
Two things that have helped me along the way are the new app, and the new training shoes. If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you'll have seen these babies quite a bit. They are so perfect for what I need right now. You see, your average SWEAT1000 class involves a fair amount of running, as well as weight training. They mix it up constantly, so some days you walk in and are handed boxing gloves, while other days there are trampolines waiting for you. Hence my gym shoes need cushioning and stability. And like the name says, its a SWEAT class, so shoes that have maximum breathability is a must.
Lastly, they are niceto look at too. I love the teal and neon yellow colours and the woven air mesh makes for a pretty, sleek design.

PUMA have partnered with some amazing international athletes on their Forever Faster fitness campaign which asks the question, "what are you training for?". The PUMATRAC app helps you make a commitment and stick to it, whether its running, cycling or hitting the gym. It helps with the motivation part - adding some positivity and energy into the mix. And I love the #nomatterwhat thing they've got going on. It encourages a community for those committed to their fitness.

And since summer is just around the corner, why not give the app a try? I use it for running mostly. It is really easy to download and use. I even had to sign a commitment to my fitness. Now that my 50 days of exercise are over, I am worried about slacking off and being disappointed come December. So I'll be using the app to keep this chicken in check.

The Ignite XT trainers retail for R1299 at all PUMA stores - go try them on. You'll fall in love.

Totalsports is online - no more excuses

If you've been following along on Twitter and here on the blog, I've managed to throw my life into chaos by unexpectedly moving home, trying to launch two new ventures, possibly get a puppy and, in-between all of that, I have been completing a "50 days of exercise" challenge to make sure I can manage a bikini in 3 weeks time when we head to Bali.

Tomorrow I kick it up a big notch by joining BUC Fitness Club, going back to my beloved SWEAT1000 classes and also train with a personal trainer. I'll give you more details on that next week. I've got the shoes, thanks to the rockstars at PUMA - they really make the best shoes for training. I am obsessed with their lightweight Pulse XT's and tomorrow I'll get to try out the Ignite XT's (which just launched this week!).

For some inspiration, I love looking online. I have my Pinterest "Fit" board that I go to every day for recipe pins and images of strong, fit women getting their sweat on! I also trawl the net for beautiful workout clothes. You may have seen images of Khloe Kardashian's walk-in fitness wardrobe doing the rounds on the web this past week and it is the first time I have found myself insanely jealous of a Kardashian. Actually do yourself a favour and just have a look here.

I have a shelf or two - and its growing more each month. The better the outfit, the better the workout it seems. Well, thats how I feel about it anyway. Totalsports are online now and they are causing trouble already - especially their in-house brand, which is affordable and fantastic quality. Currently their entire range of tights is on my wishlist, among a few other gorgeous goodies. I am having a moment with shades of purple and grey lately.

So there really are no more excuses not to build an inspiring and beautiful workout wardrobe.
Have you had a look at their site yet? Let me know what is on your wishlist!

50 day Challenge

I don't often get too personal on here, and I also don't want to become someone who is shoving health and wellness down your throats at every opportunity, but I am asking you today to join me in a little challenge. You see, tomorrow marks 50 days until I leave for a trip to Bali. I am so flipping excited I can barely contain myself, and I have spent more time than I'd care to admit making lists of things to do and also planning outfits so I can pretend that I'll look like one of those style bloggers who wear Dior by the poolside, and Rebecca Minkhoff to the beach. When in reality, I'll probably be in some Cotton On denim cut-offs a t-shirt and a top knot the entire time.

What really is giving me a case of the panics is being in a bikini for two weeks straight. Our last trip was to America, where I sustained myself on donuts and burgers, so I've been playing catch up on the whole "Summer bodies are made in Winter" idea. With minimal success. Living with a triathlete has helped somewhat, as our pantry is a Wellness Warehouse/Woolworths hybrid and there is barely anything fun to eat in the house. But I still reach for chocolate and sweets given half a chance, and my damned portion sizes.....I'm terrible. This Bali adventure is a serious incentive to rectify that situation. Our trip will involve plenty of hiking, cycling, yoga and surf lessons - so being in shape is non-negotiable really.

So here is my game plan. Or lack thereof because I don't really have one. I just want to aim at daily exercise, every day, up until our holiday and I'll use rest days for yoga or walking - because I know rest days are important, yet I really want to be active for the full 50 days. I also want to work on my diet and get that in check as well. I don't know if I want to try juicing or supplements to kick start things along - perhaps you guys can give me some advice there because I don't know anything about it. All I know, is that by sharing this with all of you, I am committing to it publicly. And by encouraging you to join me on a 50 day wellness challenge, perhaps we can stick to it and enjoy the results together.

The areas I struggle with are my thighs, which have never been described as slender in my entire life, and since turning 30, belly jiggle seems to be something that has become harder to shift. So I want to target those two areas (like almost every other woman who is not a Victoria Secret model I guess).

So far, I've entered the Gun Run 21km race in October, and for that I am starting a training program that involves 4 runs a week building up to that distance. The rest I intend to make up with yoga, weight training and maybe some boxing - we'll see.

My mantra is that I need to be inspired by my workout clothes, and PUMA have been very kind and sent me some Pulse XT trainers (currently on sale at Takealot) to use at the gym - which I am loving because they're as light as slippers and the black and charcoal design look great with all my workout gear. Yes that sounds superficial, but even Caroline Worstmann endorses looking hot while you workout as motivation - and that mentality scored her a Comrades win.
Now that Totalsports has gone online, I'll be watching my bank balance get slimmer much quicker than I will (if only I could pay with my inner thighs instead). But alas, all in the name of sports luxe and looking good at gym. I've also bought this fantastic Garmin VivoActive smart watch that tracks my daily movement and calories, my running pace and distance - and the cheeky bugger even vibrates to tell me to move every couple of hours if I am sitting down too long.

So that is as far as I've got with my plan. What do you think? Are you joining me? I'll be posting my progress  on social media, as in what exercise I did for the day, the odd recipe and I hope you'll do the same and copy me in - I need all the community motivation I can get.

50 days guys. Lets go.

Who to follow on Instagram | Fitness

Whenever I am feeling too lazy to workout, I turn to Instagram for some motivation. This is who I follow for a bit of 'fitsperation'.

Kayla Itsines – If this girl and her 12 week guide doesn’t get your butt out the door and into the gym, nothing will.

Benelibody – Dominique, a local model and fitness enthusiast who posts great recipes and mini-workouts that you can do from your hotel room.

Sweat 1000 – I love my gym and my fitness family. They post plenty of inspiring quotes and images, and the power couple that is Paul and Concetta each have their own incredibly inspiring personal accounts too.

Skinny confidential – Lauren is my favorite fitness and health blogger. Her recipes are fantastic and her laid back and witty style of writing is so welcoming. She is a serious hottie and I end up trying out pretty much anything she recommends.

Kristen Sundberg – Her abs. Absperation. Abs abs abs. *brb, off to do nine thousand situps*

Yoga - Where, How, Why

Why practice yoga? Its for hippies, hipsters and health nuts who instagram their salads and endlessly tweet about their workouts, right?

Wrong. Yoga is for everyone, and it really does benefit everyone, no matter what shape you are, or what shape you are in.

Here are some truths about yoga - and I can vouch for every one of these:

• Yoga helps you sleep better
• Yoga gives you more energy throughout your day
• Yoga improves your posture
• Yoga improves your strength
• Yoga helps aches and pains
• Yoga helps the immune system
• Yoga helps with anti-aging
• Yoga helps hand-eye coordination
• Yoga decreases blood pressure and improves blood circulation
• Yoga is a great cardiovascular workout
• Yoga improves your metabolism and aids weight loss
• Yoga helps improve lung function

Most people whom have never tried yoga assume its difficult, or even near impossible to get into those positions. Truth is, yes, at times it is. But part of practicing yoga is acceptance. I have T-rex arms, and there are some poses I will never be able to get into for this reason. But I have learnt not to worry about it, and to get as deep into the stretch as I can, and accept my body and how far it is capable of going.

All yoga studios have beginners classes, and even in the more popular intermediate ones, you can go at your own pace, and I promise you, no one is judging, or even watching you as everyone there is focussed on their own practice, thoughts and meditation. 

Now for the "where" part, in Cape Town you are spoilt for choice. I have tried two out of the four studios I am recommending, and a few friends have tried the other two, which they have loved.

The Yoga Life: http://www.theyogalife.co.za/

127 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant

Hot Dog Yoga Studio: http://www.hotdogyoga.co.za/

202 Main Road, cnr St Johns Road, Sea Point

Yoga Zone: http://www.yogazone.co.za/

10th Floor Picbel Parade

53 Strand Street

Yo Yoga: http://www.yoyoga.co.za/

Cavendish Close, Warwich Str, Claremont

Namaste folks!

Gorgeous Gear for your Run with Mr P!

Now that I have signed up for Two Oceans, and am getting my behind on to that promenade on a regular basis, I am suddenly hugely aware of how your workout gear makes you feel.
Not to mention that the promenade in Cape Town doesn't exactly attract an ugly crowd - so fit in or feel fugly!

I have also found a direct correlation between how I look in my workout clothes, to how well the run goes. Its totally superficial and ridiculous on so many levels, but when I look in the mirror before I head out and I am in some cute, brightly coloured running vest that matches my tights/shorts/cap/shoes/heart rate monitor - I feel better, run harder and for longer.

I was never someone who had a shelf dedicated to workout wear, until now. And I love it. Its great for motivation, and another excuse to go shopping!

However, this need not break the bank, and with Mr P online carrying such a great range of activewear,  you have no excuse! Their ranges online, and at their Mr Price Sport stores are gorgeous and you can find most tops and crop tops between the R40 - R100 mark. So buy one for each day of the week and feel fit and fabulous!

Here are some of my picks from the latest range online. Check out http://www.mrp.co.za