My Bucket List As Of 2018

About 10 years ago I watched the bucket list starring Morgan Freeman. From then onwards I decided to put together my own bucket list of things, items, experiences and memories I would like to achieve or attain before God decides my journey on earth has come to an end. As the years go by I realize that there is more to life than just being here. You need to not only be present but to live too. Live for yourself and not just for others.

As women we are taught and expected to give more of ourselves to others without receiving or even taking some of that giving to yourself. It is not necessarily a bad thing because we are the ones that carry most of our families to happiness, balance and to just being wholesome. This post seems to be taking me by emotions than I had planned to. It was supposed to be just about my bucket list but I feel like sharing a little bit of my thought process and where I am at today.

Back to the post. My bucket list is going to comprise of things I have the power to control, to change and to bring to life. There are other things that only God can bring to being so those I will leave them entirely to his hands. 

1. Being Debt Free: I started this journey about 2 years back but to be quite honest I started making serious stride in July 2017. It has not been easy but it is something that I know in the long run would make everything worthwhile and easy to manage. This is a journey of a number of years and I am well on my way.

2. Up-skill Academically: It has been over 8 years since I enrolled at a traditional academic institution. As I see myself growing in my career, part of that is to have the academic backing that many still believe is what solidifies your role in corporate. Seeing my peers with similar lifestyles doing great things and going places in their careers motivates me to stop with the excuses and take action towards my aspirations.

3. Travel: I have always been an avid traveler and to date that has not changed. Instead it has awakened a new longing in me to visit more places and countries that are off the beaten track. I have a number and I mean a serious number of countries that I am still to visit and explore. Hence I have a plan seeing that it is not possible at this stage to just be a travel blogger, to just up and leave because I not only have a family but debt that I need to take care off.

4. Be A Property Owner: In line with being debt free I would also like to be at a point where I can afford my dream houses. I would love to have a holiday home overlooking the sea on a hill somewhere in the Cape. However that is secondary to building or buying a house where my family can call home. Not home because we sleep there but a home that we can grow as a family and for the kids to know that they can always run to when they just need a hearty meal cooked by mom.

5. Buy My Dream Car: I recently had a heart to heart conversation with myself about what my dream car is. Reality hit me hard when I realized that what I have always called my dream car is actually a car that is within my budget or matching my life right now but it is nowhere near being my dream car. How I know it is not my dream car is that as my lifestyle changes the car also changes. I am currently between a Mini Cooper Countryman and Range Rover Evogue. But my real dream car is the Mercedes Benz A45 and I know so because it has consistently been at the back of my head no matter what and longest time too; at least for the last 5 at least. This is the car I always picture myself with my shopping bags at the back or me driving to church in. Yes I shopping bags and it was not by mistake that I mentioned them. Those that know me, know that I love shopping. I picture this car coming in a Matte black with red rims and black leather trimmed with red interior and a wooden dashboard. That is the car which bothers my soul. It motivates me to work hard and smart so that I can eventually own it. Can I also add that it would be a custom make because I have not seen one with the spec I have in mind. 

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have enjoyed this post. Please let me know in the comments section below what are some of the things on your bucket list.

Happy Women’s Day 2018

First, happy and blessed women’s day to you pioneers; thee home makers, sisters, daughters and wives. Today is our day and it feels good to say that. I think it is the one day that we are made to feel special than any other day. I know it should be a norm but it is hardly the case for many. I must say that I felt compelled to write this post after a friend shared a powerful message in a 1 minute and 41 seconds video. The message in it really hit home. It resonated with me personally because not only did it touch the many facets of what makes me the woman that I am today and the woman I am working towards; it also reminded me that I have a duty towards other women. I have a duty to not only uplift but also support, encourage and remind them that they are beautifully and wonderfully made. You are a special wonderful woman, never doubt that!

Most or some of us are going through life changing situations. Where you do not know if you are good enough wherever you are; be it work or relationship(s). Where you do not know that thing you are praying for everyday will ever come to pass especially when you are often tormented and judged because God has not said YES yet. The other day during lunch, a friend mentioned something that we often take for granted. And that is to tell those around us that we love and care for (and about) them. 

Society has always taught us that women need to have it together all the time. They cannot make mistakes, they should endure everything and not complain, they should pray for their loved ones and always put others before themselves. All these add to what makes us women and special. We also need the same. How many of us are losing ourselves and identities whilst being superwomen? Personally I have forgotten how to be just me. I feel like I am running a race against time and I am not in par with my peers. I know on the outside I may seem like I have it together but I do not. I have the same struggles and fears like any other being. I do need assurance and to be reminded that I am doing enough, I am good enough, I am special enough. Gosh I know months and years from now, I will read this post and wonder if being vulnerable on the internet was a great idea. But today it feels right and that is all that matters to me.

In closing, let’s build a community of powerful strong women that are there for each other. Women who are for other women; these are women who are cheerleaders and supporters of other women. Women who share in sorrows and pain of others; I am talking of prayer warriors. Let us put judgement, disrespect, dissing and demoralizing other women at bay. It is only us who can define the new woman of stature, grace and humility. Who is with me? Cheers for now!

These images are from the talented artist Miss Peniel Enchill. You can see more of her beautiful work on her Instagram page here. They are her/ company’s intellectual property which was solely used for this post and the message shared. Do leave your comments dedicated to the special women in your lives.

My 2018 Product Of The Year Perfume Atomizer

I know we are only in the 8th month of the year yet I am already proclaiming this tool product of the year. Well it is as not only did it transform my life, it is practical and does not take a lot of space in my bag which is a plus. Meaning I can accommodate all my other womanly things in my bag. The product in question is called a perfume atomizer. 

What is a perfume atomizer? Perfume atomizer is a tool used to carry perfume on a small quantity scale which you can use to freshen up and spray it onto your body as and when you need to. It can be used by anyone from men to women, athletes to corporate career people. It was about 2 months ago when a colleague came to me selling these perfume atomizers. At first I was a little skeptical if this is not going to be one of those products that would leak everywhere or worse make my perfume evaporate into thin air whilst still in the atomizer. I have to say that it has been a life and game changer. It is a compact bottle which can fit into any type of bag, from a wallet to clutch to a tote bag. It allows you to carry enough perfume to last a good number of days if not weeks.
I love that the nozzle sprays a good amount of product without wasting any product from drooping or leaking(unless you got a faulty atomizer). I highly recommend it to both men and women alike who like to smell good all day long. It is ideal for a quick 5 minute freshen up session when during a hectic day and you cannot or do not have enough time for a proper pamper.

Steps how to fill/refill the atomizer bottle

1. Remove the nozzle of your perfume

2. Place the bottom of the atomizer bottle on the tube on your perfume

3. Press the bottom against the perfume and you will notice some liquid going into the atomizer. Continue doing until the bottle fills to your satisfaction

I hope this post was helpful to you. If you have tried or are currently using a perfume atomizer, what do like about it. I have two perfume atomizers I am giving away on my Instagram – sindisosdiary account. To enter, be sure you follow me on me there and leave me a comment under any of the posts with the perfume atomizer and let me know if would like to win one. Unfortunately this particular giveaway is open to people residing in South Africa.

How To Maximize Your Time When On A Layover In Dubai

I can almost guarantee that most of us use/have used Emirates when traveling further than our continents before. However if you are a first time traveler with the airline, it is imperative to note that at some point on your journey; you will be landing in Dubai to change or connect to your next flight. It is one of the busiest and biggest airports in the world. It offers 24 hour shopping experiences (should you need to splurge on some duty free items), has a hotel (should you need somewhere private to relax) and much much more. Basically, it is a must see. May I also add there is always cheap flights to Dubai if you just want to explore the City! 

Dubai airport is a central hub that pulls together people from all walks of life. With an airline like Emirates which has a fleet complement of at least 255 that flies to 143 destinations, you can expect a buzzing and lively atmosphere. May I also add that the humidity and heat is also something you will never get used to no matter how many times you have been there or time of the day. Back to the travel eperience, you must expect some sort of layover time between your flights. Layovers can run anywhere from 2 hours to over 24 hours. So what can you do when you have at least 4 hours until your next flight?

Herewith are 3 things that I think everyone can do to maximize the layover time. Layover is time between when your current flight lands in Dubai to when you have to board your next flight. I encourage you to check the layover time so that you can plan your itinerary whilst in transit. 

1. Explore Dubai City from the top. There is a handful of VISA options in general that a person can apply for in most countries and the UAE – Dubai is no exception. Should you have at least 8 hours, I encourage you get a transit VISA and visit the Burj Khalifa skyscrapper building. You will be able to see the city and its outline.

2. Shops and Restaurants. Dubai is one airport I have seen thus far which has stores like Zara to Chanel. It caters for luxury to high street store lovers. You can also go to the city center and its outskirt for “affordable” designer pieces. I have not been to the outskirts myself but I would love to especially if I can get AAA Grade quality designer inspired items. Need I say that I had my first shake shack meal at the Dubai airport. Now I look forward to many more meals from the fast food restaurant. I personally love the fact that they do not sell any pork and by products.

3. Converse with others. I know it may not be part of everyone’s mantra but I have learnt so much more about life in general and travel experiences from strangers than from mere reading and/or from family and friends. I have also developed a friendship with another blogger from Russia whom I would love to visit at some point in my life through talking to them at the airport. I was also told stories and interesting life lessons by one old man traveling back to Vienna whom I will never forget. I had kids run to me due to curiosity I presume and suddenly me and their moms where laughing and chatting as if we are long lost friends. And all of this does not cost a cent. Just you being your friendly and welcoming self is good enough. 

Thanks for stopping by as always. I hope you found this post helpful. Leave your comments sharing how you have found Dubai to be or what you are looking forward to doing in Dubai should it be part of your bucket list. Mwah for now. 

Cosy Winter Outfit For Work

It still takes me by surprise everytime we are in Winter and the other side of the world is in Summer. This year I had the opportunity to travel in our Summer and visit Europe in Winter; leave again during our Winter to get to Europe in its heart of Summer. Something I must say I was not prepared for was the European heat wave. We always think that Summer in Europe is like 20 degrees Celsius but it could not be farther from that. It was 35, 38 and at one point 40 degrees in Crete, Greece. I have always thought Limpopo’s summer is the worst in the world but good people, it is only normal and in line with other parts of the world. I am no longer going to complain but appreciate it for what it is. 

This year, I had it all planned out in terms of putting out more blog posts but it has been a struggle without a photographer who can work with me based on my schedule. To be honest, I always felt comfortable working with my brother because he knows me well. Now I have to get out of my comfort zone and look for a photographer as we are now miles apart and it is near impossible to align our schedules. I have however received some contacts that I will be exploring for the upcoming months, so be on the lookout for that.

On to today’s post, I centred my outfit on this scarf which I got earlier on in the year when I was in Paris. It was on sale for only 4 Euros and I could not pass it. The colours fit so well with my current wardrobe and colour scheme. I am a brown, blue, grey and black kind of girl. Hence anything with the colour combination warms my heart. For the black stripe, I picked black shoes, beret and bag to go with it. For something brown, I went for this cosy coat I thrifted from Coat corner / Overcoat and got it for only R250. For something grey, I went for this skirt which was a hit a year or 2 ago from Mr Price. I must say I have it in Grey Gingham and Black and White Gingham which can be seen here and here. 

Outfit Details

Shirt/Blouse: Woolworths

Skirt: Mr Price

Shoes: Mr Price

Belt: Woolworths (Men’s section)

Coat: Coat Corner or sometimes known as Overcoat

Scarf: H&M

Beret: Lambert

Bag: Superbalist

Lipstick: Rebel Mac

I am of the opinion that we need not spend an arm and a leg to look put together. It is all about finding pieces that compliment your current style and wardrobe with a good enough quality and take it from there. I am testament of that. Also do not be afraid to thrift because often the quality is much better than what you can find in fast fashion stores. I hope you enjoyed this post. Do share what your current weather is like and what has been the best thing about it this year.