This past month has been very stressful.

As most of you know we launched our new containers (super excited), but I was let down by our supplier in a big way.  Needless to say it has set me back quite a few pennies. Running a business is no joke, it is definitely not for sissy’s.

I’m feeling very sorry for myself at the mo. My emotions are flying high, as in sky high.

I cannot wait for the 16th of December so that I can switch off, close the factory and take a much needed break.  Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what I do but I’m finding it very difficult to juggle family, exams, launches, expo’s and keep clients happy.

We are going away in December for a good few days. Our first trip away from home over the festive season, I am soooo looking forward to it. We’ll be having Christmas in Cape Town with my folks, my sister and her boyfriend. My mom has booked us into a resort in Langebaan.

We are having our last Tranquil Body Treats launch this weekend and I’m looking forward to mingling with my clients, twitter friends and family. Of course I’m going to have a glass of vino or 2 or 3.

The next couple of weeks we are going to be very busy, preparing for the Mamma Magic Baby Expo. I’m looking forward to the expo, but not so much to the preparation.

I have really neglected my family this past month, especially my husband and Joshua. I’ve grown horns and long finger nails, I’ve become quite the CAT with an ..itch (capital B) and no doubt they have felt it. I have no idea how to make it up to them – thinking about it makes me cry. Sorry, just doesn’t seem to be enough. They are both so forgiving – how did I ever get this lucky.

I grew up with only one gran (my moms mum), unfortunately she passed away a few years ago.

One of my fondest memories was visiting her in Hilbrow, yip back in the day it was the place to live. We would play tiddley winks and board games. I loved her dog Scampy, not a real one –  some big old scruffy toy. My gran was kind, very loving.

My children are very fortunate and blessed to have a nanna and a brampy. The name brampy comes from Joshua because he couldn’t say grandpa when he was younger. Sometimes the kids call him grumpy brumpy (grumpy he is not). My parents are absolutely phenomenal grandparents.

They do not have a selfish bone in their body. They love their children and grandchildren unconditionally. I mean it when I say unconditionally.

My children absolutely adore them and they play a very important part and role in our children’s lives. So much so that Baldy and I have made them our children’s guardian should anything ever happen to us.

They make sure they visit the kids regularly. My mom calls them often.

They spoil the kids with a lot of love and of course gifts, typical of grandparents isn’t it?  They play with the kids and spend a lot of quality time with them.

Don’t get me wrong they discipline them too, should there ever be a need.

My folks are our regular baby sitters. I don’t allow anyone else to look after my kids. My mom knows my kids routine, who their doctor is, where they go to school. She is their other mother. I don’t trust anyone else to take care of my babies.

We are truly blessed to have such awesome parents and our kids are greatly blessed too.

Often I hear about grandparents that are not involved in their grandchildren’s lives. Its not something I can comprehend with. I think it is sad, but I do understand there are always circumstances.

My mom asked Jeanette to take some photos of her and my dad and the kids. (Jeanette takes all of our family photo’s)

She took some awesome shots of them at the Botanical Gardens.

As soon as we knew the divorce was in the pipeline we took Joshua for play therapy, we wanted him to understand that it was not his fault. So many children blame themselves.

Joshua is a little boy with plenty blessings.

He has a father and step-mom who love and care for him deeply and a little sister Ella and a brother Matthew who adore him.

Barend, my beautiful husband otherwise known as step-daddy to Joshua has always treated Joshua like his very own. In fact so much so that one of the bloggers once told me she never knew that Barend was his step daddy because of the bond they share. Joshua has his two little sisters Abigail and Logan, whom he absolutely adores and they idolize him.

Joshua lives with Barend, Abigail, Logan and I and he visits his father, Amanda, Ella and Matt every second weekend and we split the holidays 50/50. I battle with the splitting of the holidays but we don’t allow him to stay away for more than 8 or so days. (he battles too)

We try and keep our rules and discipline similar, although its not always possible as we are different. We have reached the stage where the four adults have a good relationship and understanding. Our main focus is always about Joshua and his happiness and well-being.

Don’t get me wrong it was not always roses and sunshine, we’ve had some tough times – but its to be expected cause we are human after-all.

I don’t find our relationship hard work.

Joshua’s father and I have both married our soul mates, beautiful people, loving and caring. Our partners bring out the best in us, something that wasn’t possible for him or I.

Often I get asked why are you so friendly to her (Amanda)? I don’t quite understand the question. She is not the cause of our break-up and if she was – then I guess I’d thank her cause I never would have found my true love (Barend). She treats my son as if her were her own. Why would I want to be any different to her.  Amanda knows what is expected from me as Joshua’s mother, she understands my boundaries and my limits.

I understand that we are very fortunate, but you need to understand that it is because this is a path / road we chose to follow. We are mature enough to make it work.

I hear of divorced families who detest one another, fight all the time etc. etc. etc. I feel for them, because it puts strain on everyone around them i.e. their relationships, the kids, the in-laws  and the friends. I’ve been there but I chose to deal with my own feelings and emotions and to set boundaries.

I also get along exceptionally well with my ex – mom in law, whom I still call mom. I still think of her as my mom in law.

Joshua wanted to have photos taken of all of us together, so I asked Jenty (she takes all of our family photos) to book us a date and get the camera rolling.

The photo shoot went well. We did however have a sick little Logan Bear and a very tired little Matt, which made some of the shots a wee bit difficult. Ella was full of smiles and of course Joshua was just a natural, perhaps a model in the making – our little Abigail who loves the camera was a wee bit shy but was only to happy to pose and smile.

Friendship is something I truly value. I consider myself to be a good friend. I am the type of friend that will take your 2 am call because you’re in need.

I unfortunately, don’t do well with high maintenance friends. Needy friends don’t gel with me either.

I don’t have many “good” friends, simply because they are hard to find and even harder to trust.

Respect is something I expect from a friend along with loyalty, support and compassion.

I hurt very easily and I wonder sometimes why people who call them selves friends find it so easy to be so hurtful. Do they not use their thinking cap. I think perhaps they are just to self absorbed.

Another thing I don’t get is jealousy amongst friends. Why, why would anyone be jealous because of what another has – be it a fabulous relationship with a partner, money, success. I am only to thrilled if a friend of mine excels etc.

I am also passed the “running after / lick your ass stage”. I refuse to go out of my way to see a friend and stay in touch if they can’t be bothered. I’ve lost quite a few so called friends because of this attitude, but to be honest the way I see it is they weren’t good friends to start with.

I am tired of friends who only call when they are in need of some or other favour.

Weekday “only”  friends are also something of the past, if I am only good enough during the week but forgotten on weekends and during holiday time then I can’t be bothered.

I have a wonderful friendship with my sister, and a beautiful friendship with my hubby.

I was thinking back to the friends I invited to my wedding. In all honesty I am really only good friends with maybe four. Four people and the funniest thing is they don’t even live close to me.

Oh! I have many acquaintances, but they come and go.

Friendship is meant to be 100 / 100 and not hard work. Its not meant to be measured – who paid for what – who visited last – who called last – who did what, when and where.

How many of you, my fabulous readers can call yourself a good friend ? (I hope all of you).  How many of you have good genuine friends?

It may or may not offend you. Please understand that this is my opinion and my very own feelings.

Please don’t read any further if u are judgmental, you will get upset and probably get your panties in a knot. If u choose to read further do so with an open mind.

Where to start. I grew up in a “Christian” home. As children we went to Sunday school regularly. I eventually became a Sunday school teacher. I was a cool Sunday school teacher, the kids loved me and I usually had 100% attendance from the kids. Everyone wanted to be in teacher Leigh’s class. Shoo it seems like a long time ago.

Whilst living overseas in the States I assisted teaching at a Catholic church, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Anyhow a lot has changed since then.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still a very, very strong  BELIEVER! I believe in God, Archangels and Guides. I also believe religion has been torn apart and is man-made. I believe that we all worship the same God, including Jews, Muslims etc. We just give him a different name. My God is a good God, one of unconditional love. He does not condemn you because you are Jewish or Muslim. He loves us all equally.

My son was very upset the other day because he was told that his friend from school, won’t be going to heaven because he is Muslim and not a Christian. Who teaches a child such hogwash. I asked him, if he thought his God was cruel or kind? He said of course he is kind and added loving too. I explained that he had answered his own question. People are so quick to judge and condemn. Sad very sad. Have you noticed how many churches have Pastors / Ministers that preach but they are not ordained. Back in the day you would have to attend a theological school, qualify and study really hard.

Most of these so called pastors / ministers are also rolling in the bucks – while there are millions of starving families and hospitals in need of equipment etc.

One of my father’s clients was cursing the other day, because his child needed an operation. They did not have the money and approached several organizations for assistance. Unfortunately, none of them could assist them financially. He was livid, he felt it was his right to receive money. My dad mentioned that he should ask his church and congregation. Oops he should never have mentioned that. The guy got up and stormed out of my father’s office.

Why is it that so many people are quick to throw stones, condemn, criticize and judge. Surely that is not the correct way. Who gives you the right to judge? Are you above anyone and everyone else?

We have Buddhas in our home, lots of them. Yes! the big fat happy man with the big fat tummy. And you won’t believe the amount of  ”friends” or “associates” that refuse to come into our home because of them. I enjoy watching their expression when they first see them, its an absolute joke. They can’t wait to get out of our home. I’m not quite sure what they are afraid of. Oh! I get it, its the evil spirits that loom around our house. You have got to be kidding me right! What frikkin evil spirits? You people  (my finger pointing VERY harshly), do not deserve to be called followers or believers YOU should be called the JUDGE!!!!

Our home is filled with love, laughter and positive energy. A home filled with belief. I wonder how many of these so called followers can say the same?

We are not Buddhist –  but if we were, how would you treat us then?

Hmmm I wonder who is the good, non-judging person now? Certainly! not you! Its ME (happy dance)

I’ve met some really wonderful people through the blogging world.

At first I was a little hesitant to start blogging. I kept wondering what people would think or say about my writing styles, my chosen topics, my spelling, my grammar, ME etc. etc. I’ve grown up since then and to be quite frankly I couldn’t care less what other people think.

I really try hard not to judge others, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I try and understand where they are coming from, perhaps they have really had an awful life, perhaps they are dyslexic – who knows. If I come across a blog that doesn’t interest me or I find it crude or I’m just not drawn to it I simply choose not to read it again.

I don’t have a specific topic that I blog about. My topics vary, from my children, PND, my husband, my family, my friends and my work. At the moment work is an important part of who I am so I tend to blog quite a lot about it. I’ve yet to protect a post but have been tempted quite a few times.

Now, twitter. It took me quite some time to join. Hubby (@baldy_za) was forever nagging me to join and then one day he signed me up. To be honest I thought it was a chat room where people go to get picked up, flirt or flaunt themselves. Some, I guess may use it for that reason.

I use it mainly to meet people, help people and even sometimes find help.

I’ve met some truly awesome people on twitter, some I’m sure I’ll be friends with for a lifetime. I’m still dying to meet (@India2daisy) and (@AnkiaDamalis). There are a few others but I can’t think of their names right now.

I have two twitter accounts one personal @fairygirlza and then one for my business @tranqbodytreats. I tweet from both, but mainly from my personal account. I’m not shy to tweet about my business but I don’t make a nuisance of myself. If I tweet about business its mostly about specials, competitions, product knowledge etc. Topics people are interested in, obviously not everyone, imagine if you could please everyone that followed you. What a frikkin bonus!.

I’m still not used to all the twitter lingo and often have to ask hubby what this or that means, LOL. Hubby often scolds me about my twitter etiquette, yip I can like to get slapped over the knuckles “just kidding”.

To me twitter is a place to share joy, laughter and sadness. If you feel like ranting then rant, who am I to judge – right. I do get quite annoyed when someone complains about someone else because, they are forever complaining about this or that. There is an option to “unfollow”,  just click and you no longer have to read their tweets.

I do find that blogging and twitter can be clicky at times, but I think it is to be expected. We are all (mostly) women and unfortunately, women tend to form groups and bitch and moan. Sad because you’d think we’d eventually outgrow it.

At times I feel professional people on-line should remain professional at all times despite their personal feelings or what they have heard via some grapevine. Hell, I have to do it at times, LOL. I’m not perfect you know.

One of my dearest friends finds it quite bizarre that I have a blog and that I tweet LOL. I’ve tried to explain that it is an “addiction” and you only reveal what you are comfortable with. She actually logs onto my blog to catch up and find out where I’m at and what’s happening.

I really enjoy blogging and tweeting, they have both become part of my life.

• I would love to visit Cancun, its been a dream of mine since my teens. I plan to go someday.
• I desperately want to have a noombie lift. I’m kind of anti plastic surgery because I believe in growing old gracefully but I just can’t handle droopy poopers. Breast feeding does this to you, so does age.
• Have a boudoir photo shoot done, this one will be for my hubbies eyes only.
• Buy my hubby a Harley, he deserves it.
• Live on a golf estate or small holding near the coast. Somewhere safe for my kids.
• Own a holiday home in a remote town, thinking Clarens would b perfect or Knysna. This I plan to do within the next 3 years. A getaway place for hubby, the kids and I.
• Reach my goal weight and maintain it, as in forever. October is my deadline to achieve this one.
• Feel my late brothers presence, I’m ready for this one.
• Astro travel, ok so I’ve kinda done this one but I want to do it again.
• Start jogging. I am a lazy ass. One would never think I was super fit as a teen. I have half colours for two types of sport. I don’t have an excuse anymore.
• Have an abundance of wealth because of my hard work. It has to pay off, right?
• Grow Tranquil Body Treats too success so that I can hand it over to my kids one day.
• Own another Tranquil Body Treats shop in a nice snazzy mall.
• Visit a fashion show in Paris.
• Walk down a runway one more time, in a stunning outfit or two.
• Have a reunion with my Outlook Models.
• Take my kids to Disney land. Josh has been but not the girls.
• Travel through Europe with my husband. I love Europe.
• Take my husband to Ireland and New Zealand.
• Spend a night at Tima Moon, I really want to do this and soon. Its a romantic 5 star lodge. No kids allowed.
• Have a total of ten Tranquil Body Treats franchised stores.
• Own a RAV 4. I love this car. (4×4)
• Feature in a magazine, as a successful business woman, wife and mommy.
• I want a tattoo for Christmas, yes this year 2011.

Wow, once I started on this I couldn’t stop. I thought my list would be a couple of liners. I’m sure there is more but for now this is it.

Well, I hate to put a dampen on those thoughts –  they do  happen BUT not nearly as soon as you’d like or hoped for. It is so important to remember that Rome was not built in a day. It’s true it takes time to build your little empire / business.

Free time, what is that? Okay, I’m only kidding you do have more time for yourself and for your family but there are some nights when you have to slave away to ensure you get the job done / out.

Yes, you’re right! You don’t have a boss monitoring your time but you probably will have staff reporting to you or as in my case distributors too, sometimes they become your boss LOL.

Money, salary, dollars, ching ching uhm what is that? Every bit of money that you make ends up going back into your business. In my case its to buy ingredients (stock), labels, containers, essential oils etc. You end up cutting back on a lot of other expenses. Your nights out at restaurants seem to come to a halt for awhile. You have to ensure you have enough money to pay your staff and rent at the end of the month.

I remember when Barend and I first started the business, we hardly saw one another. I worked every day in the shop with the exception of a Monday. Some weekends Barend would take over at the shop so I could see the kids. Night time I had to make products, the hours of work were endless. We never had employees to assist, simply because we could not afford it. There was no extra money to pay for a shop assistant, we were the shop assistant.  A few months went by and eventually we managed to afford a shop assistant, who is now my right hand lady.

I have endless nights of stress, wondering if we’re going to have enough sales for the month. Will there be enough money to pay rent, suppliers or staff? Every month we manage.

My biggest worry is always about cash flow. Cash flow can make or break your business, tear it apart and ruin it. I’m not the smartest cookie when it comes to money. I don’t think further than my nose at times and I’m one of those that when I want something I want it now. This is probably the reason Barend is in charge of the finances. Obviously I cannot do everything LOL. We work well together.

Choosing staff is important. I have three awesome staff members and they will grow with our business and they will  be with us for a long time. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had to dismiss a few, but that had to happen so that when the right ones came along I’d know, I’d treat them well, train them and cherish them.  Managing staff use to be Barend’s baby but I’ve learnt to set my boundaries and I manage them well.

Stock control is an absolute pain, but so important. If you don’t manage it well you’ll end up being robbed blind and I don’t necessarily mean by your staff but by people popping into your shop. Unfortunately, these things happen – sad but true.

Marketing is tough. There are so many different ways to market, you can hand out pamphlets, appear on the radio, appear in magazines, do promotions, twitter, facebook etc. I for one have to admit that “word of mouth” is best. Unfortunately, it is not always about what you know but sometimes who you know.

Branding is vital. You need to ensure that you are consistent with your brand, labels, signage etc. especially if you have branches or franchised stores.

Getting your brand out there is also a tough one but if you have a good product people will buy it. I am very select about who markets / promotes / distributes or franchises. I’ve had to turn away people because they did not fit the brand. No I’m not a snob (okay maybe sometimes) LOL. You can’t put your product in any old salon or shop because you want the sales. Image is so important.

You have to know the ins and outs of your product, the pros and cons. I am forever learning about new products and ingredients. You need to know about the up and coming products in SA and abroad.

Understand your products and the ingredients. Train your staff so they are smart and friendly.

Competition is something I do not avoid. In my industry there are so many other brands, some really good ones and some really bad ones. As a beauty therapist I have worked with several beauty houses / products so I know and understand other products.  Of course I try my competitors products, how else do you think I’ve mastered mine. I learn from there mistakes and from their success. Its not necessary to follow your competitors every move, but keep up to date and know your industry.

Now that I’ve covered all of the above, the bad or if you want to call it the ugly. Let me tell you about the good, the bliss, the excitement. What you have to look forward to.

I don’t have to fight traffic everyday and come home with a stiff neck or sore shoulders. I walk to my factory. I start at 9:00 am Tuesday – Friday. I do not work on a Monday, unless it is really necessary. Mondays are my days. I sleep in, I read, I stay in my pj’s, I do what I want to do. Gogo looks after the kids.

I get to watch Joshua play sport or attend his school functions. Should my babies be sick I am able to be home with them. Girly catch up is awesome, coffee dates and lunch dates happen.

Thrilled that his mommy is there to watch him

If I’m missing my hubby I get to pop into his office (10 metres from mine) and give him a great big hub.

I can play on the internet when I want too and for as long as I want too. Most days my music blares in the factory, it keeps me going. My staff and I have so much fun whilst working.

To me the best and greatest of all is job satisfaction, the pure fact that my job is my passion. It shows because of our growing success, but still it is damn hard work and I don’t think its going to get any easier, perhaps I’ll just learn to cope better when the stress levels are high.

Would I change it. Not a chance. Never. I LOVE WORKING FOR ME!

I’m quite pleased with the way I look for a 39 year old going on 40. Okay, I could do with a few less wrinkles and a major noombie lift.

I’m not pro botox so I guess the wrinkles will have to stay, but I am pro for noombie lifts. (honey I hope you are saving)

I’ve accomplished quite a lot in my 39 years.

• I’ve owned my own model agency.
• Traveled extensively (39 countries) and lived in 3.
• I’ve given natural birth to three beautiful children. Two of which were born in the same year,10 months apart.
• I’ve married my soul mate, my best friend and lover.
• I’ve matured and have a good relationship with my ex husband and his lovely wife.
• I’ve learnt to set boundaries.
• I have overcome PND twice.
• I’ve lost a sibling.
• I’ve been blessed with awesome parents and a beautiful sister.
• I love my job and I’m the proud owner of Tranquil Body Treats.

Next year I’m having a birthday party. Its not going to be the “normal big 40th bash”, with streamers, balloons and loads of people.

I’ve decided on an intimate bash, similar to what my dad had for his 60th.

A weekend away with a select few friends, their partners and kids. My folks, my sister and Saul her partner.

I want the people with me that have touched my life and are really close to me.

I’ve already started the planning and its rather exciting, almost like planning a wedding. I’ve booked the DJ, a blast from the past.

On Saturday we celebrated Tranquil Body Treats first birthday. What a celebration. As most of you are aware, I love entertaining and I really enjoy meeting new people. I often have functions for my clients, its my way of saying Thank You.  Thank you for the wonderful support and for believing in me.

Yummy birthday cake made by my mommy dearest

View of our shop & party area

I never really had much time to sit around and have one on one’s but it was lovely to catch up with Angel, Gina, MeeA, Sharon, Louisa, Tamiya and finally meet Twisty Girl and Tanya.

Friends and family gathering around for my speech

We had fab music in the background, compliments of my hubby and there was plenty to drink. Although, a little birdie or two politely told me the Gluhwein was yukkie.  I wasn’t too worried cause I new the goody bags would have made up for it.

Time to blow out the candle

It seems they were deep in conversation. Two of my distributors Cindy and her husband Pieter.

Our famous miracle cream - Eczema works wonders

My folks took the kids home with them after the birthday bash and hubby and I headed over to Wenchy to celebrate her hubbies 40th. We met some really wonderful people, we laughed, we mingled, we ate and yes we drank.

Most of you know that I enjoy my red wine, BUT I can only have so much. Sometimes its a glass or two sometimes more, on Saturday it was more and I certainly felt it on Sunday.

Sunday we drove thru to the Vaal to fetch our precious children, my mom made us some lunch and I snoozed for a few secs before we headed back to Jo’burg. (ok more like for an hour or two).

It really was a busy weekend, but one that we enjoyed – thoroughly.