The Fashion Shoot...

Talk about breaking boundaries with shoots - picture seen here is a sample from the photoshoot I had yesterday with Pretoria photographer Louis Botha. We decided to purposely push the limit in terms of previous work I've done. We experienced with make-up, darker looks, and also some other interesting angles and clothes. I will put more samples up once he has cleared them. Weird. Experimental. Exciting. Always good to have different looks as a model. =)

Paving your own road

*Sigh* here I was strolling into the office with a really positive vibe, only to find the 'wonderful' Monday troubles laid down on my desk like a chicken that decided to take a dump right there! Urgh. Now, a few notes today.

In my attempt to keep the positive vibe I'd like to write about Justin Bonello. This guy successfully financed & produced his own TV show, pitched it to the BBC in London and now runs his own production company in Cape Town, as well as producing & presenting a very successful cooking show that has been broadcast in several countries not just the UK. Taking the risk, not knowing whether the money he spent will pay-off, and whether the BBC will buy the show from him.

Furthermore, I am reading Tim Ferriss' book "The 4-hour work week" which is hopefully going to persuade me to do whatever it takes to join the 'New Rich' - which is a term he uses to describe people that break away from the daily grind and do what they love mostly, but also earn good cash.

Then, on Wed & Thur my favourite speaker, Dr John Demartini will be in town (Jhb) for 2 talks - turning stress to success, and, business in 2010. He is one of the world's greatest speakers and writers, I would recommend his books to everyone.

Finally, I had a satisfying photoshoot on Sunday morning, this time focusing more on fashion as opposed to fitness. It went well. As soon as I have samples I will post here.

Hope that you have a better day. If not, go out and buy the book "From Stress to Success" by Dr John F Demartini.

XX

About Justin Bonello's company & show:

www.cookedinafrica.com

New Year's Resolutions - start now!!!

"Ayoba!!" Hahaha, that is a new word used in South Africa for approving of something that's very cool! On the other hand, if it's just not happening or right, then it's "not ayoba!" For example, working out at gym and making loud 'sigh' noises when you push the weights, is NOT Ayoba!

2010 is upon us and it will be a hUge year for all South Africans, mostly soccer/football fans since the World Cup will kick off in June 2010. I can't wait! And, even more reason to get those pages filled up in the year planner. By 25 December everyone starts talking about what they'd like their New Year's resolutions to be. By 2 January there's already a new list. And later in the year half of those things are forgotten. I reckon start jotting down some ideas today. What you need to do to achieve your goals, and a plan of action. Not just talking about your "dreams" for the future. That is pointless. Getting into gear for 2010 means knowing what your plans are, and how to execute them. Having a plan, is most certainly, AYOBA!!! Have a blessed weekend and return safely back on Monday!! XX

(PS: Pics attached from gym this morning - once again, keeping fit and healthy, as opposed to building right now. Bulking is the next phase. Now, just need the extra hour in the day for a harder push!)

The 4-hour workweek!!

(Pic on left from gym this morning - for now, maintaining, keeping the lines in shape and eating right. Bulking up will be my challenge when work's taken care of by end Nov. I will not stop training though!)*

Now, I have to share my thoughts on a blog that I recently discovered. From the author of the New York Times bestseller book, "The 4-Hour Workweek," Tim Ferriss writes about productive/healthy lifestyle designs. I don't really like 'self-help' books, though one can never learn enough from those that have achieved success. Ferriss often highlights the tricks of the trade when it comes to being more efficient. For example, not wasting time on emails, and checking these at specific times in your day (only). Also, being on Facebook has proven to be one of the biggest sources of distraction for most people at the office. It's even said to slowdown brain activity. Hectic. Creative and productive work etiquette is about working with a schedule, and filling each hour of your day. You need to have a tempo. This way you'll find that there is actually plenty time in the day to get work done, and soon enough you'll find that you might find more time for extra tasks. There is a comment on the blog that Ferriss writes, "if you are really effective at what you do, 95% of the things said about you will be negative. Keep your head on straight, don't get emotional, take the heat, and just make sure your clients are smiling." It's all about striking the balance and managing it correctly. I think it's an acquired skill, and you need to hone it.

*On another note, I did a photoshoot last night for Christmas wallpapers/screensavers - which will be available to download from local mobile wap/websites. Have a lookout for that. Once I have a sample that's cleared, I will post it here. Complete with Santa hoodie (though dressed in matching red-underwear only, lol) and some Xmas deco draped around me. Funny stuff, ah well.

Have a blessed day!!!

Check out: www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog >>>

Be inspired!

Learning from other people's stories is the main reason why I enjoy reading biographies or watching movies about successful people. On Saturday evening friends and I went to see the movie* 'Julie & Julia.' Now, at first glance, it might appear to be a female-oriented story, however, the underlying story of following one's heartfelt passion is honestly truly inspiring. Forget the fact that Meryl Streep is our time's best actress, or that it's about two women cooking up a storm, the real story would appeal to anyone that wants to find a purpose in life. Something to do. The line "what could I do with my life," is often heard in this movie. And then answered so simply, "do what you love doing!" Lol. We go through life blinded by daily chores, our jobs, fears of the troubles in this world and forgetting that living your life at the expense of your own passions & loves, will only make you live with regrets, be lonely, and ultimately, feel depressed (because you'll find the days empty!). Immediately after the movie I was thinking about blogging. In the movie, the main character, Julie Powell, starts to write a blog about her experience of cooking through Julia Child's cookbook. It's a challenge since the book has more than 500 recipes and she gives herself 365 days to complete this task. What made me think was the blog writing. The purpose. The minute she had something to do with her life, her mundane/bureaucratic job suddenly seemed , well, empty. She found her passion, and needless to say, became a writer. And, I would like to guess that the secret in finding happiness is finding purpose in life. Then things fall into place. (Never without a challenge, and never without bad times). Now, if nothing else provides you with a satisfying challenge, create one. And start today with completing this challenge.

*On another note, I also saw the second installment in the Twilight Saga, 'New Moon,' and wow the cinematography, the love story, the actors, great movie!!

One positive thought per day

I am thoroughly enjoying Donald Trump's latest book of essays on successful living - entitled "Think Like a Champion." One of the essays speaks about positive thinking. Trump refers to the theory of 'positive thinking attracting good things & success,' however, so many people simply ignore this basic fact of life. We ignore what several books & successful speakers tell us - to focus on positive thoughts in order to attract success. Now, obviously, be realistic about this. As Trump writes, thinking positively that he'll be an Olympic gold medal-winner overnight will not make it happen. The point is, force yourself to find things in your daily life, in the moment, that you can appreciate, and use it positively. There are several - just browse through this day and you'll find it. What I've also learnt is that every negative in life has a balancing positive. Trust me, if you see 10 negatives, there are also 10 positives to the same situation. And when life challenges you it is to make you grow, or learn from it. If we only think of the negative to each situation, we won't find the solution, and will never grow. If you are not open to being challenged on a daily basis, then you are not destined for success. Now, if you only do this one thing, go to a book store, and buy any book that you think will teach you something or inspire you. It's a good, positive, start. Do it now!

Have a blessed day! XX

Do I smell summer?

It is November and I am very happy to see the sun and smell the soft summer's breeze - almost time to hit the pool, or, even better, get to the coast and spend lazy days on the beach! Hope you have a smooth & awesome Friday & weekend! XX

Brothers in arms

There is a song by Dire Straits (written by lead singer Mark Knopfler), called "Brothers in arms," which made me think of the special bond that often exists between brothers. And I would like to take this opportunity and express my gratitude towards my brother. I am grateful to have a hard-working, ambitious, dedicated, grounded, trustworthy, strong, confident, and loving brother. I have utmost respect for him and what he's achieved thus far. And I know that he is destined for much more success in the future. Thank you boetie, you mean the world to me!

Pictured above, my brother and I with his first born son. May they be blessed.

XX

Stranger in Moscow

I was wandering in the rain, Mask of life, feelin' insane.. Swift and sudden fall from grace. Sunny days seem far away. Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me. Stalin's tomb won't let me be. On and on and on it came. I wish the rain would just let me...

How does it feel... how does it feel? When you're alone, and you're cold inside?

Here abandoned in my fame Armageddon of the brain; KGB was doggin' me; Take my name and just let me be
Then a begger boy called my name; Happy days will drown the pain
On and on and on it came; And again, and again, and again...
Take my name and just let me be...

How does it feel; How does it feel? When you're alone, and you're cold inside?

Like stranger in Moscow; Lord have mercy
We're talkin' danger; We're talkin' danger, baby
Like stranger in Moscow; I'm livin' lonely
I'm livin' lonely, baby...

- Michael Jackson R.I.P. (1959 - 2009)

Koflex Sports Nutrition - trying out new samples!

I am currently awaiting samples from the American based company, Koflex Sports Nutrition, and I'm excited to see the results of these products. Will give feedback soonest. In the meanwhile our productions are in over-drive for pre-recording extra episodes for the December period. We are not on-air from 21 Dec - 8 Jan. Whoohooo!! I'm still deciding on where to spend my New Year's and kinda considering Cape Town, since I will be on the West coast with my family anyway - for Christmas. Hope you got your plans already in check! And, of course, your plans for 2010. Gotta have a plan, or 2!

Have a blessed day! I'm off to gym!

XX

www.koflexsports.com

Good days go with bad days...

Being insecure and unsure of your own strengths can have a devastating effect on your emotions, your work, your creative output, and even your health. It is clearly a slow week for me at the gym - which is frustrating in itself. You get good days, and really bad days. So far I have been sluggish, feeling lethargic and not motivated at all. Is it the flu? Or perhaps my brain is just fried after a year of really hectic working hours! I have most certainly learnt a lot this year, and gained more experience in my field of TV production. Achievements come in slow when you are still trying to climb the ladder. One day, I know, I will get there too! When you reach November and the road seems a little deserted (as if the year went by without anything great that happened) it is not really the most welcoming feeling to greet December, and the Festive period. Is my blood sugar very low today? Dunno. Lol. I know one has to be inspired by the successes of other people, but when it just feels so damn hard to break out, geez, then it kills the spirit. For real. You start doubting yourself, your strengths, your path, your motivation. I read about problems being opportunities to grow; that we should see challenging times as a contest to win, and that each of us have so much potential, that we simply can't waste time to sit down and cry. The latter being inevitable. Boys also cry. So, I gotta face the day, stay focused on those goals written down on a scrappy piece of paper, dry my eyes and look ahead. It won't be easy. Success might not happen today. Perhaps for others close to you, but don't be discouraged. Find the strength inside your heart, it's there, and keep pushing the big block of concrete ahead. It will move. It has to.

XX