Motion Sickness: The good, the bad and the vomiting!

You know that queasy-uneasy-heavy-hot-world-swaying feeling, when everything seems to moving in circles and it makes you nauseous. Flying is quick, effective and sometimes fun, but there is nothing fun about flying for the first time and getting sick along the way or going on that cruise you planned for months and having to throw up for most part of the trip, or what about those road trips?! This is all caused by Motion Sickness

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition that occurs in some people who travel by car, train, airplane or boat. Many people suffer from this condition if they ride on a roller coaster or other similar amusement park rides. Motion sickness progresses from a feeling of uneasiness to sweating and/or dizziness. This is usually quickly followed by nausea and/or vomiting.

Motion sickness is caused by the mixed signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear (semicircular canals). If you cannot see the motion your body's feeling, or conversely, if you cannot feel the motion your eyes see, then it is likely that the brain will get mixed signals and the person will develop some aspect or symptom of motion sickness.

I remember the first time I got motion sickness from the dreadful amusement park ride... talk about a sick date. After that ride, I wanted to do nothing more than to throw up and go home (yes, in that order). I hope to never get motion sickness again and if I do, I'll definitely be taking these with me and following these tips.

Crackers: Take these snacks along and nibble on them every couple of hours to help prevent nausea and vomiting. An empty stomach makes it more likely that you will get sick.

Ginger: Ginger has long been known as a herbal remedy for nausea, but modern science has proved this spice has merit, especially for motion sickness. One study discovered that ginger was actually better than over-the-counter motion sickness meds. Make a ginger tea to take along with you when you're traveling by cutting 10 to 12 slices of fresh ginger and placing them in a pot with 1 quart water. Boil for ten minutes. Strain out the ginger, and add 1/2 cup honey for sweetening if you like. You can also get any other form of ginger. Just ginger up.

Low-fat foods: If you eat a low-fat meal before you head out on your trip, you may avoid getting sick. Eating something before you leave makes your stomach more capable of handling the ups and downs of the road. Experts say not eating destabilizes the stomach's electrical signals, making you susceptible to nausea and vomiting.

Peppermint flavoured sweets or lozenges: If you start feeling sick, get out the mints. Not only will you end up with fresh minty breath when you arrive at your destination, you'll also calm your queasiness. And if you're traveling with little ones, try placing 1 drop peppermint oil on their tongues before the trip. It may quash the queasies.

Tea: Sip on some warm tea if you start feeling sick. Warm beverages tend to be easier on a nauseated tummy than a tall glass of cold water. Go for the decaf brew; caffeinated drinks aren't a good idea for unstable stomachs.

Apple juice: Drink a glass of apple juice with your pre-travel low-fat meal. Giving your body a bit of sugar with fluids before you start your journey should help you down the road. And if you start feeling ill, sipping (not gulping) some juice may help you feel better. Almost any non-citrus juice will do. Citrus juice irritates an already unstable stomach.

I hope these tips will help us all travel fun and free from that queasy nauseating feeling until we arrive our destinations.

Outfit Of The Day: Annisah Nini Mzathu

I've got a passion for fashion, but I've also got friends with that same passion. I decided to do things a lil different and put the spotlight on my friends a bit. This is the first official 'OOTD' and it's by my good friend/sister: Annisah Mzathu. She's a beautiful, crazy, cool person with a killer sense of style. She was awesome enough to allow me to use her pics for this post. Check it out :)

Annisah's look is inspired by fresh bright summery colours. She's keeping it clean with a plain white tee and a pretty in peach maxi skirt. She's also keeping in mind her modesty, so she finishes the look off with a plain white hijab and some accessories for extra pizzaz. Now isn't she looooveely :)

Peach maxi skirt: Mr. Price
White long sleeved tee: Mr. Price
Peach Pumps: Models own
Accessories: Mr. Price


Keep a look out for more OOTD inspired by my lovely friends.

The South African Lingo Book: A Guide to Our Slang pt2.

I hope you have mastered part 1 by now, because there is still more to come... pt2, pt3, maybe pt4 as well. Nevertheless, I am happy to be sharing this with you. It makes me Proudly South African.

D

dagga: [daah-gha] this is most the commonly used word for marijuana.

deurmekaar: [dee-ur-muh-car] Afrikaans for confused, disorganised or stupid.
Sentence: "I think he's a bit deurmekaar".

dinges: [den-ghes]something. Also known as "thingamabob, a wotzit or a whatchamacallit"
Sentence: "what's that dinges called again?"

doek: [dook] A head scarf worn to protect a woman's hair.

domkop: idiot, stupid or dumbhead.
Sentence: "Stop being a domkop and answer the question."

donner: [don-ner] to beat up. Remember "bliksem", they have similar meaning.
Sentence: "I'm going to donner you after class"

dof: stupid or slow to understand.

dop: alcohol or to drink alcohol. It is also associated with failing.
Sentence: "Let's go for a dop" or "I'm gonna dop that test."

dorpie: [door-pee] small town

Droëwors: [dro-ue-vors] Afrikaans for 'dry sausage', similar to biltong.

Durbs: The city of Durban. South Africa's playground.


E

eina: [ay-nah] Ouch! Can also mean "sore".
Sentence: "Eina! my leg!" or "I've got a big eina."

eish: [aysh] Used to express surprise, wonder, frustration or outrage.
Sentence: "Eish! That cut was eina!"

ek sê: I say! or Excuse me
Sentence: "Ek se, what time we going there?"

F

frikkadel: [freak-kuh-dell] A traditional meatball.

flou: an unfunny joke (from the Afrikaans word for weak), can also refer to weak coffee or tea. A person that is weak.
Sentence: "Haha, what a flou joke."

fray: kiss/make-out.


G

gatvol: [ghut-foll] Taken from Afrikaans, this means "fed up".
Sentence: "Eish, my china, I'm gatvol of working at this place." Translation: "Gee, my friend, I'm fed up with working at this place."

gogga: [gho-gha] Insect, bug. From the Khoikhoi xo-xon.

gogo: [goh-goh] Grandmother or elderly woman, from isiZulu.

gooi: [goy] throw, chuck or to someone.
Sentence: "gooi the ball."


H

heita: [hay-ta] "hello" or "hi".

hey: This popular expression can be used as a standalone question meaning "pardon" or "what"
Sentence: "Hey? What did you say?" Or it can be used to prompt affirmation or agreement, as in, "Great game, hey?" It can also be used to greet, especially when chatting via social networks.

hoesit, hoezit, howzit: [hoos-it/how-zit] derived from "How is it going? – contracted to how's it?_In English SA context, 'howzit' is more a greeting of "hello" rather than "how are you?".
Sentence: "hey howzit, long time no see."


I

is it: [as one word: izit] An expression frequently used in conversation and equivalent to, "Is that so?"


J

ja: [yaa] Yes.

jislaaik: [yis-like] An expression of outrage or surprise.
Sentence: "Jislaaik, I just saw Elvis! Actually, it was just Elvis Blue."

jol: [jawl] A versatile word with many meanings, including "party", "disco", "having fun", or just "thing".

Jozi: [jo-zee] The city of Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, which is also known as Joburg.

just now: If a South African tells you they will do something "just now", they mean they'll do it in the near future – not immediately.
Sentence: "I'll be there just now."

ja-nee: [ya-nia] literally "yes-no", an expression of positive confirmation.
Sentence: "ja-nee, it's okay, you can come."

jislaaik! : [yas-like] expression of surprise, can be positive or negative. Often used when you get a fright, but equally often during particularly exciting parts of a game. Or to express anger/frustration.

Keep a lookout for pt3... coming soon to a computer/mobile screen near you!

The South African Lingo Book: A Guide to Our Slang pt 1.

Sooo, you've decide to come visit the beautiful Republic of South Africa... (Yeah, we are a Republic first). You're soo excited about your trip that you research on all the awesome places to see, the delish food to taste, the types (I'm talking culture here hey) of people to meet and the languages to learn, but somehow you just forgot to research on our 'slang'. Worry not good people, this guide will help you get through the lingo woes so that you can be on top of your game and have an awesomazing time.

South African English has a flavour on its own, borrowing freely from Afrikaans, which is similar to Dutch and Flemish, as well as from the country's many African languages.

A

abba: to carry a child secured to one's back with a blanket/towel/or any other piece of cloth that works.
Sentence: "why don't you abba him, maybe he'll stop crying".

amasi: [pronounced "aa-maa-see"] A popular drink of thick sour milk. From isiZulu. An alternative name is maas.

antie: [ant-ee] an older female authority figure.

apartheid: [a-part-hate] Literally "apart-ness" in Afrikaans, apartheid was the policy of racial separation, and the resulting oppression of the black majority, implemented by the National Party from 1948 to 1990.

ag: [agh] Generally used at the beginning of a sentence, to express resignation or irritation or even a sigh.
Sentence: "Ag no man, you again!"

aweh/awe: [aaah-weh] said in excitement.
Sentence: "Aweh; my boss said I can go home early today"
It is also used as a greeting.
Sentence: "Aweh ma se kinders (hello mates/friends/family)" or "Aweh, aweh, aweh, howsit?"

B
babbelas: [bah-bah-laas] A hangover.
Sentence: "It's Monday and you're babbelas?"

bakkie: [buck-key] A pick-up truck.
Sentence: "That's a nice bakkie you got there hey!"

biltong: [bill-tong] This South African favourite is dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky, although it can be made from ostrich, kudu or any other red meat.

biscuit/biskuit: In South Africa a cookie is known as a "biscuit". The word is also a term of affection.
Sentence: "Pass me the biscuits please" or "What's up my biskuit".

blerrie/bladdy hell: [bler-ree/bloody] damn

bliksem: To beat up, hit or punch; or a mischievous person.
Sentence: "I'm gonna bliksem him" or "Hey, there's that bliksem, catch him."

blomming: Hanging out.
Sentence: "Ag, I'm just blomming outside and you?"

bobotie: [buh-boh-tee] A dish of Malay origin, made with minced meat and spices, and topped with an egg and milk sauce.

boerewors: [boor-uh-vors] Literally, "farmer's sausage". A savoury sausage, also known as 'Wors' developed by the Boers (farmers), boerewors is South African food at its most traditional.. Great with pap and relish.

boet/boetie/boeta: [boot/bootie/boota] From the Afrikaans word for 'brother', this is exactly what "boet" is all about, Brotherhood or best friends (guy friends).
Sentence: "My boet is not well hey"

bonsella: Surprise gift, something extra, or a bribe. From isiZulu.

bosberaad: [borse-bah-raad] A strategy meeting or conference, usually held in a remote bushveld location, such as a game farm.

braai: [braa-eye] a barbecue, grilled meat, used as a mainstream word in South African English.

bredie: [brear-dee] A traditional South African mutton stew, first brought to the country by Malay immigrants. It now refers to any kind of stew.

bru: [brew] A term of affection, shortened from Afrikaans broer, meaning "brother".
Sentence: "Hey, cheers bru?"

bunny chow, also known as kota: Delicious and cheap food on the go, bunny chow is curry served in a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread, generally sold in cafes.

C
cafe: [kaf-fee] The small neighbourhood convenience store, often found on street corners or someones house and stocks cigarettes, cold drinks and newspapers.

cherry: cute girls "meddie".
Sentence: "Are there nice cherries?"

chill: Relax. Take it easy.

china: To most people, China is the world’s most populous country, but to a South African it can mean something entirely different. China means "good friend".
Sentence: "heyyy, howsit my china"

chommie: Friend, from the English word, "chum".

cool drink, cold-drink: This is the common term for a soda, such as Coca-Cola. Ask for "a soda" in South Africa, and you will receive a club soda, so rather ask for a 'Coke', 'Fanta' or 'Sprite'

It's Derby weekend! Manchester City vs Manchester United

The Soweto Derby has been postponed until further notice, however, there is another derby that ya'll can look forward to this Sunday. I'm talking about the Manchester Derby ;). Manchester United's Wayne Rooney takes on Manchester City Sergio Aguero at the Etihad. The first meeting between the two teams occurred on 12 November 1881. As of 31 October 2014, there have been 167 competitive meetings between the teams. United have won 69 and City 48, the remaining 50 games finishing as draws.

The biggest victories have been to City who have won 6–1 on two occasions in the official league (both times in the away fixture at Old Trafford) on 23 January 1926 and 23 October 2011. So don't forget to tune in tomorrow to find out who will come out tops when these two teams meet on Sunday 2/11/2014.

I'll definitely be in front of the telly with popcorn and drinks (don't think I'll get much eating done though) to support my Man United. Here are some of the faces you can look forward to seeing :)




Angel Di Maria, born on February 14, 1988. Plays for Manchester United as well as Argentina National football team. For some reason, Di Maria looks like someone I went to school with.




Tyler Nathan Blackett, born on April 2, 1994. Defender for Manchester United.
Daley Blind is a Dutch professional footballer, born on March 9, 1990 who also plays for Manchester United as a left-back and defensive midfielder.

David de Gea Quintana is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Manchester United. Born on November 7, 1990.



Radamel Falcao is a Colombian footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United, born on February 10, 1986.




Marouane Fellaini, is a Belgian footballer who plays for Manchester United and the Belgium national team. Born on November 22, 1987. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing Fellaini without his fro...
Ander Herrera is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Manchester United. Born on August 14, 1989.




Adnan Januzaj is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Manchester United. Born in Brussels, he began his career with Anderlecht before joining Manchester United in 2011 at the age of 16. Born on February 5, 1995. He got good hair...
Juan Mata, is a Spanish footballer who plays for English club Manchester United and the Spain national team. Born on April 28, 1988.

Robin van Persie is a Dutch footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United and is the captain of the Netherlands national team. Born on August 6, 1983.

Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays for and captains both Manchester United and the England national team. He commonly plays as a forward. Born on October 24, 1985. My lil bro shares the same birth date (but different year). OVO



Marcos Rojo is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the Argentina national team as a defender. Born on March 20, 1990. The commentator should really stop saying 'MaRojo' coz it sounds like 'morogo' :D
Rafael da Silva, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Manchester United. He normally plays as a right-back, but can also play on the right side of midfield. Born on July 9, 1990. This guy is so versatile and he has a twin, Fabio. :)



Luke Shaw is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Manchester United and the England national team. Born on July 12, 1995.
Antonio Valencia, is an Ecuadorian footballer who currently plays as a winger for Manchester United and the Ecuadorian national team and he was born on August 4, 1985. This guy is known for getting the funkiest injuries.

I must say, red looks good on you guys.

... and on the enemy lines... behold..



Sergio Agüero is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester City and the Argentina national team, born on June 2, 1988.
Edin Džeko is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester City and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team for which he is captain, born on March 17, 1986.



Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany is a Belgian professional footballer who plays for and captains both English club Manchester City and the Belgium national team.
Frank James Lampard is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or defensive midfielder for Manchester City.



Samir Nasri is a French professional footballer who plays for English club Manchester City and the France national team.
Yaya Touré, is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Manchester City and the Ivory Coast national team. He has to be on of my fav African football players.
Yeah I admit, I only put the few you can look out for.

Hope ya'll enjoy the derby. Win or lose, as long as the game was a good one :)

Behold... THE BURPEE

Err, what's a burpee?

The burpee is a full body exercise used in strength training and as an aerobic exercise. The basic movement is performed in four steps and known as a "four-count burpee":

1. Begin in a standing position.
2. Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)
3. Kick your feet back, while keeping your arms extended. (count 2)
4. Immediately return your feet to the squat position. (count 3)
5. Jump up from the squat position (count 4)
I haaaate burpees. Whenever I have to do burpees in an exercise routine, I always end up doing like 2 or 3 or 5 (cheating in-between). Burpees are actually good for you and one of the best exercise routines, why? Because:

1. They work your entire body.
Unlike isolation exercises like biceps curls and triceps kickbacks, burpees are a full body exercise. That means you’ll work pretty much every muscle in your body while doing them, so you’ll actually burn more calories in less time when you do burpees.
Do them quickly with intensity and you’ll get an even bigger calorie burning effect that will last all day long.

2. You can do them anywhere.

Since burpees require nothing more than your own body to do them, you can really do them anywhere. Such exercises like burpees are awesome because they give you no excuse not to work out.

3. They’ll get you stronger.

Burpees are the ultimate example of functional fitness, meaning they'll not only help you meet your weight loss and fitness goals, they'll also help you perform better during everyday activities like carrying groceries, lifting a suitcase over your head, carrying a bucket of water (when the water woes start) etc.

With every rep, you’ll work your arms, chest, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles. After a few sets of burpees, your legs will feel a bit like lead, your arms will shake and you’ll feel your muscles getting stronger. (My body always feel like jelly).

4. They boost your endurance (no treadmill necessary).

Want to get fit in a hurry? Whether your goal is to train for a race, try a new sport, get in shape for spring hiking season or just to look good, burpees will get you there, fast.

In fact, burpees are one of the best exercises EVER to boost your conditioning and endurance for sports and other activities. Even just 10 burpees in a row will make your heart pound and your breath get quicker. Do them consistently and watch as your conditioning level skyrockets!

5. They’re a great addition to any workout

Burpees are a dynamic, fast-paced, never-boring exercise, and a perfect addition to any workout, whether you’re doing a HIIT-style workout or need a quick tabata workout any time of the day.

Okay, okay, the burpee does wonders, I still don't like them. Well, I guess I will try the burpee challenge.

DECLARATION

I, Mariam AM, vow to take and complete the burpee challenge to commence on the 1st of November 2014.
I challenge ya'll to join me in my quest for 'liking the burpee'
It will do wonders for all of us, so why not. :)

Sneakers, Heels and everything in between!

I'm a huge fan of shoes... shoes of all kinds (as long as they look good on my size 8 foot), but I'm a bigger fan of heels and sneakers. I was 11 when I got my first pair of heels. Dad took me on a shopping spree for getting good results in school and the first thing that caught my eye, was that silver grey wedged platform heel. I loved those sandals. I would wear them all the time, to school functions, family gatherings, playing with my friends... they were always the star of my show. Anyway, I no longer have them, because firstly, I grew out of them and secondly, my cousin and I swopped our fav heels.

Finding the right pair of shoes (heels) is never fun. First of, considering my shoe size, all the good ones come in and up to size6 *Sigh* and that's when my love for sneakers developed and of course being a sporty person I had to have something with oomph. I will always cherish the day sneakers and heels met, fell in love, got married and created these awesomazing babies. If you don't know what I'm talking about, take a look... (I'm soooo excited!)

I still remember my baby blue All Star boot (see the one in black n white) which I had to give away coz they were causing grievous harm to my poor toes. I miss them.

Say yes to colour. After all, we are the Rainbow Nation :)

This is just too much for one woman to bear. I'm going to shop online for these babies. I'll tell you how it was ;)