SAFARI FMCG write-up

I haven't blogged in a while BUT

I'm getting tired of starting my posts with "soooo... I haven't blogged in a while, but..." because really, the whole reason I haven't blogged in a while is that I've been trying to think of an excuse for why I haven't blogged in a while. Not a good excuse, but a brilliant excuse. The excuse of all excuses that would make me look like a freaking saint. An excuse so awesome, that they name a Spongebob character after me. Or a clam. I'm not fussy. Anyway, this is what I've come up with so far:

• I haven't blogged in a while because Bunny the cat stole my PC mouse and sold it for cat nip on the Black Cat market.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I've been working on a cure for Bunny the cat's ADHD.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I've been trying to figure out what the H in ADHD stands for.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I then figured out that maybe I have ADHD. Or ADD...? I also like avo on toast because it tastes really really good, and my fingers look funny.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I've been feeling guilty about not blogging in a while.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I sold my dictionary for electricity money, because you can't blog without electricity. It's just basic math.  

• I haven't blogged in a while because the super secret service called me up to write for their super secret blog about super secret secret service stuff.

• I haven't blogged in a while because I've been spending my free hours volunteering at the office in exchange for money and cheese sandwiches.

But seriously now - tomorrow, I WILL blog.

It's the season to panic and freak out

No, no, Tea Tippler, dear - it's already here! *face palm.

This morning I finally had to make peace with the fact that it's no longer October and that I have some serious catching up to do in terms of holiday spirit. I have not bought a single gift, haven't given a single thought to what my "special dish" for the family dinner will be and apparently, from what I've been told, I volunteered to do the table decor. In fact, I'm so unprepared this year that I'm literally waiting for the Ghost of Christmas Past to jump out from behind a lamp post and shout, "Doom on you! Doom on you!"

So, today's post is really more for my benefit than yours - selfish, I know. Seeing as every single shop is a battlefield this time of year (angry shoppers demanding more minced pies, shop assistants crying in the fresh produce section, screaming toddlers slinging milk bottles against the baking shelf because there's no more Ultra Mel), I've decided to rely on my freaking awesome DIY skills (subtext: Pinterest, help!) Nobody sprained any brain muscles there, is what you're probably thinking. But hopefully all of you who find yourself in the same predicament as me will be able to draw a little inspiration from this mixing bowl of prettiness! Happy Holidays!

 

 

 For picture references, check out my Pinterest boards here.

Bruilof: Episode 13 - The Honeymoon

As I mentioned before, I scripted for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's the final insert on the honeymoon that was shot at the magnificent Tintswalo Lodge in Houtbay, South Africa.

Bruilof: Episode 12 - Flowers

As I mentioned before, I scripted for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's an insert on flowers and centre pieces by Flowers in the Foyer.

Bruilof: Episode 11 - The Menu

As I mentioned before, I scripted for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's an insert on the food and menu by Two Chefs.

Bruilof: Episode 10 - The Floor Plan

As I mentioned before, I scripted for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's an insert on the floor plan by Willem Jansen.

Bruilof: Episode 9 - Suits

As I mentioned before, I scripted for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's an insert on wedding suits by fashion designer Ruald Rheeder.

Bruilof: Episode 8 - Jewellery

As I mentioned before, I'm scripting for an Afrikaans TV series called Bruilof. Here's an insert on wedding jewellery by FreeRange Jewels.

Apostrophes have rights too

I don't consider myself to have OCD. I love the way a skew painting makes me feel like the whole world is tilted, I can't say I mind too much for nails scraping a black board and I don't particularly get my earlobes in a twist when Mr X rocks brown shoes with black pants. But if there's one thing that really steams my kidneys, it's wrong use of the apostrophe. I'd be lying if I said I haven't typed quite a few snide comments under Facebook statuses in my day, even though I've never had the heart to actually post it.

Now, Ghandi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Well, Mr Ghandi, I really want the world to use the apostrophe correctly, so this is me being the change...

Starting with baby steps:

it's vs its 

Now if you're reading this and feeling like...

 

...fear not, fair lady or fiery lad. Once you've grasped that first straw, you'll see it's really not such a scary concept. The first and most basic rule of thumb is (in the words of Shakespeare I think...? I stand corrected): "Dude, you can't just leave out letters and not replace it with something." If you're chucking out letters, the least you can do for those poor mutilated words is to chuck in an apostrophe. This means:

• it is = it is = it's
• it has = it has = it's

So, when you're (you are) writing a sentence and not sure whether to use its or it's, simply ask yourself: Will the sentence still make sense if I use "it is" or "it has" instead?

• If the answer is YES, use it's. 
• If the answer is NO, use its.

Of course, it gets a little more complex down the line - grammar has (it is...? nah) its fair share of mountains to climb, but for now it's (it is) really as simple as that.

No hard feelings...?