if i were boss

If I were the boss I would do things my way!

I would kick out the all those bitchy types, that huddle together in the workplace and make people's lives hell!

I would get rid of the lazy people that think they are entitled to a job, even though they do the bare minimum each day.

I would respect my employees and treat them as adults.

I would try not to micro manage and give employees the freedom they need to complete tasks.

I would try to ensure that employees are paid sufficiently for the work they do and implement annual increases when possible, especially to reward those that are dedicated and hard working.

I would make sure, that when employing new members of the team, interviews would be thorough. Employees are an investment and should be suited to the culture of the workplace.

I would try and make my employees feel appreciated and thank them where possible, a thank you goes a long way but seems to be a rear occurrence in a workplace!

With all being said the bosses role is a hard task, too kind and you get walked all over and too tough and the majority of the workforce will hate you. It is impossible to please every employee all the time as their needs are so different but being aware of what can make the relationship better can make for a more productive workplace.

So bosses out there take note!

something different for your Friday night

On the last Friday of every month, during the school term from October through until April, Constantia Waldorf holds a night market.

There was a live band and various art and craft workshops as well as a number of stalls selling healthy meals, green products, stunning fabrics, organic whole foods and stunning crafty gifts.

The market runs from 5 - 9 pm and entrance is free. Constantia Waldorf is next to peddlers on the bend, so once it’s over you always go and have a drink next door.

We took a bottle of wine and relaxed on the grass listening to the live music, it was a great way to end the week. I had the most delicious rotti from one of the stands, although I felt it was a little pricey for the portion size.

For details of the next night market follow this link.http://www.waldorfconstantia.org.za/current-events.htm

a blast from the past

Look what I stumbled upon in Pick n Pay the other day.

Matey bubble bath was launched in 1958 and certainly kept me entertained at bath times as a kid.

I just couldn't resist it!

two people walk out of a building and into a story



The robes



This weekends story started when we left the flat on Saturday afternoon, for a gratis, yes free nights stay at the 5 * Villa Exner in Elgin.

 A bit out of our price range for a regular weekend away, but it was an amazing experience, incredibly tranquil and Jacques was loving the "robes". Breakfast was delicious and never ending, and their herb garden was impressive. 



Theeswaterkloof dam

We took a drive along the R321 and stopped at the Theeswaterkloof dam for a swim. This route is so pretty and brings you out in Franschhoek.



I must admit that I got a distinct feeling that Elgin is some what of a one horse town.  I don't think it's fair to right if off completely, there's the usual wine farm visits and hiking in the Hottentots Holland nature reserve. I found two interesting things that might see me back in Elgin sooner than I thought.

 

The Old Mac Daddy luxury trailer park, is situated on a working farm and has a number of vintage airstream trailers, each individually designed. The Old Mac Daddy claims to be a "new chapter in adventure, escapism and pure relaxation". http://www.oldmacdaddy.co.za/ check out this link for more details.

 

The Paul Cluver forest amphitheater, has been holding some amazing events in a natural open air arena formed by the Eucalyptus forests. There are only 600 seats available at these events and they sell out quickly. There are only two more performances scheduled for 2011, but I really think it would be an amazing experience. Check out the following link for more information. http://wwis link for fuw.cluver.com/detailed-program.

Every time we leave a building, we enter a story.

will you be my valentine?

I can see you all rolling your eyes, so I thought I would share a few of the lesser known facts about Valentines day.

• 15% of women in the USA send themselves flowers on valentines day
• 3% of pet owners give valentines day gifts to their pets .. I would like it to be known that I am not that much of a mad cat women yet, my cats are not getting valentines day gifts
• In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th ... interesting not sure that is on my list of most wanted valentines gifts
• In the 17th century a hopeful maiden ate a hard-boiled egg and pinned five bay leaves to her pillow before going to sleep on Valentine's eve. It was believed this would make her dream of her future husband. .. try this out next year and see if it works
• Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire  ... So watch out girls

facts courtesy of http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/valtrivia.html

Still don't have a gift for the love of your life?

We all know the way to their heart is through their stomachs. Try out this yummy Lindt chocolate brownie recipe.

designer pr

Now what exactly is this?

I have sat here for almost an hour pondering this obscure title.  I could have written a hundred words of drivel but instead i'll let you use your own imagination.

the making of me

The Travel bug bit me at age thirteen, when I joined family friends on a trip to the Isles of Scilly. Although these small islands are just a few miles of the British Coastline, it was the journey to get there that intrigued me; a five hour drive, a helicopter ride, a boat journey and a tractor and trailer to take us to our campsite



Rome, Italy



At sixteen I went to work in Portugal for the summer and at eighteen I worked and traveled for a year throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

These experiences and people that I encountered sparked a light inside me and over the next couple of years I visited over twenty countries including Cambodia, Thailand, America, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. 



Racing Camels, Dubai



I then moved to Dubai and worked as a riding instructor for two years. I met my boyfriend and yes he is South African and here I am in Cape Town.

Wow that’s a very brief account of the last 28 years, but I suppose it gives you a peek at who I am.


I am who I am

Born in England, 28 years ago. My life has been shaped by my experiences, travels and the people that I have met along the way.

As the saying goes "a picture speaks a thousand words" so, I'm going to take you on a visual journey of the recipe that has made me who I am.  

                                             

It all began in the 80's, South West London, England. Giant nappies, knitted booties and velveteen jumpers where all the rage!

A little bit of Great British tradition was thrown in for good measure(family holiday in Spain) 

 

and a mild fascination with a four legged companion, which later developed into a full blown obsession. This was just the beginning.

I actually studied Equine Management after I finished school, a course purely about horses can you believe it! 

With school and college done and dusted, and a 10 year plan in place.

I was able to start enjoying and understanding what really interested me; Riding, competing, traveling, music, culture, food, wine and fashion.

So at 18 my journey to discover what lay beyond the realms of Great Britain began.... but I will spare you the details, until my next post that is.