What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?
I know most of you would probably not understand what I’m about to share with you, and believe me when I tell you I use to be where you are at. It takes strength, adventure and courage and let’s face it, no one really understand what the body is capable of. This is the reasons why I decided to ‘spoil’ myself with a 25km Trail running race for Valentines Day.
Running has always been one of those things that just fitted well with me. Not only is it easY in the sense that all you need is a pair of good PUMA running shoes and the open road or the open field… what the heck, it doesn’t even have to be that open, but most importantly an open mind for exploring. What you find on every single run is a better understanding of yourself, your soul, your path in life and sometimes just a peace of mind. When ever I experience anxious feelings of ‘have to chase life’ or ‘have to run away from life’, physical running has always helped to calm the inner being.
And since Valentines Day is a tricky one this year, I decided to L.O.V.E. myself and do something I love. The run will take place beautiful country side of Elgin and I’m hoping to set the bar for my preparation of another huge race that I’ll share with you pretty soon.
Happy Valentines Day to all of you. You are beautiful, unique and absolutely gloriously loved. Open your arms (and heart) wide to receive the wonderful blessings this weekend has to offer. Be brave and be bold and pursue with passion, devotion and happiness the L.O.V.E. you so dearly deserve.
ML
Passion is Pink and Pink23 is all about passion for hair
Of my favorite people in my life are definitely Richard and Marisa. Hearted people who played a big part of my recovery of 2009. When ever I spend time at Pink, I’m pampered dearly and always walk away enlightened and empowered feeling and looking a million dollars. Together they own the PINK23 hair salon in Roeland street Cape Town and by far have the best, and I mean the frikken amazing head massages with their washes.
On my last visit they told me about a great event and I want to share it with you to pencil book in your busy schedules. Here is a look at their latest News letter:
Firstly we are proud to be part of the launch plans for Cloud Nine flat irons. I realize that you have never heard of them, but believe me they are the best thing since sliced bread, or as my husband says ‘think flat irons on Red Bull’, but don’t take our word for it…..
…”The founders and inventors of GHD flat irons have done the impossible. Welcome to Cloud Nine – Less Heat, More Style.
Having walked away from GHD in 2006, they’re back with a styling solution that hasn’t just moved with the times, but is ahead of the times. They have created an iron packed with innovative technology, an iron so clever; it opens up a world of exciting new styling opportunities.
Cloud Nine is a range of professional irons that provide a beautiful natural finish – without the heat damage – allowing you to achieve a vast array of styles, at lower temperatures. They also have a secret ingredient trapped within their unique black ceramic plates, a mysterious element that adds shine and sparkle to the hair every time they’re used.
Cloud Nine is here for the long run. They are putting you back in control. This is life on Cloud Nine.”
As part of our continued service to you we have negotiated some amazing discounted deals that are detailed in the attached flyer. As far as we know no other salon is offering these deals, so this is a first for PINK23 and for you. As a side note both myself and Bianca have already swapped our flat irons for Cloud Nine’s and the results have been amazing.
PINK23 and Cloud Nine present an activation evening of glamour and pamper.
Learn how to curl your own hair will be happening on Wednesday, 24 February at 18h00-20h00 at PINK23 salon.
On the evening you will be trained to do your own hair by the experts as well be treated like princesses.
For no charge and one night only, you can swap your old *professional flat iron for a new cloud nine and pay only R1050.00 (50%discount).
Booking to this evening is essential. For all Urban Angel followers there will be a something extra, so remember to use Urban Angel as your reference to the event.
Although the girls will be predominant this evening is open to all and we will be catering for the boys as well.
* All flat irons must be a salon exclusive iron i.e GHD, Veaudry, Gorgeous, Carioliss etc.
* All flat irons must be in working condition
* Flat irons must be delivered to PINK23 by 18h00 on 23 February + full payment
* Collection from 26 February
For more info on Cloud Nine Flat Irons please visit http://www.cloudninehair.com
Richard Gee & Marisa Scholtz
PINK23 unisex salon
Hip Hop Plaza, 39 Roeland Street, Cape Town, 8001
082 896 8570
L.O.V.E will always find you
Everyday we look around and search for L.O.V.E. You can deny the fact that you might not need it, but we are always looking for L.O.V.E. And it’s in the times when you least expect it that it grabs hold of your heart.
It’s that beautiful song that sings a melody so sweet to your ears; it’s the beautiful sunrise that you witness out on an early morning run. In my case today, I was welcomed home by a beautiful cat.
I don’t know where they come from, and I don’t know how they sense my longing, but cats have been a part of my life since I can remember. When my heart got broken by my first love, the two cats at home did not leave me alone for one second. It was as if just by being with me, they consoled me and helped with the unfamiliar loss I carried. I have always been fascinated by how they always just understood.
All of my cats also owned me. (Never the other way around). They chose me to love, to cherish and to comfort with their furry presence and keep me warm in the winter evenings. All of my cats cuddled and even today sleep like a teddy bear in my arms.
With my recent gypsy lifestyle, I had to move my lovely Jesica (ginger cat) to relatives until I have a more settled home. No kitty love to come home to at all. Yet, L.O.V.E always finds you, and today it did again.
After a long frustrating day, I came home to hear the sweet love meow’s of a cat outside. As I opened up the sliding door out of no where she waltzed in towards me and without fear started to just love me. Purring away loudly and rubbing her cuddly kitty self against me as if she had known me for a lifetime. How did she know? How did she understand that by demanding my attention so vigorously that it would change my feeling for this day? How time stood still for these few moment of pure joy, happiness, fulfillment and L.O.V.E in its most uncomplicated form. And as if called to another life saving scene she was off again, and I was filled with a sense of belonging realizing that…. No matter where I go, or how things might seem, I don’t have to fear. L.O.V.E WILL ALWAYS FIND ME.
Happiness = L.O.V.E
I found that being 30 (and yes, I know I don’t look at for one second…he he he) that I know what makes me happy. I actually have a list of things that makes me happy and it is growing. So to L.O.V.E. myself I’m very aware of these things and how I can fit it into my day. I’ll share my list with you for some inspiration:
- Getting up before anyone else and watch the sunrise.
- Running while watching the sunrise (bonus)
- My first cup of coffee at the red house of L.O.V.E. aka Vida-e caffe.
- Walks on the beach (sunset preferably)
- Eating sushi (I found a restaurant that does R100 eat as much as you want including salmon roses, sashimi etc. My absolute heaven!!!)
- COLOUR!! Bright colours as well as the glorious smells that come with colourful flowers make me super happy. My favourite flower smells being St.Joseph’s lilies, Franchipani, Jasmine, Sandlewood, Lavender and Roses.
- Using my own herbs in the delicious dinners I cook.
- Entertaining friends with healthy hearty dinner parties.
- Laughing loud – (thank goodness I have been blessed with a great sense of humor to see the funny side of most things)
- Dancing. (this includes dancing with friends, salsa dancing, the parties in my car at 09h00 and 18h00 when 5fm play their epic mixes and my own mirror dancing when I’m getting ready in the morning)
- Meeting new people. I’m a born socialite and networker (thanks dad for that great gene)
- Pampering. Giving or receiving; it’s happiness either way
Happy Monday to you all
The relationship between
When we start talking about matters of the heart, I get really emotional. I have a deep sense and understanding of relationships. The relationship between man & woman. The relationship between mother & daughter, brother & sister, friend & friend, kids and their pets.
These relationships are vital for our existence and although we where brought into this life alone and will exit out of this life alone, one of the primary purposes we have on this earth is to L.O.V.E each other. ‘Relationships’ is the only entity that has eternity value. For a true sense of belonging and fulfillment, your relations to those that have gone before you, those that stand next to you and those that will follow you need to be honest, clean and healthy.
Give me any book or movie where relationships are being restored and I boll my eyes out from pure happiness. Restored relationships go hand in hand with forgiveness and there is nothing that release blessing, abundance and happiness than forgiveness. In fact, nothing else will set you free.
I understand that relationships are not always that easy. How could it be? I don’t even know for sure that the way roses smell to you is exactly the way roses smell to me. Plus you might not even like the smell of roses when I absolutely do. So mistakes will be made and misunderstandings will happen, it’s inevitable. The only way to exist in relationship is to L.O.V.E.
What is L.O.V.E? A feeling? (hmmmm… and what a nice feeling it is to be IN love) but no it’s not. L.O.V.E is a choice. L.O.V.E is a thoughtful action. To be kind, to be selfless, to be honest, to be patient, to be understanding… all of this is a choice. And true love is unconditional. There is no such thing as ‘I will love you more if…’ or he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not… L.O.V.E is. That simple.
L.O.V.E is also a living entity. You need to decide where you want it to grow. L.O.V.E is always where hate, un-forgiveness, resentment, jealousy and anger is NOT. So if you want L.O.V.E in the area of work, sport, health or relationship, you need to go back in your book of past relationships and amend those first so that you can make room for real L.O.V.E. This might mean that you would have to forgive your dad, or ask forgiveness to a friend, (by reading this you will know exactly where you need to forgive or ask forgiveness for) or forgive yourself for things said and done in order to get rid of the black and make space for the truly bright and colourful.
…. Mad Love
IN THE NEXT ARTICLE WE WILL HAVE A LOOK AT SOUL MATES. DO THEY EXIST? HAVE YOU MET YOURS? KEEP ON READING URBAN ANGEL TO FIND OUT MORE…. COMING UP SOON
L.O.V.E in my taste buds
There is no better way to express or experience L.O.V.E than with food. Whether you L.O.V.E cooking a meal for yourself, your loved one or L.O.V.E the experience of enjoying eating it there is no other way to explain it than YUMMY!
My restaurant and wine fundy friend (www.spitorswallow) and I had the great experience to explore the tastiness of the 38th top restaurant in the world called La Colombe in Constantia Uitsig. Thanks to AMEX we had a night of royalty and indulging pleasure.
On arrival we where amazed at the beautiful yet simple set up that worked so well with the outside lighting and candles. Being a windy evening the venue is nicely situated that you don’t get blown away and we could still enjoy the outdoors.
The starter menu is definitely something to explore and without thinking twice, we ordered 4 options to test and try. Warm beetroot tarte. Kudu tartare. Tuna tatiki and Quail& Languizines. These dishes accompanied us with the Natida Semillon 2009 and Shiraz Saxenburg Private Collection 2005. Our mains consisted of Fillet of Veal La Colombe and Springbok. On the sommelier’s recommendation we had a selection of great wines to go along with all our dishes and by the end of the night we where pleasantly pickled in all tantalizing flavors’ and tastes.
Of course there is no real dinner experience with out warm chocolate truffle and cashew nut pairfait, with coffee and amarula liqueur.
Next to our table where an old couple that by the look of things where still so in love with each other. (Something I definitely wish for everyone to have in their lives). Dorine and Bob have been coming to La Colombe for the last 20 years and although they travel the world together, doing and experience all the different adventures life has to offer, they always return to have a meal here. Very Special.
We where obviously the last 2 people to leave the restaurant and I have to admit that it get’s a 2 thumbs up from me. For anyone that wants to experience L.O.V.E, this is the place to come bask in it.
The way you ’spell’ LOVE
A few years ago a friend and I looked at 4 red wooden letters that put together spelled L.O.V.E.
They where separate from each other so that you could arrange it the way you creatively felt inspired to. We both had different ideas of how to arrange these letters on the shelf and it became clear that everyone had a special way of “spelling” LOVE. Although it is the same 4 letters, you have the freedom to express it and read it in your own way. With respecting how different others “spell” love, I decided to use FEBRUARY as the month that we have a great and intimate look at LOVE.
With THE HEART as my symbol for 2010, I am researching what LOVE really means. This includes the love for yourself, the love for your health, the love for your planet, the love for strangers and the love of your life. Pursuing this venture with true passion, devotion and happiness I want to hear from you what your way of “SPELLING” LOVE looks like.
Email me your story, question or dream to marilu@urban-angel.co.za.
South Africa’s own ‘Steve Irwin’
For those of you that don’t know, I grew up in a small town called Nelspruit. Well, I suppose if you go there now it would not be that small. Anyway, huge things and amazing people and ideas have come from this place. One friend in particular has really gone beyond the boundaries of mindsets in a small town. His name is Eugene Cussons and those of you that love the animal channels (as I do) will recognise his face and love for chimpanzees. Being so proud of him, the hard working team he has surround himself with and the evident passion he pursue his purpose with, I decided that it was time to give honour where it is due.
Set on a 1000 hectare game reserve, The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden is a home to chimpanzees that have been misplaced from their natural habitat. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue their South African sanctuary and has committed itself to the rescue and care take of chimpanzees in need of refuge. Being the 1st and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this venue will be able to bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education, tourism and modern technology. Entering the reserve, a mere 15 km from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors can expect to be captivated by the beautiful bush surroundings with most of the natural game species roaming the reserve.
The Chimpanzee Eden
The Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) is the closest relative to humans. In recent years the ‘bush-meat’ trade has grown exponentially as the great wild forests of Africa have become more accessible to humans, largely due to logging which is destroying primate habitats by opening large sections of forest with dirt roads. It is estimated that Chimpanzees will be extinct within their natural habitats in as little time as 10 years. Therefore the Jane Goodall Institute is committed to conserving the primates and has created multiple sanctuaries in Africa.
The goal of the sanctuary is to rescue some of the Chimpanzees that have survived the hunting ordeal but are still misplaced through the lucrative illegal pet trade to zoos, circus performers and medical research facilities. Besides being provided with a home to live out their lives they are also provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma that they have experienced.
Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see Chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings with normal social interaction and behavioural patterns under group members. The Chimpanzee groups live within large semi-wild enclosures that are close to their natural habitat. The enclosures also have viewpoints overlooking the forest and ‘foraging areas’. The ‘foraging areas’ have small fruits and berries mixed in Eucalyptus Tree leaves. These ‘foraging areas’ will provide the Chimpanzees with behavioural enrichment and will also provide visitors that arrive after the feeding time with a better chance to view them in the large enclosures.
Chimps like other Great Apes (Bonobos, Gorillas, Orang-Utans and Gibbons) are finding an ever growing interest from the public, as they are the closest relatives to Human Kind and they are facing a quick extinction in their natural habitat.
The Experience
The West African design style of the Eden has been selected as this is also the natural habitat region of Chimpanzees. Guests can look forward to having a trained guide escort them through the duration of their itinerary. The experience will commence as soon as a visitor walks through the gates of the sanctuary, towards the Educational Centre. This will not only enlighten visitors on the plight of the primates but will also provide them with useful knowledge on the behaviour of primates. For tour groups their trained guide will be able to take visitors to the location of the Chimpanzees constantly providing the group with useful information on the goals of the sanctuary, the reason for being established, the chimpanzee individuals and the wild behaviour of the chimpanzee individuals at the sanctuary.
10:00 and 14:00 are the feeding times of the Chimpanzees whereby visitors can look forward to comments given by the Eden trained guides. The Chimpanzees themselves are the true centre point of attraction and will provide visitors with unique insight into the primate world. 30 Minutes prior to the feeding time the Chimpanzees will start to move out of the forest and towards the feeding points placed beneath the viewing platforms. The enclosures have multiple viewing points situated around the enclosures and this provides visitors with the unique opportunity to view the primates as they approach the feeding positions. Before and during the feeding time, questions can be raised to the trained guides about the behaviour and life of the primates. .
Tour summary:
- Arrival at Eden,
- Walk through Education Centre,
- 1 hour 30 minutes tour will be provided to guests with a trained guide providing guidance around the enclosures,
- Enjoy a meal at the Junglicious Restaurant and visit the Comrade Cozy Gift Shop after the tour.
For more information feel free to contact them on:
Tel: +27 (013) 745 7405
Fax: +27 (013) 745 7447
Email: info@janegoodall.co.za
Website: www.janegoodall.co.za
And the winner is…
First and foremost i want to thank everyone that entered the La Colombe dinner competition.
Everyone that entered did so with much enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to meeting you all one day.
With the help of panel of judges compiled between AMEX, La Colombe and myself we decided the best entry to be Anel Grobler from Spitorswallow.
Congrats Anel. I’m looking forward to an evening of lots of fun and laughter. This evening will be documented and posted on so please keep reading and join in on our experience.
There are many more of these competitions booked for the months ahead, so do enter again.
10 things to do to clear the Monday blues
- Give yourself a hug before you get out of bed.
- Stretch your hands and toes as far as you possibly can.
- Dance wildly to yourself in the mirror
- Take a quick walk around outside in your PJ’s and enjoy the excitement of perhaps being seen by the neighbors’.
- Do not I repeat, DO NOT switch on the TV on any news station.
- Pick yourself a flower
- Stuck in traffic: (a) Phone a friend and tell them their importance in your life. (b) Put the music loud and have a party in your car. (c) Smile and wave at the strangers also stuck in traffic. Feels silly but gooooood.
- List all the things that need to get done and do the un-liked first. This way your day will improve as you go along.
- Smile, smile, smile… even if it’s just for yourself. It normally change into a little giggle-at-yourself, which has healing powers to the soul.
- Know that today is the furthers away from another Monday
