Sani Pass and Lesotho trip 2013

Hi All.

Today I do a photo essay on our bellydance trip into the Drakensberg Mountains, up Sani Pass and into Lesotho last year.

As hosts of Kristine Adams' Durban Leg of her SA portion of her world tour, Ioleen and I , together with our Durban Tribal Collective cohorts Benni and Sam, and fellow dancer from Joburg Heather, decided to show Kristine some of KZN and Lesotho.

Sani Pass is only a few hours away from where we stay, so we woke up really early to drive up and be ready for our tour which started at 9am.

I love the Berg and we had a great Guide Matthew...such a funny guy, slightly strange,but really informative and I give him kudos for putting up with 6 Bellydancers for a day.

Our Ride for the day- let me tell you Landy's are NOT the most comfy car to ride in up a bumpy , windy mountain pass  hehe.

All of us (including Ioleen just peeking on the edge) ready for our trip. L-R: Benni , Sam, Me, Kristine, Heather, Ioleen.

Here is some info on Sani Pass, so you can see what I mean by bumpy and windy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sani_Pass

The first part of the trip happens in The Drakensberg Mountains (Tolkien's original inspiration for the hobbit and Lord of The Rings scenery). It is one of my favourite places, so serene, beautiful and majestic.

 You can see the road we were driving up just peeking from between  the mountain.

 A viewsite on the way up.

Loving the girls trip and the sisterhood of dance :D

 As we got closer to the top the mist came rolling down... at the lesotho border it was thick.

We made it to the top of the Pass. That is pretty flippin high!

Part of the tour was going further into Lesotho into the Maluti Mountains. It was like being in another world... so stark, and barren compared to the greenery of The Berg on the other side. It was Beautiful. 

At one stage it felt like we were on the moon. (That's our vehicle in the distance).

 We visted a local Basotho lady in her home.

 She made THE most delicious beer bread (made from local maize beer), and we bought some for our journey home.

The kids came to say hi, all warmly and brightly dressed.

We then had one of THE most special experiences ever!

As part of her tour Kristine is documenting ATS™ around the world by taking videos of dancers in their local places. We decided this trip would be a great video op, and boy were we right! We saw some local muscians playing and decided we had to accompany them.

This we got on video and you can find it here
Makes me smile whenever I watch it.

 All the Muscians and kids watching the video of themselves.

Our wonderful collaborators- The Basotho people!

On the way back we saw this guy- a shepherd in a typical Basotho blanket.

 

  Our last stop on the way back down was at the Sani-Top Pub. The highest pub in Africa.

 Enjoying our beverages on a mountain.

 Since the last time I was there in 2011 the pub has allowed patrons to make their mark on the walls of the establishment. Here Kristine marks her Africa stop of her world tour!

 Me trying to find  a clear spot to make my mark!

Here we go... for prosperity!

We stayed overnight at the bottom of the pass at the Sani  Lodge Backpackers. A place I would recommend to anyone looking for reasonable accommodation for Sani. I have stayed there twice now and have been happy both times. It is well-run, comfortable and clean. www.sanilodge.co.za .

Was an amazing trip (and will blog more about our trip back home via the Buddhist retreat centre in Ixopo soon). I really loved bonding with everyone and our Durban Tribal Collective is such a special group to me. Was lovely to really get to know Heather from Joburg as well.. a kindred spirit in Dance. Kristine taught us so much on her trip and I look forward to seeing all the adventures she gets up to.

Thanks for joining me on our adventure up a mountain.

love and shimmies

Outfit Inspiration Jan 2014

I decided it was time to do another outfit inspiration post pairing some Magpie Calls pretties with some Polyvore sets. It's a fun way to see how they work together :D

1: OLD GLAM

Pairing a pair of MC earrings with a cute retro style dress and shoes in peachy pink with gold toned accent belt and watch. Pretty pink lips and a bold eye finish off the retro look.I think this would be perfect for a girly day out for high tea, or even for a picnic date. flirty and pretty , but with a hint of old-school glam.

2: DRESS CODE: SMART

A black and white feather fascinator clip is perfect for this ultra smart and sexy ensemble. A LBD with black lace is sexy but sophisticated, black accessories with a hint of shine are glamorous, and the fascinator will make this outfit perfect for a swanky wedding, a day at the races or smart cocktail party. A red lip and nail combo just adds that dramatic glam factor. 

3: URBAN BRIGHTS

 

Bright colourful stacking bracelets add zing to this fun outfit. Red skinny jeans , cute flats and bold earrings make this a stand out ensemble without being too much. It looks playful but not childish. This is grown-up and youthful at the same time. A great day outfit- for doing errands, meeting friends,  having lunch, going to movies etc.

4: EDGY ROCK

This is sophisticated rock. Leather, denim and gold bring some drama to the mix. A detachable MC denim collar with gold accents is paired with a leather peplum top, fitted jeans , some seriously sexy boots and stacked bracelets. A smokey eye finishes off the rock chic look. Perfect for a night out on the town, a party, club, or concert. You are sure to be mistaken for a rock star in this outfit!

5: RELAXED AND EARTHY

A rossette fabric flower headband in neutrals is paired with a casual look of neutral toned maxi skirt, tank top, shrug and comfy flats. a suede satchel makes this a practical look for day-to-day wear. A great chilled weekend look , it will keep you fashionable and comfortable whether you are shopping, fetching kids, going to the post-office or having coffee.


6: BRIGHT PASTEL FLORAL

 

A handmade fabric flower crown is paired with some bright pastels and florals for a fun, pretty and flirty look. A dusky pink dress with purple shoes and belt is matched with a bright floral bag and pendant necklace. Pretty pastel lips finish off the look. This is a great look for a bridal shower, or a girls day out.

7: WARM METALLICS

This one is for the slightly cooler days. A long assemblage pendant necklace by MC is mixed with a warmer neutral toned sweater , skinny jeans, statement boots and a tiger eye ring for a lovely cozy but glam look. Metallic nails give it the sophisticated touch. This would be a great work outfit, or if you got a boot with a more comfy heel it would be great for day-to-day use everywhere.


Hope you enjoyed playing "dress-up" with me. I am going to try and do this at least every 2 months. It really helps to visualise how my pretties can be worn and used in outfit choices, and plus it's just FUN! hehe

much love and shimmies

"Happy" 2014

http://itscharr.blogspot.com/2012/02/100-happy-things-3.html

Well hello there my readers.... welcome to 2014.
I decided to start the new year of posts off on a "Happy" note with some fun things to make you smile, and we even have a soundtrack to go with it.

By the end of this post you should have a smile on your face and a jig in your step.

ENJOY.

Ok so
step 1: play this song while you carry on reading...

Step 2: look at this cute pic of this puppy.... awwwwww.

http://larissamarks.com/2011/08/happy-things.html

Step 3: ok so sit and write a list of things that make you happy or smile... can be anything from chocolate, to the smell of rain, taking your bra off when you get home , kids laughing or simply a good cup of tea... just make a list... then put it somewhere you will see it, so when you are having down moments you can remember that life has happy moments all the time.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/211739619950581807/

Step 4: here is another cute pic.... you're welcome!

  

Step 5: Tell yourself that you are sexy,beautiful and amazing.  Then make the below face in the mirror. Go on... doooo eeeeeet!

http://confessionsofamaineteenager.blogspot.com/2012/05/monday-funniesupdate.html

Step 6 : if the song above has finished playing watch this video of a porcupine enjoying some pumpkin... you won't regret it!

Step 7: think of the people in your life who make you happy, and text/what's app/ bbm them right now! YES- NOW! bound to make your day better instantly.

http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMy1kMzhjOGJhMGEyZDY1N2Fh

Step 8: the last step.... now go out today knowing that life is grand, that you have things that make you smile, that there are people in your life that care and that you are wonderful.

http://happythings.tumblr.com/page/2

make it so.

Looking forward to a fab 2014 with you all, watch this space!

love and shimmies

2013 in Reflection.

Hi Everyone. Today's post is the obligatory review of the year. Thanks to you all for reading and following my posts in the last few months on the blog. Has been quite fun for me to do posts and showcase my life and passions on here. This is a long one...

This year has been one of many changes and personal growth as well as business growth.

Magpie Calls:
 This business of mine which started out purely as a hobby has grown into something which I am excited by,and which has soooo much potential. I have ideas coming out my ears and I have loved meeting new people at the I heart market, finding new avenues of creative outlet and making special creations that are unique and OOAK.

I have made some bellydance costumes, Have made many of my signature fabric flowers for fellow dancers,have made custom christmas and bridal decorations, necklaces, accessories and headwear are all adorning various people out there,and I eagerly await the moment when I can accost someone in the street with a "hey that's my creation you're wearing- I made that".

I am glad I started the blog. After a creative business workshop with Nadia Van der Mescht I could really focus on what I wanted my business to do and be like and I still have concepts and advice from that which will be implemented this next year. The blog is a way for me to visually see how I am doing and it keeps me focused on what clients want and how to connect with you all.

I have plans for next year going forward: new product lines and ranges, photo shoots, new sales outlets, more markets and just expanding and working on my brand as a whole (hopefully a brand revamp will happen this year).

I look forward to more custom creations,  new customers and fresh ideas.

Bellydance
This year I took over Dance Tribe officially and therefore all the teaching and choreography. It has been a challenge and an absolute joy. My students made me soooo proud this year and at our show and as a teacher I am grateful to have such wonderful students. We may be a teeny studio but I know we will work hard to produce quality dancing and dancers and that is my ultimate goal.

I have studied with some amazing teachers this year- Kami Liddle in April , Kristine Adams in November and Ioleen Lazenby the whole year. My soul has been fed by these ladies and I have so much to work on for myself and my students as a result. Awesome.

I went outside of my comfort zone and Benni and I entered Miss Bellydance SA (the tribal group category)- we wanted to show who we were, and the goal was not to win but to rather have the experience and just have a blast. We were so pleasantly surprised to be placed third and it was one of our year highlights.

For World Bellydance Day in May I once again took the organisational lead and together with the Belly Community of KZN we raised R9000 plus for The Open Air School with our hafla. Was such a lovely event and I am so proud of us all.

One of my highlights this year has been to start doing ATS® classes regularly with Ioleen and Left of Centre Dance. Our troupe "The Durban Tribal Collective" is so special to me because as tribal teachers in Durban Ioleen, Sam and I (and Benni) have bonded and are creating a really solid foundation of community for our students. That is so amazing to me. Can't wait to dance more with these ladies. We have some great friendships developing here and I love that Ioleen and I combined our studios to create an amazing showcase "Salmagundi"  of Tribal in KZN - we loved having Sam (and Kristine) joining us.One dance performance highlight was dancing ATS on the top of Sani Pass with the local Basotho people and muscians accompanying us. So special. And this included Heather from Tribal Angels in Joburg  and Kristine Adams as part of her world ATS tour.

Personally it has been the start of me seeing my own personal dance style emerging and I am excited to see where it goes. I am so grateful to my parents for helping me have a small home studio - it has made the world of difference to my classes and my own personal practice, and I know Studio Dance Tribe is going to be busy next year!

I can't wait to go back to Vegas and Tribal Massive again next year for more in-depth and intensive immersion into my passion of dance.

Personal:
I have had to learn time management, specially with 3 jobs. It is hard but totally worth it. I still get the disapproving looks from people who don't get that I have eschewed "normal jobs" to do what I do. It is hard, but trying to justify why you are following your passions and how long it actually takes to achieve things is sometimes too much for a quick visit or a passing convo in a shopping centre.

I have learnt this year that I am at an age where I want to have people in my life who actually want to be there. This may actually require effort from their side, it may mean we don't always agree,or see each other all that often, but that we have a connection and are invested in each other's lives. This goes for friends and family. I need to look after my own mental health and well-being and letting people affect that is not good for anyone. I may not always be exactly where I want to be in my life journey,but gosh I can have fun and meaningful relationships while there. I am grateful for all the new friendships I have made this year and the existing ones who have stayed the course. I look forward to some fun times in 2014.

This year has been great, thank you for being a small part of that.
Have a wonderful Christmas, new year and holiday season.
God Bless

much love and shimmies from me and 2013.

 

Sneak Peek- Custom Order -mini hearts

original image http://thefrugalgirls.com/sunday-coupon-preview

Hi Everyone. I will be updating the blog more regularly from now on, and to start us off a quick peak at a recent custom order. I have been making cute little decorations for Christmas (inspired by this bridal shower order ), including tiny mini hearts for present gift wrapping and tagging. At the I heart market in November I got an order for 22 red based hearts, which were to be hung on ribbon around bottle necks. A great idea, and I loved making them, My customer was happy when she received them.I love custom orders:D

I am currently working on another custom order with christmas pudding themed heart decorations... they are tooo cute, can't wait to show them to you when they are done.

thanks for reading, I love seeing my stats go up and people engaging with the content of the blog! I appreciate the support.

love and shimmies