Wednesday Thoughts: Beautiful Liar

When Heather and I originally started this blog, we had designated specific days to cover specific topics. For instance, Wednesdays were specifically dedicated to music... or random things I had written ( if you will call it " poetry"). It has been a while since I have posted, so I thought I would post a little something I have been working on... ( as per request).



You're so beautiful
Everything you construct
Is so beautiful
Even the lies
They don't not hurt my ears
Until the betrayal is revealed
By the betrayal of your eyes

You're so beautiful
Everything you do
Is so beautiful
Even when you walk
With so much grace
With the dagger grasped firmly in your hands
Behind my back

But it's still beautiful
Until the truth in that dagger
Sets in
And the pain of your lies
Are revealed by my cries

But yet
the blood on your hands
is yet so beautiful

Imani Dlamini

It's okay not to be okay... But it is not okay to be a doormat

 

 

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!

Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,

It's okay not to be okay...

Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.

Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,

Just be true to who you are!

- Jessie J- Who You Are

 

I have always been the kind of person who, most of the time, is described as " bubbly" or " happy". It is as if people assume I never have a bad day, like I am always this calm and collected person which couldn't be further from the truth.

But I guess to some extent, I do aid in that misrepresentation of myself. Do not get me wrong: I love being happy, I love to smile. It is one of my most valuable assets( no, seriouly. When I worked as a waitress old ladies would tip me MORE because of my, and I quote, " beautiful smile"...)

I think it's one of our valuable accessories as human beings. With a smile, there is no pressure to apply elaborate make-up and jewellery... because your smile is enough to bring out the beauty that is within you ( excuse me for sounding like a women's column).


But generally, I would say I am happy with my life. Or at least grateful, so there really is always something to smile about everyday. Yet that is not to say I do not get " angry" or upset. And that is what I potray. I hate conflict and all that drama, and I guess sometimes that makes me a doormat. Or at least I may have been a doormat, in school,  hiding my true feelings and concealing them with a smile.


For example: there was this boy in my high school class who would always bug me. He would pull pranks on me( for instance, garnering sympathy from me by faking a terminal illness, putting grass in my hair, and other childish so-called teenage boy behaviour). And I would just smile it off. Yes, it was annoying but I did not want to cause any "conflict "or give anyone a reason not to like me...

Which backfired. The thing about being a " doormat", and always going with whatever comes your way, and never saying how you REALLY feel is that people get this idea that they can walk all over you. And they may seem to " like" you because of how easy going you are. Until out of the blue, a sudden bolt of anger flashes out... Your true feelings come out in an unpleasant way because...

once again he was up to his annoying childish tricks. This time he was throwing staples at me or something like that. I cannot exactly remember, but instead of ignoring that or quietly speaking out... I flipped, grabbing the nearest object and throwing something at him, shouting something along the lines of "JUST GROW UP AND STOP ACTING SO IMMATURE"!

The whole class went silent. People stopped talking, writing or whatever else they were preoccupied with because they were just as shocked as I was.

How could I flip out like that?

I am so much better than that!




Then I realised that the reason everyone( myself included) was so shocked at my little outburst, was because it was one of the first times I had actually revealed my " true colours". That I was not some perfect " superhuman" who never got upset, or annoyed or had a bad day. I was human, just like them.

The point is: I had always put on a facade and that made me appear less " real" or relateable. I had bottled all my feelings inside, and then one day when it got to much I got beyond annoyed..

The point: let people like the real you. It is okay to be unhappy about something( I am not saying you must be negative and complain all the time), but do not be fake either.
 

I have realised that the girls( or guys) who seem to " have their stuff together" also suffer from the ocassional doubts and low-points. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, so I guess as Jessie J ever-so perfectly put it:

" It's okay not to be okay".


Peace and Love

xoxoxo

Imani Dlamini

 

July Favourites 2013

Beauty

I am not usually a make-up person but when i saw this make up line at my local DisChem. I was drawn in to the fact that the make up contains natural minerals and they don't do any testing on animals. They make-up feels light and as if its moisturizing your skin. I have been using their lip stains a lot this month.


Fashion

These grey ankle boots have been there for me, through my ups and downs this month. They are super comfy too.


Book

Even though I finished this book in one day, the story stayed with me for the rest of the month. And probably still will for the rest of my life. Definitely my favourite non-fiction novel.


TV Show 

Since Desperate Housewives ended last year, I've been searching for something close to it. I finally came across this show and I am absolutely obsessed. Its sexy, its funny and you might shed a tear or two. Plus i spend every episode brainstorming who killed Flora.


Movie

I did do the book review a couple of months ago so I was quite excited to try out the movie. The movie had a brilliant cast, it was nice to see the story come to life.

Food

Yummy Yummy in my tummy! This Marcel's Chocolate Frozen Yogurt has kept me comfort during those sleepless nights. The chocolate taste is nice and rich too which is exactly how I like it.

Drink

This is House of Coffee's Mocca Java filter coffee. I've been drinking this everyday and thanks to Imani Dlamini for buying me that super cute coffee plunger.

Music

This Symphonic Metal band I only discovered this month. They remind me a lot of Evanescence. I highly recommend the songs "We are the others" and "Frozen".

Random Favourite

Paint-By-Numbers! Omw these are so much fun and so addictive. They really make you feel like a professional. The paints they provide are oil based and each canvas also comes with their own paint brushes.

Make peace, not war,
Heather McIntosh

Book Challenge Update: The double tap, The Rescue and The Monk who sold his ferrari

The Double Tap by Stephen Leather (54/100)

The assassin- the world's most successful contract killer- ice-cool, accurate and elusive. An anonymous professional with a unique calling card- one bullet in the head and one in the chest for each of his targets.

The Judas goat- an ex-member of the SAS, Mike Cramer is the perfect sacrificial bait. When the FBI discover the next name on the assassins hit list, Cramer is set up to take his place.

The Wild Card- Cramer's past has caught up with him. Ex-IRA extremist Dermott Lynch blames Cramer for his lover's death and he's out for revenge.

As Cramer trains for the most dangerous mission in his career, Lynch hunts down his sworn enemy. And the unknown assassin silently closes in on his target. 

The players are in position for the final game....

My rating: 2.5/10

My Comment: Confusion. That is the only word i can think of to describe this novel. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood to read a book like this. But I didn't enjoy it at all. I recommend it to those who enjoy action and thriller novels.

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks (55/100)

How do you learn to trust again?

Denise Hilton, a young single mother, is driving through Edenton, North Carolina, when her car skids off the road during a storm.

With her is her four-year-old son, Kyle, a boy with severe learning disabilities for whom she has sacrificed everything. When volunteer fireman Taylor McAden finds her she is unconscious and bleeding, but when she wakes an even more chilling truth becomes clear: Kyle is gone.

When Confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, Taylor feels compelled to take terrifying risks to save lives, and the search for Kyle is no exception. But there is one leap of faith Taylor cannot bring himself to make- to commit to a relationship. Will this chance meeting with Denis prove any different?

My rating: 8/10

My Comment: This is the perfect book for those cold winter days, where you can just cuddle in bed with. It keeps you on your toes. Warning: you might even shed a tear or two.

The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma (56/100)

Over ten years ago a book was published that has since transformed millions of lives. Sharing the story of Julian Mantle, the superstar lawyer whose stunning material success masked deep emptiness within, THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI was initially printed in a small quantity but quickly grew into a word-of-mouth sensation.

Now published in 70 languages and a number 1 international bestseller, the book's simple yet remarkable powerful message of hope, inspiration and authentic success has spread across the world. This truly inspiring tale gently offers answers to life's biggest questions as well as a practical process to help you create prosperity, vitality, happiness and inner peace, moving you to live a life you will be proud of at the end.

My rating: 10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Comment: Wow! a truly inspiring novel for anyone who is seeking to better their lives. It is also full of ''quotable quotes'' that make you second guess the life you are already living. If I can finish it in one day... then so can you!

Make peace, not war

Heather McIntosh

Twitter: heatherluvpink

Book Challenge Update: The Power of Now

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

(53/100)

It's no wonder that The Power of Now has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 30 foreign languages. Much more than simple principles and platitudes, the book takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light. 

In the first chapter, Tolle introduces readers to enlightenment and its natural enemy, the mind. He awakens readers to their role as a creator of pain and shows them how to have a pain-free identity by living fully in the present. The journey is thrilling, and along the way, the author shows how to connect to the indestructible essence of our Being, "the eternal, ever-present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death." 

Featuring a new preface by the author, this paperback shows that only after regaining awareness of Being, liberated from Mind and intensely in the Now, is there Enlightenment.

My Rating: 9.5/10

My Comment: A truly inspiring book. The author makes you appreciate your life more and makes you want to explore your spirituality. 

Book Challenge: Quickie Update (book 43 to 52)

Here is a list of books that I have read so far:

1. The Shadow of the wind by Carlo Ruiz Zafron (6/10)
2. My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult (8/10
3. Dance Upon The air by Nora Roberts (9/10)
4. The Debutante by Kathleen Tessaro (7/10)
5. Slim for Life by Jillian Michaels (8/10)
6. Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts (9/10)
7. The Burning Shore by Wilber Smith (6/10)
8. Revenge by Noel Hynd (5/10)
9. Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides (6/10)
10. Face the Fire by Nora Roberts (9/10)

Lovies,

Heather McIntosh

(@heatherluvpink)

10 songs to listen to ( if you need a little inspiration)

Everybody needs inspiration...

If music be the food of love, play on – William Shakespeare

You know that popular saying, “you are what you eat”.  I guess it is a way to encourage us to pay attention to what we put in our bodies. And in some ways it is true... if you eat crap, you might end up feeling and looking like crap. Or maybe that is just me.

Could it also apply to the music we listen to?  Could the “food” we consume on the radio, Youtube or any other music really shape who we are? Anyway, this is not an academic paper, so I am not going to answer any questions I do not know... But what I do know is music always, ALWAYS makes me feel better. If you do not believe me, go ahead and try it.

What do I do when I need inspiration? I read self-help books, blogs, pray but the most versatile one of these is to of course... listen to music.

Music is all around us, and sometimes it may be the impetus we need to get out of our buts and get to work or feel better about ourselves...

So I compiled a couple songs that I find “inspirational”. They are the eperfect remedy when I need to drag out of bed or just need some positivity. My littler sister says I listen to depressing music, and after a while ballads screaming about broken hearts and... broken hearts can get a little... depressing.

This is in no particular order.

1.     Golden – Jill Scott

I’m taking my own freedom

Putting it off my shelf

Putting on my chain

Wear it around my neck

I’m taking my freedom

Putting it in my car

Wherever I choose to go

It will take me far

I’m living my life like it’s golden

Why I love this song: The lyrics speak for themselves. It is a reminder to live your live to the fullest.

2.    Living on a prayer- Bon Jovi

She says we’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got

It doesent’t make a difference if we make it or not

We’ve got eachother, and thats a lot for love

We’ll give it a shot

Whooah, we’re halfway there

Living on a prayer

Why I love this song: it is just an awesome song! The song just tells a story about Tommy and Gina whose lives are so tough and have dreams of escaping their unpleasant life situations, yet they still have hope. They do not give up on their dreams. It’s a great song to listen to when you’re working so hard on that 5,000 word assignment or 10km marathon.

3.     Video – India Arie

Sample lyrics:

I’m not the average girl from your video

And I ain’t built like a supermodel

But, I learned to love myself unconditionally

Because I am a queen

Why I love it: it is just inspiring. Personally, it reminds me to embrace my uniqueness and to just simply love myself. There is no shame in that

4.    One Day – Matisyahu

Sometimes I lay

Under the moon

And thank God I’m breathing

Then I pary

Don’t take me soon

Cause I’m here for a reason

Why I love it: this reggae- type song its another reason to be grateful for every day we are here on earth, and to find and live out our purpose. We all have something to offer the world, and each day we are breathing is a a chance to live it out.

5.    Don’t stop believing – Journey

Don’t stop believing

Hold on to the feelin’

Streetlight, people

Don’t stop believing

Hold on

Streetlights, people

Why I love this song; I will be honest, the major reason I included it in the list is because I just LOVE the Glee version of this song. Nuff said. The lyrivs really do speak for themselves, and often I imagine Rachell berry belting out the high notes while the rest of the cast doo-woops in the background.

6.    This too shall pass – India Arie

 Then I hear a whisper that this too shall pass

 I hear the angel’s whisper that this too shall pass

My ancestors whisper that this day one day will be the pass

So I walk in faith that this too shall pass

Why I love this song:  A good friend of mine sent me this song durng a rough week, and ever since then it is a reminder that tough times don’t last, tough people do.

7.    Waiting on the world to change – John Mayer

One day our generation

Is gonna rule the population

So we keep on waiting

Waiting on the world to change

Why I love this song: it is optimistic that the world will change... someday.  HOPE.

8.    Brave – Sara

Let your words be anything but empty

Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say

And let the words fall out

Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

Why I love this song:  it reminds me to be brave and to not be afraid to speak up for what I believe in.

9.    Destiny - Zahara

People telling me it’s a highway

And I ponder of letting go

But I know in each and every end of the tunnel

There will be a little light in the end

And I thought of taking the route everybody else

Oh yes has been taking

But I know I have to find my own destiny

Why I love this song: Its a reminder to follow your own destiny.

10.  Proud – Heather Small

I look into the window of my mind

Reflections of the fears I know I've left behin

I step out of the ordinary

I can feel my soul ascending

I'm on my way

Can't stop me now

And you can do the same

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Why I love this song: I love it because it simply reminds me to be do something each day that would make me proud, moving me closer to achieving my goals, whether it may be jogging for that 10km marathon or working on this blog.

What have YOU done today to make you feel proud?

Peace and love

Xxxx

Popcorn Bites (Skyfall, My son is innocent, Sin City)

Skyfall (2012)

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem
Genre: Action
IMDb Synopsis: "Bonds loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."
My rating: 8/10
My Comment: I mentioned this before,  but I usually don't watch action movies. But for some reason, my gut told me to watch this movie. And I have to say that I was glued to the screen the entire time. Amazing stunts with and intriguing story line.

My Son is Innocent (1996)

Directed by: Larry Elikann
Starring: Marilu Henner, Nick Stahl, Matt McCoy
Genre: Drama
IMDb Synopsis: After a brutal nighttime attack on a woman alone in her suburban home, police investigators zero in on teenager Eric Sutter. When the victim identifies Sutter as her attacker, the legal system closes in on the boy as friends, neighbours and media turns against him. Only through the dogged determination of his mother, and her loyal boyfriend and Eric and the victim have a chance for justice to be served.
My rating: 3/10
My Comment: When I first saw the synopsis for this movie, I got so excited to watch it. Lets just say that it highly disapointed me. The acting was bad, and the ending was worse. Only to be watched if you are bored and not even Teletubbies is on.

Sin City (2005)

Directed by: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Jessica Alba, Alexis Bledel and Michael Clark Duncan
Genre: Thriller
IMDb Synopsis:  A film that explores the dark and miserable town, Basin City, and tells the story of three different people, all caught up in violent corruption.
My rating: 9/10
My Comment: Fantastic! Beautiful editing, acting and story lines!

Fit Thursdays: Starting over

Wow it has been a while since I've posted a proper Fit Thursday blog. So I'm just going to get right to it.
So for the past 6 months I would be on and off exercise because I was working two jobs a day plus studying. I WAS EXHAUSTED to even think about exercise. Therefore I gained weight and am now slightly overweight (shit!).

A Few Changes

 But now that I have left my morning job and have got a awesome gym membership, I am willing to get my life back on track. And I am going to make Fit Thursday as a motivational way for people (like me) who want to get their life back on track (physically and mentally). I will, for now on, be posting my weigh-ins, life changing advice, workouts and how I am doing in my gym classes.


My New Workout Schedule: 

My local gym has some amazing gym classes and memberships for a good price. Here is my day to day schedule and what I have signed up for:

Monday: Boxing (am); Spinning (pm)
Tuesday: Body Blast (Jillian Michaels style of workout) (am); Pilates (pm)
Wednesday (active recovery): Pilates (am)
Thursday: Boxing (am); Pilates (pm)
Friday (active recovery): Walk the dogs
Saturday: Zumba (workout video at home)
Sunday (rest day): Yoga or meditation

Yes! I know that this schedule seems hectic but it involves ALL of my favourite workouts and I'm really excited to start.

My starting weigh-in and July Measurements

Weight: 61.8%
Body fat Percentage: 27.8%
Muscle Tone: 35.8%
Hydration: 49.6%
Arms: 27.7 cm
Neck: 30 cm
Chest: 84 cm
Waist: 73.7 cm
Hips: 98.5 cm
Thighs 57.5 cm
Calves: 37.5 cm
BMI: 25.4 (0verweight)
Waist to hip ratio: 0.77 (pear shape)

Lovies,
Heather McIntosh