Two Halves Really Can Make You Feel Whole…

How wonderful would it be if you could spend some time with someone important to you and give back to those in need at the same time? I think it is important to live not only for yourself, but to be able to give back to others (be it with time or resources).

I had the opportunity and experience of giving back today, with my friend Kelly. We had the privilege of spending time at a party thrown for the children in the care of Heaven’s Nest in Ottery, which is a temporary home for these children. The ages of these children ranged from just under 2 years old to 8 years old. We had fun on the jumping castle and drew pictures with them when they asked us to (the little ones actually didn’t mind my stick figures with dresses on). It is a lovely feeling being able to see the smiles on their faces and the excitement in their voices.

 

 

It may have only been two hours that Kelly and I spent there, but it made me see that a little bit of time really can make a difference in someone else’s life. This party was thrown by a charity called FOTO (Friends Of The Orphans) which is run by young individuals including a friend that studies with me. You can find more information on FOTO at https://www.facebook.com/foto.charity.

 

                                         The FOTO Team

It really is a fulfilling feeling when one is able to help others and I definitely want to keep doing this in the future. If you would like to know more about giving back then check out my friends blog called The Helping Heart at http://thehelpingheart.wordpress.com. ❤ You can change the world. All you have to do is make a start, share this experience with someone and then share what you learn with others. These are the exact reasons why I chose to suggest this idea to you.

Have a fantastic week.

Natasha ❤

A Cosy Little Corner Called Col’Cacchio…

There are some dates that I’d surely like to forget about – like the one where a guy takes me out to Mugg & Bean, we get coffee and he tells me that they are really expensive (really now?, he wasn’t putting down a deposit for a car), then there was the time where my date brought his friend with us (third wheeling it on a date at Spur is not my thing). These dates took place in my high school days and I am proud to tell you I have moved on to better prospects and found more romantic places to visit.

So, if you are looking for a great night out to a cosy place with someone special, then Col’Cacchio at the Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre in Tygervalley is the perfect place for you.  Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre is an open-air mall that allows you to feel the fresh air and see the stars on a clear night, however the Centre does have underground parking for those winter evenings.

Col’Cacchio has a warm and intimate feel thanks to effect that the lanterns provide. The menu consists of the finest variety of woodfired pizza’s which can be shared by yourself and your favourite. Another great aspect of this restaurant are the Cosmo’s – they are just wonderful – just don’t get so caught up in the moment that it ends up spilling on the table and your hair….. awkward ;).

    

    

The service was amazing, my waiter even gave me extra glazed cherry because they’re my favourite…  And don’t worry if you arrive without making a reservation (although this may be a good idea for weekends) as they will seat you by the bar until a table is available :D.

I really enjoyed this Col’Cacchio, but there are branches located in a range of areas within Cape Town such as Belvedere (milo), Cavendish, Canal Walk and Camps Bay to name just a few.  If you would like to find out more information visit their website at colcacchio.co.za and follow them on twitter @ColCacchio.

Feel free to leave a comment letting me know about any “date disasters” that you have been on in the past?

Have fun.

Natasha ❤

10 things NOT to do on a date:

Here are some tips, suggestions and about what NOT to do on a “real” date. And by real I mean potential candidate for a relatively permanent position in your life – in plain and simple English – someone that you like ;). I would also like to mention that I also did some research by finding out what my friends think should not be done on a date and for the feedback, I am thankful.<3

1.    Don’t be overly emotional (even I know this) 😉

2.    Don’t be clingy. (People do need to breath):P

3.    Watch your voice volume (the only person that needs to hear you is the one you are with)

4.    Please, whatever you do, don’t make the entire time about you. Listening is an important skill.

5.    Let the other person “take the wheel” sometimes. And you could take this literally if you wanted to…

6.    Don’t have a WhatsApp/BBM/Twitter/Facebook/WeChat conversation on your phone (Lavanya Pillay, 2013)

7.    Don’t make too many references to an ex. (Lavanya Pillay, 2013)

8.    Avoid bad table manners (Lavanya Pillay, 2013). Like hugging furniture for example…

9.    Try not to exhaust the career/studies topic (Kelly Payne, 2013). People tend to get bored. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

10. Lastly, don’t overdress for the occasion (Kelly Payne, 2013). See example below.

Most importantly just keep it real, have a wonderful time and don’t be afraid to try something you have never done before.  I do hope that these tips are helpful to you or to someone that you may know (go ahead and spread it).

Feel free to share some of your own “Don’ts” by leaving a comment on this post. I’d love to hear what you have to say.🙂

Natasha ❤

Run away to Avalon Springs for the night…

If you are looking for a stunning get-away for one night, then running away to Avalon Springs in Montagu is just the thing to do. You will find this amazing resort hidden away and surrounded by beautiful mountains. It takes just under 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there (from Cape Town), but the road trip is absolutely worth it.

Things to do during the journey:

– Make a road trip playlist for the car.

– Take lots of photos. (I was lucky enough to see snow on the mountains)

– Stop for breakfast. (At Bodega de Vinho in Robertson)

     

On arrival and after quickly checking-in, a porter will help you take your bags and a golf cart will take you up to your cabin. An unexpectedly thrilling ride that will have you going back for more, trust me haha.

The cabin I stayed in is called a Mountain Chalet and these are equipped with beautiful cherry wood interiors, under floor heating (perfect for warming your legs on too), towel warmers, private braai facilities and almost any kitchen utensil and appliance you could possibly think of AS WELL AS it’s very own private Jacuzzi.

 

You would also have 24 hour access to the hot springs which are naturally pumped from beneath the ground and are accompanied by an absolutely breath-taking view. I found this to be pure magic. For the more active individuals, a water slide called the “Boomslang” would add some extra excitement to the day.

The resort also has its own spa facilities as well as its own bar and restaurant on the premises. Accommodation fees are reasonable so I urge anyone in need of a quick get-away to go and try it. I swear you will come back a new person.

If you would like to know more check out www.avalonsprings.co.za and follow them on twitter @avalonsprngs 🙂

Have fun exploring. 😀

Natasha ❤

Hello. Hey. Yes You… Hi :)

In 1992 my mommy named me Natasha Sharita Coppin, but most people just cut it down to Tasha and the really lazy ones cut it down to Tash… (yes, you know who you are;))

So I’ve just turned 21 recently and I feel as if I may have some interesting tips on places to experience or things to do in and around Cape Town with “someone special”.

By no means is this one of those exclusively lovey dovey blogs. Yes, I do love to love, I admit that I am one of those rainbows, unicorns and cupcakes kinds of people – but I’d like the word “date” to have a broader definition within this space. So basically it could range from going out with a partner or going out with a friend to going out with a grandmother (yes, I do still go out with my grandmother).

I do hope you share some of your amazing experiences/disasters/nuclear explosions with me. I always prefer to go through life laughing and maybe we could all learn a thing or two from each other. Being a student, I would definitely like to throw in some wallet effective ideas for you.

I also plan to live vicariously through my friends at times (so heads up guys ;))…

Well, this is it for now. I have interesting ideas in store for you, so watch this space. 😛

Wishing you love, rainbows and cupcakes.

Tasha ❤