Smule

It's been a loooooong time, I know.

I even deactivated the blog for a while as I was getting stalkervibes from a certain individual.

Well, its now almost a year later... but I won't be blogging regularly. I just do not have that much spare time. When I do have spare time I have developed a big love for a wee community on the SMULE App (singing karaoke with others around the word). I've always had a love for music and this is the first time that I'm actually puting my voice out there (so to speak). I'm loving it.

So, if you share my love for singing, come on over and say hi ADaftScotsLass on SMULE.

Sing with you there!

Plonkers! Its been a while...

Hi Plonkers!

I gave up blogging some time ago.... after 7 years of blogging every day!  

I loved it.  I loved the sense of community.  I loved sharing my silly life.  I loved sharing it all with the people I met who also loved blogging as much as I did.  I think after 7 years of blogging every day you realize just how much time and effort it takes to create, write, schedule and plan all your posts.  Not that my wee blog was particularly riveting or interesting.  I just enjoyed documenting stuff and sharing with others...

I still come here every so often to get some pictures I posted, or refer back to old posts or story I wrote.  I often remember and miss all the awesome people I met along the way with my wee blog.  Many have also given up blogging and moved on, some still blog but I've been away so long, I hardly know them anymore and have lost touch.

I may take it up again one day, when my kids are out of the house and I have nothing to do except share my memories.  Until then....blog on!

The Daft lassies - Megan (almost 14) and Kaylin (10) The wrinkly one on the end of ME

Megan

My Boerewors and The Daft Scots Lass

Megan now plays for on the Provincial Gauteng Cricket Team

Kaylin and her Penny-Pup

Me and my beautiful lassies

#TheTruthAboutAgeing L'oreal Filler Renew Range

I review L'oreal Filler Renew Range on Beauty Bulletin.

The Light Bulb went on and there was Music

Happy Monday, Plonkers.

Pinterest and I were visiting over the weekend, and I found some cool ideas for Teacher's Gifts for my kids.  The one I want to use is a screw-in light bulb with M & M's inside and a wee note that says "Thanx for helping to make my future bright".  I think its adorable, but I have a dilemma....


How the fek do I get the middle mechanism out of the bulb and open the back of the light bulb to get the sweeties inside?  


So, I went on The Google this morning to ask the question and find out what to do. Seems it's quite involved and is a 10 Step Process and it could be dangerous if I break some of those teeny weeny glass bits inside.  

Look, I don't think the teacher will be breaking the glass in case of emergency and eating the M & M's, but you never know.  I really don't want him to get glass shards stuck in his throat and bleed out and choke to death.  You know he has been instrumental in my child's education and development.  I'd rather avoid a bloody manslaughter case on my CV thank you very much.

So, any ideas how I can remove my finger prints from a light bulb and write on a piece of cardboard without leaving any traces of DNA?

Today is also Music Monday over at Xmas Dolly and I'm sharing some of my new playlist toons for your pleasure.  Enjoy xxx


 

 


I kinda slipped this one in for Megan who is learning to beatbox from YouTube and its pretty good. Nothing like these guys but she'll appreciate this one.

Friday....my Second Favourite F Word

For Christmas this year my Brother-In-Law and our niece is coming from Australia.

We are extremely excited to be seeing them as we haven't spent time with them for 2 years.  Its been a long time and we all have so much to catch up on. It will be so festive to have a big family get together on Christmas Day, have lunch and share the day swapping stories.

However, I'm secretly jealous, as I haven't seen my folks since April this year. I can't tell you how much I miss my mum and wish I could go there for Christmas too. Our budget just doesn't allow us this year, as we have a massive school fees bill that we need to sort out for 2016.

I'll be playing the lottery hoping to win a few thousand rands so that we can have a wee beach holiday with my mum and dad....

What are you plans for Christmas?

Caption My Photo Competition #Win

Hi Pretty Plonkers

Remember this?

Caption this image and you can #win a wee special sumthin'-sumthin' from wee me.

Whoohooo, right?

Go

I Swear it was Friday about 2 Minutes Ago?!

And Monday rolls around again...sneaky wee bastard!

That means its time to play some music and rock the house. 

Speaking of rocking music, I got gifted tickets to a show called Rock Royalty at The Barnyard Theater at Emperors Palace.  An extremely talented bunch of singers and musicians blasted the speakers with AC/DC, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Led Zepplin and even Tina Turner.  They had us all rocking in our seats.  My daughters were on their chairs pounding the air and playing air guitar.  It was a great family outing with a LOT of whoohooing and wiggling our bums.

A kick-arse show for Rock Lovers!  Go get your tickets and rock on! \m/

You WILL be up dancing and rockin' out.


and now back to the Theme which actually is BIG BAND here is Robbie Williams,  performing his big band swing stuff 

 

This is a South African Swing/Jazz Band called The Swingsetters. I discovered them over a year ago. They are a Cape Town band. Give them a listen 



Now hop on over to Xmas Dolly, sign up and share yer Big Band Toon.  Enjoy the rest of your Monday, Plonkers!

xxx

 

Happy Friday, Plonkers!

What do you want from Santa this year?

Have you even thought about Christmas?  or are you one of those people who plan Christmas from October?  Do you have all your Christmas shopping already done and gift wrapped?  Are you one of those that have lists for everyone and everything?  Lists of the lists?

I'm one of those people who leave Christmas until the middle of December and then go do all my shopping.  I normally only wrap Christmas gifts a few days before and I'm an impulse shopper.

However, I have made a Pinterest Christmas Wish List last year.  Not that anyone looked at it, but just in case someone wants to stumble across it and buy me a little somethin-somethin.

Have you thought about Christmas yet?

Are you one of those that plan ahead?

Are you on Santas naughty or nice list?

Hotter Than the Bottom of My Laptop

Well, butter my bum and call me a biscuuit!  We're enduring a Heatwave here in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

We've been struggling with temperatures of between 32 and 36 degrees C.  It's even worse when you're traveling in the car!

It's been unbearably hot and I'm battling to sleep at night because we don't have air conditioners - only fans!  I have heard that wrapping a damp scarf around your neck, or using damp sheets at night keeps you cool... 

Immediately, I thought of my mum who would say "that will make you catch your death, or even worse, Pleurisy".  My mum loves to say "catch your death" and low and behold, my sister and I are still around to tell ALL the stories...

Well, last I heard someone contracting pleurisy was...oh wait! NEVER, so I really don't think I have much to worry about.  Bring on those WET SHEETS.  Let's lube-up for the night.  Just don't tell my Mum.

Have you any other tips from staying cool in 40 degree weather?!!?

Monday Music....Is that still a "Thing"?

Happy Monday, Plonkers!

Today when I was running on the treadmill, this song came on VH1 and I hadn't heard it for YONKS!

I thought I'd share it with you.  Only the bloggers that grew up in the 80s will remember this one.

Remember to link up over at Xmas Dolly and share your Toonz

 

 then I got completely distracted by all the old 80s recommended links on the right.

 

Happy Friday Everyone

Have a BRILLIANT weekend.

See you again on Monday.

My Top 10 Tips for Shopping with a Tomboy Teenie

Yesterday I took my oldest daughter who is 12 going on 30 shopping for swimwear.  She has been invited to a party on Saturday and obviously wanted a few nice new things to wear.   

Firstly, I have to let you know that its extremely difficult for shopping for Megan, as she's been a devoted tomboy all her life. Let me paint a quick picture for you:  Meg loves dirt bikes and beat-boxing, being cricket Captain, playing football with the boys and adventure sports.  She loves Grand Theft Auto and surfing YouTube for entertaining gamers to watch and texting on her phone. 

Meg very fussy about colours and style of clothing.  It's only been in the last year has she ventured into the ladies and girl's sections at the clothing stores.  I actually suggested that she try denim shorts this season and it worked!   Shopping is a whole new world for her and she has no clue!  In fact, its a whole new world for me too, as I'm used to going straight to the boys section or the action-wear section, pulling something off the rack, taking it home and hoping she'll like it.

I'm usually more often wrong that right now that she's a Teenie, and I spend my life returning things and swapping things because she DETESTS shopping and coming to the shops with me. She'll wear her shoes until they have holes in, she'll wear the same pair of worn-out shorts even if they are ripped, you get the picture...

So here are my Top 10 Tips for Shopping with a Tomboy Teenie 

Make a List - Stay Focused

Have a list of things that you are going for and stick to it.  Don't deviate from the plan.  It is so easy to get distracted at the shops.  These places are set up to pull you in directions you don't want to go. Marketing to the Tweenies is massive and they have been targeted with messages plastered all over the media telling them what is cool and trendy.  Don't be sucked in.

Fly under the Radar

Your girl does NOT want to be seen shopping with her old crusty Mum.  This is embarrassing for her and let her hide if she spots any other Teenies shopping with their parents, and God forbid, you spot anyone she actually knows.........just pretend not to even know her if she gets that panic look on her face. 

Bling is Evil

Don't even try to go into the accessories section.  Anything with bling is the devil and anything with frills it just Fugly.  My Megan will not wear anything that even has a teeny weeny bow, or hearts or glitter attached.  That shit will be cut off as quick as you can say Dirt Bike.

Be Mute

Keep your "old fashioned" opinions to yourself and do NOT make any comments about her body parts, especially her growing CHESTICLES and or "cute round bum".  You WILL be rewarded with rolling eyes and clicks of her tongue.  You are NOT cool!  Keep your lips tightly sealed.

Brand Names

Brand Names are always in high demand with the pre-teens.  Their philosophy is - If my friends are wearing it, I want to wear it.  Just know it will cost you the same as buying a small island with no gain or reward.  Try and look for the brand sales if they are adamant. Don't be bullied into buying a R2000 pair of takkies because they have a swoosh on the side and make your tomboy grin like a Cheshire cat and produce puppy-dog eyes.

Don't Bargain

Just let them wear what makes them comfortable.  Don't try and comprise by saying you can wear your ripped jeans, but you have to wear a shirt with sleeves, or leave the new shoes on for the first hour and then you can change.  Don't go there - you will only cause her to HATE you and you will be riddled with guilt.  Just LET IT BE.

Dressing Room for One

Do not go into the dressing room with your Teen!  Don't even suggest it.  You will be accused of staring at their body parts and being a pervert.  Just stay out of that area all together.  If they say it fits, it fits.  If you really are concerned about the clothing fitting, let her open the door and show you.  Remember it will be a 3 second glance so have your beady eyesight focussed and ready for the QUICK FLASH.

Poker Face

Do not be over-enthusiastic about any specific item. Don't gush about how cute something looks on her or that she should really get the matching bag.  Be cool, don't act too excited when you finally get something that she likes at the 12th store you've been to.  Be nonchalant and casual about it all.  I know you want to hang out the flags and pop the fucking champagne, but restrain yourself!

Suggest Nothing

Don't make too many suggestions, she needs to be able to find her own style and navigate her own way through the shops.  Suggesting "what about this green one?" will only aggravate your young shopper beyond the point of explosion and saying "There's nothing here! Lets just go home!" and you having to deal with the lip that's tripping her and the huffing attitude for the rest of the day.  Just know everything is YOUR fault!

Keep Hydrated

You will be traipsed around 20 different stores before you find the right style, colour, shape and cut.  You will get fed up standing around.  Your feet will hurt. You will need to visit the bathrooms at least thrice.  Be prepared, keep drinks and snacks in your handbag for these trips.  Keep tissues on hand too for the tears...there is bound to be one person crying by the end of the day.  If its not your daughter for hating herself after staring into those horrid retail shop mirrors, then it will be you for the blood thats gushing out of your mouth from biting your tonuge all day.

Remember to reward yourself afterwards with an EXTRA LARGE glass of wine, especially if you stuck to tips on my list.  Reward yourself with an even BIGGER glass of wine if you failed to follow any of the tips above - because you're going to need it.

Better yet Shop online.....posted with LOVE.

Grow Yer Mo and an Update

Hello everyone!

Oh I know its been a while....4 months to be exact, Plonkers.

My blogging has taken a back seat to real life for about a year now...

Being a full-time working mum of two very busy girls and a very busy social life, its hard to find time to blog every day.  I'm actually not sure how I did it for 7 years before that?  I guess you just make time - like everything else.  Well, during those 7 years I did get a little side tracked by the blogging community and so I wanted to take some time to refocus on what I really wanted to do and where I wanted to spend my time.  You can so easily get sucked into the blogging world and spending more time speaking to faces you've never met, than spending the time with the REAL people in your life.  By real people, I mean family and friends you see in real life on a regular basis.  I'm not saying that the blogging community are not REAL.  Not at all!  I'm just saying they are online relationships with awesome, real people that you've never met.

I am still quite a social media whore and I'm now on FB, Twitter and Instagram mostly.  Some of you have found me on Twitter and follow me there, some of you on Instagram.  My FB is mainly for family and very close friends.  I don't have hundreds of Friends that I post random shit to.  I use it mainly to keep in touch with family overseas and far away.  Kind of like my blog actually, thats why I started it all those years ago.



Something that has changed in my life, is that I've found a love for running, specifically trail running.  I've always been pretty active, going to gym and Pilates but I never thought running would become part of my life as previously it always came across as something really BORING.  Well, for me its time to think, time to put my favourite music on full blast in my ears and enjoy the alone time. 

So, its Movember Plonkers which means all those men here in South Africa are growing their facial hair to create awareness for men's health, specifically cancer but also things like depression in men and prostate health.  The aim is to Grow Yer Mo aka Moustache in showing support for these causes.

My Boerewors aka Hubby is taking part and is trying to raise money for the cause over HERE.  Go check him out and make a pledge.
 
Are you taking part in Movember?

So, how have you all been??  I'd love to hear from you. 

Leave a comment and say hello. 

I have noticed a lot of my previous follows are not blogging anymore either.  I really have to update my reading list....eeek!  lots of work to do to catch up with my blog. It's possible that I may be redesigning the look of the blog as I find it a little outdated.  It's not going to be over-night though, it will be gradual.

Cinnabon In The Oven Recipe

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

 2 eggs, room temperature

 1/3 cup margarine, melted

 4 1/2 cups bread flour

 1 teaspoon salt

 1/2 cup white sugar

 2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

 1 cup brown sugar, packed

 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

 1/3 cup butter, softened

 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

 1/4 cup butter, softened

 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
2. After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Roll dough into a 16x21-inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4. Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

I Kiehl a Change Comin' on for Delicate Body Parts Too

I've been tickled to bits to be a part of The Kiehl's #ChangeYourSkin 28-day challenge using the #3Musketeers aka Hydro Plumping Retexturizing Serum Concentrate, Midnight Recovery Concentrate and the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. 

Not only have I been using these brilliant products on my face, but I've been testing them on my forearm for the last Three Weeks. I've been treating my right arm only, so that I can truly test the success of these products. 

With this test, I have at least something to compare it to because I've left my other arm completely untreated. Sometimes with "Before" and "After" pictures its difficult to see the impact of the results as you often use a different pose, hair style or lighting and the entire effect is lost. 

I put the #SerumExperts through their paces on this test and the results speak for themselves. The arm on the left  is the arm that I've used all three products on every morning and night. Yes, I have lots of freckles on my arms but try and see "through" them and notice the difference on the texture of my skin. Its clearly nourished and hydrated and the arm on the right is tight, flakey and "scaly". 

The results have been truly amazing. I couldn't be happier with the results both on my arm and my face!

Superior To A Cinnabon

My Kiehl's Store Visit to Sandton City, Johannesburg to check out their wee pots and potions was better than a truck full of Cinnabons...

....with just with a whole lot less calories and guaranteed Carb-Free.

They had just received their brand new BB Creams as well as their Micro Blur Skin Perfector.  

Oh Yeah....

BB Creams

The BB Cream comes in four different colours or shades, is Paraben-Free and contains a SPF 50 and Vitamin C.  It does contain alcohol and is quite pricey for a BB cream at over R500.   

The Blur Skin Perfector is Kiehl's version of a skin Primer.  You know that stuff you slap on before you put on your make up that has the same affect at Polyfilla?  It fills all the holes and cracks and makes your skin appear even-toned and so smooth you slide uphill. 

Micro Blur Skin Perfector.

I even got a sample of the Skin Rescue to try out.

Soopa stoked.

Enjoy dipping yer doddle in my vloggy.

See Me, Kiehl Me. #ChangeYourSkin

It's Week 3 of my Kiehl's 28-day #ChangeYourSkin Challenge using The #3Musketeers and I am happier than a puppy with two wagging tails.  

*Wiggle Wiggle*. 

My results continue to improve, my skin is completely hydrated and looking all dewy and radiant.  I've had a few flattering comments this week about my skin's dazzling gloriousness, so things must be happening now.   

Did I say I am as happy as a pig in schlop?

Wee old me got to visit the Kiehl's Store in Sandton City, Johannesburg and it was pretty awesome.  The staff were amazing sporting their white pharmacy coats, explaining everything, allowing me to take pictures and video footage, answering all my questions, offering advice and showing me their 2 new products!  The store is colourful and funky including exposed brick, neon signs and even a wall of fun Polaroid pictures from clients. The stores includes a motorcycle and a Mr Bones skeleton. 

Did I mention I am as happy as a mole with eagle eyes?

I discovered Kiehls Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, which is Kiehl's equivalent to a Vitamin C Serum.  It include 10.5% Pure Vitamin C!!  

Have I told you that I'm as happy as kitten under a leaky cow?

I'll let my vloggy tell you the rest.  Remember with Kiehl's Less is More.

Happy 40th Birthday, Jack

I discovered Jack White while scouring YouTube one day back in 2009.

I stumbled on the song "You Don't Know What Love Is" by The White Stripes.  I fell in love with their sound.  I loved the connection between Meg and Jack in the video and I had to find more!  

This was my first taste of Jack.  I then clicked on "Ball and Biscuit" and the dirty, raunchy bluesy guitar sucked me all the way in.  I was hooked.

Within a weekend, I had pretty much listened to all the early White Stripes stuff.   I had years to catch up!  

At the time, little did I know I had the entire world of The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, The Upholsterers to discover! 

Since then I must've watched "It Might Get Loud" a dozen times and trolled YouTube for interviews and rare footage of The White Stripes way back when they started at the Gold Dollar in Detroit.

Then came his solo career....  

Every Jack White fan waited with baited breath for the first taste of his solo album "Blunderbuss" and on January 30, 2012 we got to hear "Love Interruption" and we all fell in love all over again.

We had to wait until April that year to hear the entire album but it was worth the wait

Jack is a colorful character, with brilliant musical talent.  He’s an intense individual with many strong points of view.  He’s unique and has an awesome sense of humour. I love the desperation in his voice, his love of vinyl and the old blues classics. I love the way he looses himself in his guitar solos.  He’s equally as hot behind a set of drums too.

All his projects and bands have been so different and unique but still contains the essence of Jack White.  He never ceases to amaze and delight me with each record he gifts to us.
Jack’s music lives in my heart.

Happy 40th Birthday, Jack.  I hope you bring us lots more music to fall in love with

It Kiehls So Good #ChangeYourSkin

It is Week 2 of using the Kiehl's facial products that I call The #3Musketeers

Half Way, Beauties!  

All for One and One for All.   

I have not missed a morning or night using The #3Musketeers and all together, they have been very good to my skin.   

I'm seriously in love with The Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It is the D'Artagnan of the #3Musketeers.  The Main Character and certainly The Star of the Show.

My skin definitely has more moisture, feels smoother, more supple and looks less blotchy.  Even though we are bang slap in the middle of a dry, scratchy Joburg winter that horrible tight feeling when I cleanse my skin, is gone.  It means it's not dehydrated anymore and that makes me extremely happy as that was my main complaint before I started this 28-day challenge.

I'd like to say that my fine lines are diminishing but my wrinkles are pretty deep set, so I think it may just take a little more time.

I've also reduced the quantities of the #SerumExperts that I use. I was finding that in Week 1 my skin was a little oily in the morning.  I now only use 1 pump of the Hyrdo Plumping Retexturising Serum and only 2 drops of the Dark Spot Solution.  I still use 3 drops of the Midnight Concentrate.  Much better combination for me.

I can't wait to see what my skin looks like the end of Week Three.

Some of you may remember that when I started the challenge, I told you I'd be using The ##Musketeers on my right forearm too.  I will be sharing pictures of the different between my right and left forearm next week.  So stay tuned for that....

Because Anybody Can!

Thank you to me&youmobile for choosing me as your winner.

My pretty pink personalised @SuzelleDIY Toolkit arrived this morning and I couldn't be more stoked.
 
Standby for Suzelle-Mariaan-Inspired vloggy very soon, with a couple of friends where I will show off and demonstrate my toolkit's contents.

D-I-Y.....because Anybody Can