The Blog Corner - Sam Avery Comedian

I've recently decided that I would like to do my bit in promoting bloggers. Since hosting link-up's is really time consuming, I decided that it would be cool, when I do find a blog that I like that I share about that blogger, and hence the birth of the Blog Corner.

So recently I was pleasantly surprised when one of my girlfriends re-shared a blog post titled "20 Things I Learned As A Parent Last year." That title alone had me captivated. I mean how often do parents share the things that they have learned good and bad. Oh yes everyone is willing to tell you about the good, the rainbow and sunshine. But nobody wants to tell you about the the bad, the straight up God's honest truth. And that was what was so enriching about this particular post. The first item on the list told me that this is definitely my kind of post and this author is a guy after my own heart.

So after reading the post I immediately liked his Facebook page. But with not having much time to do any more reading I just left it at that. But then one day during the course of the week he posted again, and once again this guy was speaking straight to me. And I just felt immediately that I wanted to share his work. I mean how often do you come across such brutal honesty put so funnily, so in-your-face??!!!

Said guy is none-other than Sam Avery Comedian. He is a father to twin boys and uses his blog to share this crazy, tiring, funny, loving experience that is parenthood. Who by the way won the MADS best new blogger award last year. (I am so jelly!!!) He is also a comedian and host. In fact he sort of sounds like superdad to me.

I feel that alot of you will relate to and love Sam Avery's unique wittiness. Also how often do you find a dad that does a blog? I know for me its a first and I absolutely love it.

So when you get a chance do head over to his Facebook page or website and have a look. I promise you, you will be pleasantly surprised.

XOXO T

*Accreditaion:https://www.facebook.com/samaverycomedian/
**Accreditation: http://www.samaverycomedian.co.uk/p/home.html

Cost of Education In South Africa

Happy New Year to all our readers. I wish nothing but all your heart's desires being fulfilled for this year.

With the new year comes the new school year. And having spoken to other parents I realised that we all have the same common complaints. Cost of a good education is extremely high in South Africa.

It's so sad that a basic human right is not easily accessible to the average person. And what is even more sad is that the gap in the education system is so vast. There are so many different "levels" (for lack of a better explanation). You have basic schooling which only offers the bare minimum. You have what they used to refer to as model C schools, which also have the different levels (believe it or not), and then the elite Private Schools.

The strange thing for me is that all schools (except for the private schools) sit and write the same matric exam. So why can we not all get the same type of education at an affordable rate?

South Africa recently launched a new online registration system, which I felt was such a good thing because it was not as time consuming as going to the actual school, collecting the forms, going home filling them out and then returning them at a later stage. However I was quite upset that the system only gives you the schools within a 1km radius. And because the school that my son was in is 1.2km's away it would not allow me to register.

I recently came across an article about a Private School which costs the same amount as the upper class Model C schools. I could not believe it!! Someone else was just as fed up as I was but actually decided to do something about it. And you get the same level of education as a private school at the price of a Model C school.

There are alot of basic issues that this country faces namely Health, Education, Housing and Food. These are all basic human rights, human needs, and yet they are at the best of times unaffordable.

The average person cannot afford to live close to where they work as rent is too expensive. So you end up staying on the outskirts of the city because it is cheaper, and travelling 1.5 - 2 hours via public transport to get to work. Hell the average person will never afford to buy their own house or car. It's just ridiculous!

As a nation we need to stand up and say enough is enough.

There are 9282000 employed South Africans. Are you telling me that our taxes cannot be used towards making these basic human rights accessible?

I can fully understand why university students across the country decided to start the #feesmustfall campaign last year. I don’t support the manner in which it was done, but I definitely support the cause.

So I think that this year our government must really take a step back and re-evaluate all their policies that they have in place. I mean at the end of the day we all want to live a good life, send our kids to great schools, live in decent houses and afford to buy food. Are we asking for too much?

XOXO T

Proudly South African - The Legend That Will Always Be...Mandoza

It was a sad day for all South Africans on Sunday when we heard the heart-breaking news that one of our greatest Kwaito Legends had passed away.

Mduduzi Tshabalala better known by his stage name Mandoza was one of the most realist artists I have ever seen. We were all fortunate enough to get a closer look at the Kwaito sensations life when he had his reality show "Rolling with Mandoza." We got to see the man behind the music, the father, the husband. This show really made everyone love him that much more.

Mandoza had had many difficulties through his life, but somehow he always managed to turn a negative into a positive. After being released from jail he formed a group called Chiskop before deciding to go solo. With a one of a kind voice he took South Africa, and later, the rest of the world by storm.

The hit record that brought South Africa together was his infamous"Nkalakatha."(loosely translated as Top Dog). Till this day you can hear that song being played at soccer games and rugby games.

He again made history when he teamed up with another South African Musician Danny K on the award wining album "Same Difference". These two, together, broke racial barriers and made our nation once again feel united. (Please see Danny K's hearfelt tribute to Mandoza here http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/MUST-READ-Danny-K-pens-emotional-tribute-to-his-friend-and-hero-Mandoza )

My husband is such a huge Mandoza fan and we have at many a family get-togethers heard him playing his songs. Infact yesterday he made a Mandoza playlist and we had to listen to all his greatest hits. From Nkalakatha to Godoba to 50/50. You name it he played it.

I was very shocked when last year I found out that Mandoza had cancer. But we were so glad to hear that he was on the road to recovery. Just the other day I asked my husband how Mandoza was doing (like he personally knew him or something.)

And to think just last weekend (against all odds) Mandoza had his last performance, which he insisted on doing even though he was not feeling well and could not see.

May his music live on forever.

Hamba Kahle Nkalakatha!! (translation: "Go well Top Dog")


XOXO, T

*Accreditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=788DVzhJ-qQ
**Accreditation: Times Live http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/MUST-READ-Danny-K-pens-emotional-tribute-to-his-friend-and-hero-Mandoza
***Accreditation: @dannykmusic

I'm Addicted To Reality TV

So for a while now I've been wanting to share my addiction with you guys. Yep I'm addicted to reality TV. I know alot of people may think that this is so weird but those of you who do know me will know that I love to see what my favourite celebs are up to.

I cannot wait to get home from a hectic day at the office (and believe me of late it has been really bad) and just binge watch mindless reality tv. So what if everything isn't the truth, who cares? As long as I get my daily dose I feel like I'm human again (and not that little hamster running on the wheel aimlessly, that I picture myself to be). Hell I feel like I'm the 7th missing Kardashian sister (Yep Jenners included.)

My current new obsession is Love and Hip Hop Hollywood. It has been so awesome watching our B2K boys all grown up, being men that are in love and daddies that would do anything for their families. (You go Fizz and Omarion). Ray J is also all grown up but still keeps the laughs coming. And the woman!!! From the way they look, to the way they conduct themselves is amazeballs. And since here in South Africa where we are a whole year behind, I just finished Season 2. And my was I surprised to see my boy Richie Dollarz on this Love and Hip Hop. (You all know him from LHHNY.) And Mr D almost put a ring on it!!!!

And please don't get me started on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Ms Nene Leakes is my all time queen of the housewives. Say what you want about her but she sure knows how to get those coins!!! I never knew (until I watched this show) that Kandi Buruss is one of the greatest songwriters of our generations. (Hey Kandi can we get some more hits please!!!)

Ohhh and what about Basketball Wives? I'm just getting super excited mentioning it. I've been siting and waiting patiently for it to return. I was so happy when on last season The Boss Miss Shaunie O'Neal returned and towards the end brought my girl Tami Roman. I have never seen a realer chick than her, ever!!! She tells it like it is and don't give a damn. It also kinda made me miss my chicka Evelyn Lozada (even though she made a very brief cameo.) Is it too much to ask for the original cast to come back? Pretty please Shaunie....

Can you see how off a tangent I go? I can go on and on about all my favourite reality tv shows but I don't want to bore you too much. But you should check them out when you can.

Anyone else a reality tv addict? Tell me what your favourites are in the comments section.

XOXO T

Too many celeb handles to mention but do follow them on twitter, instagram, facebook and snapchat

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Book Club Corner - Sheila O'Flanagan - Yours Faithfully

It seems all my new posts are starting with...it's been a minute (lol). Well now it seems like 2. Its amazing how time flies when you have a million and one things going on. I have been so busy lately both professionally and especially personally (what with my new found role of step-mom). But luckily I have found a few spare moments to read. (Even though its like a chapter a day or a few pages a day.) Hell the librarian even asked me where I had been!

The book I'm reviewing today I had actually read before, but did not finish. (So sad). But I finally got to read it again cover to cover and boy what an amazing read!!! You guys are just NOT going to believe this story line.

So there are these 2 woman Sally and Iona who are both happily married. Sally has been married for 17 years and has a daughter, while Iona has been married for 4 years and is now ready to start a family.

Sally's husband has his own company and travels alot for work. So, often he is not home. On this particular day however, he is due back home after being away for some time, and Sally finds out that she is now pregnant.

Ion's husband also has his own company and travels alot for work.

Frank Harper is business man who likes to have a hands on approach and is therefore always on the road. On this particular day he is headed back home after being away for some time, however ends up getting a flat tire. After changing the tire,he decides to stop at a nearby pub to wash off before hitting the road again. Unfortunately as he does this disaster strikes and he is left injured and in a coma.

2 different woman, with 2 seperate lives are now contacted by the police and are being told that their husband Frank Harper has been injured.

Yep ladies and gentlemen Frank is married to both Sally and Iona....and this is when reality really hits home.

I will not spoil the fun by giving you all the details. You just have to go and get the book to see how the story ends. And trust me its nothing like what you imagine.

XOXO T

*Accreditation: http://sheilaoflanagan.com/book/yours-faithfully/

Happy Birthday to Me (An open letter from me to...me)

So guys its that time of the year again (my favourite day ever), my birthday.

I've always loved my birthday (I mean who doesn't?) It's a whole day dedicated to...well me. I love all the attention and prezzies that come with it. And although for the past 18 years it has always been bitter sweet (because my dad's birthday is 2 days before mine) I still love it.

But this year, for some reason, I have all of a sudden felt the need to reflect. (I guess that comes with aging.) So I found myself thinking of myself 10 years ago, and I wondered what Tasmin of then would say to Tasmin of now... And here I sit writing an open letter to myself....

"Dear Tas,

What's up girl? My how you've grown and changed so much! I am so proud of the woman that you have become. Though who would've guessed we'd end up here? Remember on our 18th birthday how excited we were? We were going to conquer the world. Hell we were going to take over the world!!

Guess things don't always go as planned.

But look at you now, all settled down and what not.

Wow you're a mom now. Who would've thought that party girl, would one day be somebody's mother? And a good one at that!!

And you're a wife?! Well we really never saw that one coming. And still going strong, hats off to you girl. Especially in this world where marraige is not something people strive for any more. You have proved everyone wrong and are doing such a phenomenal job at it too. You go girl!!!

I know that you always believed that friends were such a big part of what made you who you were, but I'm so proud that you have learned that it is not the amount of friends that matter but the one's that are truly there for you (even if you can only count them on one hand.)

I know you've been through a hell of rough ride over the past few years, but look at you handling it like a pro. I always knew you were like a cat, and would always land on your feet no matter what life through at you.

I know you still have some many hopes and dreams (that was always us, head in the clouds, wanting more and striving for more.) Keep at it. Your dreams have always come true, even if it didn't happen at the time you wanted to.

Don't feel sad about getting older. Embrace it. 18 year old Tas didn't even know half the things you do now. (Even if she thought she did.)

Keep embracing life. Try new things, meet new people and explore new avenues. You never know what's waiting behind a close door, unless you open it and see.

I am super proud of where we are today and I just know in another 10 years time we'll look back at this and be even more proud of where we at and what we've done."


XOXO, T

My C-Section Story

So April is C-Section Awareness month, so I thought I would share my C-Section story.

Never in a million years did I think I would have a C-Section. I did all the research I needed in order to have a normal, natural birth. Hell I even listened to as many horror stories as I could, from every woman that I knew who had given natural birrh, just so that I could some way prepare myself mentally for the journey.

But funny no-one ever mentioned C-Section, no-one. So for me it wasn't even an option, it didn't even feature. But a whole 4 weeks before my due-date, due to me getting very upset at work, my placenta ruptured. But still I didn't think that I would have my baby. I had no pain, just a whole lot of blood loss. Yet I still kept my cool. I just thought that I'd go to hospital, they would somehow stop the bleeding and I would be on my way home.

But boy was I in for a rude awakening. The minute I heard the words C-Section I started flipping. But I had to get myself together real fast. I had a baby coming, who I wasn't even completely ready for. The clothes weren't ready, the crib wasn't put up, nothing.  Hell I hadn't even packed a bag yet. I mean I still had 4 weeks to prepare. But as soon as I realized that this was really happening here and now, I just pulled myself towards myself and found one focal point, and focused on that.

I remember hearing how horrible an epidural was, and how long and big the need was but still I persevered. And then I could feel them touching my stomach and I nearly flipped again. I was like "I can still feel everything." But the doctors assured me that although I would feel pressure, I wouldn't feel pain. You know me with my over-active imagination, I was just picturing in my head (because of course you can't see anything) what was going on.

All the while I was holding my breath, waiting for that sound that would tell me everything was alright. And then it happened.... My son came into the world and let out the most beautiful sound I had ever heard, he cried. And all of a sudden I started crying (yes, just like you see in the movies).

I was overwhelmed by a feeling of gratitude. And then I was overwhelmed by a feeling of fear (I mean I was officially the mother of a living, breathing human being). This tiny person would be wholly dependent on me. What did I know about being a mother?

Fast forward to the next day and I remember my mom's words of advise. Walk as soon as you can so that you can leave quicker. So that's what I did. I walked ALOT. (as painful as it was I did it) And I remember thinking I'm going to be out of here in no time, and back at home with my husband's help and mom's help.

Again my excitement was short lived. Due to having lost so much blood I had to have a blood transfusion. I remember watching woman come and have their babies and leave and there I still was. 4 days after giving birth I was finally allowed to go home and a week later I had my staples removed.

I think only after that did I realise how serious of an operation a C-Section actually is. Because it is just that, an operation, which comes with its' own set of complications as well.

I am just grateful that everything went off well. But looking back even today (as the mother of an almost 6 year old) I would still have chosen to given natural birth if I could.

Hopefully next time around that is the route I can take because I am totally all for VBAC (vaginal birth after C-Section.)

So ladies do as much research as you can on both forms of delivery and then make your choice based on the pro's and con's.

XOXO T.

*Accreditation: http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/cesareanawarenessmonth.html