And that was August...

Well almost - but it has flown right out of the door in the wink of an eye. What did not help was being busy at work and loosing a whole week to a tummy bug. The worst one ever for me. So firstly apologies to Cindy who I was supposed to feature this month and to Ella Bella who was supposed to feature me but whom I never got around to answer her mails. What can I say girls - the month swept by and disappeared in a cloud of Gauteng dust and pollen. Because yes, its Spring! Glorious! I love that Winter is (mostly) over.

So what's happening in our world? Well A is in the midst of a test series and has a project with an oral due next week. Most is done in class and she is well away with getting it all done. Next week Friday is drama Eisteddfod and preparations for the ballet exam is taking a lot of her time. The girls have also decided to audition for the schools' talent evening which has huge competition to get chosen for the showcase evening - we will see how that goes.

The boys have both had a Voortrekker badge day  - C did the Animal recognition badge and  L the Junior chef. C and his troupe spent a delightful evening last Saturday having a sleep over named "A night at the museum" in the Ditsong museum of Natural history (the old Transvaal museum). It was a great adventure for the boys who literally got to know every single bit of the museum. They also both competed well in a Judo tournament where L managed to win every fight he had and took gold. C was in a higher weight division for the first time and the lightest boy in it. He still managed bronze . I am so very proud of my little Judoka. Bev cricket season is in full swing once again and Wednesday evenings are spent with the sound of balls against bats and the now and again cheers that cricket brings. It certainly has a unique atmosphere that goes with it.

While C was at the museum Hunter took A and L to watch the Bulls on Loftus. The school was awarded and amount of tickets and the kids had great fun surrounded by their friends. It is also hockey season and A had a tournament last Saturday and L has one tomorrow.

Third term always seems the busiest of them all to me. But we are fine - doing well. And it's Spring! Possibly the greatest bit that third term brings.

So how are you all doing? I have also not been reading blogs either so please let me know.

Featured blogger - July

Just before the month runs out that I featured Karen we decided to answer a few questions about ourselves.

- What was the best thing that happened to you in your life?

Having my two daughters! They have enriched my life tremendously!

- What is the worst thing that happened to you?

My eldest at age twelve wanted to go and live with her dad. I had to fight for her, although she was not impressed with me! (The very next year she changed her mind completely!)

 

- What is the funniest thing that happened to you?

Friends of my youngest asking at school if I am her grandmother. I can also cry about it! But that is what happens when you are an older mother! I prefer to laugh about it! 

- What is your best me-time activity?

Reading! Anything!

- What music starts playing on your phone when pressing the play button?

Goldfish: He's Crazy

Featured blogger for July

I am delighted that the featured blogger of the month exchange is up and running again. I was even more delighted to get an old blogging friend of my, Karen at Mom again at 40 to feature. We have met in person and have been following each others blogs for years.

She is currently on a wonderful family adventure in the USA so have a look at the very interesting things she are posting at the moment. In general she talks about life as a working mommy with a student and a grade 1 girl child. She always has something worthwhile to read or share.

Featurued blogger of the month

Amongst the mommy bloggers the idea came up to each feature another blogger per month - for support and promotion of each others blogs. This month I have been teamed up with Celeste of Surviving Jonkersville - also a mom of 3 that I have by chance just started reading a short while ago.

We agreed on her suggestion to share a batch of questions as introduction and here are her answers:

What is your favourite time of day?
Celeste: All day

Who is your favourite author?
C: Marian Keyes

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks?
C: Paperbacks. Nothing compares to the touch and smell of a books (even musty old book smells)


Which TV family is most like your own?
C: My kids say we are like The Russo's in Wizards of Waverly Place. The jury is out on that one because I don't get to watch much TV with remote control wars and all. 

What is something you own or are into that you love, but no one else does?
C: It's a love/hate relationship but it's definitely my Crocs. Not the big ugly ones though but it's still Crocs :(

What is the luckiest thing that happened to you?
C: Winning R5000 in a writing competition a few years ago.

What is the weirdest, grossest or scariest encounter you've had with an insect or household pest?
C: A lizard once ran into the house and I sprayed it with a can of Doom. Still not sure why I reached for the Doom...

If you could earn R2000 by eating the same meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner for an entire month, what would it be?
C: Hotcakes

What movie would you watch over and over again and why?
C: The Notebook. It's a love story, need I say more

So now that you know a bit about her, pop over and say hi.

It was really a good weekend.

Flowers for my mom

I had such a great weekend - and I do think the rest of the family had a good one too. I was really spoiled with time for myself this weekend. On Friday night I went to a Stef Bos concert with 5 other ladies and it was such fun. Three of my favorite cousins went with and it was a night of good music and lots of laughter. I always forget how much I enjoy live music and although not one for big venue concerts the smaller scale ones totally fill my soul with joy.

Great eats by Loft restaurant

On Saturday morning I attended the #mombogmeetup and boy, was it a great event. I am not going to go into the details - so many others have already done that but I enjoyed the diverse and great speakers, good food, lovely venue and it was so very well organised by Laura and Heather. I loved putting some faces to the blogs I read and discovering some totally new blogs and the girls behind them. The goodie bags were excellent - I am not going to go into the details but check out the photos:

Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors - who you will find at the link above. I will go into some details about one or two in later posts. I have to mention the lovely creative food Margie made right in front of our eyes. It was fun and very yummy.

I returned home to the boys in the household making bows and arrows. It's the "in thing" in our home right now and as this develops I may give you and insight into it. Suffice to say the rest of the weekend was spent aiming at targets.

On Sunday my mom turned 79 and as she is still not very mobile (knee replacement pending) I went to help early with the many guests that came over. The kids and I made her a secret centre pinata cake which she cut to lots of laughs discovering the inside surprise. It was really tasty - the dark rich cake with the smarties inside. I will definitely make it again.

It was the first weekend in a month that we did not have a lot of grade 4 stuff going - projects, orals, tests etc. Although she does have 3 small tests and a poem to learn for this week we only did about an hour's work for the maths test. It was great having our weekend back!

How was yours?

So yes, I took a break from the family

It was a first to me and to be totally honest, I loved it. I loved being able to only think for me and not for another 3 little human beings just for a few days. To for a week not go through the day to dayness of packed snacks and remembering activities. To rest, get up when you want, do what you want. to do. But I missed my kids, above all I missed my Hunter who made all this possible. It was so very good to be back home with them.

In a nutshell, the above little heart that Shayne bought sums up the week. We could add "take long walks and eat a lot", but that's about it. It was such a great great time with the two loveliest ladies -Shayne and Lynette. Taking into account that I have only met Lynette twice and Shayne once for a few hours, there was possibly some risk involved. But really it was just wonderful - we just gelled as if we have done this many times before. As if it is the most natural ting to do. Which I am sure will happen again. We never ran out of conversation, but taking some quiet time was totally acceptable too. Food, coffee and dishes just happened. The time together was truly a blessing.

 I have to add that we had a great morning at the Camelot Spa in San Lameer and one of the very best back neck and shoulder hot stone massages I have ever had (thanks to my hubby) as well as a facial that really made a difference to my skin.

With that, well you know, photos. Imagine the amount available with 3 amateur photographers and a keen interest in Instagram. So sharing in general (some were taken by the other two ladies of course) our time together in pictures:

Photographers taking pictures of photographers

My favorite spot

Just beautiful - long long walks often

My macadamia nut waffle at Ramsgate's waffle house

Sani to C finish

Beach access passes

Love these two of my dear friends.

Friendship - true and great.

It's a friendship thing

I have never talked much about friendship here. The honest truth is that Hunter is my BFF and this friendship just grows and grows and still grows. My other two BFF both moved really far away - one to Calgary Canada 8 years ago and the other to Canberra Australia 3 years ago. I miss them both, and I am a lazy email friend. Time differences means that Skype is not such a great option either and neither of them are on iPad or iPhone Face time or enthusiastic Facebookers.In fact, the one is not even on Facebook. And although we keep email contact I miss the day to day things, I miss just having an impromptu coffee date. A quick phone chat - which I did with both of them regularly.

Yes, I am trying to build new IRL friendships - I have one mom at the school whom I have met for lunch a few times and will again - she is wonderful - best friend potential right there. Only problem being I am a bit like someone dating - they are planning to move to Australia next year. I do not want to go through losing another good friend.Our friends that we as a family spend a lot of time with does not really "count" here - they are on the brother and sister level - family , well better than family. Pure gold. But I do count I as a great girlfriend - BFF too, but we seem to always visit with the families.  I do have other not so "heart" friends around that I sometimes meet mainly for lunch, but it's not on that great friendship level. That one that you share so much with. They take time, commitment and a whole lot of understanding to build, mostly over years. I have my cousin /friend A who is possibly the closest to this is have at the moment. And the book club girls and other friends I love to spend time with but we still have to walk that mile together, eat that bag of salt together. It may come.

In the meantime, I have a great pack of friends I made here in the virtual word of my computer and iPad. What I love about bloggers is that we also talk about the things that you do not often get the time and chance with IRL. We support each other through comments, emails, Facebook chats. Some develop into IRL friends with time. We talk about our dreams and our visions - and our word for the year. As part of my word for the year "Embrace" I decided to as a friendship gesture ( Embracing friendships) doodle a few blogging friend's words for the year. I have posted quite a few (some delayed thanks to the post office strike) and some are still in process of being made. If you really want one let me know and I may just send you one. I just made notes of words as I saw them and as you know the first part of my year has been rather hectic, so I may have missed a lot. These doodles are giving me so much joy - I love making them and even more love sending them on and the joy they bring on the other side of th epostal system.I include a little Typo note book for each to write about what their word brings to them this year.  (BTW I only took a photo of each and did not scan them and sent the original to the recipients so they are uniquely your little doodle - a one and only original)So let me share the ones that I know have been received.

Marcia's

Julia's

Lynette's

Shayne's

Tania's

Pamela's

If you were wondering, yes, there is a process and some words "come to me" easier than others. I find very short words or phrases more difficult than single words. Yes, some symbols do have meanings to me but only one is in every single doodle (can you spot which one?) And tell me why I have it? The rest is mostly a process of drawings what the word/person/sketch "feels" like. As to the colours, I try to reflect a bit of what I see in you in those or I may just ask you to pick colours.

Joining Marcia today

My Secret Santa's elf has been very very naughty

And went ahead and got me every single item on my list! It was the most amazing gift to open.

Thanks you so much Fabulous Mommy for the huge spoil and Stiletto mum for organizing it all. Now I wish I can see how the person I played Santa to thought about theirs. I really hope nothing went wrong and she got hers!

With that I am signing off my official work year - it's been long, exhausting but rewarding. I already have heaps of posts in my reader which I may never get to and as my regular readers know by now, blogging over the holidays tend to be rather sparse from my side. But who knows?

So how have you all been?

Yes, I am way behind on blog reading but trusting you are all fine. Busy times as per usual, so a  quick catch up here:

• I took a sanity day on Friday - really this year has been busy and I have neglected a lot. I used the day to catch up on some to do items and had a leisurely lunch all by myself. I collected my watch that has been for repairs at the jeweller (they are in Menlyn Park which I hate and refuse to visit on a Saturday). At the same time I collected the Naartjie voucher I won on Rattle and Mum and bought two lovely dresses for the Princess and a very cute T each for the boys. These will be used for our photo shoot on 1 December so I have not even showed them to the boys because C will go bananas when he sees his T shirt. It has an ink fish on and he has a total fascination with them and jelly fish at the moment - he even calls himself "Mommy's little green jelly fish. Naartjie has a buy two and get the second half price promotion hence I got quite a bit for our R 500,00.I also bought a swimming costume. The most dreaded shopping of the year done.
  

  

  The Naartjie batch

• I also went to watch the boys swim in the morning - I never get a chance to see this and nope, not water safe as yet. But I do think C is on the brink of a breakthrough.
• The afternoon I took the boys with the Princess to an art class. They sat through the talk but did not do the art project - it was offered to them but they ended up playing with two little girls, also younger sisters of the grade 1 band assembled for the art class. The had a little lecture about stained glass windows and made their own. 

 

• I also made 3 of my Advent calenders on Friday morning (just have to complete and I will show you the pictures. One for our good friends S&I's kids,  one for the boys' teachers kids (as her teacher gift) and one for our sprogs of course. Anybody wants to make one this year and need the instructions/template?
• I am enjoying listening to the new Mumford and sons CD Babel I borrowed from one of the staff members - thinking of buying it. Lovely version of Simon & Garfunkel's the Boxer on it
• We are so happy with the Princess progress with her new swimming coach - the difference a coach can make is amazing. She was even showing off back stroke and some tumble turns on Sunday.
• Mr L has been surprising us with sentences and observations we have not heard or seen before. Very exciting.
• Mr C has at last discovered that the sprinkler is fun and is taking the water in the face part way better than before.
• I got the photobook back that I made for the ballet teachers - a little 20 x 20 hard cover and I love the way it came out.

 

• We delivered our two kid's presents at the church on Sunday - we did one Santas Shoebox kids this year (a girl aged 8) that the Princess helped to shop for and pack, and two little 6 year old boys from the Inner City Mission for the boys. I do hope our little contribution makes Melida, Bokomoso and Gradi's Christmas a whole lot nicer and happier. The boys' school also did Santa's Shoebox after hearing about the project from me and another mom - they pledged and collected 25 boxes - one for each family involved in the school. We helped out by adding items missing in boxes on the last day before they delivered.
• I bought a box of 75 sheets of rainbow card stock - what a joy of shades of happiness for me. Totally something that turns on my happiness button. Made some Washi tape cards on Friday night. Can not wait to get my new Washi tape ordered from Pamela tomorrow.

• I have received the name of the blogger whom I will be Secret Santa to. I love that I got someone I regularly read and "know" and whom I know reads here and not someone I had no clue who they were like last year. Very excited to shop for her.
• I have been using the same Moleskine diary style for 5 years - but for next year I have converted to a different type - a month over two pages and two note pages following. The whole back part of the book is note paper. I think it will be perfect fro my house planning (business stuff now on the iPad) and it is exactly the size of an ipad - not too big.

• BTW - have you seen the "A year in color" moleskine video?Have a look -it is stunning.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7Q9XvlMITrQ
• And have you seen this one? Moleskines' take on paper notebooks vs smartphones - two of my favorite things.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4YeVxMNUmo8
• We seem to have the projects or proposed projects streaming in at the moment. Wonderful! I am extremely grateful. But busy. 
• Last but not least - apparently no one knows how to do scrambled eggs in the microwave. Mix eggs (broken), milk and some baking powder (optional but makes if nice and fluffy) in a deep microwaveable bowl. Pop on 100% power in the microwave. Depending on the amount of eggs say 3 to 5 minutes. You can stir in between to cook the middle bit sooner but about once is fine. Do wash the bowl immediately.

With that, I hope you have a great week ahead . Mine will be busy! And what do you use for a diary?

Secret santa list

 I participated in the Bloggers Secret Santa last year and totally loved the gift I got. Stiletto mom is running it this year and I have signed up. So herewith my little list for whoever will be my good Santa:

• First of all, my current addiction - Washi tape or bakers twine -any will be great - refer to Paper peony for a great choice . I will specifically be very delighted with WT/B58, WT/B37, WT/B33 or WT/B12. For a bit more WT/B16, WT/B23, WT/B22, WT/B36  or WT/B28 will be absolutely fabulous.And any bakers twine. With or without postage you should just hit the mark.
• Anything you made by hand for me - I love hand made stuff
• Crochet flowers on a broach or hairband or the just flowers - love those.
• Funky broaches, earrings, necklaces or beads - I especially love the crochet flower ones. But not bangles. I can not really wear them - sensory issues and all.
• Bath stuff , body butter of cream- totally love anything that smells great - especially Beauty Factory or Sorbet will hit the spot any time.
• Sally Williams nougat - the plain with almonds or the plain coated in chocolate. I am seriously addicted to it. 
• Colourful flip flops - those with flowers or whatever on - Pick n Pay have heaps. I wear a size 7

So are you participating yet? Have your list up yet?

I had a whole post planned for today, but...

...after reading a few posts in my reader over my morning tea, I had a change of plans because the winner of many many very legit blog awards, one of the funniest woman I have ever read, the Reluctant mom gave me an award. Does that mean that by how many degrees of closeness I have touched a small bit of that Mommy blogger of the year award? Ok, just kidding, but I will take my 5 seconds of fame any time. She describes me as the "The how-the-hell-does-she-keep-it-all-together Cat" which makes me think that I am not writing about dropping some of those juggling balls enough. But alas, let's keep you all thinking that I am in fact keeping it together, for now anyways.

So the rules calls to post the logo (and yes, RM yours is a much improved version), and tell you 7 things you don't know. Gosh I have done so many of these, it can be hard, but let's think:

1. I can not stay away from a good stationery shop. I love them. I do not even need to buy anything. Ditto for book shops but I guess you all know that
2. I never write with a black pen, unless I really have to or have no other with me. I prefer my life to be multi coloured - and I remember things better in colour - something I used while studying from my school days. (I can remember in which colour I wrote something)
3. About the only thing I love about winter is boots. I adore boots with tights or leggings and a pinafore style top. The rest of winter can go somewhere else.
4. I secretly convince my daughter that I need to make a page and design in her Top Model books. I would so have loved these as a child. Totally addictive.
5. I am rather useless at decorating my own home. I just can not decide. While I would gladly choose colours for a huge building, choosing one to paint my own lounge is a total issue. Tonight is the night to choose one.
6. If I get behind on blog reading in my reader I often just go "mark all as read" . Sorry girls, but I just have to otherwise it will drive me nuts. I will never get the chance to catch up.
7. I wish Lego will find my blog and get us to review Lego! Yes Lego, are you guys out there? 

Now I have to nominate 5 to 10 bloggers I admire:
I have decided that I will nominate the last 10 people who left comments on my blog as they do fill my love tank by leaving a comment (skipping those that have been nominated by RM herself)

1. The very Sassy dress-up Queen Wendy - one day I want to think about clothes like you do. For now I just get dressed, most days.
2. Mrs Ol at Ordinary life who I admire not only for her OL musing but for being an Iron (wo)man of note.
3. Cheryl at Twinfation - writer and  veteran twin mom. We have been blog buddie from 2007!
4. TJ at Two half pints etc - fellow SPD/SID mom and a more recent find. Love her balanced perspective on everything.
5. Lynette at A work in progress - friend, true follower of Christ, magnificent scrapper, adoring granny. Need I say more.
6. Blackhuff at My daily walk - a girl I admire hugely for her guts and determination.
7. Mandy E at My life as described by Twin trials and Tribulations - fellow twin mom. Writer of delightful fun posts.
8. Karen at Mom again@40 - delightful blogger, super delightful comment leaver. Champion mom of a toddler and a student. That must be tough.
9. Linda at Linda's journal who I have actually met IRL without knowing that we both blog and read each other's blogs. You have to smile at that one
10. 10. The ever charming Louisa of 123 Blog Myself - A friend now IRL and apparently my current future SIL according to little man C who was totally charmed by the Pink terrorist.

And now, just before posting I saw that the charming CoutessCaz whom I have been reading for a short while also nominated me. Thanks girl! I really appreciate.

So in summary, here's what you need to do if I have nominated you:


1. Include the award logo in your post or on your blog
2. Say 7 random things about yourself that the readers don’t know yet
3.  Nominate 5 – 10 other blogs you usually follow
4. Let the nominees know that they are nominated & include their blog-links
5. Link the person who nominated you

It's competition time

Whenever I walk into Big Blue I have this exact feeling:

Little money purses

It is my best bestest shop ever as a lot of my regular readers clearly knows  (11 of you guessed correctly yesterday). Welcome to all the Big Blue Facebook fans too finding this post from their Facebook page.

There are so many reasons why I love Big Blue - firstly I just like their style. I feel at home in it - just a little bit different and creative.The Olka Polka tiered skirt as featured below must be the signature Big Blue item - every girl needs one and a pair of Olka Polka pants - the most comfy and stylish pants ever and yes, that combination does exist.

 I also adore the quality of their clothes - I have a dress that is close to 7 years in age that is still as beautiful as the day I bought it and because the style is unique, has never gone out of fashion either. The shops are beautiful - a true shopping experience.

Their gift range is really funky - much to choose from.

The cookies from the cookie stamp above are truly beautiful and I always get compliments on them.

The choice for men is great too but the essence must be the quirky T shirts they are so well known for.

Being a true handbag fanatic I can tell you Big Blue has the most stunning bags, always. Always something pretty or funny or just different.

I really want one of these

Love this one too

But to me the true experience lies in the helpful and friendly staff . Tshidi and Caroline at my local branch are always ready to help, to suggest another option, to phone and find something for you in your number. My cookie stamp took a lot of phoning around until they found two and within days I collected it from the shop. True excellent service

So today, I am truly delighted to present a little competition to celebrate my 1000th blogpost in conjunction with Big Blue. Up for grabs are :

First prize - a R500,00 gift voucher to spend at your local Big Blue. If you live in the backwoods of South Africa you can choose from their beautiful new website.

Second and third prizes: A lovely shopper bag each worth R290,00  which you can collect at your local Big Blue or alternatively I will arrange to post it to you.

So to enter the following:
1. For your initial one entry : Go to Big Blue's facebook page and "like" it, then visit their website and leave a comment below on my blog stating the exact description of your favorite Big Blue item.I will attempt to do a gallery of choices.
2. For a second entry tweet the phrase: "To win with @BigBlueSA head over to @catjuggles blog: juggelingactoflife.blogspot.com/2012/05/its-competition-time.html" and leave a comment here stating that you did it. No separate comment, no extra entry.
3. For additional entries do a blogpost about this giveaway and tweet the blogpost including the twitter handles @BigBlueSA and @catjuggles or post a picture on Instagram of your favorite Big Blue outfit or items and tweet the Instagram post including the twitter handles @catjuggles and @BigBlueSA. Once again tell me in a comment that you did it. No separate comment, no extra entry.

Rules:
Competition open to SA residents only
You have to do the initial one entry (item 1 above)  to enter the competition at all
Bloggers that guessed correctly yesterday will have one additional entry into the competition - you still have to do item 1.
The winners will be determined from a random number generated per entry posted. The decision is final.
The winner will be announced here and on the Big Blue Facebook page on the 18th of May. You need to respond on your win with an email to claim your prize.
The competition closes on 12 noon on the 18th of May 2012.

Have fun! And keep reading.
Thanks for each and every reader and each and every comment over the last  999 posts. Here's to 999 more.