A special shout out to Domestos in helping my marriage vows and their germ busting abilities

Something you may or may not know about me. I had surgery in my abdomen which has resulted in me spending A LOT of time on the loo.

Depending where you are in life the topic of poop is a yay or nay when chatting with friends. If you have children a whole afternoon could be spent discussing poop. Nothing is off limits to moms when discussing their children's poop; the smell, texture and of course the colour.

However, the poop conversation becomes more of a taboo subject between young lovers because nobody poops and that could spoil the image you have of your hunky or sexy partner.

October 9, 20177Comments ByChanene Ablett

Global Citizen

WhatsApp Group Chat: Etiquette 101

I have a love-hate relationship with the different WhatsApp Group Chats that I am part of in my WhatsApp world.

When our Telkom line has been down and with it my link to the outside world, I’ve been on edge ... no really it’s all I can get on my mobile. I mean what else do we use our phones for? Calls? Pfft!

I really have a love hate relationship with all the different chat groups I am part of. Whilst these groups can be a pain I find most of them entertaining. However I also find myself wondering how some people managed to get as far as they have in life. Seriously!

September 29, 201713Comments ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Lifestyle

My Movie Review on “Arrival” and the choice I made to overanalyze (again).

Last weekend the Hubster and I grabbed some popcorn and settled in to watch Arrival.

Arrival stars Amy Adams and Jeremy Remmer who are on an important mission to find out why alien craft have suddenly appeared around the world. As it turns out these pods are trying to communicate and it’s up to the pair to figure out why they arrived on Earth and this needs to be done before war breaks out. I thought this was just another lame sci-fi but it turned out to be so much more.

Do I like to review sci-fi?

I have mixed emotions about sci-fi movies, but when you marry a man who lives for them and requires me to throw a tantrum before we get to watch something girly (which more often than not proves to be a massive disappointment) you have to learn to cope. So what I thought would be the background soundtrack to me working on my Pinterest life, has managed to leave me so deep in thought and reflecting on this whole parenting/adult journey and choices we make.

September 18, 20172Comments ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Lifestyle

The Whale Caller soon to make waves on the big screen!

Zola Maseko’s The Whale Caller, is a fascinating story based on Zakes Mda’s bestselling novel.

It is an enchanting, romantic comedy of sorts, told through lyrical and magical storytelling. The film is set against the backdrop of the stunningly beautiful Hermanus, on the West Coast of South Africa. The story follows The Whale Caller (Sello Maake ka-Ncube), a man who has long turned his back on humanity. It’s a heart -warming tale about his journey from misanthropic alienation to human connection, driven by a unique love triangle between him and Saluni (Amrain Ismail-Essop), the wispy sexy town drunk who harbours ideas of grandeur, and Sharisha, a southern right whale.

September 13, 20170Comments ByChanene Ablett

Health & Wellness

The Great Kale Experiment

Why Kale? I love cooking and trying new foods, sometimes to the detriment of my family and friends. I think my palette is different and it does not like to be bored. My palette is its own entity controlled by weird and wonderful tastes and emotions. One could say my palette is an acquired taste. I have decided that, besides my fascination with all things trending in food, my palette is making me a bit of a foodie outcast.

On advice I am going to start with the basics again instead of going straight to making kimchi. Firstly, because not a lot is known about this superfood and then to top it off I do not have many taste testers knocking down my door. So maybe I need to start with more basic South African ingredients and experience that first. I do find myself drawing the line at “walkie talkies” I know what they are but have no desire to cross that road.

August 25, 20177Comments ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Global Citizen Lifestyle

I am woman, hear me roar! Why I applaud women

Honestly before now, Women’s day was just another public holiday in my books.

It is only as I have “matured” and undertaken the task of studying, specifically anthropology, this late in life that I realise that I have not taken the time to acknowledge why we have a day specifically dedicated to being a woman, especially here in South Africa.

I am a lucky woman

I am lucky, I have been born into a time where I have a right to vote and the opportunity to study and be anything I want to be. A privilege still denied to many.

A mom to future women

As a mom, I hope to let my girls know that the sky isn’t even the limit. That they can be whatever they want to be and that they have a right. In our last conversation, my eldest was going to be an astronaut who does hair. And that is awesome! I was proud. Well only until she told me there would be no space in the rocket ship for me, but she was quick to quip that she still loves me.

August 3, 20171Comment ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Fun Family Life Health & Wellness

How To Survive Winter On The Side Of A Sports Field

Today I had the honour of speaking to a “seasoned’’ sports mom. All the men in her life (husband included) play sport while she freezes her butt off on the sideline. How does one make this just a little bit more bearable?

I had to ask her.

Is it possible, and if so how do you survive winter on the side of a sports field?

Fear not moms, supportive girlfriends, fiancé’s, wives and even husbands and dads. I am here to help you! It’s not very complicated and I do like to help. How can I, a mere newbie to the “supportive” scene help?

June 19, 201717Comments ByChanene Ablett

Parenting

Is there life after “mommy”? No really is there?!

Is there life after “mommy”? Well, It actually really boils down to who is asking the question.

If young teenagers or girls in their twenties are asking, well then the answer is a simple “NO”! No there is no life; they suck all that is nice out of your persona. Zombies are friendlier. Run young one, run! My advice – go out, get your heart broken, make friends that you are able to be crazy and scary with. Friends you can just have fun with. Have fun. Establish who you are and what is important in your life. You are allowed to be selfishly indulgent at this stage in your life. Find you.

May 24, 201720Comments ByChanene Ablett

Parenting

Mother’s Day: A day to be recognised for ‘our’ awesomeness

Mother ‘verb’ to bring up a child with care and affection. Mother’s Day ‘noun’ celebrated on the second Sunday in May. A day in which motherhood and the influences of mothers in society and families are celebrated. A day to celebrate with cards, flowers and gifts. Mother’s Day ‘T&T’ a day everyone lets mom know how much she is loved and appreciated, as she gathers her snot flickers to get in the car or starts prepping for lunch. She may have had breakfast in bed but needs to go clean the kitchen up.

May 9, 20177Comments ByChanene Ablett

Fun Family Life Health & Wellness Parenting

Reunions, Memories, Traditions, and more Reunions

My mom started a tradition with my brother and me. What's this got to do with reunions? Bear with me. When we hit a big milestone like birthdays or when we look at my kids (in that ah you’re so sweet quietly picking your nose over there way) we play a special “where were you at my age mom” game?

Reunions or Traditions

It’s a lovely game to get a piece of my mom’s life and I think I value it more so. I have a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. At the same age, my mom had an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old. So different, here I am starting school life with Miss K and my mom’s oldest child (that’s me) was leaving on a jet plane to the USA. I challenge you to ask someone older and who you are close with where they were in life at your current age?

April 21, 20172Comments ByChanene Ablett