Mobrother... Mosister... Get ready because.... Its time for Movember!!!

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world and women's inputs! The aim of which is to raise vital funds and  awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shave face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Mo Sistas are the women who register to support the men in their lives, raising funds by seeking sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. 

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember. 

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, 

Survivorship, Research

The funds raised in South Africa support the number one and two male specific cancers - prostate and testicular cancer. The funds raised are directed to programmes run directly by 

Movember and our men’s health partner, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). 

Together, these channels work to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programmes in line with our strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

Movember - a global movement

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.9 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, 

Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. In addition, Movember is aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health cause across the globe, from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between.

No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment. 

In 2011, over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world got on board, raising ZAR 949 million. How amazing is that!

Movember and sons vision is:

 

Movember and sons values

Fun
We create fun.

Accountable
We are accountable and transparent. We strive to exceed best practice cost-to-fundraising ratios.

Caring
We are passionate, dedicated, caring people that are here to serve the Movember Community.

Team Movember
Although we are spread across the world we are one team with the same deeper sense of purpose.

Humble
We have a humble attitude and approach to everything we do.

Innovative
Born from an entrepreneurial spirit, we apply innovation across the organisation to improve efficiency and the Mo Bro and Mo Sista experience.

Remarkable Experiences
At every touch point – phone, email, online, in person, at our events we create a remarkable experience.

Outcomes Oriented
We will drive significant outcomes for men’s health from the funds we raise.
 
Movember and sons Goals

Campaign strategic goal
We will get men to grow moustaches by creating an innovative, fun and engaging annual Movember campaign that raises funds and awareness globally.

Strategic goals from the funds raised:

 Survivorship

We will fund survivorship initiatives that provide information and support for men and their families affected by prostate and testicular cancer that helps them make informed decisions and improves their quality of life.

 Awareness and education
Through our annual campaign and funded programs we will significantly increase the understanding of the health risk that men face and encourage men to act on that knowledge.

 Prostate cancer research
We will fund catalytic research and clinical trials infrastructure that leads to significantly improved diagnostic and prognostic tests and treatments to reduce the burden of prostate cancer.

 Influencing change in men's health
We will fund research that helps to inform health policy and knowledge translation that accelerates improved health outcomes for men.

I am registering on Movember as a Mosister so that I can also make a change.

So come on guys... grow that mo, don't be all "macho", get tested and lets help create awareness and make a difference!!

Till we meet again

xxx

Mr Grey… 50 Shades of perfect

So to start of with. I’m not a reader, I do not read, at all!! I bought myself a book when we were waiting at the airport in December and believe me; I have not even finished the first 3 chapters. That’s how much I hate reading, though it seemed fit at the time.

Well, for some or other reason, I have found a liking in reading. My first ever trilogy books. Ok, not for some or another reason, I know the reason very well (I blush). Maybe because of the hype behind the book, or because the hot guy in it (in my mind off course), maybe because of the naughty part or maybe just maybe because of a man called Mr Christian Grey, yes definitely because of Mr Christian Grey (I go into daydreaming). Oh how I wish I could climb into this book and live there forever.

Several weeks ago, I received facebook notifications, news releases and much talk about “Have you heard of the book 50 Shades of Grey? “ So my dearest, I think most of you know what I am talking about and if you don’t, well, jeez… shame on you. Off course I am talking about Fifty shades of Grey.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic novel by British author E. L. James. Set largely in Seattle, it is the first installment in a trilogy that traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business magnate, Christian Grey. It is notable for its explicitly erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practices involving bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism.

The second and third volumes are titled Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, respectively. Fifty Shades of Grey has topped best-seller lists around the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The series has sold 40 million copies worldwide, with book rights having been sold in 37 countries, and set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time.

So I am going to give you a little teaser of the books and what you can expect. So if after this you still don't want to read it.. well just saying that you are missing out...on a lot!

50 Shades of Grey 

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

50 Shades Darker

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. 

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

50 Shades Freed

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Critical reception of the novel has been mixed. Yes, at first I also thought, no this is wrong, on so many levels but I couldn’t stop reading. Christian’s dirty talk made me turn 50 shades of red! Some people will love, other’s will hide their love and some will hate. Well, I am not ashamed to say that I am in “the love” section off course. 

People are literally obsessed. I mean literally and I thought that I was bad. They made themselves charm bracelets and necklaces of these fictional books. That's how crazy people are.

Spanking, wrist cuffs, and dirty talk that’s fit for a porno, that’s what you will find in this book. Much of Grey’s appeal is its Cinderella story—the rich-man-sweeps-innocent-beauty-off-her-feet female fantasy. And as in so many romance novels, beneath the hero’s domineering layer there’s a vulnerability that only the heroine can penetrate, though not without some emotional manipulation.

So here is a few of my favorite quotes from the books.

This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades Darker

Don’t leave me,” he whispers.
“Oh, for crying out loud—no! I am not going to go!” I shout and it’s cathartic. There, I’ve said it. I am not leaving.
“Really?” His eyes widen.
“What can I do to make you understand I will not run? What can I say?”
He gazes at me, revealing his fear and anguish again. He swallows. “There is one thing you can do.”
“What?” I snap.
“Marry me,” he whispers.” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades Darker

“We aim to please Miss Steele” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

“Why don't you like to be touched" Ana whispered, staring up into soft grey eyes.
"Because I'm fifty shades of fucked-up, Anastasia” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

“I'd like to bite that lip.” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

“Are you smirking at me, Mr. Grey?” I ask sweetly. Pompous ass.” 
― E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

This video is definitely in my believe a great trailer to as how the movie will be and off course my choice is Matt Bomer. The hot, gray eyed, smirkish boy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SXqfmeq47Q&feature=player_embedded#!

So please, I beg of you to go and read the book. It will change you, literally change you! For now I think I will not find a book that will compare to this glorious edition, but perhaps I can read it again in a month or so. (I blush)

Sorry but I will have to leave you know. Mr Christian Grey and a glass of wine is awaiting me.

Laters everyone

Till we meet again

xxx

Couple Paint Photoshoot !!

So I’ve wanting to do a photoshoot with my boyfriend for a very long time now. But I didn’t want the normal pose and kiss shoot. I wanted something fun, unique, something beautiful, out of this world and something that we can have forever. I had a few ideas but they were all sooo boring.

I wanted something colourful as well and all of a sudden a light bulb strikes me. What better way to get awesome colour than paint…. SO THEN IT HAPPENED! The idea of a paint photoshoot came to mind. Not knowing how it will work, how it will come out or if it is even possible. Well… let’s just say we made it possible in our own sort of way!!! And how much fun was it, such a cool experience!

So the next step was to look for paint. Normal wet paint was not an option at all, it was too messy and too much to buy. So we decided on normal powder paint. Just add a little bit of water and there you go. You can have photos of normal paint and photos with the powder. We bought about 10 different colours. Your options is limited.

The next step was to choose a photographer that was fun to work with, had great ideas, are a wonderful and loveable person and most of all that is willing to do this photoshoot. This was the easiest choice ever… Astrid Cordier. She is an amazing photographer, very passionate about what she does and sooo much fun to work with. We had an absolute blast!

So I am going to share with you a few photos of this shoot.

As you can see from the images we had the time of our lives, and if I may add.... It was so fun throwing my boyfriend as hard as I can, everywhere!!

I love all these images and can't wait to work with Astrid again. Go and view her amazing images on Facebook! From weddings, babies, couples, engagement shoots and so much more. She is definitely a must when its comes to photography.

Till we meet again

xxx

My life explained in themed parties!!

So I have organized, helped organized or just attended quite a few themed parties in my life, in particular in 2011. As you all know by now, I love these parties and go all out. I’m not going to say much. You can just sit back en enjoy these photos of the parties. 

This was still in school. My first ever theme party. As you can see, we just through something together.

Dressed as guys

Ghosts

My  2 Friend's 21st parties. Hawaiian theme.

 

Your 50's style or Grease

Cowboy

A polka dot theme.

Halloween party

Fairytale

Jerseylicous 21st party

Hippie 21st 

Bollywood 21st

Pirate Party

Rockstars

Around the world theme party

Black and White

Golf theme party

Casino/Las Vegas theme party

So as you can see, I attended quite a few themed parties in my life! I hope to plan a lot more and also go to some more. These are so much fun!

Till we meet again

xxx

Come and get lucky at the Birthday Girls Casino Night!

So it’s been a while since I have planned another theme party. I got the opportunity to organise yet another one just over 2 week ago. It was so much fun and made me only realized more how I love to plan parties and how I have missed it.

This was not an easy task. There were 4 girls that were celebrating their Birthdays in one month and wanted to host their parties together. Great idea? Yes, brilliant. Difficult? Yes, to keep them all 4 happy!

So it all begins with the invite.

I had a few ideas. But this one was the coolest and all the girls agreed on it.

I purchased jumbo playing cards from the coolest cheap theme party shop that we have in Port Elizabeth, Variety. I can almost always find something there for a party. 3 jumbo cards were used to give it that extra ooomp. It would be nice if one could print the details on the cards itself but because I like DIY stuff, I made it myself. So I designed a small playing card to put on each card. 

The 1^st card was the photo of the person whose invite it was. I jazzed it up with cool poker sayings like “Casino Night” and Get Lucky at Rolanda’s Birthday Bash. 

The 2^nd card was the details of the where abouts again with some sayings and a King face placed at the top and bottom of the design. 

The 3^rd card was the finer details and I used a queen at the top and bottom of each design. The designs were then put onto the jumbo cards. It was placed in sequence and put together with a paper clip and there we go.

Some other invite ideas can included a large poker chip with the guests photo in the front and the details at the back. Fake money can also be used with the details on.

The room decoration was just as much fun and we made almost everything ourselves. Poker sets were placed in the middle of the table and the green mats were used as a centrepiece where the sets stood on. Cards, poker chips, dices and money was put all over the table to give that final look. The 4 patterns that you get on a card was cut out and used as table mats, they include the diamond, the heart, the clever and the spade.

The room was decorated all over with cards against the walls, the 4 patterns were placed everywhere, as well as huge dices to give that extra casino look.

For the arrival, I made up a pretty section for each guest to take a photo which included huge playing cards and huge dices. These are nice to keep afterwards to look at the outfits of the guest.

The self made photobooth was as usual a lot of fun. The 4 patterns were again used for the background and the photos came out looking like everyone got a lucky strike at the poker night.

The candy table was a hit. The main colours were black, white and red to match the theme colours. Sweets included strawberries, marshmallows, liquorice, jelly strings, oreo cookies and many more. Cupcakes were plain red and white and I put in some cards to give it that amazing casino look.

The guest also had a ball with the “spinning wheel” as they could spin the wheel to win a price. The wheel was self made and poker chips were used to represent the money. Guests went home with some pretty good prices that included wine, chocolates, poker sets and much more.

So I think everyone had a ball of a time with all these fun Casino games and dressing up. So much more ideas that one can use for such a party. Please feel free to share your ideas.

Till we meet again

xxx