Travels. Theories. Thoughts.

My husband and I have just returned from the Alpha weekend away. I must be very honest and say that initially we were in two minds about attending Alpha as we've both been Christians for most of our lives and we understood Alpha to be all about the basics of Christianity. How wrong we were - it's that and sooooo much more! Yes, the lessons are all about the fundamental principles of Christianity and serve as a great reminder to those who have been Christians for many years. But it's also about answering tough questions, connecting with people, exploring the meaning of life...  The part that has really blown us away is the unexpected yet amazing relationships and friendships that have forged within our group.  Our group Facilitator (middle) had the awesome privilege of baptising two ladies in our group -- in the sea! How amazing! So if you're anything like the rest of us, regardless of where you are in your walk with God, you have questions... Alph...

So we're making headway and the cottage is coming along nicely. We've painted it inside, moved in the furniture and have managed to get everything on the inside ready for guests. We're now busy painting the outside and working on the garden and fence. It certainly needs a complete make-over to create privacy and a space to relax, unwind from the hectic pressure of being at the beach all day { :) } and have a braai. I've been trawling through Pinterest for some inspiration (what did we do before Pinterest!!!). Here are my three favourite pics: We are now also looking at different types of fences to create more privacy and block off the view of the neighbours wooden hut! T he back garden which is in DESPERATE need of a make-over! So watch this space as we improve on the look of the Leigh's Cottage . Love Leigh xoxo

After living in our current home for over 2 years, my long-suffering husband has finally conceded to converting the "Granny flat" into a self catering unit!! I know all about the pros & cons of getting into this type of business as my Dad & step-mom run 2 self-catering cottages on their property. But the way I look at it: we're sitting on an income generator that's just sitting there, only being utilized when out-of-town family and friends are visiting! So now that the decision has been made, we've started the "prep" process which really only includes a lick of paint, cupboards to be emptied and furniture to be moved around! Choosing the colour palette has been the most fun so far. I'll post regular updates as the cottage starts taking shape. Leigh xoxo

The time has come. Trials are upon us, or more specifically, Trial examinations are upon Ashleigh-Jade and thousands of other Matric learners. After 14 years  (2 years kindergarten and 12 years of school) in the structured security of a school system, I'm finding it hard to believe that it is now time for my baby girl to put all that knowledge to the test in what is known nationally as Trials...  In the lead up to Trials, there have been countless countdowns, study timetables, healthy eating plans, vitamins swallowed, as well as stress attacks, pimple outbreaks, nerves on edge and everything else that goes with pre-exam stress...  So to encourage Ashleigh-Jade and all her school mates facing these dreaded Trial exams, I thought I'd put a few pointers together:  RIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM: Get a good night's sleep.   In my opinion, this is the golden rule by far! A rested brain will mean you can think more clearly, remember things more accurately, ...

DRANKENSBERG - JULY 2011 Just like nature needs all four seasons, so, I believe, do we! Each and every season has a purpose and is required before we can move on to the next season. Durban has had a particularly cold winter this year with many Facebook statuses dedicated to the desperate desire for Winter to be over!! I must admit, though, that I've quite enjoyed winter this year! There are several benefits of going through a cold (& relatively long) Winter... Here are some of my personal favourites: - I get to finally wear a jersey/jumper/sweater - I might even get to wear a jacket / coat and scarf - I get to snuggle under a blankie, watch DVDs and drink hot chocolate without feeling guilty! - No mosquitos / bugs / flys Now that's all about the weather... In terms of a personal Winter season, believe it or not, but the benefits are there too. It's through our darkest days (long wintery nights) that we learn and grow. Our community was rattled recently a...

One of the many benefits of being self-employed, I am slowly realizing, is the fact that I have many more "stolen moment" opportunities with my daughter. I have more flexibility now so I can drive her to school during exam time, pop in to the local coffee shop for a 'cuppa and a natter', and generally connect a lot more with her. This is not to say that we didn't connect when I was employed full-time, it's just that the pressure is off and the pace is now a little different {for now anyway:) }. During a recent 'stolen coffee moment', Ash and I were discussing things of the heart and how at a certain age, you imagine how your life is going to turn out. So when you're 12 going on 13, you picture your teenage years a certain way and either look forward to the adventure or not (as is so often the case). And then when you're 17 going on 18, you start imagining what your 'varsity' years are going to be like. And so life goes, always imagi...

I've always loved change. I love the challenge of new things and hate the rut of old. I love the adventure and excitement that comes along with trying something for the first time (like bungee jumping or surfskiing). I have recently entered into a very 'exciting' chapter in my life. A rather important chapter which pretty much impacts on most areas of my life. I quit the security of the corporate world and have resurrected my PR practice, Giraffe Concepts. Adventurous? Yes! Challenging? Big time! Scared? For sure! But, along with all that, I am secure in the knowledge that my footsteps are ordered by God. Before making the "big decision", I prayed and handed it over to God. And after the decision was made I had a comforting peace that I had made the right decision for all the right reasons (and no, seeking adventure wasn't the reason!). All I know is that during this season of change and uncertainty, God has my today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand...