Oh, don’t get me wrong my life is far from perfect BUT I’m happy – stressed BUT happy.

I grew up in a home with two siblings. My late brother and I never really saw eye to eye BUT I’ve made peace with it and I have a great understanding why. Many times I’ve tried to blog about him but I’m just not ready yet.

My sister who is the youngest has grown up into a beautiful woman. She is a phenominal aunty to my 3 beautiful children, making every effort to be apart of their lives.

I often wish I looked like her, have her sexy body BUT I had my chance. When I was younger I was a sexy chick. Yip, I was the perfect size 8. Now, lol I’m the perfect size 12 with a mommy figure. My hubby still thinks I’m sexy

My mom and dad have supported me through so much. I’ve mentioned it so many times before how they would give us their last penny. I could not have asked for better parents. They are honest people with so much integrity.
I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life. Started my own model agency at the tender age of 22. I lived in the limelight and it is no secret I loved it.

At the tender age of 21 I backpacked through Europe and I have so many fond memories. I hope that one day my children will travel too.

I left for the USA when I was 27 to be an au pair. I met the most amazing people and once again I travelled. This was a tough year for me but damn I have fond memories.

I’ve broken hearts and have had my heart broken too. I’ve dated some douche bags but hey I came to my senses.

I married Joshuas father but the marriage ended before it started.

In 2005 I met my husband. Now everyone knows what an awesome man he is. He is a beautiful man, a true gem.

I am forever grateful that we crossed paths. I believe that we were made for each other. Soul Mates!

I’ve given birth naturally three times and I have 3 beautiful children. I’m a good mom but I make mistakes.

Tranquil Body Treats was opened 2 years ago and its no secret how I feel about my business.

I don’t have many friends but the ones I do have play a very important role in my life. I recently reunited with my friend Ali and I’m over the moon. Lucky to be given a second chance.

I hate the sound of the heart machine in hospitals, especially when I hear the beeeeeeeeep sound. I’ve  watched my brother and my ex father in law take their last breath. I miss them both dearly.

I celebrated my 40th on Saturday. Everyone had a ball. It was a small party, with only a few friends that mean the world to me and play a very special part in my life.

A special thanks to my mom, sister and dad for making the day extra special for me. My mom went all out, she made a fuss about everything from the cake to the spit braai even the champagne. Thank you mom I love you more and more each day XX

I believe I’m all grown up now and I am ready to take on the world.

Robert my later brother

My sister Desiree and Logi Bear

My dad and Logi Bear

My cousin Chantal, one of my ex models

My beautiful handsome boy, Joshua

The happy couple @fairygirlza and @baldy_za

My beautiful Abigail

Ali, Me, Des and Cindz

My most beautiful and awesome mom

I recently had my soul cleansed and freed from all negative energy.

It seems that I was losing my way. I’ve been given an awesome talent and I was abusing and neglecting it. I was focusing on the wrong people and the wrong things.

Fortunately, the universe has once again given me a chance to make it right. My passion has returned and I’m excited for what the future holds. I will continue to heal people through my products, give them the opportunity to unwind, relax and cherish.

I will teach them to care for those around them and for themselves. I aim to help people care for their beautiful bodies that they have been blessed with. It is such a blessing to be given a talent that makes others feel good about themselves. I love what I do!

Last month I had a serious wake up call. I was hospitalized because of suspect TIA.

Thankfully it was just stress. I was lucky this time round. My body started sending me signals to slow down and take it easy.

I have had to re look at my life and what’s important to me.

First and foremost my family and then my business.

I don’t want my children to grow up without their mommy.

Stress is a killer. A lot of my stress was self inflicted and could have easily been avoided if only I had stopped, slowed down and listened.

Listened to my body, my children, my husband and my intuition.

Please don’t allow stress to destroy you or your precious family.

I’ve been given a second chance and I’m grabbing it with  two grateful hands.

Our mornings run smoothly there is no fighting or arguing. Barend and the kids are usually out of the door by 7:00 am.

I usually climb back into bed and read until 7:30 am.

Between 7:30 and 9:00 am, I do all of my admin, email,  TBT blog posts, specials, data capturing etc.

At 9:00 am my staff arrive and that is usually when production starts. I make all of the products, while Onius decants and labels (i don’t like labeling). In between production I  try and see my existing and prospective clients.

I fetch the kids around 2:00 ish drop them off at home and then I report back to the factory to continue the days work.

Joshua has cricket on a Monday and Tuesday so the kids are only picked up around 3:00.

Wednesday the girls have swimming and after their lesson Joshua has dancing. We usually arrive home around 6:30 pm. Barend and I take turns taking the girls or Josh.

Barend and I also take turns to cook. I have to admit that he does most of the cooking.

I try and visit our shop at Life Style at least 3 times a week, to check stock etc.

Our Saturday’s are usually spent catching up with friends and family.

At the mo my Sundays start as early as 6:30 am. I pack the car and head off to Rosebank Rooftop Market. Marty and I set up and I return again at 5:00 pm to pack-up and take Marty home. I get home around 6:30 pm.

Once a month I work at our shop at Life Style to give Neo some time off.

In between all of this I find time to read, play with my kids and have a glass or two or three of vino;)

What does your schedule look like?

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.