Fairy Girl

Its no secret that I am turning 40 next year.

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.

Wow, what an awesome weekend.

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.

Wow, I feel really honoured – I received an award from Gina , thank you!  I do feel a little guilty because my last post was quite awhile back. BUT ……………….there is always a BUT, I do blog regularly on Tranquil Body Treats. That counts right.

Part of this award is  to share 5 random facts about myself and then pass the award onto 5 bloggers.

1. I am petrified of heights. No kidding! I don’t and won’t climb up a ladder. Guess bungee jumping is out of the question then.
2. I can’t iron and have absolutely no intention to learn never, ever, never!!
3. I hate the cold, winter and I don’t gel – we just aren’t friends as much as I try it just isn’t working out between the two of us.
4. I thrive on being busy and work well when under pressure. I perform best when I’m stressed!
5. I dream BIG!

I’d like to award the following bloggers:

1. Laura recently gave birth to little Jack. She is a mommy, a wife to be and a proud Tranquil Body Treats franchised store owner.
2. Wenchy a beautiful person, with so much love to offer. Tranquil Body Treats top distributor for the past couple of months.
3. Rina A mommy that always puts her children first. She has a stunning little girl and beautiful little twin boys.
4. Jenty A photographer that captures the very moment, the true moment. She is hard working and also a mommy to two beautiful little boys.
5. Megan a lovely young woman, who is so deserving of an award and a big, big hug.

My children are my blessings.

Joshua was born 9 years ago. He has taught me to love unconditionally. My little Snoopy is a very sensitive little boy. He always wants to please. Josh is kind, gentle and loving. He means the world to his little sisters. A beautiful child. Dancing is his talent, he gets his rhythm from me lol. His face lights up when he hears his favourite song playing. Often you’ll hear him singing loud, I mean really loud.

He can be shy at times a little coy but never too shy to hug and kiss me in front of his friends.

My beautiful boy

Abigail, your daddy and I waited along time to have you. It seems that you waited ever so patiently for me, for me to be emotionally and physically ready for you.

You have a big personality. You smile and laugh daily. You are my bright star, my angelic little porcelain doll. At such a young age you have learnt to love, care and share. A beautiful, beautiful little girl you are.

My little princess

My baby Logan. Otherwise, known as Logy Bear. Now you were my surprise baby and also my last baby. I am so grateful that you love to kiss and cuddle. You’re my little cuddle bunny. A feisty little girl, no doubt. Daddy thinks you get that from me.

You have your needy days and then your independent days. I love that you need me. You are truly beautiful, petite – my very own little princess.

You’re so quiet at times, such a gentle little soul.

My little Logy Bear

These three are my beautiful blessings that I get to love and cuddle every day. Perfect!

This past week has certainly had its fair share of highs and unfortunately lows too.

The week started off with us receiving fantastic news. The franchised shop for Tranquil Body Treats in Cape Town had been approved. The shop will open in Bay Side Mall on the 1st of July. We are super excited. A lot of hard work has gone into the planning of this shop. It took us 3 months to finally get everything approved. This will be our second franchised shop.

Shop at Bay Side Mall

Our fantastic Tranquil Body Treats products featured in the Natural Medicine Magazine this month.

Natural Medicine Magazine

Hubby and I took a trip to Clarens, to see a potential client. She is in love with our products and it seems she’ll be taking on our entire range.  Whilst visiting Clarens, I decided that this is where I want to have a holiday home. I’ve been thinking about a holiday home for quite some time, but I was not sure where I’d like to have one. My mind is made up.

Unfortunately, while we were in Clarens we received the sad news that my friends little boy passed away. Theo, turned 14 on the 30th of May and he passed away the very next day. From what I understand it was a hit and run. What type of person, runs over a child and leaves them there to die. I think it is every mothers nightmare  to bury her own child. Marisa was an awesome mom, the bond between her and Theo was closer than close. They were one. She was a single mommy and a fantastic mommy.I’d like to thank all of the tweety pies from twitter that donated money towards the funeral. I can’t imagine having to lose a child and then not being able to pay for his or her funeral. People were very generous and I am forever grateful for your generosity and I know that Marisa is too.

The week ended with a celebration. We celebrated my mom’s birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!  We love you lots just like jelly tots, as Abigail would say!

Have you ever wondered what your talent is? What your purpose is or what gift you have received?

For, thirty odd years I wondered but I wonder no more!

I take you back to my child hood. I lived in the shadow of my beautiful friend. Always following in her footsteps. Often envious of her talents, beauty and intelligence.

Little did I know that I too had a talent, beauty and intelligence.

At the tender age of 30 odd, I discovered my God given talent. My gift is to heal. I heal through my hands and the making of my beautiful skin and body care product range. I’ve touch many lives through my products, be it pampering or therapeutic healing.

I am forever grateful that it took me this length of time to discover my gift. Had I discovered it at an earlier age, I would have taken it for granted. I would never have poured my heart and soul into the making of my fabulous products. I would never have had the passion and dedication that I have now.

I’ve found my God given talent have you?

So its no secret that I’m obsessed about my weight, I don’t know many women who aren’t. I also don’t know of many women, who are prepared to talk about their weight issues / problems openly.

My hubby and I had an agreement that if our weight effected  us, we would  be open and honest with one another about it.

We both have issues regarding “fat”

A few weeks ago I asked him if my weight was a problem. Very politely, he said “no love, I have a problem with the fact that you complain about it and do nothing to fix it”. Oops! True its true!

Since having the girls I’ve really battled with my weight. It was easy to blame the pregnancies because they were so close. Yo-yo dieting didn’t help either.

Anyhow, I visited my physician and after numerous blood tests we discovered that I have high cholesterol and a high fat content (lots of fat in my food selection).

The physician suggested that I try the HCG diet. The diet is followed for 23 days or 40 max. You inject yourself daily. No breakfast is allowed and a total of 500 calories are allowed per day. No dairy, no starch and only certain fruit and veg are permitted.

Sounds bazaar right! Its a tough diet but I’ve managed the 23 days, in total I’ve lost 11 cm and 7 kg.

I’ve decided to do the extra 17 days because I would like to lose another 6 kg.

I fit into a size 12 quite comfortably at the mo but I have a wardrobe full of size 10′s waiting for me.

This diet has changed my life. I have so much more energy. I look and feel great. Most important, I am no longer wearing maternity clothing and I have a whole wardrobe full of clothes, meaning I don’t even need to shop!

Its an expensive diet, I’m not sure if medical aid cover it but it has been worth every penny.

My next obsession is to keep my weight off for six months and then have a noombie lift.

Have u ever longed for someone so much so, that your heart aches?

I have!

Hubby and I spend most of our time together. We are the best of friends, pretty much apart of one another.

We are so in tune with each other that we could finish one another’s sentences.

We are business partners and in fact “life partners”

Last week I went to Cape Town for 8 days, unfortunately hubby couldn’t join me. He picked me up from the airport on the Friday, when we landed. We got to spend an hour maybe two with each other before he set off on his 9 day cycling tour.

Tonight as I lay in our bed, my heart aches for him. I mean physically aches. I can physically feel the pain.

My bed is empty. Well not really cause Josh is lying next to me, but its the place where my hubby should be. On this cold winter night I should be snuggled up against his body, feeling safe, feeling warm. Instead all I feel is the emptiness inside, the tears rolling down my cheeks and the longing.

I keep reminding myself, only four more sleeps and then he will be home. Home with me where he belongs, for me to love, snuggle and cuddle.

Hurry home my love because I miss you dearly.

At the mo, my life pretty much revolves around Tranquil Body Treats. If I’m not busy with formula’s, productions, distributors, franchise then I’m busy making soaps. I have finally finalized our entire range and our new price list should be complete by the end of next week and ready for print.

As promised some stunning pics of our shop at Life Style, situated in the Gourmet Market, Randpark Ridge.

Holistic View of our Flagship Shop

Holistic view of our Flagship Shop

Most of you that follow me on twitter (@FairyGirlZa) will know that I have been on a very strict diet. It’s the HCG diet and it is tough, really tough BUT I’m sticking to it and I’m down a size in my clothing already. Someone told me once that I’d never get back into a size 10, well guess what I’m almost there (thank you, cause you encouraged me to work extra hard and achieve my goal).

I have pretty much been a slim chick all my life so the extra weight from the pregnancies was a huge problem for me. I feel so much better already and I look it too.

My recent trip to Cape Town was wonderful, the weather was a wee bit yukky and we spent a lot of time in and out of malls. I had a meeting with Bay Side mall and we’re hoping to get the verdict for the shop towards the end of this week. I absolutely love the new Cape Quarter but there just isn’t enough feet passing by.

I never got to arrange a tweet up in Cape Town, but hubby and I will do so when we fly down for the opening of the shop.

It’s my birthday today and hubby woke me up singing happy birthday. He is away on a cycling trip for 9 days. Yip, we’ve not seen one another for 8 days as he could’t join us in Cape Town. I’m back for 1 day and he is off again. He made up for it by writing me a beautiful letter, leaving it on my kindle which he gave me for my birthday. I think he was sick and tired of me stealing his. I’m spending my birthday with my folks, sister and her BF.

My special little boy Joshua woke me up this morning with some coffee and he made his sisters hot chocolate. He truly is an amazing child, a precious gem – created just for me! Okay, I have to share him with a few at times:)

My kids are all well, happy little campers.

I’m hoping to catch up on a some blog reading this weekend, before I start work on Tuesday.  I’m so out of the loop.

Have a fabulous long weekend, everybody!

Hubby and I attended one of my dearest and oldest friends, wedding in Cape Town, a few weeks ago. Wow, what a wedding. Definitely the best wedding I’ve ever attended. My friend Hilary looked beautiful. Her husband said the most beautiful vows to her, you could feel and see his love for her. Everything was perfect, from the venue, to the food, the wine and all of the guests. This is a marriage that will last a life time.

While hubby and I were in Cape Town we visited a few sites, in search for a shop for one of our Tranquil Body Treats Franchisees.

Oh! this is news to you……………………….  Well we are super, super excited. Our first Franchisee is none other than the beautiful Laura. I’ve known Laura for a good few years, we met whilst working for the same corporate company. Laura was the type of girl I really admired, I don’t think she was ever aware of the fact. She has strong leadership abilities and is a damn hard worker. Barend and I  are really thrilled that Laura is going to own her own Tranquil Body Treats shop. I know that she will make a huge success of her business.

I feel very honoured and privileged that Laura chose Tranquil Body Treats as her Franchisor. It shows that she is passionate about our product and that she has faith in us. Likewise, we have faith in her and David. Her shop opens on the 1st of May in Pretoria.

We are hoping to open our second Franchisee store towards the end of May in Cape Town, we have found a beautiful location and are waiting for the final T’s to be crossed and I’s to be dotted. My sister, Desiree, who is our Cape Town distributor is going to be the proud owner of her own shop.

We have another Franchisee shop opening further up North, but unfortunately we can’t reveal too much because the negotiations are still taking place.

Someone asked me the other day if it’s easy to open a Franchise. Yes and no, I guess it depends on the product type and of course the business type.

We have had to make a few changes with regards to our product labels, sign-age, wording around our marketing material, containers etc. In South Africa, there are very strict regulations in the cosmetic, toiletry and beauty industry.

As a Franchisor it is our duty to ensure that we have enough stock for our ingredients, containers, labels etc. All of our ducks need to be in a row.  We need to ensure we have back up suppliers, in actual fact back ups of and for everything. There is so much that has to be done, the list is endless but we’re 99% there.

We’ve even had to make changes to the factory. We have to comply with the regulations. We’ve had to send our products for micra and stabil testing. So you see yes, in our industry there is quite a lot that needs to be done.

Some more exciting news!!!! we have extended our shop at Life Style. We have taken over the shop that was next to ours. At the moment the painting is complete, the banners and posters have been ordered and will hopefully be delivered within the next week. The hand made ceramic bowls for the salts and suguar scrubs will delivered on Friday. The shelves have all had a beautiful make-over. Our new soap tray is being made and I’m still deciding on our branded gift bags. The wooden floor will have to wait a while cause it costs a little too much BUT Rome was not built in one day.

So, as you see our wonderful business is growing somewhat and we owe it to all of you that believed and still believe in us and our products.

Thank You !