Changes in my life

You may have noticed that I've gone off the grid for a while. This is definitely not for a lack of trying or being sapped of creative energy - rather, a few "challenges" I've had recently (bear with me here!). 

Social media is meant to be a platform for communication and collaboration but recently, it feels like every time I scroll through my feed, people are celebrating all the wonderful things going on for them. Trust me, it's not shaking my bones and I'm not the jealous type, but it makes you...hesitant... to write up a real, raw and truthful post. It's time to take a hit and reveal what's really been going on in my life. 

Some of my followers may have heard the exciting news that I have skipped ship from a fun and energetic Agency career and dipped my toes into the professional Corporate world. I couldn't be happier for the challenge, and the opportunities that have presented themselves over the last few years. It feels like this is what I have been building up to - a culmination of life experiences that land me smack in the middle of corporate utopia in my middle twenties. I didn't realise how scared of change I was until I was faced with it. Having to change my travelling patterns, swap out my entire wardrobe of workwear (no more sandals and summer dresses to the office) and facing my irrational fears like the chance that I would get hungry at work (I have a food addiction) and not know where to get a snack (yes, irrational I know). It meant a lot of unnerving stress. Stress about the unknown, whether I was "good enough", had I made the right decision. It was overwhelming and, as I have learnt now - completely unnecessary. 

Two weeks into my new job, I fell ill with a serious case of Influenza A. I went to bed with a slight cough and woke up the next morning with severe muscular pains, a chest on fire and a fever through the roof. Uncontrollable nausea and a general air of "I'm going to die". I was admitted into hospital that morning and spent a few days in a cold, sterile ward. It's during this time that I had to face more irrational fears (you can tell by now that I don't do well with any form of stress) like needles, washing my hair with a drip attached to my vein, spending a whole weekend without my husband (we're basically inseparable when we're at home together) and overcoming the incessant bouts of nausea and feeling ever so sorry for myself. The night before I could be discharged from hospital, my Doctor let me know that if I could go the night without a spike in my fever, I would be free to go home the next morning. Home to my own bed, wardrobe and bathroom - I wanted OUT! I was dosed with medication, happy with spending one more night and freedom was just a few hours from my fingertips. I could almost feel it. 

At midnight, I was overcome with cold. Shivering in my bed, squirming under the sheets trying to get warm - this torture lasted two hours. I refused to ring the bell to alert the nurses, telling myself that I needed to last the night without a fever to go home. I was adamant I could fight it on my own, that I would fall asleep "soon" and it would be morning. After finally coming to terms with the fact that the fever wouldn't break on its own, that I needed help and perhaps one more day in hospital wouldn't kill me - I called for the nurses. They were kind, inserted  new medication into the intravenous drip and let me sleep. Before drifting off, I remember thinking, why did I spend hours suffering when help was literally a single bell away. The next morning, I was discharged anyway and made it to attend Trevor Noah's comedy show at the Durban ICC (more about that later). You could say - it all worked out in the end. 

Perhaps if there's anything I learned over the last two weeks:

- Stop stressing over things that you have no control over. 

- Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's almost impossible to feel positive when all you're perpetuating is a cloud of negativity. 

- Ask for help - the consequences be damned. 

- Family over everything - I couldn't have done this without my husband and parents by my side. They're my emotional strength, my care givers and my greatest supporters. I owe them all a lunch or two. 

Right now, I'm in a positive & happy space. I'm ready to challenge myself creatively and share a little more - the negatives AND the positives. You'll be hearing a lot more from me, that's for sure. 

Love, 

Yo Homi 

BombSquad heads to the Zando Cape Town 10s!

Local rugby team, BombSquad will be heading to Cape Town to participate in the upcoming and hugely popular Zando Cape Town 10s. The event is one of the premier lifestyle and social sport events in South Africa, having recently won the 2016 Discovery Sport Industry Award for "Best Lifestyle Experience".

It is the brainchild of rugby legends Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck and long-standing mate Ron Rutland. Founded in 2008, starting off as a rugby only tournament the event has since evolved into a multi-sport event, with the addition of Netball in 2013 and Beach Volleyball in 2016 and now Dodgeball for 2017.

The rugby component of 10s is billed as the biggest ten-a-side rugby tournament in the world, designed for fun but still underpinned by national and international rugby federation rules. The event has, over the years, featured some of the world’s greatest International rugby legends including Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer and Christian Cullen, as well as other global sporting stars such as Graeme Smith and Justin Kemp.

2017 will mark the 9th consecutive year of the event. The 2016 Cape Town 10s event had 100 rugby teams, 40 netball teams and 40 volleyball teams, from all over South Africa and abroad, taking part.

The Cape Town 10s is not just about the sporting action, it is also one big jol featuring some of the country’s biggest and most popular music acts as well as hosting Africa’s largest beer tent. Thousands of fans and squads gather from across the globe to play their favourite sports and to experience the vibe of 10s that is underpinned by fun, friendships, sports and a couple of cold ones.

Marcel Pillay, affectionately dubbed "Skelton" after William Skelton - Austalian rugby player, says

"It's overwhelming, but it has been an interesting journey to get ready for this event in terms of on and off field training. Everything has fallen into place and now we're looking forward to the event this week. We're hoping to win our competition while having fun at the same time, meeting old friends and hopefully making some new ones along the way. Cape Town as the host - we couldn't have asked for a better venue! Just be ready because the Bombsquad lads are going to be in town so if you see us running, try and keep up." 

 

Follow their journey online and keep up with some of their sponsors.

Twitter: @BombSquad10s
Facebook: BombSquad Tens

Love,
Yo Homi

THE SEARCH FOR GATEWAY’S 2017 AMBASSADORS IS ON…

Gateway launched the search for their 2017 ambassadors at a prestigious media launch on Thursday, 19th January, where they offered guests some insight into what the competition is all about.

The centre is looking for a male and female who represent Gateway’s lifestyle and values in their own lives. They are searching for two people who are social, have great personal style, are outgoing and confident in front of a camera and who love to have fun at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The centre stated that it’s also important for the chosen ambassadors have a good nature, congenial personality and a respectful way of interacting with others. 

Lisanne Lazarus, current brand ambassador for Gateway, described her experience as one that exceeded her wildest dreams and expectations. “I’ve learnt and matured so much from the people I've met and the opportunities that were afforded to me over this last year. This opportunity comes once in a life time and is almost too good to be true”, said Lazarus. 

Thabiso Thedi, who shares the stage with Lazarus as an ambassador, described his experience as EPIC! “It's been an absolute delight. I got to rub shoulders with some of SA's top celebrities, host red carpet events, shop at all the amazing stores Gateway has & experience the 5 Star Gateway VIP lifestyle.” Thedi further commented that being a Gateway Brand Ambassador has led him to truly explore & experience the three main facets which he believes Gateway has built its foundation on, these being “FASHION, FOOD & PEOPLE .... that's what it's all about.” 

The 2017 Ambassadors will walk away with over R120 000 in prizes from sponsors, some of which include:

• Vodacom Nxt Lvl
• Tsogo Sun Garden Court Umhlanga Hotel
• Beluga,
• The Hussar Grill,
• Circus Circus, 
• RJ’s 
• John Dorys, 
• Gerald Wells, 
• Kryolan, 
• Nail It, 
• Ster Kinekor, 
• Chateaux Gateaux 
• Auto Spa Express.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers an unprecedented 5 Star shopping experience ranging from local to international retail and also boasts one of the largest entertainment offerings under one roof. For more information on the competition, entry process and mechanics, detailed list of prizes terms and conditions visit www.gatewayworld.co.za 

Look out for Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

#GatewayAmbassador @GatewayUmhlanga 

Gateway Theatre of Shopping in LIGHTS!

Beluga catered the event with a selection of delicious canapes, fresh sushi, prawns and cocktails.

2016 Gateway Ambassador's, Lisanne Lazarus and Thabiso Thedi.

Sponsors for the Gateway Brand Ambassador campaign, Gerald Wells from Gerald Wells Hair Professionals, Durban business owners of Kryolan KZN, Aldytha da Silva and Rob da Silva.

The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day

The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day is a Global Initiative challenging Restaurants Worldwide to host Pink Table Dinner Parties & Cancer Support Fundraisers in aid of a Beneficiary in their country.

On World Cancer Day 2016, South Africa launched phase 1 of The Pink Table Project, which was the largest Pink Table Dinner Party and Cancer Awareness Fundraiser the country had ever seen, with over 80 participating host restaurants, and more than 1 000 eager and generous patrons.

With such an overwhelming success, the project soon surpassed our South African borders, and this coming World Cancer day in 2017, they are able to go global, taking their project to over 20 countries!

The Pink Table Project has partnered with Zomato.com, the leading restaurant guide application, to elevate the project on an International scale.

Their primary focus is #IFoundHealthy, where they aim to prove that not only do most restaurants have Healthier Menu Items available for their patrons, but that Restaurant Chefs can excite us with Healthy Eating options, showing that Healthy can be both Decadent & Delicious. In doing so they want to discover and celebrate the World's Healthiest Menu's with the Launch of a Pink Menu on World Cancer Day.

Join us, ‘Dressed in Pink and Left to Sparkle’, as we Celebrate Good Food in Good Restaurants, being inspired to not only find ways to indulge in healthy living so that we can learn to manage our own Wellness Journey, but to enjoy every second of that experience, all the while supporting global Cancer organizations whose daily task it is to support those who can’t always help themselves.

Our Cancer Support Beneficiary Select in South Africa is the PinkDrive,

Visit them at www.pinkdrive.co.za

To find out more, please visit them at www.thepinktableproject.com/world-cancer-day-event

To book a Pink Table at 'The Pink Table Project in SOUTH AFRICA'

Join our event page on Facebook @ The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day 

Join us on Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram

#ThePinkTableProject #IFoundHealthy #WeCanICan #WorldCancerDay

Low-Carb Lemon Cheescake Recipe

We were invited for a braai this weekend and I really was torn about attending or not. I've been on a clean eating, low carb eating plan for the last two weeks and honestly, it has been a breeze. I enjoy cooking and preparing healthy meals, and once you mentally prepare yourself - half the battle is won. I decided that I would "wow" my family with a low carb no bake lemon cheesecake and boy, this went down well! Can you say Masterchef in the making!

I was assisted in the kitchen by my sisters which makes this recipe even more special to me. Getting to spend time with these girls, whether chatting over a mani & pedi or getting busy in the kitchen means building friendships and getting creative. Gather the girls and get your aprons on, this recipe is so easy to pull off, you'll wonder where the time went!

TIPS:

• This recipe calls for low-carb rusks to make the base, which I didn't have on hand. I substituted this with Hope Crunchies (blog post on this delicious product coming soon!). I recommend using digestives or even Tennis biscuits (a household favourite, am I right). 
• You can make this cheesecake in the morning and allow 2 - 3 hours in the fridge, no bake and no fuss. 

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes (lemon syrup)

INGREDIENTS: For the cheesecake

• 12 Hope Crunchies (crushed finely) 
• 50 grams butter
• 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream 
• 1 x large lemon (rind and juice required) 
• 2 tbls xylitol or sugar 
• 1 x tub creamed smooth plain cottage cheese (I used the Lancewood brand) 

INGREDIENTS:  For the lemon syrup 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup xylitol or sugar 
• Juice of 1/2 lemon 
• A drop of yellow food colouring 
• Lemon rind for decoration 

METHOD:  

• Finely crush the Hope Crunchies in a food processor or place the crunchies in a ziplock bag and pound with a rolling pin. 
• Melt the butter over the stove or in the microwave (approximately 20 seconds) and add this liquid to the Hope Crunchies. Mix and add this mixture to a clear dish, flattening out the biscuit base and making sure there are no spaces. 
• In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream until thickened, slowly adding the sugar and lemon juice. Lastly, add the cottage cheese and mix through. Once combined, toss in the rind of the lemon and gently mix. 
• Spoon the creamy mixture over your biscuit base and flatten with the back of your spoon. 
• Cover with cling wrap and place your cheesecake in the fridge for 2 - 3 hours. 
• To prepare the lemon syrup, bring the 1/2 cup water to a boil over the stove, slowly adding the sugar and mix continuously. Add the lemon juice and yellow food colouring once combined and thickened and continue to stir through. Let the syrup stand for a hour, and once cooled completely, spoon over the cheesecake. 
• Decorate with the lemon rind, a sprig of mint and a raspeberry for a pop of colour. 
• Serve chilled with a refreshing glass of ice tea!  

Let me know if you would try this recipe out and what you would add to make this an even more indulgent treat for your friends and family!

Love,
Yo Homi

So Whipped Cafe - Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate

So Whipped Cafe, located in Gateway Theatre of Shopping is owned and run by Durban business woman, Candice Courtney. The Cafe is a magical coffee shop located on the Ground Floor, just outside the Wavehouse on the northern side of the super regional shopping centre and offers some of the most delicious cafe lite meals and decadent cakes, cupcakes, eclairs and coffee. The Cafe describes itself as a "happy, creative, carefree space" and that's exactly what you get.

Their latest offering, Unicorn Poop Hot Chocolate, released this year is everything! It's a feast for the eyes and combines the latest Unicorn trend. You've seen this trend all over Pinterest, from unicorn make up tutorials to unicorn hair (colourful hair in beautiful shades of pink, aqua and green), body tattoos and even unicorn macarons!

I can't wait to get my tastebuds into this fun creation and here's hoping it becomes the drink of the year!

Find So Whipped online here: 

Website: www.sowhipped.co.za
Email: events@sowhipped.co.za
Facebook: So Whipped
Instagram: @sowhipped
Twitter: @sowhippedcakes events@sowhipped.co.zaevents

Love,
Yo Homi

Raeesah's Butternut Soup Recipe

My sister in law, Raeesah, is a whizz in the kitchen and I could definitely learn a thing or two from her. She passed on this deliciously creamy and wholesome butternut soup recipe to me and it was a winner from the word "chop"!

TIPS: 

• Save time in the kitchen (and your fingers) by purchasing diced butternut from the supermarket. It does work out marginally more expensive in comparison to buying a whole butternut but the time saved is actually invaluable. 
• Serve your soup with toppings like sunflower seeds (which pack an extra punch of Vitamin E and are a very good source of copper and Vitamin B), feta and a light dusting of chilli powder for a kick. 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cooking time: 40 minutes 

INGREDIENTS: Yields 4 - 5 bowls 

• A knob of butter 
• 1 large white onion 
• 1  small butternut chopped or 1 punnet of  chopped butternut 
• l litre (4 cups) Ina Paarman vegetable stock 
• 125 ml fresh cream (optional)

METHOD: 

• Melt the knob of butter in a heavy based pot over medium heat ensuring that the butter doesn't burn. 
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and let sweat until translucent in colour. 
• Throw in the butternut pieces and cover with 500 ml vegetable stock. I used Ina Paarman's Vegetable Stock in this recipe which is full of flavour and great quality too! 
• Simmer on medium heat until cooked through and the butternut is soft to the touch. This should take approximately 30 minutes. 
• Using a hand blender, puree the soup until it reaches a silky smooth texture. If you find the soup to be too thick, add water slowly to rectify.
• Add the fresh cream to the soup and bring to a simmer. 
• Adjust seasoning here by adding a crack of pepper or if you prefer, a tablespoon of sugar. 
• Serve soup in bowls and garnish with feta, sunflower seeds, chilli powder or a sprig of thyme. 

Let me know if you would try this recipe out or what you would add to make this comfort meal even more indulgent. Comment below and let's get chatting!

Love,
Yo Homi

Monday morning inspiration

5 ways to get the most out of your weekend

The weekend is here. You've been anticipating the slow ticking of Monday through to Thursday and before you know it, it's the WEEKEND! Like most people, you probably have this soul encapsulating "sigh" escape your lips at approximately 5pm on Sunday and if that doesn't fill you with dread, I don't know what does.

Turn that frown upside down and let me give you 5 ideas to get the most out of your weekend!

1. Plan ahead: Weekends tend to be the dumping ground of what I like to call "Life Admin". This is stuff like going to Woolworths to pay your installment or getting the car washed. Life's too short, ain't nobody got time for that. The malls are generally quieter in the morning, so wake up early and get in there before the crowds gather. Resist the temptation to browse and head to the stores you need to, mapping our a route for yourself. Once this is behind you, you have all the time in the world for FUN stuff.
2. Do your research: There are loads of local weekly and monthly markets that take place in Durban and surrounds. I love getting excited about a favourite local retailer popping up at one of these markets - from handmade onesies to food indulgences - there's something local for everyone. 
3. Explore the city: Exploration needn't cost you, especially if you're on a budget. Visiting local tourist spots can be fun, and show you a different perspective of your city. Take a walking tour of the Durban CBD, checking out famous historical sites and tasting the local food - from grilled mielies on the side walk to a good old fashioned steak sandwich or bunny chow to share. 
4. Catch some waves: Durban prides itself on great weather all year round, even in winter. Take advantage and head to one of the many beaches on the coast. From Ballito, Umhlanga, Glenashley and North Beach you'll find fun and great food along the way. 
5. Make time for family: Life get's you busy and stressed so what better way to unwind than with family. Plan a no-fuss braai or bring and share and don't sweat the small stuff. Bust out the Monopoly or Uno and the winner gets to host the next braai at their place. 

Wishing you a chilled weekend, lovelies. 

Love, 

Yo Homi

2017: This is OUR year.

So you thought 2016 was going to be your year. You had it all planned out - dreams bigger than Moses Mabhida Stadium and full of depth and hope that THIS year, was going to be the final frontier. But then life got in the way, famous people started dying, your workout goals became less frequent and you're filled with doubt about the next chapter.

Don't be despondent. Some great occurrences did happen, (believe it or not).  

• There's an Ebola vaccine now
• Child mortality rates globally are down 
• Leonardo Dicaprio FINALLY got that Oscar (YAAAS!) 
• Humpback whales are no longer endangered
• The Ozone layer is repairing itself 
• Durban was named the city in South Africa with the highest quality of life  

Turn that frown upside down - let's get the positive thoughts vibing in that beautiful mind of yours. Here's what you have going for you right now...

• You have internet access. That means you can Google CAT VIDEOS.
• You're more aware than ever that 2017 is going to set you up for challenges. Challenges that you can now face since 2016 has HUMBLED YOU. 
• New Year resolutions are solidifying in your mind - you're more keen than ever to save money, drop a dress size, learn to strobe, perfect your bullet form to-do lists and get around to trying out hot yoga. 
• You have the ability to control your thoughts. 
• You also have the ability to leave behind all the toxic thoughts, behaviours, habits and people that held you back in 2016. LOOK AT YOU! 

 “It's crazy, how similar we are. Here's both of us, working through our stuff, trying to make something positive out of something really bad.”
― Jenny Han, Fire with Fire

Now build yourself up and face it head on - this year is going to be a wild ride.

Love, 
Yo Homi