The Day We got Engaged

In South Africa we celebrate “Braaidag” on the Heritage Day (24 September) public holiday. So, Etienne said lets go to the West Coast National Park. It is still flower season, we have a braai, watch the ocean and just have a relaxing day.

Of course I agree, I love the ocean.

We arrive very, very early the morning. We had too as the park is very popular around this time and their braai facilities fill up real quick. We had to wait for Postberg to open and on our way we played 20 questions and we even slept a bit. We were right in front of the queue.

At last the gates opened and we can go ahead. We got a nice little spot with limited wind and a nice view.

This one seagull entertained us a bit. He kept appearing and disappearing behind this giant bolder. Every few minutes you just see his head pop up, almost like he wants to say “I’m watching you”.

Eventually he came closer.

Etienne was looking after the fire and I made some salad. At one point I relaxed so much that I feel a sleep in my chair. We also had a bit of a late evening, but you know the sun just makes you lazy.

At one point Etienne wakes me up and asks me to hand this one particular piece of wood to him. So I got up, annoyed because I was having a great time snoozing, he hands me the piece of wood but does not let go. I am just getting more annoyed. I am lazy and I want to sit down and I do not understand why this man just can not get up and do this himself.

He is in front of me, on one knee I must add, and I am still trying to get the wood into the fire. At one point he asks me if I am not realising what is happening. By this time I am more awake but have no idea what he is on about.

So, he starts. Saying that we already played 20 questions the morning and that I mean the world to him and he wants to make me happy and still I am not clicking.

Still speaking he looks at me and asks “Elré Hugo will you marry me?”. I am knocked over, well not literally, but I squeal like a teenager and can not believe it. I still asked him “Are you serious?!”, “Seriously?!” I am laughing and I am dumbstruck. I had no idea that he was going to ask my hand in marriage to start of with. Of course we spoke about it, but that was so early in the relationship you do not take note.

At last the piece of wood comes out to play. He tells me to pull on it, which I do, but am struggling. It comes apart eventually and inside is the most beautiful ring! It was my mother in laws ring. I am just asking questions, “it is so beautiful, where did you find it?, who make the piece of wood?, where did you find that?” And as calm as Etienne is he just tells me all in good time, put on your ring.

Oh, I am laughing and smiling and I am not able to tell anyone yet because there are no signal in that area of the park. So sneaky. He said he wanted to keep it to himself for a little while.

My mouth was stretching from all the smiles and giggles.

On our way out we got cell phone signal and as sure as the dawn I start telling everyone! We even had some animals make an appearance.

We did not want to go home just yet as we were full of energy, so we decided to make a pit stop in Vredenburg at his brother’s house to share our good news.

The day was perfect. Nothing could be changed to make it better. I still smile every time I think about it and the piece of wood that almost ended in the fire is on the book shelf as a reminder as well.

The day said goodbye with a beautiful sunset, I mean what more do you want?

Perfection.

This is our engagement story.

If you are married now, do you still remember the day you got engaged and were you knocked off your feet?

Tell me in the comments.

E xx

Warmwaterberg Spa

Warmwaterberg Spa is not a new place to my husband and I. We love going there.

The last time we were there we saw them doing some renovations around the camp area and studio bath houses. My husband said he wanted to stay in one of the studio bath houses and what better reason to go than our first year anniversary. Yes, it has been a year already.

We hoped for a very cold weekend as the house has an indoor fire place. We were not so lucky as the weather was actually quite fine, but we still had fun. We will just have to go back to use the fire place next time.

The house we stayed in has a very nice view over the camp site as well as the surrounding area. It was kind of weird being so secluded from the camp (well for me being used to camping between  people close to the hot spring swimming pool), but this is good for a break away or romantic weekend.

We had a few visitors. The local cats came to say hi as well as the peacocks. I wish they would have open their tails, but alas I still need to see this happen. At night we had some rabbits come by but they do not like carrots. This upset my husband so much. He left them some cabbage as well and they did not seem interested in that either.

What can you expect when staying over? It gets cheaper when staying for longer. It is self catering in style. You only need to bring your food. They have dish washing liquid, kitchen towels, the kitchen is geared. No need to bring anything else. They provide towels for the bathroom and you can rent towels from the office for swimming. What we did realise is though you still need to take camping chairs to chill outside on the grass and a flash light, for scouting night animals.

You also still need to bring your own wood and fire-lighters, but a roster is provided. The bathroom have toilet paper, but always bring extra. You never know what can happen. The bathrooms are built in two water tanks and if you look up you see the night sky. We loved the idea of this.

You do not have to leave the house as long as you there, unless you want to explore the surrounding area. You have your own bath inside the house – with a view I might add- and that is why you stay here. For this comfort. Let me just tell you the story with the water.

The first morning we wanted to take a bath and we opened the taps and the water did not reach the temperature the outside pool does. We were a bit baffled. We thought well if this is the hottest it is going to get we might as well then walk down to the pool.

On our way into town we stopped at the office and asked how exactly we get the water temperature up as all water is from the natural spring. So, the secret is you need to let the taps run at least 30minutes before the water is really hot, and the longer you let it run the hotter it gets. We were comforted by the fact that the water runs to the dam on the farm and is used for irrigation. We were quite worried about all that water being wasted.

We come here for the quiet. You are not allowed to play music, ever. At 22:00pm it needs to be quiet. This is also when the pool is closed. For the active people there are a few routes you can walk ,or run, around the farm. It is a bit intense as the path you are on has loose rocks, but the routes are popular with walkers and runners.  They are quite popular for families as children can swim their hearts out in the hot and cold pools. They have a restaurant, with a bar, on the property and the food is real nice.

My husband decided we are going to walk one of the routes on the day of our anniversary. It took us about 2 hours. Just a side note he is still alive.

Barrydale is not far from the farm and you have the famous Ronnie’s Sex Shop you can visit as well.

It is about a 2h30min drive from Cape Town.

Find them here:

Website: https://warmwaterbergspa.co.za/

You will not regret visiting. You have beautiful scenery for photo’s and the night sky is wide open filled with stars.

We can not wait to go back!

**Please note: Links are not affiliated and this is my own opinion.

To Detox or Not to Detox

There is a debate around whether a detox works or not. In my opinion, it works, but people react differently and maybe, just maybe it does not work for someone. I think the only reason it does not work is because of the bad stuff that you are removing that tastes so damn good.

I have done a few detox days/weeks in my life and every time it did make a difference to my body and what I put into it.

The only difference with this detox was that I could basically eat whatever veggies, fruit and protein I wanted to. I was not limited to only fish and chicken instead of pork and beef, however chicken and fish is preferable. Also, breakfast and lunch could be substituted with a healthy shake or smoothie or you had your chewable food option if you do not like the shake. Fantastic, works for everyone.

What was the type of stuff that I had to avoid? Carbs or in other words bad carbs and processed food/meat.

The “Please avoid List”:

Protein:

  • Processed and canned meats e.g Salami
  • Sausages
  • Cured or smoked meats
  • Soy Products

Dairy:

  • Butter
  • Casein
  • Cow’s Milk
  • Cream
  • Goat’s Milk
  • Ice Cream
  • Soy Milk or Yoghurt
  • Whey Protein
  • Yoghurt

Grains:

  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Wheat
  • Spelt

Beverages:

  • Coffee max 1 cup per day
  • Ceylon Tea
  • Fruit Juice
  • Fizzy Cooldrinks

Herbs/Spices/Dressings and Condiments:

  • BBQ Sauce
  • Chutney
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Mustard Sauce
  • Soy Sauce
  • Tamari
  • Teriyaki Sauce

Bad Fats:

  • Hydrogenated fats
  • Trans fats
  • Processed and refined oils e.g mayo, salad dressings, salad spread
  • Peanut Oil

I also did not have any potato, bread, crackers, pasta, rice or any form of these type of carbs. My body honestly loved me.

What did I have to eat? Basically what did my menu look like? A typical day would be:

Breaksfast: Shake

Lunch: Shake or a smoothie

Dinner: Protein and Veggies/Green Salad or soup as my veggies.

I drank 1.5L – 2L of fluids a day. This includes water and flavoured, decaf tea without milk only low calorie sweetener and a little bit of honey.

What did my body do?

I kept a notepad and wrote down only the first week of “feelings”. I started with the 2nd week, but did not really have any “feelings” as my body quickly got used to it.

Detox Week 1

Monday: None

Tuesday: It was a very cold day and I wanted to eat everything! I was hungry just before dinner and I had a headache in the evening.

Wednesday: I still had a headache in the morning. I missed and craved my coffee the most. I started peeing like a race horse and I sorted my tea cupboard. I still had a headache I the evening and I think I started sweating tea.

Thursday: I was at one point so thirsty, but that was because I did not have enough fluids during the day and the headache in the evening subsided after I had my fluids.

Friday: Everything was turning to be normal but I almost did myself in on the smoothie. I thought 2 servings means 2 servings so meaning you can make two and have one now for lunch and maybe the other one for dinner or breakfast, BUT I was so wrong. Half a portion or 1 serving is actually for a snack and 2 servings is a lunch. Shoe, almost lost out there hahaha

Detox Week 2

Monday: It was really bad. I craved everything I could not have. I was looking for that warmth.

Tuesday: I really struggled. Again it was a very cold day and all you want is comfort food. Hot soups, bread, pasta, you name it. My fluids was almost nothing and I really struggled taking in enough. Of course you develop a headache again.

From Wednesday I were settled in and I was very proud of myself as I did not have popcorn at the movies and when we went out for lunch (which happened twice in the 2 weeks) I chose healthy options.

What was the results?

– I got used to drinking a lot of fluids.

– My body craved fluids if I did not have enough.

– My headaches subsided.

– I did not have any cravings for the usual stuff I always craved.

– I felt more energetic, my sugar levels looked fantastic.

– I used very low dosages of insulin.

– I never got so hungry that I just jumped into the cupboard or fridge and started eating everything in front of me.

– I started sleeping better.

After the two weeks:

  • I lost 3cm around my middle
  • I dropped more than 1% in fat percentage
  • I picked up muscle weight

We started experimenting with low carb/keto recipies and looking for meals that had very low to no carbs almost. We had a cauliflower pizza which was so yummy and it still felt like a pizza although it tastes more like cauliflower. It is filling and a good substitute in my book.

I am at the point where I do not want to add carbs back to my menu again. I felt so great without it and my body responded to it so good why mess with something that works.

There are many different detox options. One of them I would like to try is a juice detox. I have to be very careful though as I am not sure what the natural sugars will do to my sugar levels.

I am still kind of detoxing. Kind of, because I will still be drinking my shake in the morning for breakfast but I will have two corn cakes at lunch which is added today after I saw my dietician. Still there will be no carbs at dinner except in the form of veggies (Butternut,beetroot or Sweet Potato).

What do you think? Does a detox work? Have you ever tried it? Please let me know as I would love to exchange some ideas. Maybe you have a cool recipe to try. Stick it down in the comments below. I WANT new ideas and food!

E xx

Christelle – An Interview

When I stayed in Potch, I met some wonderful people. Christelle was one of them.

She trained me for a year or two and helped me immensely. She pushes your limits and always motivates to become a better version of yourself.

Meet my personal trainer.

Your job title/profession: Personal Trainer/ Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach

Your favourite quote or words of inspiration

“Do the BEST you can WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, WHERE YOU ARE, ALL the time!”

Why do you love fitness so much and what made you get into it?

Ahhh, so many reasons! Most of all I love the difference fitness makes in someone’s life overall, how it can make you realise you are capable of so much more than you once thought/ always told yourself you were. I love all the aspects of “Fitness”!

The biggest reason I got into this industry in the first place was to really help people realise and reach their full potential with the hope and potential that what they achieve with training carries over into their daily lives as a whole.

You recently took part in a very big competition, how did it go and what did you learn from it?

Well, it was a little while back, and more than one competition, but it was still a great journey and I am proud of my own progress along the way. I did not make the top finalists, but enjoyed it nonetheless, especially the photo shoots and videos that was needed, quality photos are always a fun experience, and you always learn something new you can improve on and are good at in terms of competitions like these (Cover model competitions, spokes models, fitness stars etc.) I have definitely learned how important social media is as a tool to boost your profile and your “presence” out there!

What is your opinion on all these “fab” diets (banting//high carb//low carb//fruit and veg ect)?

My true and honest opinion is that you should eat and use nutrition in such a way to get the best out of your body. No short cuts, no unbalanced diets…your body needs all the nutrients, how much of everything is just dependant on YOU as an individual’s needs taking into account activity levels, goals, specific health concerns etc.

I firmly believe that every person should treat their body like that of an athlete, fuelling their body in such a way that it is functioning optimally, taking into account the workout you just finished as well as the one coming up tomorrow and the day after.

Photo credit: Pieter Pieters Photography; Hanli van der Spuy
Photo credit: Pieter Pieters Photography; Hanli van der Spuy

What is your piece of advice to someone that is really struggling (fitness wise) at this moment?

My advice has many angles, depending on the specific person, but what is definitely true is that quality support matters especially on the days when motivation is low and being disciplined towards your goal is tough. Support can come in many forms like a spouse, a friend, a gym buddy (or gym buddies), a trainer, coach, family member, colleague etc. Share your goal with the people close to you that supports your wellbeing and happiness, someone you can trust and who will tell it like it is, they can keep you accountable on your “off” days!

Also be honest with yourself when it comes to your methods towards achieving your goals. Make sure they fit into your lifestyle so they are easier to stick to in the long run and always remember being consistent is key. You can have the most basic training program, but if you follow it diligently and don’t miss a day that you need to train (unless if sickness interferes) you will improve so much more and get miles better results than someone using the coolest training program that only trains every now and then with no real consistency.

Name one thing you cannot live without.

LOVE! I need to live love everyday, towards myself, towards my family, towards my clients and every person I meet. That truly makes me and those around me a little bit happier and that makes me feel good, even on a crazy day!

Where are you based and how can people contact you?

I am currently based in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Email:   jvrstella//gmail.com

Instagram: christelledekock

Facebook: Christelle de Kock – Exercise specialist

Photo credit: Pieter Pieters Photography; Hanli van der Spuy

This interview was done a few years back, but you may still reach out to Christelle. She still trains.

E xx

Betty Boo – An Interview

Meet Nicola. She is the owner of Betty Boo Totes. I try an support her as much as I can especially with custom orders.

It is always a pleasure to work with her.

Who is Nicola?

I’m a mum, business owner and full time adventurer. 

Why the name Betty Boo?

I wanted to name my business after my daughter, Betty. Betty Boo is her nickname

How did this start?

I decided one morning after dropping my daughter at school that it was time to start my own business. At that time I was a nursery school teacher, but felt the big man upstairs had other plans for me. So, I took the leap and Betty Boo was born. 

Why Vinyl Printing?

It lets you be creative – popping any wording, name, silhouette image, quote on your tee or tank you desire. I adore this type of thing and had made a few for myself. I basically had a light bulb moment, researched a bit, and found they were quite popular! BAAM! And so it began. 

How long have you been doing this?

Since 2016

Where are you located?

I’m based in Vredekloof, Brackenfell. All parcels can be couriered, sent via registered post – worldwide! 

What is Next for Betty Boo?

More, more, more! The only way is up from here – endless possibilities. I’m aiming to target more online shops this year.

Name one thing you can not live without?

My Family 

Contact: bettyboo.totes@gmail.com I Facebook

Go say hi to Nicola and if you need any special request/custom designs be sure to let her know.

E xx

Sugar Free Homemade Ice Tea

For most of us, water is not our favourite drink. I know I struggle a lot to get enough fluids into my body.

At a birthday part a few years back my cousin introduced me to this tea recipe. She said that her kids love it and it is sugar free. Cousin, you had me at sugar free.

So, let’s go.

You will need:

  • 6 Rooibos Tea Bags – they are reach in antioxidants and caffeine free.
  • 1.5L Boiling Water
  • A jug that can keep at least 1.5L
  • Elvin Slimsy Low Kilojoule Drink (You can find this at your local Checkers, Spar or Pick n Pay)

Step 1: Boil about 2L of water.

Step 2: Place your tea bags in your jug and once the water is boiled, fill the jug to 1.5L with the water.

Step 3: Now let it cool completely. This will allow the tea to get stronger.

Step 4: After it is completely cooled, remove the tea bags and you will see the water level drops a bit. This is good.

Step 5: Take your Slimsy flavour of choice and fill the jug back up to the 1.5L mark. Stir well. My favourite one is the Mixed Berry, Pomegranate and Lemon&Lime.

Step 6: Place the jug in the fridge to cool.

Enjoy a delicious glass of Ice Tea.

This is a favourite in our house and I can not keep up with the amount my husband consumes.

Enjoy!

E xx

5 Questions Not To Ask a Diabetic

A dear Diabetic buddy of mine, Leah from TheInsulinType did a post on 5 Questions to Ask a Diabetic. I thought, well that is a good idea, but I am going opposite.

Let’s dive in here. Warning: Sarcasm and irritation will shine through.

Can you eat that?

Yes, I can eat everything you can. Should I eat everything? No, it is not only bad for your health to just have everything, but we should listen to our body and fuel them wisely. The only thing I most certainly can not have is poison and cookies with poison in them.

Does that hurt?

Now, what do you think? Poking yourself with a needle is going to hurt from time to time. So, the answer is yes, sometimes.

How many times do you inject and then “Oh, I could never do that”.

This is a question and then a statement to my answer. I need to inject every time I put something in my mouth. As my pancreas is not working this means that I can not inject only 3 or 4 times a day. I need to inject 7-8 times a day.

No, I am not stuffing my face with food but snacks needs to be injected for as well.

response to the statement, if you do not have another choice and your life depends on it, you will have to inject however many times a day to live.

Do you have the bad kind?

This is maybe based on ignorance or what the world perceive Diabetes to be.

There are no good or bad kind. There is just Diabetes. There might be different types but that still do not define good or bad.

I watched a Youtube video this morning where a Diabetic said when a doctor asked her if she is Diabetic and she answered yes and automatically adds Type 1, the doctor’s response was “oh yah whatever”. The type does not indicate to him a good or bad. It is just Diabetes.

Diabetes is bad and sucks.

They say __(any random food)__ can level your blood sugars. Have you tried it?

I wish it was this simple.

This actually makes me sad because this statement caused a massive fight between me and someone that used to be a big part of my life. It also makes me so angry and hateful. If it was that simple do you think for one moment I would still be calculating and figuring out every day why my levels look like they look? And what could have caused the spike or drop? Everything I eat influences my body/sugar levels/weight-everything.

And no, the answer to that statement is, it is complete BS.

We, as Diabetics, get very excited when people show interest in our condition and want to learn. On the other hand, we get really annoyed with statements and questions like the above. You might think it is a way of getting involved or caring, where in fact it is hurtful and annoying.

I blame society for the ignorance as comedians and meme’s have created a very wrong picture if what Diabetes is and confusing the types.

If you want to help, ask us questions that matters. An example or two

  • How long have you had Diabetes?
  • Where do you keep your life saving low snacks?
  • What happens when your level drops or rises.
  • What complication can you get from being Diabetic?

I linked the full post to Leah’s post up top.

Do you have any questions for me? Please do ask, I would love to help and clear things up.

E xx

Kloof Corner Hike

When I had this fab idea of starting my hiking career (LOL), I did Kloof Corner with a friend. This is a lovely short walk up the side of Table Mountain. It is something you can do quickly after work.

We took some champagne (I love the stuff), water of course and off we went.

It is an easy climb up until half way. This is also a path to the top of the mountain. It is basically oversized, natural step. Yes, you will breath a little harder, but it is nothing compared to Lions Head. Promise. Obviously, considering you can do it after work.

I am not ready for Table Mountain just yet and this is a great substitute. When we hiked it was not busy at all. Only a few other hikers which makes it a bit more enjoyable. It is popular though, it does get really busy.

How to get there? Drive into town as you would if you are going to Table Mountain. Turn onto Table Mountain Road from Kloof Nek and follow the winding road up to the Cable car. Park your car at Kloof Corner which is on the last bend before reaching the cableway. GPS Co-ordinates: S33°56.703′, E18°23.863′

We only went kind of half way. When you reach some of the telephone lines you can go further and it gets pretty tough. I found this article, reading it now it sounds so much more difficult, but I promise the short half way is not that bad at all.

The views are worth it always.

Look how happy we were reaching the kind-of-half-way mark for the whole hike.

I will most certainly go back to do this again.

E xx

*links not affiliated

Here Lies My Widom

Let me start by saying that my experience with a dentist have always been with no issues at all. The worst experience I had was a dentist trying to rip me off. Other than that I had them tell me that I should stop wasting my dad’s money as my teeth is perfect.

That was until I had my first tooth ache.

As gatherings at work goes we always have chocolates, muffins, sweets and all the good/bad stuff. I was munching on a little teeny tex, or bar one, or peppermint crisp, I honestly can not remember when it hit me right in the gums and on the forehead.

The pain is unbelievable and I do not know how to explain it to someone. The best description I can give is putting your hand on your face where it hurts the most because there is nothing else you can do.

When I realised that this ache is not going to go away by itself (after contemplating which tooth I should remove and if I should ask someone to punch me lights out) I took a painkiller. Never in my life have I taken a painkiller for a tooth ache. Well, now that I think back I had an abscess when I was in Grade 2 but that does not count as I can not remember anything about it.

The painkiller worked, by the way. And I forgot about it again. It still stuck in the back of my head because every time I drink or eat something cold or sweet, oh boy.

I decided that I will visit the dentist just for a check up and just see if we can fix this little inconvenient bit of pain/ache.

I got squeezed in fairly quickly-lucky me. I also know the dentist through a friend-lucky me. No uncomfortable first meeting.

Dentist: All right, first sit in this nice chair because once you get on the bed chair there is no turning back.

Me: (Laughing) all righty then

Dentist: What are we doing for you today?

Me: Well, actually just a check up and maybe check out if everything is okay.

Dentist: Oh, how boring.

Me: Although, I do have tooth ache from time to time.

Dentist: When?

Me: Usually when I have something sweet or cold. Hot does not bother me.

Dentist: Hmm sounds like it could be a whole in the tooth. All right lets get on the big chair.

So after I lied down, he took some x-rays, scratch here, there, had a look with a mirror and you know, the usual stuff.

Dentist: All right, the verdict. You have two holes. One at the top and one at the bottom. The bottom one is not difficult to fix, but the top one is a bit of a challenge. It can be very easy if we just remove your wisdom tooth as the hole is in between the two.

Me: (Taking a moment to let everything sink in)

Dentist: That tooth is of no use. When you bite down it just hangs there.

Me: Uh, okay. Do we have to do it today? How does it work? We have to talk costs here.

Dentist: You don’t have to do it today and it won’t get worse overnight but the sooner the better. Well, we can do it without anaesthetics unless you prefer anaesthetics

Me: (In a kind of ecstatic/hysterical voice). What, uh with anaesthetics please. I want it dead. No, I do not want to sit with tooth ache all the time. Let’s do it and get it over with. I am not scared of dentists. How long is it going to take?

Dentist: About 40 minutes.

Me: Okay, let’s do it. Just need to cancel a gym appointment with a friend (again, sorry friend) and let the hubby know.

After getting everything ready and letting everyone know, I get on the chair all brave and ready for this extraction.

Dentist: Are you ready?

Me: I am going to close my eyes.

Dentist: Yes, don’t look

Me: (Thinking alrighty then).

In goes the fluid to have everything more dead than ever. It is amazing, but SO weird. And of course I would start poking my face. I mean I can not feel a thing! Fantastic.

I am still chatty though. Asking questions and blabbering on when I can.

He was working on the bottom half when I started pulling my eyes-could not pull my face because It was dead.

Dentist: Do you still fell something?

Me: A teeny tiny bit.

Dentist: Okay then we do the top first.

Now me, lying with my hands folded into each other almost holding on for dear life listens to him work and he tells me I am going to feel him pull. I am just thinking, oh my word, I hear stuff cracking inside.

So, he moves back to the bottom tooth and it is dead all right so he starts working there and then moves back to the top.

I am still waiting for the extraction to happen. I mean that is why my hands are dead. The assistant looks at me “Oh my word look how blue your fingers are!”. “Shame!”

All the while he is drilling and shaving and doing whatever the heck he is doing and I am waiting.

When I got the chance again, first question out of my mouth: “Is the tooth out?”

Dentist: What tooth? Were we suppose to pull out a tooth?

Me: (Just looking at him with big round eyes clenching my hands…) Uhm, yes.

Dentist: Oh, I removed it right at the beginning and then I kinda did not worry about you for the rest of the time because that was done.

Me: So where is it?

Dentist: Oh, somewhere here on the table.

Me:Okay then. I will be here till you finished.

So, after the whole process I was still babbling away and I asked what happens with the teeth after they extract it and I was informed that it gets incinerated. How exciting!

Off course, me being me I asked if I could take a picture. Helloooo, I need to write about my experience and show my tooth to the world. I was told I can have it. How cool! I did ask though if I can bring it back after I am done so that it can be BURNED!!!!!Mwhahahaha!

Honestly this was not as bad as everyone have ever told me. When the feeling came back to my mouth, after drooling on myself, it hurt a little but nothing a pain killer can not fix. I did suite up in a scarf anyway just to keep it snug and warm.

I hope I do not have to go back soon. I would like if my teeth can stop rotting and making holes now. I was a very proud lady that I do not have any problems to my teeth, but that is something of the past now. I am still very disappointed.

What is your experience like with a dentist? Teeeeellll meeee!!!!

E xx

I Knitted a Jersey

A project that was supposed to be only a month or two project turned out to be a 10 month project. So lets just call it what it was, my year project.

It would not be a knit project without having to pull out my sweat, blood and tear producing, hard work at least once. In this case it was more than once. You want to know? I lost count at the 4th time.

In February 2017 in the heat of the moment, while shopping with my mother in law for wool, I decided to take on a jersey as my first project after not knitting for years. I was so excited and bought my knitting needles, the wool and a pattern. I was living in the moment with my mother in law.

What was I thinking?

I started off very chuffed that I actually understand what needs to be done and with the help from my, let’s abbreviate it, M-I-L, I started knitting. I did it in sections. Oh man, I needed a lot of help.

After my first section, I showed my work to M-I-L and, it was pulled out. Krises. The stitches was not all the same, and I just decided after doing the first two rows, well that should be it. Never mind reading the pattern. It was supposed to be repeated for a long time until the advised measurement.

Okay, it is not that bad. I am learning. So, casting on stitches again and reading the pattern and understanding the pattern, off I go to conquer this project.

I took leave in June/July and this was the perfect time to finish the one arm and start the other for when I return I can just stitch it together.

Got back home after spending hours knitting and so excited and it is almost done. I went to my M-I-L and showed her my hard work. Then, no shocker here, it was half way pulled out again. Because Elré did (again) not read the pattern properly. Okay, it was funny as hell. Luckily when it was pulled out I only had to knit a few rows and voila the first arm was done. This only took me 6 months….

The second arm went much faster and it was completed in no time. Now to put this thing together. My M-I-L and I just stared at this thinking, what on earth.

Now, the only thing I had to do was go to the sweet ladies at the shop to explain the pattern to me but that is a mission on its own as the shop is not around the corner.

I turned to Facebook.

I posted a picture of the two arms, advised that it is basically done and I just need help understanding what needs to be done to have it look like a jersey. Not that hard hey.

A very sweet lady contacted me and very quickly we met up and she helped me. A lot. She even dropped it off at my place after she picked up the total stitches needed, but of course some of it was torn apart because hey Elré again just did her own thing. What do I know! Okay it was not that bad. I just did not line up the pattern and she had a bit of a struggle to pick up the correct number. It ended well though, we had coffee, we laughed and I could go on and finish this project.

I started adding the ribbing as the pattern said, but hey have you ever knitted with a circle pen? It brakes your brain!

I thought I was doing well, until I saw the ribbing was not looking as it was supposed to be looking. Of to M-I-L.

We almost torn if apart again, but then we decided nobody will know unless we tell them, so now you all will know. I did not knit the ribbing the correct way. Instead of turning the circle pen around and starting from the other side again and doing the exact same thing, my brain had a fart and I just kept on ribbing as per normal. So it looked like a waffle crossed by ribbing pattern. We did not tore it apart. Instead I just started the ribbing from the beginning..again. At the end it was beautiful ribbing.

On the 24th of December 2018 my needle gave birth to my first ever, hand knitted, shrug. Yes, that is what my jersey is called. I am mighty proud. It only took me 10 months. It might not be perfect, but it is mine and I made it on my own (well I had a LOT of help).

I learned some valuable lessons.

  • Read the pattern
  • Ask for help
  • Read the pattern
  • Ask for help again
  • Read the pattern

Needless to say, my projects have gotten much smaller, I even learned how to properly use a circular needle and man that is better than sliced bread, especially for beanies.

Do you have a hobbie or do you perhaps knit? Tell me!

E xx