I CHEATED!!!

I cheated on my diet!
I cheated on my workouts!
I cheated! That's what I did... I cheated!

So what if I cheated? We all do right?! well, maybe not all of us, but definitely most of us. Anyway, I fell off the bandwagon, but I'm getting back up and YOU'RE gonna join me :) cos we're all in this together.

So because I didn't complete the Burpee challenge, I'm going to do it again and this time, it will be done properly, come hell or high tides.

Click here to view the burpee challenge. Also make sure that you print it out and stick it behind your door or on your wall or wherever you will be able to see it and make use of it.
 In Bradley Martyn's wise words "Getting better together!"

Oh oops... what's that?! I just thought I'd share a pic (or two) of Bradley Martyn

Person to Look out for: Imaan Sokhela

We come across a lot of people in our lives daily. People who do amazing things, make amazing things and people who need to be exposed for who they are and what they do (in a good way of course ;-) ). One such person is Imaan Sokhela.

She is a beautiful 27 year old from sunny Kwazulu Natal. Imaan has an Honours Degree in Psychology and works for a company called Khulisa Social Solution and she hopes to get an MBA in Psychology soon in'sha Allah. I got an opportunity to interview her and this is how it went.


What is the name of your collection and when did you start?
The name of my brand is called Tapestry Accessories. I started making the accessories more than 14 years ago, but only started marketing the creations in March of 2014.

The name, Tapestry Accessories, where did you get it from?
I just understood that it's a special type of cloth... and I thought, well, why not use it?!

Why did you start making these accessories, I mean you could have done something else?Growing up as a child, I fell in love with fashion and the concept of designing things and making them from scratch. However, when it was time to choose a course to study, my mom felt that fashion or designing would never give me a steady income. While I was studying, I would make things and sell and whatever small thing I made, it would sell fast. When I make these items, I feel happy and relaxed. I don't know if I'm making sense, but designing for me is not a career, but I believe its my talent and something I'm very passionate about.

What type of resources (fabrics/materials) do you use and are they easily accessible?
For the jewelry, I use beads and wires a lot and some material. They are not easily accessible because I usually travel to cities to get material. For the bags, I use leather and it's also not easily accessible because there are very few people selling it and it's very expensive.

Seeing that you're resources are quite costly, are your pieces affordable? Who is your target market?
Yes, they are affordable. I'm targeting mostly middle class and anyone who thinks they can relate in anyway with my work.

Where do you see yourself and Tapestry Accessories in a year or two?
I see myself having accessed markets in African countries and also employing at least two people and supplying to shops. Most importantly, I see Tapestry Accessories running smoothly with a healthy cash flow in'sha Allah.

Now I know you can't wait to see some of her pieces, so... behold...

Need a funky belt to accentuate the waistline? Why not try these?

These neck pieces will turn any dull outfit into something extraordinary 

Now I don't know about you, but where have you been all my life?!
Every fashionista needs to rock African print and design.

Don't let anyone tell you that you'v got too much baggage. I need you in my life, Miss-Oh-so-stunning-smooth-leathery-chunky purse.

Well, that's all I have for you.. be sure to visit Tapestry Accessories for more of Imaan's creations. I really must get myself that body jewelry. Oh, I didn't show you? Click on the link NOW, if you want to see more.

Till my next post: peace , love and unity :) Mwahugs :)

Outfit Of The Day: Fatima Teigh Mathe

Social media has a way of bringing people of different backgrounds and from different walks of life together. One such social media platform is good ‘ol Facebook. I have to say, I’ve met many people on Facebook who either added value to my life or who just brought irritating pokes, constant Facebook calls, inbox proposals and the likes.

With all that I’ve experienced on Facebook, it’s the people that I’ve met, became friends with and shared life experiences with, that matter. One such person is the beautiful-kind-hearted-free-spirited-outspoken-stylish-muslimah, Fatima Teigh Mathe. Today’s edition of the OOTD features her and her killer modest street style. What better way to kick start the year other than with her.

This was her birthday look, inspired by the 80’s. Yeah, we looooove the 80’s fashion. The off-white vintage blouse belonged to her late aunt and so Fatima felt it was a good idea to have a piece of her memory on her special day.  Unfortunately, you can’t get that blouse, but there’s hope, you can make it.

To go with the blouse, she added an African print maxi skirt, because she (and I alike), love African print. Getting in touch with our African roots. The shoes are an heirloom, her mom strutted her stuff with these back in the 90’s and passed them on to her daughter. Again, adding a piece of family to the look. The look is completed with a cream coloured scarf and a statement necklace, cos’ who doesn’t want to make a statement on their special day.

Skirt is from town (Pretoria CBD)

Blouse (Late aunt’s wardrobe)

Shoes (Mom’s wardrobe)

Scarf (…Again, mom’s wardrobe)

Statement necklace (a flee market back in 2004)

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Fatima and her outfits on OOTD ft. so this is not the end. Hope you liked what you saw and will get an idea or two on what to wear to your special occasion. Don’t forget to check out your moms, aunts or even gran’s wardrobes, coz you never know what you might find.

Till my next blog, peace, love and unity: Mwahugs ;)

Happy New year

This is my first post of 2015 ('',), yippeee

Assalamu alaykum/Peace be upon you
Hello again to all you awesome people. I'd like to start off by thanking everyone for the support shown last year. I started the blog mid-October and I've gained over 1000 views and it's all thanks to YOU. Writing has always been a passion of mine and hence, I have decided to use this passion to the best of my ability. Whether it will change your life for the better, or just add some finesse, I'm glad to be of help.

This new year will bring lots of new things to the world of Le Mimz and I want to share it all with you. In fact, the year got off to a good start when I found out I had been chosen to be a TV presenter for an Islamic Magazine show, An-NUR, The Light. The first episode of the new season will air on the 17/01/2015 so you better make sure you don't miss it.

I can't wait to share more fashion and beauty tips with ya'll and also more OOTD ft my oh-so-stylish friends. Oh yeah, ya'll need to eat too, so you can also expect more recipes... in fact, just expect more of everything.

I wish everyone a prosperous new year. Make it happen and make it big. Remember 2014 was and 2015 will be.

***till my next blog

mwahugs***

SUMMER: EXPECTATION vs REALITY

Summer starts when December starts, because before that, it's November and still spring. You know it's summer when you leave the windows open at night and have some rather 'expected' visitors (mosquitoes). You know it's summer, when you see short shorts on women... and men. You know it's summer, when it's officially no work or school =) and all play :D

With the promise of summer comes great expectations; sunshine, freedom, relaxation, and endless days to make lotsa memories. You and your bff's spend weeks (even months) planning out all your amazing summer plans, but let's face it, all those parties, outings and adventures, don't really go as planned. All is not lost, however because sometimes it's the unplanned events that make the best memories. With summer, comes great expectations, but also a painful reality. Behold:

EXPECTATION: Planning an awesome summer vacation

REALITY: Just chilling at home, complaining about how bored you are, how hot it is and what you gonna next summer.

How often does the above happen? I'll say almost ALL THE TIME. We plan and prepare, but when the time comes to execute the plan, things just never fall into place.

EXPECTATION: Chilling at the beach, basking in the sun, enjoying the cool drinks and light summer breeze.

REALITY: Binge watching those series you missed all year round in your hot room and a coupler snacks here and there. It's okay, but just don't overdo it, cos, I mean really?! Everyday and night? No!

EXPECTATION: Sleeping in summer has never been a breeze, especially if you don't have an aircon or fan. You expect to sleep like sleeping beauty, but...

REALITY: ... you end up sleeping like this...

EXPECTATION: You're finally gonna get to go to the beach, yaaaay totes exciting. You expect to find the beach like this... of course it will be right? I'm sure everyone else is going elsewhere?!

REALITY: ...no, everyone is NOT going elsewhere. Sadly, they're going where you're going and the beach is one place you have to share. Go early to find a nice chilling spot. Or perhaps you might find someone willing to share their space with you and you might just get a new bff, romance or bromance :)

Whatever you're planning on doing this summer or wherever you plan on going, do it safely.

• Tell someone that you are going out and what time you expect to return
• Try to vary your route and schedule as much as possible
• Avoid heading out at dusk or at night
• Avoid non-savoury areas
• It is advisable not to listen to music while out as you may not hear an approaching car, truck, suspect or even a dog
• Wear bright reflective clothing at all times – a simple reflector on your shoes will not suffice
• Carry some form of identification
• Carry your mobile phone with you
• Carry small change in case of an emergency 

Have a lovely summer vacation, stay safe and don't anything I wouldn't do :) ;)

Till my next blog... toodles :)

Friend, Foe or Frenemy!

Friendships are really important in a person’s life. There are different levels of friendship which are never really obvious on the surface; it is only when you reach a crisis point in your life that you find out just who your true friends are. Friends are not just those creatures that God put on the earth to do crazy things with; to paint the town (and faces) red; to ward off those stalkers or to talk you into doing something you'd never imagine you'd do; but they are sometimes family as well. Of course we have our best friends who are often closer to us than family; they share all of our secrets and know us inside out. We all have ‘fair weather friends’ who help us to celebrate and only arrive on our doorsteps when they need something from us, and then there are invisible friends who aren’t really there at all!  In life we face a number of challenges and unfortunately, one of those challenges is a fake friend. Now, if you're one of those people who tend to see the good in others and are often faced with the fake friend dilemma, here are tips on: "HOW TO SPOT A FAKE FRIEND"

They are selfish
Typically, a fake friend will only call you when they want or need something. Rarely, will they call for other reasons. You often get the impression that they are only calling you because no one else was available.

They thrive on gossip and drama
If someone enjoys gossiping about others, then they may be gossiping behind your back as well. Gossiping and spreading rumors has serious consequences and is at the base of relational aggression. You find yourself agreeing with them so as to keep the peace and not get into an argument. Avoid friendships with people who thrive on gossip and drama.

They require you to pretend
The hallmark of a healthy friendship is that you can be yourself. If you feel like you have to wear a mask or can’t be real, then that is the sign of a fake friend. You don't have to talk or dress differently in order to fit in. Fake friends also resort to peer pressure.

Fake friends lie
Many times, fake friends do not feel good about who they are so they lie about their accomplishments, their clothes, their possessions – anything to make themselves look better. And if they lie about themselves, they will lie about you too.  If you catch a friend in multiple lies, it’s probably not a healthy friendship.

Fake friends are critical
If their friends are constantly criticizing them, it is time to take a closer look at the friendship. Real friends are supportive and encouraging, but fake friends often criticize. Girls in particular are guilty of being critical about weight, dress-code, looks, etc.

They are not happy when you succeed
If your friends have something insulting to say every time time you succeed, then they are not real friends. Real friends celebrate one another’s accomplishments.

You have never felt comfortable enough with them to tell them a secret.
Usually, good friends will keep one another’s secrets. Real friends don’t tell the world who you are crushing on. If your friends is always spilling the beans, then it’s time to start considering that they are not friend-worthy.

Fake friends rarely have your back
Real friends will stick up for one another, especially when faced with a dilemma. Meanwhile, a fake friend will either be a quiet bystander even take part in the the whatever is happening to avoid becoming the next victim. If this is a regular occurrence, start looking for another group of REAL friends.

Take the 'Fake Friend Quiz' here and find out if you have a fake friend that you need to get rid of.

Remember, fake friends are toxic and once you have them, prepare for disaster (just kidding), or not!
And if you're the fake friend reading this, honey, you might wanna change your ways especially if you don't wanna end up alone & friendless with no one to tell about your crushes, with no one to go shopping with or with no one to lift you up when you're down (yeah, all that and more, you get the picture).

That's all for now. I'll be back  in a jiffy! Mwahugs!

The South African Lingo Book: A Guide to Our Slang pt3

I'm back with part three :). I hope you have familiarised yourself with A-J and now know how to use them and when to use them. Let's recap a little:

"Ek se bra, I'm gatvol of this Pretoria weather, let's go to Durbs instead?"
"Jaa-nee, Saturday's jol was great hey!"

I'm sure you know what that means :)

Here's the rest of it

K

kasi: [kaa-see] Shortened form of lokasie, "location" in Afrikaans, the older word for township. Refers to the low-income dormitory suburbs outside cities and towns to which black South Africans were confined during the apartheid era.

kak: Literal translation : shit. crap, rubbish, nonsense (vulgar), of very wide usage. Also used as a way of further expressing one's feeling in language. 

klankie: [clunkie] unpleasant smell. Also said as just "Klank". 

klap: [clup] to smack. (From Afrikaans). "He got klapped in the bar". Like a "b**ch-slap".

kif: Cool, neat, great or wonderful. From the Arabic kayf, meaning enjoyment or wellbeing.

knobkierie: [k-nob-kee-ree] A fighting stick with a knob on the business end. From the Afrikaans knop ["knob"] and the Khoi-San kirri or keeri, meaning "stick".  

koeksister: [kook-sister] A traditional Malay and now also Afrikaner sweet, made from twisted yeast dough, deep fried and dipped in syrup.

 kwaito: [kw-eye-toe] The music of South Africa's urban black youth, a mixture of South African disco, hip hop, R&B, ragga, and a heavy dose of house music beats.

kwaai – cool, excellent (Afrikaans: "angry". Compare the US slang word phat.)

L

laduma!: [la-doo-mah] A popular cheer celebrating goals scored at soccer matches, from the isiZulu for "it thunders".

lappie: [luppie] A cleaning cloth.

laaitie: [lie-tea] a younger person, esp. a younger male such as a younger brother or son.
Sentence: "that's my lighter you talking about!"

laanie, larny/larnies: (n) boss, used in a different tones. (adj) fancy/rich
Sentence: "Oh the larnies are here."

lekker: [leck-irr with a rolling r] Nice, good, great, cool or tasty.

M

Madiba: [maa-dee-baa] An affectionate name for former President Nelson Mandela, and the name of his clan.
 
make a plan/ maak a plan (Afrikaans) : devise a way to overcome difficulties. "Leave it to me, I'll make a plan."  

mal: [mull] Mad, from Afrikaans.  

mampara: [mum-puh-rah] An idiot, a silly person. From the Sotho languages.  

mampoer: [mum-poo-er] Extremely potent brandy made from peaches or other fruit, similar to American moonshine.

mealies: [me-lease] Maize or corn. A mealie is a maize cob, and mealie meal is maize meal, the staple diet of South Africa, which is mostly cooked into pap. From the Afrikaans mielie.  

moegoe: [moo-ghoo] A fool, buffoon, idiot or simpleton.  

moffie – male homosexual (derogatory)

mos – Afrikaans, implies that what has been said is well known or self-evident (a formal part of grammar, the closest English equivalent would be "duh!").
Sentence: "Mos I said I'm coming at 2". Used at the end of a sentence: "...Jy weet mos." ("...Obviously, as you know ... ")


muti : [moo-ti] Medicine, typically traditional African medicine. From the isiZulu, umuthi.

Mzansi: [m-zun-zee] A popular word for South Africa.

N
 
naartjie: [nar-chee] The South African word for tangerine, Citrus reticulata.

nappy: A baby's diaper.

nca: Fine, beautiful. Pronounced with a downward click of the tongue.

nê: [neh] "Really?" or "is that so?" Often used sarcastically.  

nogal: of all things. Term expressing a measure of surprise.

now-now: Shortly, in a bit or in a moment.
Sentence:  "I'll be there now-now."

O
 
oke, ou: A man, similar to "guy" or "bloke". The word "ou" [oh] can be used interchangeably.

ousie: [ow-see] Term used to refer to a maid, usually a black female; Also used by black females to call/refer to each other as in 'sister'.

P
 
pap: [pup] The staple food of South Africa, a porridge made from mealie meal (maize meal) cooked with water and salt to a fairly stiff consistency, stywepap being the stiffest. "Pap" can also mean weak or tired.  

papsak: [pup-suck] Cheap box wine sold in its foil container, without the box.

pasop: [pus-op] An Afrikaans word meaning "beware" or "watch out".
Sentence found on someones outside fence: "Pasop vir die hond!" (Beware of the dog) 

pavement: South Africans walk on pavements and drive cars on the road [at least that's the idea]. The pavement is the sidewalk. 

potjiekos: [poy-key-kos] Traditional Afrikaner food, generally a rich stew, cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot over a fire. The word means "little-pot food" in Afrikaans.

puffadder: A viper or adder of the species Britis arietans. From the Afrikaans pofadder.

R
 
rand: The South African currency, which is made up of 100 cents. The name comes from the Witwatersrand (Dutch for "white waters ridge"), the region in Gauteng province in which most of the country's gold deposits are found.  

robots: Traffic lights.  

rock up: To arrive somewhere unannounced or uninvited. It's the kind of thing friends do: "I was going to go out but then my china rocked up."

rooibos: [roy-boss] Afrikaans for red bush, this popular South African tea made from the Cyclopia genistoides bush is gaining worldwide popularity for its health benefits.

rooinek: [roy-neck] English-speaking South African, from the Afrikaans for red neck, but without the connotations given the term in the US. It was first coined by Afrikaners decades ago to refer to immigrant Englishmen, whose white necks were particularly prone to sunburn.  

rubbish bin: Alternatively dustbin or dirt bin. Garbage can.

S
 
samoosa: [suh-moo-suh] A small, spicy, triangular-shaped pie deep-fried in oil. Originally made by the Indian and Malay communities, samoosas – known as samosas in Britain – are popular with all South Africans.

sangoma: [sun-go-mah] Traditional healer or diviner. 

sarmie: Sandwich. 

shame: Broadly denotes sympathetic feeling. A South African admiring a baby, kitten or puppy might say, "Ag shame!", to emphasise its cuteness.  

sharp: Often doubled up for effect as sharp- sharp! , this word is used as a greeting, a farewell, for agreement, or just to express enthusiasm.
Sentence: "How are you? I'm sharp and you?"

shebeen: A township tavern, illegal under the apartheid regime, often set up in a private house and frequented by black South Africans. The word is originally Gaelic.  

shongololo: Large brown millipede, from the isiZulu ukushonga, meaning "to roll up". I hate theses shongololos, they make me jumpy.

sjambok: [sham-bok] A stout leather whip made from animal hide.  

skebenga: [ska-beng-gah] Gangster, crook, criminal. From the Nguni word for gangster. See also skelm.

skelm: [skel-lem] A shifty or untrustworthy person; a criminal.
  
skinner: [skinner] Gossip, from Afrikaans. A person who gossips is known as a skinnerbek: Sentence: "Jislaaik, bru, I'm going to donner that skinnerbek for skinnering about me." Translation: "Gee, my friend, I'm going to hit that guy for gossiping about me."


skollie: [skoh-li] Gangster, criminal, from the Greek skolios, meaning crooked.  

skop, skiet en donner: [skorp, skeet en donner] Action movie. Taken from Afrikaans, it literally means "kick, shoot and beat up".  

skrik: Fright.
Sentence:"I got a big skrik yoh" means, "I got a big fright".

skrik vir niks: Scared of nothing.
  
slap chips: [slaap chips] French fries, usually soft, oily and vinegar-drenched, bought in a brown paper bag. Slap is Afrikaans for "limp", which is how French fries are generally made here.  

smaak stukkend: Love to bits. In Afrikaans smaak means "like", and stukkend means "broken".
Sentence: "Ek smaak jou stukkend."

snoek: [like Snooki, but without the 'i'] A popular and tasty fish, often eaten smoked. A snoek braai is a real South African treat.  

sosatie: [soh-saa-tee] A kebab, often lamb on a stick.

sommer: for no particular reason, just because.

span: [spun] work or workplace.
Sentence: "I'm going to span man."

spaza: Informal township shop.
  
stoep: [stoop] Porch or verandah.
  
stompie: A cigarette butt. From the Afrikaans stomp, meaning "stump". The expression "picking up stompies" means intruding into a conversation at its tail end, with little information about its content.

struesbob: [s-true-ss-bob] "As true as Bob", as true as God, the gospel truth.

T
 
takkies/tekkies: Running shoes or sneakers. "Fat takkies" are extra- wide tyres.

tannie: [taan-ni] An Afrikaans word meaning "auntie", but also used to refer to any older female of authority or mother.
Sentence: "My tannie's coming now-now."

taxi: Not a metered car with a single occupant, but a minibus used to transport a large number of people, and the most common way of getting around in South Africa.  

to die for: An expression popular in the affluent suburbs of Johannesburg and Cape Town, denoting enthusiastic approval for an object or person: "That necklace is to die for."
  
toppie: Old man or father.
Sentence: "Ek se bra, my toppie said I can't go."

townships: Low-income dormitory suburbs outside cities and towns – effectively ghettos – to which black South Africans were confined during the apartheid era.

toyi-toyi: A knees-up protest dance.

tsotsi: A gangster, hoodlum or thug – and the title of South Africa's first Oscar-winning movie.

tune grief: Cause trouble.

U
 
ubuntu: Southern African humanist philosophy that holds as its central tenet that a person is a person through others.
V
vaai: slang for "to go". Durbanites like to say "Hey, let's vaai pozzy." = Let's go home

veld: [felt] Open grassland. From the Dutch for "field".  
 
vetkoek: [fet-cook] "Fat cake" in Afrikaans, vetkoek is a doughnut-sized bread roll made from deep-fried yeast dough. Mainly served with a savoury mince filling, it is artery-clogging and delicious.  

voetsek: [foot-sak] Go away, buzz off.  

vrot: [frot] Rotten or smelly.


vry – to make out or courting (equivalent to American "necking", British "snogging" or Australian "pashing")

vuvuzela: [voo-voo-zeh-lah] A large, colourful plastic trumpet with the sound of a foghorn, blown enthusiastically by virtually everyone in the crowd at soccer matches. According to some, the word comes from the isiZulu for "making noise".

Y

yebo: Yes. Used to show agreement or approval. From isiZulu. SAinfo reporter. Additional information sourced from Wiktionary, Wikipedia and the Rhodes University Dictionary Unit for SA English.

yoh – an expression of surprise e.g., "Yoh, that was rude" "Yoh, you gave me a fright!", (Police-chief talking about the poor physique of his policemen) "They should look at our men and say "yoh!".

 

Z

 

zol: a homemade cigarette rolled with old newspaper or rizlas (likely marijuana-filled) joint (equivalent to American "doobie")

 

...and that's a wrap. I hope you will use this guide wisely to get through the trying times in South Africa. We are an awesome bunch of people and our lingo proves it. Hope you enjoy your stay here. Toodles :)