My New Years Resolutions for 2014

1. Don't doubt myself
2. Don't worry about the past or future
3. Master the 80% healthy and 20% indulgent rule
4. Learn an Instrument
5. Get over my commitment fears

Top 10 Songs of 2013

Disclaimer: These aren't all songs that came out in 2013. These songs just made a big impact on me this year.

10. Sweet Silver lining by Kate Voegele
9. Just Give me a Reason by Pink
8. I want to break Free by Queen
7. Just Keep Breathing by We the Kings
6. Heart Attack by Demi Lovato
5. Say something by The Great Big World
4. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
3. Run by Pink
2. Fix a Heart by Demi Lovato
1. Let it be by The Beatles

Top 10 Movies 2013

Disclaimer: These movies didn't all come out in 2013. These are the best movies that I watched this year.

10. Mama
9. Girl, interrupted
8. The Heat
7. Woodstock
6. Struck by Lightening
5. To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Spring Breakers
3. Monsters University
2. The Conjuring
1. We're The Millers

Top 10 TV Shows 2013

Disclaimer: These aren't all TV shows that came out in 2013. These are just TV shows that I started watching in 2013.

10. Reign
9. Shameless
8. Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
7. Sleepy Hollow
6. Game of Thrones
5. The White Queen
4. The Fosters
3. 2 Broke Girls
2. Orange is The New Black
1. Breaking Bad

Top 10 Books of 2013

Disclaimer: Not all of these books were published in 2013. They are only my favourite books that I have read this year.

10. The Storytellers by Jodi Picoult
9. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
8. Struck by Lightening by Chris Colfer
7. The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
6. The John Lennon Letters by Hunter Davis
5. Looking for Alaska by John Green
4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
3. The Fault in Our stars by John Green
2. The Pact by Jodi Picoult
1. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrai by Robin Sharma

Finale Book Challenge Update and Blog-a-Thon

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (100/100)

"After the scandal of her mother's affair, Mclean and her dad chose life on the road. But since losing her family and home, Mclean has lost herself too; she's been Eliza, then Lizbeth, then Beth- changing her name as often as she changes towns. 
Until now. Her neighbour, Dave, is like no one she's met before. It's as if she's always known him and just like that, she becomes Mclean again. Is it finally time to stop reinventing? Or will Mclean turn her back on the new life she loves, without even saying goodbye."
My Rating: 7/10
My Comment: What a good way to end my book challenge. I loved this story! It felt light-hearted and free.


2014 Book Challenge?

I thought about it these past two months and I decided to do a book challenge again this coming year. BUT its going to be a little bit different. What with me buying WAAYY too many books this year and my kindle breaking as well I decided to challenge myself not to read a new book in 2014. This includes buying from the bookstore and borrowing from my friends or library. I will only be allowed to read Manga and my old books. I will still be doing reviews from old books that I haven't mentioned on the blog, but I will also be doing more discussion types of blogs, to make it seem more like a book club.

Blog-a-Thon

To make up for my absence these past couple of weeks, I will be posting 5 blog posts on New Years Eve. They will be posted an hour apart from each other. The posts will be:
19:30- Top 10 books of 2013
20:30- Top 10 series of 2013
21:30- Top 10 Movies of 2013
22:20- Top 10 songs of 2013
23:30- New Years Resolutions

I hope you have a fantastic 2014 ahead of you

Love,
Heather

Book Challenge Update: Books 90-99

Book 90: Game of thrones by George RR Martin
Book 91: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
Book 92: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Book 93: Fault in our Stars by John Green
Book 94: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Book 95: Diamonds are a girls best friend by Jenny Colgan
Book 96: Breath of Fresh Air by Erica James
Book 97: Moon and Back by Sarah Dessen
Book 98: Hidden talents by Erica James

Book Challenge Update (Quickie Books 84-89)

Aleph by Paulo Coelho: 7/10
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell: 9/10
Dream Psychology by Sigmund Freud: 6/10
Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz: 7.5/10
Her Mother's Shadow by Diane Chamberlain: 8/10
Julius Caeser by William Shakespeare: 8.5/10

November 2013 Favourites

Beauty: African organics Shampoo and conditioner

Fashion: Crystal Necklaces

Food: Quinoa

Drink: Fruit Flavoured Green Tea

Music: Queen

TV Show: The Neigbors

Movie: Monsters University

Random: Purple Hair

Non-Favourite: Nameless

Breaking Bad Review (SPOILER HEAVY)

Ja, ja. I know, I'm a bot late to hop on the band wagon. But when I started watching it last year I got bored. Luckily this year I tried to watch it again and OH MY FUCKING GOD i loved it! Here is my review for each season:

Season 1:

This season showed us the beginning of Walt's obsession with cooking meth and shows us his weaker stage of lung cancer. This season had a lot of emotion and drama. I loved the part when Walt committed his first kill and his hesitance towards this business at first.

Season 2:

This season was sad for me, I didn't like the way that Walter just let Jesse's girlfriend die. I also loved watching Jesse getting back into his drug habits.

Season 3: 

To be completely honest, I found this season to be quite boring. The only exciting part about this season was when Skylar found out about Walt.

Season 4:

This season was probably the best. It had amazing quotes and an amazing plot. Throughout the whole season we sat in anticipation as Walter/ Heisenberg plot his revenge against Gus.

Season 5:

This season was also my favourite, I loved the way how everyone found out about Walt. I loved Hanks story in this, and the way he died was brilliant. I didnt quiet understand the point of Walter hiding out in a cabin but the finale was epic. It had shock value but it also gave us closure, I was also impresssed on how they wrote in his death.

My Vegetarian Story

My Story

I became a vegetarian just over two years ago. My friend and I decided to do it as a 30 day detox. We decided to do lacto-ovo which means that I do eat eggs and dairy but I don't eat meat. Once I started, I felt my kidneys were getting better and I had a lot more energy. When the 30 days were just about up, I stumbled across a video call "Glass Walls" by Paul McCartney and was absolutely disgusted. And thats how it became my life.

Kinds of vegetarians

1. Pescatarian: Eats fish, chicken, eggs and dairy but no red meat

2. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: Eats eggs and dairy but no meat

3. Ovo Vegetarian: eats egg but no dairy and meat

4. Lacto Vegetarian: eats dairy but no eggs and meat

5. Vegan: eats no dairy and no meat

Vitamins to take

Vitamins and supplements is one of the most difficult things about being a vegetarian. I take:

1. An Immune Booster
2. Iron
3. Vitamin B
4. Flax seed Oil
5. Calcium
6. Zinc
7. Protein Powder

Just remember not everyone does well on a vegetarian diet, you need to make sure that your Doctor says that it is ok and make your you take the relevant protein supplements.

Venting letter #1 (uncensored)

Ok, so my holding a grudge post the other day kind of didn't  work for me today on NAMELESS. So instead I decided to write a hate letter to her (I'm not going to send it to her or anything, this is just to get my feelings out) again, I have blocked out her name because I am a better person than that.

Dear Ugly Fish Face

You are disgusting and annoying. Gossiping is for losers with no self-respect, like your face. Your laugh is like a fucking orangutang, everyone hates you but is so scared that you'll talk behind their back so they remain friends with you anyways. You hurt me a kot and I am finally done with your fucking lies. You no longer exist in my life. Talk about me all you want, at least I am important enough. You are ugly and two-faced and a stalker.

Sincerly,

Someone who doesn't give a fuck anymore.

Excuse the bad grammar, but that was raw anger in those words. And I actually feel a lot better. Try it, its a lot of fun, but don't send it to that person otherwise it will cause drama.

lovies,

Heather
x0x0

Change is Inevitable

Change is something that most people fear about, and what makes other people feel excited about. I love change, I constantly change the way I dress, my hair colour, my gym routine, what i eat every day (I never have the same meal twice in one week) and my room.

If you are one of those people that hate change, here are some ways to ease into it:

1. Take it one step at a time, for example: put cinnamon in your oatmeal instead of sugar.
2. Do it for the sake of shocking people. People will see you differently and start respecting you and wait in anticipation to see what you will accomplish next.
3. Do it for the sake of shocking your self. You can accomplish anything but sometimes your mind will prevent that from happening. Act on impulse now and again, get a tattoo, colour your hair purple (which I have just done).

We can't avoid change, people grow up and get married, have kids and then grandkids. It's what makes up the Human  Circle of Life. Live your life, you are young, no matter what your age. Be yourself but be a better version of yourself.

-Heather
xx

Holding a Grudge

We have all had that one person that makes you want to pull you hair out every time you see him/her. Even the most placid person can hold a grudge, doesn't have to be someone we know personally, even though he is dead, Hitler is still one of the most hated people in the world. Like the quote above says, it is unnecessary to hold a grudge and hate that person every second of every day.

I used to really hate this girl who used to be my best friend 5 or 6 years ago, lets call her NAMELESS. She used to try and break me down and deceive me over and over again in high school and even small things now since we have been out of school these past 2 years.

1. When i moved here to this small town, I was so excited. I have always wanted to work with kids. I invited NAMELESS to join me, because she lived in the same estate as I did. I set up prices and an appointment book, just like in the Babysitters club novels.I asked my estate to put her and my name in the newsletters. But when the next newsletter came out I saw NAMELESS and her two sisters advertising to do babysitting, house sitting and pet sitting (even though they wouldn't know the first thing about looking after a dog or cat). I was devastated and even though I confronted her about it the next day she said something along the lines of "its not just about you".
2. Few months later, I forgave her. I invited her to my house on the Friday afternoon so that my dad can help us with a maths assignment. That following Monday, the teacher noticed that our work was similar, and afraid that she was going to lose marks, NAMELESS told the teacher that I copied her work. I was so furious that I went during our 2nd break to tell him that NAMELESS is lying and that my dad helped us. He believed me and marked my paper as normal, without deducting marks.
3. I forgave her again a year after that and gave her a second chance. Until my best friend told me that she has been calling me annoying behind my back. So then I decided to ignore her and avoid her whenever I can.
4. In matric, about a year after that we started talking again, and worked on a business assignment together and that went well, until the end of that year, after our finals when she asked for my exam number so that she could see my marks. That was the final straw, I deleted her and blocked her from all of my social media and was very careful of what I said on my social media in case her friends will go telling her everything.

These past two years she hasn't done anything drastic to hurt me, just small things, like a dirty look in the gym and things like that. But this past year I have changed I am older and more mature to realize that it doesn't matter what she says behind my back because people who judge you and continuously try to break you or your family down are just pathetic and lonely because they have nothing better to do with their lives. So talk behind my back, try and sabotage my life. You wont succeed though, because I am stronger and happier now than I have ever been in my entire life.

- Heather

Spicy Vegan Stir Fry Recipe

I didn't put in measurements because when I made this I just put as much as I wanted.

Ingredients

Tofu
Flax Seeds
Flax Seed Oil (or any other oil of your choice)
Spinach
Stir Fry Veggie Mix
Jalapenos
Spicy Sauce or spices of your choice

Directions

1. Heat the oil in the pan, on high, for about 3 minutes.
2. Add in your stir fry veggies and cook on high for about 5 minutes.
3. Turn down the heat and add in your spinach, tofu, flax seeds and jalapenos.
4. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. Dish up and add a spicy sauce, my favourite is nando's peri-peri

*This recipe is served better on brown rice or pasta

Heather's top 5 songs for a depressed mood (upbeat version)

5. We will rock you by Queen
"Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you"

4. It's only life by Kate Voegele
"Take your hesitance 
And your self-defense
Leave them behind, it's only life
Don't be so afraid 
Of facing everyday
Just take your time, it's only life
I'll be your stepping-stone
No, don't be so alone
Just hold on tight, it's only life"

3. I want to break free by Queen
"But life still goes on
I can't get used to living without living without
Living without you by my side
I don't want to live alone hey
God knows got to make it on my own
So baby can't you see
I've got to break free"

2. Nothing's gonna stop us by Starship
"Let em say we're crazy 
I don't care about that 
Put your hand in my hand 
Baby 
Don't ever look back. 
Let the world around us just fall apart 
Baby we can make it if we're heart to heart."

1. Just Keep Breathing by We the Kings
"When you watch the world just turn away
And break the promises it made
When love is all too hard to hold
Just take a breath and let it go"

Book Challenge Quickie Update (books 76-83)

Book 76: Whisper by Chrissie Kearney (8/10)
Book 77: Life Lessons from the Monk who sold his ferrari by Robin Sharma (10/10)
Book 78: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (7/10)
Book 79: The White Princess by Phillipa Gregory (7.5/10)
Book 80: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned (6/10)
Book 81: Room by Emma Donoghue (6.5/10)
Book 82: The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts (8/10)
Book 83: The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (4/10)

Bullying!

Bullying is something that has been going on for years and it just doesn't seem to be getting better. We've all had our fair share of experiences and our different ways of handling it. In this post, I am going to share my story of being bullied and then I will give you a few methods on how to cope with it.

I was 14 when I had my first (bad) experience. I was in an all girls school in Boksburg, and one of the guys from the brother school asked me out. I was really excited, as any teenage girl will be to receive their first kiss by one of the hottest and popular boys, but it actually turned out to be one of my worst nightmares.

That Monday, after our first date, all hell broke loose. Firstly, I was being teased by my classmates because I had curly hair, I don't listen to the same type of music as everyone else and also, because I didn't cut my wrists in class like they did. They would also mock me whenever I raised my hand up to answer a teacher's question. Hence why I am so quiet to this day.

A few weeks later, nobody would talk to me, even my ''friends'' told me that they hated me and never want me to be their friend anymore. Three girls would also push me around and jump on my back everyday. So for my last three months there I spent my breaks alone to eat my lunch and read my books. I would even get death threats and SMS's saying: "You deserve to die", "You're pathetic" and "I can see you, I will shoot you, duck now".

I handled the bullying pretty well, after all I was moving to a small town three hours drive away from Boksburg. I did try and talk to my principle once, but that just made it worse, I didn't even tell my parents what was happening.

Here are a few methods to help you cope:

1. Smile: Show them that you are happy with your life, Showing them that you are upset will just make you more vulnerable.
2. Joke with them: If they tease you, sarcastically agree with them. For example: "Yeah I know I'm gross", this will confuse them and will also show them that you have thick skin.
3. Self-Defense classes: At the moment I am taking boxing classes three times a week. Back then I was only taking Ninjutsu, once a week. This really helps you take out your frustration and will also make you stronger for when you get mugged on the streets.
4. Meditate
5. Be yourself, no matter what anybody else thinks.

Heather's top 5 songs for a depressed mood (slow version)

Here are my top 5 slow/ acoustic songs that get me out of a depressed mood:

5. Hallelujah by anyone
There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
4. Lift me up by Kate Voegele
This road is anything but simple
Twisted like a riddle
I've seen high and I've seen low
So loud, the voices of all my doubts
Telling me to give up
To pack up and leave town
3. No Way Out by Phil Collins
I know It's hard but found somehow
To look into your heart and to forgive me now
You've given me the strength to see just where my journey ends
You've given me the strength to carry on
2. Sweet Silver Lining by Kate Voegele
But so many people are looking to me
To be strong and to fight 
But I'm just surviving
And I may be weak but I'm never defeated
And I'll keep believing
In clouds with that sweet silver lining
1. Let it be by The Beatles
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Having The Worst Year Of My Life

Today was mean't to be my September Favourites post, but instead I want to share something with you guys. It is safe to say that 2013 is officially the worst year of my life. And here is a chronological list as to why:

1. My laptop's hard drive crashed.
2. I found out that I had female testosterone defiecncy.
3. UNISA told me that I had to take an extra (and super boring course for my matric exemption)
4. I found out that I had an ulcer.
5. I got an unfair dismissal from one of my bosses.
6. My laptop crashed again.
7. The parents of the kids I was au pairing told me that they are moving to America.
8. The tire of my new car went flat.

I'm sorry that this was such a negative post. But it is normal to have bad days and to cry about it. We are only human. Its how you deal with it that matters.

Book Challenge Update: Until the end of time & Life without Limits

Until the end of time by Danielle Steel (book 74/100)

"Bill is a dedicated young lawyer working in New York. He leaves everything he trained for to follow his dream to become a minister in rural Wyoming. Jenny,his fashion stylist wife, leaves the milieu and life she loves to join him. The certainty they share is that their destinies are linked forever.
Fast forward thirty-eight years. Robert is a hard working independent book publisher in Manhattan, looking for one big hit novel to publish. Lillibet is a young Amish woman, living as though in the 17th century, caring for her widowed father and three young brothers on their family farm. In secret at night, by candlelight, she has written the novel that burns within her. When it falls into Robert's hands, he falls in love first with the book, and then with the woman he has never met."

My rating: 8/10

My comment: I enjoyed the last short story but I loved the first story with Bill and Jenny, it made me cry so much. She waited so long to have a child and still didn't get one... Heartbreaking!


Life without limits by Nick Vujicic

"Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic overcame his disabilities to live an independent, rich, fulfilling and "ridiculously good" life while serving as a role model for anyone seeking true happiness. Now an internationally successful motivational speaker, Nick eagerly spreads his central message: The most important goal is to find your life's purpose and to never give up, despite whatever difficulties or seemingly impossible odds stand in your way."

My Rating: 8.5/10

My comment: To be honest, I was afraid to read this biography because i was afraid that it would be too "pushy" on religion. But it wasn't, I loved the stories he had and quotes like: "don't let your face plant grow roots". This book confirms that anything is possible if you work for it.

Read all about it

Read all about it

Google is great. Find out anything you want, with just a click of a button. Yes, yes yes... I am aware that there is plethora of other search engines but it is almost as if search engines are automatically associated with Google. It is almost like here in South Africa, when you say Colgate you are actually referring to any old toothpaste, not necessary the actual brand.   

I have a confession: I am a Google geek. I Google absolutely everything, from serious issues like rhino poaching in Zimbabwe or helping a friend who is in trouble, to so-called dilemmas: How to do a 2000-word essay in one night. Help! My hair is breaking or the most common one: successfully pull all nighters (which always ends up in a fail, yet somehow I find solace in the fact that I am not the only person considering this it). I Google anything and everything, Google is my friend when I need advice on the go and so is the vast amount of knowledge contained in those paper things called books. Yes! Books! How could I forget about books!

You can find out anything you want, or so I thought but I will get into that later. You can literally read about any subject imaginable, not just from the internet but from books, books, BOOKS! And being the nerd I am, I love to read! And I used to think that I knew all the answers I need about life because I had read about, watched it, and that somehow granted me automatic degree in LIFE.

For instance, my " book" knowledge about relationships always came in handy when my friends would come to ME for advice. Me? The destined spinster ,lined up to adopt 67 cats, for relationship advice? I was always my best friend’s personal Dr. Phil when it came to relationships, which at the time was ironic because I had never been in a relationship or even had a boy look at me unless it was to copy my homework . But being as curious, and avid reader of women’s magazines, advice columns and Dr Phil or whatever there was from young a age: I was considered an expert. Or maybe in my own narrow view I was an expert. I was mature. My mom even said so, in not exactly those words, when she was amazed at my " mature" approach to relationships. I had read about it, and since I read about it, it was that simple.  1+1= 2. 

I thought I knew all there was to know about relationships, or maybe life in general. I had the neat formula. I spent a share amount of time reading from various self-help gurus.

Of course that was until It was my turn to face some of the challenges I had painfully watched my friends handle. The self-esteem issues, crappy relationships, and just life... All of a sudden when I felt like I was thrust into the heat of things: I was lost. What is my purpose in life? Am I really smart enough? What should I do about ABC? Crap! I am so fat Etc…

I felt like all those books teaching me how to get the best of life, the blog posts on living a happy fulfilling life had filled my empty cup with air. Just air, because I did not become wiser with them… I had all the theory, but not much practice. Or in other words, I could “talk a good game”, but when it came to actually living, I struggled just like everybody else.

And that scared me. It still does. Yes, there are some things I have read that have challenged me in so many ways. But I am clueless at times- And realizing this has been a humbling experience. Self-help books, Google, Oprah or whatever are great! Really! But they still don't give me all the answers to life's questions.

My point is, you can’t learn all there is to learn about life in a book or a search engine. Sometimes experience really is a great teacher. There comes a time when you can choose between living life, or watching other people live it!

It is your call.

Xxxx

Imani Dlamini

Book Challenge Update: How I escaped a girl gang & a sense of an ending

How I escaped a girl gang by Chyna (book 71/100)

"From a young age, Chyna saw people all around her in gangs. They had the status, the look and the money. So when girls from a rival school started to bully Chyna and her friends, they decided to take control in the only way they knew how.
But the deeper Chyna got into this world, as she became involved with boys and fell in love, the more she discovered the dark side- the vicious drug dealers, the beatings, the guns.
It would take a devastating tragedy- one that ripped apart her world- before Chyna found the courage to leave gangland behind once and for all."

My rating: 5.5/10
My Comment: This book was crazy. Although I did not enjoy it, the pacing was too slow for me


A sense of an ending by Julian Barnes (book 72/100)

"Tony Webster and his clique first met Adrian Finn at school. Sex hungry and book-hungry, they would navigate the girl-less sixth form together, trading in affections  in-jokes, rumour and wit. Maybe Adrian was a little more serious that the others, certainly more intelligent, but they all swore to stay friends for life. Now Tony is retired. He's had a career and a single marriage, a calm divorce. He's certainly never tried to hurt anybody. Memory, though, is imperfect. It can always throw surprises, as a lawyer's letter is about to prove.

My rating: 7/10
My Comment: Beautifully written real-life fiction

I.AM.WOMAN- My top ten beauty products

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my first beauty post. Today I am going to count down my top ten beauty products. These products range from hair, make-up, skin and perfume. They are also listed in no particular order.

10. Wella Proseries Shampoo and Conditioner for Coloured Hair (Hair)
9. Deja Vu Body Butter (skin)
8. Revlon Nail Polish (make-up)
7 Esse Rich Moisturiser (skin)
6. Wella Proseries Max-hold (hair)
5.  Nivea gel face wash (skin)
4. Bioderma sunblock (skin)
3. DKNY Be Delicious (perfume)
2. Paco Rabone Black XS (perfume)
1. Palladio (any make-up product)

our twitter: @imaniandheather
our email: imaniandheather@gmail.com

Fit Friday: Top 10 reasons why I hate pure cardio & new workout schedule

Disclaimer: I am not a fitness expert. This is purely my own opinion and what works for me.

HI everyone,

Today I am going to give my top ten reasons why I hate pure cardio workouts, such as running and cycling outdoors (with the exception of spinning). The classes I take at the gym combine strength and cardio together which I really like. But if you enjoy running around, I totally get that. I, for one, don't and here is why:

10) Joint pain

Don't get me wrong, back in my mid-teens I used to cycle almost everyday around the estate that I live in. After time, I used to feel joint pain in my knees. Same thing in tennis with my wrists. And even in boxing right now with my hands. Be careful to not do these exercises everyday as they can cause serious problems to your joints.

9) Outdoors- Bad weather

One thing that annoyed me when I used to walk and cycle everyday was the bad weather, either it would be too hot or rainy or the flu in winter. You get so excited, but then right before you want to go out, the weather dampens your spirit. And you have to do the walk of shame back indoors and stare longingly out your window.

8) Weird stares at the gym

I haven't experienced this personally but I have noticed the weird stares that people give each other at the gym. I've even noticed one girl I despise staring at me during the classes. But the biggest victims are the people that take Zumba, poor things! rather focus on your own workout instead of judging other people.

7) It triggers my asthma and ulcer

This used to be the biggest downfall. I even used to get asthma attacks of I went for a long walk. The ulcer one is weird though, I guess that 1 hour cardio workout is too much strain on my body.

6) Makes me tired

Too much cardio makes me really tired, especially during the workout.

5) Doesn't make me feel strong

After a cardio workout, instead of feeling strong and lean afterwards I feel like a weakling and as if I walked the entire Hogwarts building ten times .

4) Unmotivates me

When I do strength and cardio intervals I feel more motivated to push myself. Can't say the same about cardio.

3) Makes me stress more

When i used to cycle and even when I ran (sorry, I lie: when I thought about running) I used to get anxious about going in the streets, for some reason. I have no idea why as I live in a secure estate.

2) Don't feel muscle stiffness

One thing that I love about working out is muscle stiffness, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and I feel leaner and stronger. For some reason I don't get stiff when doing cardio, actually I start feeling like a lump.

1) It's boring!!

The number one reason why I hate pure cardio is that i get so bored! Its the same moves over and over agian. I even find myself planning the rest of my day, and the next day.

My updated gym schedule

With the new management at the gym the schedule has changed a bit and they have added more classes. These are the classes I take:

Monday: am- HIIT (1 hour)

                pm- HIIT (1 hour)- with my sister

Tuesday (active recovery): am- yoga (1 hour)

                                         pm- walk dogs (15-30 mins)

Wednesday: am-Boot Camp (1 hour)

                    pm- Pilates (1 hour)

Thursday: am- Box Condtioning (30 mins boxing and 30 mins strength)

                pm- Yoga (1 hour)

Friday (active recovery): am- Pilates (1 hour)

                                      pm- Walk dogs (15-30 mins)

Saturday: am- Box Boot Camp (30 mins boxing and 30 mins boot camp)

               pm- walk dogs (15-30 mins)

Sunday: Rest day

         

Book Challenge update (quickie) books numbers 66 to 71 and new beauty posts from Saturday the 21st September

Book 66: Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts (6.5/10)
Book 67: How to find fulfilling work by Roman Kzrnaric (6/10)
Book 68: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (7/10)
Book 69: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins (8/10)
Book 70: The Witness by Nora Roberts (7.5/10)
Book 71: The Knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness (7/10)

Hi everyone,

Lately I've been bored with doing the popcorn bites everyday. Instead I will be posting beauty blog posts. This will entail reviews, top ten lists and good advice to get your skin glowing and healthy. Have a lovely week ahead.

Kind Regards,
Heather


Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/imaniandheather
Email us: imaniandheather@gmail.com

So Little Time, So much to do

I remember filling out my timetable at the beginning of the year, excited at how much free time I would have. Wow! Only one class on Tuesdays!? I will have soooo much time!

 A month and half into the second semester I am being constantly reminded how wrong I was.  Because school or life in general, goes beyond just the classroom… there are the mandatory often mundane tutorials, preparing for class readings, class discussions, assignments… Oh, and the normative 8 hours of sleep some scientists say we are supposed to be getting. I say normative because it is how we would like things to be, but it is not always so. However, millions of students worldwide will tell you that 8 hours of sleep is unrealistic * slowly raising my hand*

Anyway, back to the “false” impression I got that I would have all the time in the world. It is not there. It always seems like there is so little time, so much to do. And at times it really can get overwhelming. So much so we forego things like the above-mentioned: sleep. Or skipping unmentionable days of gym, meal times, and movie dates with your pals etc etc etc etc… or the Horror: lectures.

But there is time. I realized that I do have time! And since changing my mindset from the so little time, so much to do… to I will choose to spend my time do this and that… My time management skills have improved. And I do feel a sense of a balance. You get to choose how to spend your 24 hours and sometimes it requires trashing some activities that may not serve your purpose at the moment.

So I am going to leave you with a quote by H. Jackson Brown serves as a constant reminder that I do have time! Maybe not time to do everything but I can do the important things. And by important I mean things that will serve your purpose

 “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Hellen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leornado da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein” And just to add a little local spin to it, Nelson Mandela.

Peace and love

Xoxo

Imani Dlamini

*Major Spoilers*! Confessions of a couch potato: True Blood season 6, Switched at Birth Season 2, Angel Beats and Pretty Little Liars season 4 mid season

True Blood season 6 discussion

WTF?! Is my reaction to this season, and not in a good way. When i started this show, I loved the violence and gore (sometimes a girl just needs to watch someone's heart being ripped off) but I just feel like it's not the same anymore. This season starts off with Bill being a "god-like vampire" which I don't understand, maybe I skipped something important in season 5? It also starts off with what's-his-face planning to imprison the vampires, torture them, and then eventually kill them (with Sarah Newlin by his side, which I loved her being back on the show). I didn't like the whole Sookie and Warlow story line. And there wasn't enough Tara, I miss the old potty-mouth Tara, she is my favourite character on this show. And let's not even mention Andy Bellefleur impregnating an alien and those girls growing up in a matter of weeks. Towards the end of the finale episode (episode 10: Radioactive) it showed us Eric in the snowy mountains, full frontal and reading a book and then suddenly burning. I was thinking to myself (please don't die Eric). I really hope that Pam got to him in time, or he found a way to hide from the sun. They then did a 6 months later thing. Where Sam is president (whoo hoo!), Sookie and Alcide are a couple? and Tara's mom makes a confessions and allows Tara to feed off of her. Oh! and Terry's funeral scene really made me cry so much!

Switched at Birth season 2 Discussion

I loved this last half of Switched at Birth season 2. So let's start off with Ty and Bay: I am definitely team E-Bay so I wasn't too pleased with the whole Ty and Bay getting back together. I just don't think that they have that perfect chemistry. I think he did lie about cheating on her though, to get her off his case about being deported and to protect her feelings if anything did happen to him there. Oh, and having sex for the first time with him was probably not the best idea, since she clearly still has feelings for Emmett.

Ok, so let us talk about Daphne a little bit now: I love that she stands up for what she believes in (remember the whole "taking back Carlton" incident?) but she may have gone too far by exposing Chip Codo's affair. She could have gotten into a lot of trouble, but I love the letter she wrote in the end of the finale episode, truly inspiring. 

Now onto the Toby and Nikki Relationship: We find out that Nikki's died was murdered in a drug deal. And we see her go off the rails, with Toby supporting her the whole way through. I disagree with the adults. They are in love and if they want to get married, then so be it! 

I love everything about this show, it's inspiring and a good light-hearted drama.

Angel Beats discussion

This show is basically about angels who have died and are half way to heaven. Once they have fulfilled their dreams or have gotten over their regrets, they disappear and move on. This anime makes you laugh your guts out the one minute, then the next you are crying buckets. I especially cried when Kanade told Otonashi that she received his heart and said "Thank you for giving me life" right in the middle of him confessing his love to her. I loved this anime and finished it in two days.

Pretty Little Liars season 4 Mid-season finale discussion

Since so much happened in the finale I'm just going to focus my discussion on that. Let's start at the beginning of the episode in bullet points:

• The girls keep on getting packages which is A sending them a message.
• Ashley Maran's charges are dropped (yay)
• Ezra and Aria share a kiss and I'm not sure if they are back together or not, but poor Jake! He is such a nice guy. But Ezra and Aria do have a ton of chemistry I suppose
• The girls then get sent to a magic show from A. They show us the town of Ravenswood (Can't flippen wait for that show!!)
• The girls spot two redcoats: whom of which one of them is CeCe who locked Emily in a wooden box on a saw mill. CeCe then falls off a balcony type thing and is supposedly is dead, then disappears in a matter of seconds.
• We then find out that Ali is indeed alive (gasps!) and has been hiding in Ravenswood.
• Then the final moments we find Ezra in A's lair and now the question in everyone's mind is "Is Ezra A?". I personally think that he is like Toby and Caleb and trying to protect the girls from the inside.

Book Challenge Update: Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc & Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc by Nancy Goldstone (64/100)

"At the age of thirteen, Joan of Arc heard the voices of angels that would change her life forever: She was to become the saviour of France. Joan summoned and led an impressive army of french loyalists against the English before her courageous journey came to a tragic conclusion in Rouen. This is the story at the heart of centuries of myth-making. But what if we no longer accept this tale? What if we question whether the heavens and their angels were truly Joan's only source of strength and power? What if we demand a different narrative? This revisionist history by a pre-eminent historian unearths the secular and verifiable basis for Joan's heroic exploits: Joan had a forgotten mentor, Yolande of Aragon. This is the story of not one but two- two lives that were intertwined in the restoration of France's greatness.
My rating: 7.5/10
My Comment: This story sucked me in, I didn't know much about Joan of Arc. This book gives you a lot of insight into her life.

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (65/100) (book #1)

" Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and Werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn to the Shadowhunters, a secret group of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City- and the dangers of forbidden love."
My Rating: 7.5/10
My Comment: This book's movie version was released so I was curious to read the book first. The story was really good, I loved the characters and I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series.

Popcorn Bites: Pans Labyrinth, Hell Baby, The witches of eastwick, Fun Size and Its a boy girl thing

Pans Labyrinth (2006)

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Ivana Baquero, Ariadne Gil, Sergi Lopez
Genre: Dark Fantasy
IMDb Synopsis: "In the fascist Spain of 1944, the bookish young step daughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world."
My Rating: 8/10
My Comment: "If you don't already know this, I don't really watch fantasy movies other than Harry Potter. This movie had an addictive story-line and amazing special effects. The subtitles did move at a very quick pace, though.

Hell Baby (2013)

Directed by: Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon
Starring: Rob Corddry, Leslie Bibb and Alex Berg
Genre: Comedy, Horror
IMDb Synopsis: " An expectant couple who moves into the most haunted house in New Orleans call upon the services of the Vatican elite exorcism team to save them from a demonic baby."
My rating: 4/10
My Comment: When I first saw the trailer for this movie I got really excited because it looked like it would be a really funny movie. I was really disappointed, and bored when I saw this film.

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Directed by: George Miller
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Synopsis: "Three single women in a picturesque village have their wishes granted- at a cost - when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives."
My rating: 5/10
My Comment: This film had some really good moments and some really yawn moments. Great cast but not so great storyline.

Fun Size (2012)

Directed by: Josh Swartz
Starring: Victoria Justice, Jane Levy and Chelsea Handler
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Synopsis: "Wren's Halloween plans go away when she's made to babysit her brother, who disappears into a sea of trick-or-treaters. With her best friend and two nerds at her side, she needs to find her brother before her mom finds out he's missing."
My rating: 5.5/10
My Comment: This is another example of when the trailer uses all the best parts of the movie. It was good but not great. I loved Jane Levy's role in this film.

Its a boy girl thing (2006)

Directed by: Nick Hurran
Starring: Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers, Sherry Miller
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Synopsis: "Sworn enemies find themselves in each other's bodies, and use this to ruin each others lives.
My Rating: 7/10
My Comment: I saw this movie plenty of times in my teens, and recently I watched it again. Its the [erfect chick flick that is filled with comedy and romance.

Fit Friday- The 100 (upside down) pyramid Workout

Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist or fitness expert everything in this post is based on my own experience and opinions.

The 100 (upside down) pyramid workout

Its been a life-time since I have last posted a workout. This particular one is based on one that I have seen on twitter. It targets core, arms and legs. Don't forget to warm up and cool down before and after every workout that you do. (use between 1-4 kg dumb bell, depending on your preference)

100 Crunches

90 Alternating bicep curls

80 Squats

70 Bicycle Crunches

60 Tricep Kickbacks

50 Lunges

40 Reverse Crunches

30 Shoulder presses

20 Leg Lifts (alternating)

10 mins of any cardio of your choice

Repeat this workout as much as you like but remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body!

GLAMOROUS( and other words pop music taught me how to spell)

A common complaint amongst students when it comes to remembering facts is '"why do I remember lyrics so easily, but I can't remember the events that led to World War One" ? I am not going to go into detail of why maybe, for some people, it is easier to remember lyrics to our favourite songs as opposed to a facts.

But I for one am one of those people who loves to learn through music( going on You tube for " educational purposes" -a.ka. constructive procrastination) and during the days of weekly spelling tests as a primary school kid - we all remember them right? (Though spell check is a saviour for many of us ) these songs came in handy. Here a few words I never forget to spell in those tedious spelling tests :



Fergie - Glamorous ft. Ludacris

The chorus goes something like:

 '" If you  ain't got no money....
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S"


Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl

" it's Bananas B-A-N-A-N-A-S"

Bring it on - U.G.L.Y

You have to remember this cheer being sung in one of those cheerleader-style Bring it on Movies?

" U.G.L.Y. You ain't got no alibi you ugly, Eh? Hey! You Ugly"




On a more serious note...

Click here: If you are interested in possible explanations why we remember song lyrics so well

Peace and love

xoxo

Imani

Book Challenge Update: Echoes and The Perfect Match

Echoes by Danielle Steel (62/100)

"The summer of 1915 was a time of prosperity and unease for the Wittgenstein family, and fpr their eldest daughter Beata it was also a time of awakening. By the glimmering waters of Lake Geneva, the quiet Jewish Beauty met a young French officer and fell in love. Knowing that her parents would never accept her marriage to a Catholic, Beata followed her heart- and as the two built a new life together, Beata's past would stay with her in ways she could never have predicted.
As the years pass, Beata must watch in horror as Europe is once again engulfed in war, threatening her life and family. Even her daughter Amadea, who has taken the vows of a Carmelite nun. But Amadea is forced into hiding and as family and friends are swept away without a trace, she begins a harrowing journey of survival. Taking on daring missions behind enemy lines, she finds a man who will help her discover her place in an unbreakable chain between generations... between her lost family and her future.
An intricate tapestry of a mother's love, a daughters courage, and the unwavering faith that sustained them- even in the darkest hour."
My Rating: 8/10
My Comment: This book is my first Danielle Steel book AND the first war novel that I really enjoyed. It brought me to tears, more than once. I could feel Beata and Amadea's pain. This book was beautifully written.

The Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult (63/100)

"As an assistant district attorney, Nina Frost prosecutes the sort of crimes that tear families apart. But when Nina and her husband discover that their five-year-old son Nathaniel has been sexually abused, it is her own family that is devastated.
The world Nina inhabits now seems different from the one she lived in yesterday; the lines between family and professional life are erased; and answers to questions she thought she knew are no longer easy to find. Overcome by anger and desperate for vengeance  Nina ignites a battle that may cause her to lose the very thing she's fighting for."
My Rating: 7.5/10
My Comment: Now I have officially read all of Jodi Picoult's novels. Although this one wasn't my favourite, it still brought out all the elements of heartbreak and twists.