Tuesday blues...

*sigh*  when you packing up for a short holiday, finishing up last minute errands really takes strain... hehe, But the excitement is there... 1 week in Cape Town will be awesome.  I'm off to the Mother City tomorrow morning and will spend some overdue time with the parents and my brother (and his little baby son!) Can't wait!   And on that note I'd like to say that if you can't go on holiday, remember that a change is as good as a break!  If your financial statements warrant this, then change your car, or buy new furniture, or change your bedroom arrangement...  CHANGE anything, it will look & feel different.  In the meanwhile, please explain to me what the hell all the fuss surrounding "twitter" is all 'bout????

Shweet.  Eazy. Peace.  :) 

Happy New Week!! ;)

Hope u had an awesome weekend and you're ready for a week with new challenges.  If you don' t have any challenges, then I suggest you create some.. hehe :)  I'm on my way to studio to record interviews with one of South Africa's most celebrated & funniest guys, Afrikaans stand-up comedian Casper de Vries.  He is visiting our studios to record inserts for the 100th Episode of "MK LIVE" which airs on Friday 5 June.   I will write again later, but for now, just wanted to say that I hope you feel focused & happy with your direction!! 

( Check out www.casperdevries.com)

Time for friends, braai, rugby & parteeeee!!!

Yeah! Best time of the week, and if you're South African, it's the time where we invite all our best friends around, get out the quality food/meat, have a braai (barbecue), watch rugby, and socialise on a vanilla sunset, Highveld horizon-style!  Good times!   :)  On Friday evenings I normally make a brief appearance on the TV show I produce ("MK LIVE") - which is a music-variety programme with interviews & viewer-interactivity.    I present the show's SMS Poll Question.  Anywayz, just wanted to wish everybody a pleasant weekend.  Even if you are depressed, or lonely, or not going through a good phase in your life, my advice, as before, to focus on the little things that can make you smile and only keep that in your mind.  Wasting time with negative thoughts will honestly not make you feel better!   And, most importantly, keep your mind occupied.  Stay busy.  Now, let's have a safe & pleasant weekend.  Be responsible, because waking up on Monday morning is another reality to face, and you don't wanna have too many regrets!!! ;) 

Xx 

Just do something to feel good about yourself!

Ahoy!  Can't believe it's already Thursday again... Almost time for the weekend, baby!  ;)  This morning I actually pushed on arms again, and rounded off with a little bit of chest.  I know, I know, I train my chest a lot, but it's all just maintenance and nothing hectic.  However, with arms I'm really pushing now!!  (See pic from gym this morning.)

Then, if work or relationships or friends give you issues, and brings down your mood... which happens every so often, my advice would be to divert your focus.  Do something that will make you feel good or at least occupies your mind.  For example, go to gym & then get a massage session or facial;  get a hair cut; go to the music store and buy a CD or two;  buy a cool magazine and sit down at the nicest coffee shop and order something that you normally wouldn't (like a sweet treat with a strong cappuccino).  And put your mind at ease... every negative WILL be balanced with a positive, you'll see!!  ;)

 

Expensive underwear! Sure, it fits better!

I think being comfortable is crucial.  With anything.  Honestly, you can't disagree! For example, comfortable underwear... Not many guys will fork out R600 for a pair of Armani's as seen in this picture, but let me tell you, it definitely feels good.  Speaking of which, good, expensive clothes always just last longer & looks better on you.  This brings me to the very important point of... how you look, will affect how you feel.  Many people say being happy comes from the inside. Sure.  It also depends on your mindset, what your thoughts are, what goes on in your brain. However, psychologically we need to feel comfortable, and good about appearances as well.   When you wear a suit, you feel like an executive, you feel important.  You feel like you have direction.  Pity then that we don't always wear suits.  If your work prescribes this dress code, you might find it a boring, everyday ritual, but still, look for that extra expensive suit and notice what difference it will make!   Bottom line, wearing good, expensive clothes makes you feel better on the inside.  It gives you confidence.  And if it's not possible every single day, start with small steps, buy 1 expensive outfit.   Just do it already!  ;)   Then, if you want, buy an expensive hot pair of underwear... and look good with only underwear on!!!!  

Shweet!!   

*Sigh* Glad this Monday working day is over!

Yeah, you guessed it, this was a real busy, blue monday... hehe... and already early at gym to ensure a good, morning work-out before the day got off to a kick.  so much to do, so little time.  it's exciting times for me since I'm assigned to a new project at work, a new TV channel launching on 1 July.  It will be an entertainment based channel for a mixed audience, young white & black youth (mostly the latter).  VUZU is the name!  Watch this space for more details, following soon!!  ;)  

Okay, now, a few gym tips for the day.  CHANGE your routine at least once a month.  And stretch.  For most bodies stretching actually helps to tone the muscle and releases the acids that help to build muscle (few people know this!).  It's also healthier for good blood circulation.  Then, changing your routine helps muscles to constantly build better shape.  And grow.  But lastly, and most importantly, do not underestimate food & your diet.   Eating, immediately after gym is very important.  

There, now, get to gym!!!!  :) 

Xx 

Happy Friday & cheers to the weekend baby!!

Just to round off the week's gym programme, I focused on shoulders & arms this morning, and, admittedly a little bit of chest! Hehe ;)  The big CLEO photoshoot is coming closer & closer.... grrrr. Very nervous, but looking forward.  The pictures will be posted on their website for public vote!  Will keep you posted!  

Hope you have an awesome Friday!  Later today it's my TV show "MK LIVE" on satellite channel 324 at 20h00 CAT. We'll also be featuring local boy-band FLIPaCOIN.  Check it out!  

The "blue steel look"- picture taken by Werner Prinsloo at a photoshoot last year. The chest pic taken this morning after gym!! It's clear how the definition has changed a bit - see if you spot it too!  All for bigger pecs! 

Shweeet!! :) 

Supplements? Rather, Eat Right!

For me, eating right is more crucial to looking good than the training itself.  Yeah, sure, training is vital and daily exercise is not only good for your 'looks,' but stimulates metabolism and blood circulation (which helps to get rid of toxins in your body!).  However, sometimes we need a little extra to give us that push.  I can't speak for illegal substances (steroids), since I've never used them, but I do think there are some excellent products on the market for giving you bulk, or extra strength.  I am still exploring, but a product I've found to help with extra energy (nothing more than that), is the Anabolic Testo Stack from Muscle Science.  You need things like ZMA, Zinc & good proteins to build muscle, but the little extra testosterone helps you to push a little harder!   I have also used 'Grow Extreme' (also from Muscle Science) which helps with bulking up & extra protein.  However, if your diet is well balanced, filled with good ingredients to help muscle growth & overall health, then you honestly don't need any of these fancy, expensive products. And the basics have always been the most important:  eat 6-8 small meals a day (for example, cold turkey meat with crackers & cream cheese = 1 meal, but include essential vegetables such as broccoli & cauliflower as often as possible); drink clean liquids such as mineral water, cinnamon/ginger/green tea, but don't overdo it on the mineral water either; get enough sleep (8 hours really would be advisable); stay away from bad carbs such as bread, pastries, etc, rather opt for brown rice. 

It's almost time for the weekend, so enjoy it, and don't overindulge! Hehe ;) 

In a garage near you this JUNE!

I guess it's a car that I will never grow tired of.  But it's more than a car, it's a feeling and love that I can't explain.  The Golf 6 GTi is on it's way to South Africa on a large VW destined boat, as I write this.  And in my mind this gives me butterflies in the stomach from excitement.  Honestly, if there's ONE car that both the lower income groups, as well as the super rich enjoy as much, combining the practicality, reliability, comfortability and power of anything between a VW Polo and a Porsche 911 Turbo, then it's the Golf GTi.   In the tough financial times we live, this car is undoubtedly the best option, and in my view, the best car to own!   So, here's to a car that I dream will always be in my garage no matter how far up in life, or wealthy, I get!  :)  

The VW Golf GTi 6 available in South Africa from the end of this month, and should be on the roads beginning of June!  

Say thanks to the people who care most!

Sometimes we find it hard to stay focused, and motivated.  We lose sight of the things that are supposed to drive us and pave the steps towards our goals.  Sometimes we get depressed and feel worthless when things don't go our way.  Sometimes we forget that hard work pays off, and rather want to throw in the towel.  Sometimes we hate, rather than love, for anger & frustration are more accessible reactions.  And then there are times when we forget how much those people close to us actually mean.  Your mother/father, brother/sister, grandparents, and of course, your best friends, and partners.   We take it for granted & forget that the indefinite support & unconditional love given by those close to us actually make this life worth living.   We need it. We should value this.   And today I'd like to thank the people in my life who care the most.  The people whom I also love & support, no matter what.  One of them being my best friend, Jaco de Bruyn.   Together with his wife, Renate, they are honestly the most amazing people I have ever gotten to know and spend time with.  No matter how many hardships they've been through, they always make you smile and feel better!  So, make sure you thank your best friend(s) today and appreciate them for being your supporting pillar no matter what.  It's a loyalty that is worth a lifetime of love.  Thanks to my best friend Jaco!

Top 50 CLEO bachelor finalist!

Yesterday I got a call from CLEO magazine, as I was selected in the Top 50 for their Bachelor of the Year competition. Woohoo!!  For me it's really just about the honour of being selected, and hopefully to get to the Top 15.  And having fun!  I will let you know when voting time starts!!  A photoshoot will be done soon, after which pictures & details will appear in the July issue (South Africa only).

GYM time this morning started early... I was up by 5.00AM CAT.  And Tuesday's I work on my arms!  Urgggh!!  What a work out... I was dead!  Nothing better than a few drop-sets, and crunches to round it off.  Man it burns!  I'm pushing hard now, need to really gain some benefits from proper training!  Of course, it's vitally important to eat right and stay focused!  Be disciplined!   In the meanwhile, have your goals written out and read them out load, on a daily basis.   Whether it's for gym, or your career!   Have an awesome Tuesday!! 

  (Picture taken after gym this morning, BEFORE shower, hehe ;) 

Happy Monday!!! (Back to the Gym!!) :)

AND here we are again!  Back in the swing of things... whether it's work, gym routine, shopping, or whatever... as long as you're doing something!! :) For me it's now serious training times and pushing even harder at gym.  The pics seen here were taken this morning...  When you train always take pictures of yourself, unless you have regular photoshoots.  Pictures will help with motivation and also show progress.   I worked on my chest this morning, but my weak areas are actually the shoulders & arms.  Need a lot more gym-time for the biceps to be as big as the chest muscles!!! Hope you have an awesome Monday, for me it's really getting focused and grinding on work, work, work!  

Xx 

Weekend Plans???

What to do in Joburg over the weekend?  Normally, my week ends on a Friday evening in studio with our TV show "MK LIVE" (which I produce & direct).  And in most cases I take it easy, and party on the Saturday.  The popular thing to do is arrange a braai or games evening (my best friends & I, some girls, etc) and enjoy it with good wine, or, in most cases for me, whiskey on the rocks, thank you!   ;)   However, in the city of Johannesburg I don't take a 'drive-out' like I would do if I was living in Cape Town.  Here we enjoy the aroma & atmosphere of coffee shops on a Saturday morning for brunch.  Followed by shopping. Or bookshops. Or CD shops (my favourite!) I hate busy shopping malls though, so I stay clear of them in peak times.  In fact, if I could buy all my stuff(s) from a colourful catalogue, that would be so much more of a breeze, lol!  In winter, DVDs at home, with soup, bread & hot chocolate (and hopefully a sexy girl in my case to cuddle up with!).   But still, what do you actually do in JHB, over the weekend?  I have friends that 'drive-out' at least once a month, but they stay somewhere outside the city.  A simple town such as "Parys" caters for a wide variety of interests, I hear(?) In my dream world I would go car shopping every now & again.  Geez.... cars, cars, cars! I always get excited with new launches, even if it's as mediocre as the new Golf, or as massively important as the new BMW 7 Series.  Boring to some, AWESOME news to me!!

This weekend, I hear, there's a new club launching in Northgate (in the space where Party House used to be?) called "JET."   Perhaps I should drop by?  LOL.  Weekend plans??!!   For me, a good balance of rest and party time is the best recipe.  On Monday I don't wanna look & feel like a hippo that couldn't find any water in the Kruger National Game Reserve!

Happy weekend ya'll !!! :) :) 

Letting Go/Independence!

The hardest thing to do, in my mind, has always been to say goodbye!  Whether it's as basic as the season change, moving house, seeing a friend off at the airport for a holiday, or actually saying goodbye to a loved one at a funeral...   The challenge lies in the reaction.  'How to deal with life, after it happened.'     Most of the time, it's no big deal. Just take a deep breath, and life will go on. There is honestly always something good to focus on.  Even if it's just the fact that you have a house to live in, food to eat and clothes to wear.  Most of us have way more than that anyway! The problem is, we often get so emotionally attached to something, or someone, that we struggle to let go.  We find it hard to change, for our own good, that we start to live someone else's life, and begin to think our own is worthless.  In the end, you are the only person that you need to live with, every single minute of the day. If you're not happy with yourself, then, most certainly don't rely on other people to make you happy.  It should be the other way around.  If you are happy & satisfied with your life, your achievements, then YOU will attract people into your life that will make it feel fulfilled.  That way you don't NEED them to satisfy you.   Read any of Dr John Demartini's books, he's brilliant in this type of discourse. 

I haven't been to gym in more than a week, and that upsets me.  Eating crap food, the dreaded season change, stress, and little sleep have all contributed to me feeling like a blocked farm pig suffering from a certain swine flu.  Colds & flu's are often caused by our bodies being under stress, and not necessarily from an actual 'virus.'    Best advice is to drink lots of liquids, and take it easy!   Only thing is, being sick makes me lose weight & muscle.  Not the best 'reaction' when I'm trying so hard to actually build MORE muscle! Urgghhh!!  Gotta dust myself off, and try again... 

Hope you're well today!!! ;) 

Having Faith

Everyone that has seen the movie 'Faith Like Potatoes,' or who follows the talks of Angus Buchan, might have pondered the question: How strong is my faith?  However, when I talk about faith I'm not referring to the religious side, I'm simply thinking of will-power, perseverance, and having a strong heart.  Most of us crack up when our hearts are broken. Most responses to negative events are emotional.  We get sick because of being heart broken.  I think, the biggest challenge is to be strong in your heart, be confident in your soul, and to have a clear mind on how to behave.  I promise you, 9 out of 10 times you will a better solution to a problem if you think about it, and not react emotionally.  This is tough, ask me, I always get upset when I should just find a solution first!  Hope your day is full of silver linings!  ;)