South African Adventures - Mark's Park

Mark’s Park in Melville was the scene of a local music talent showcase in the middle of June. The Bellas decided that a day of sun and music was a good idea in the middle of winter and after packing the car with blankets, healthy snacks, and parasols, we slathered on sunblock and headed out.

Our usual state of normality

Being a sunny winter day (lol winter in Africa) it was (and are we stressing this enough?) lovely and warm and the atmosphere at the Park was relaxed and friendly. The Bellas proceeded to pick a spot on the grass in the sun before Bubbly Bella grabbed the first round of drinks. Settled in with good food, good company, and good music, the Bellas got down to the serious tasks of photo taking and delayed blog writing.

Bubbly hard at work

One draft down and half way through a script for our first vlog (yes, that’s still pending), we discovered that blogging coherently after a couple of ciders is not the easiest thing in the world. Silliness ensued. It was quickly determined that Brainy Bella can’t pout properly for photographs, with Bubbly taking it upon herself to teach this valuable skill. During the lengthy and well documented process Bossy stole the camera and demonstrated a perfect pout with both Bubbly and Brainy none the wiser.

When failed pouts devolve into silliness

It was at this point that the Bellas noticed the swing set. As previously noted, we enjoy having our lovely bottoms hoisted, and raced to be the first to soar. Bubbly won the race with Brainy a few seconds behind her. Bossy looked on in amusement, casually sauntering over once her smirks had subsided. Only after a young boy and his mother requested time on the swings did the Bellas vacate the area.

Bossy showing us how its done

Michael (Bubbly’s previously blogged about friend) was spotted in the crowd and introductions carried out. Turns out one of his friends is in a local band and he was there to show his support. To avoid any awkwardness post introductions, the Bellas moved inside to enjoy a last set before leaving. Unfortunately, the day was marred when Brainy Bellas cell phone was stolen. After fruitlessly searching for it, even enlisting Michael’s aid, we dejectedly set off for home.

One red parasol

Why yes, we do have matching parasols :)

Of course the parasol should match the outfit

The remains of the festivities having been packed away and the dreaded task of organising a new cell phone begun, the Bellas called an end to the day. Despite the final bad note, the day was (with photos to prove it) one to treasure.

Much love and light

The Bellas

Bellas are getting inked:Part 2

Tattoos have always had certain stereotypes attached to them depending on the society you ask. A friend asked if I was going through a midlife crisis!? In my twenties? I think not. However, I found this reaction very interesting that my tattoos were not seen as a form of artistic self-expression by this particular friend but rather a cry for help.

I have been meaning to get a tattoo for as long as I can remember, I even ventured into a tattoo parlour once with a vague idea of what I wanted, had a long discussion with the tattoo artist who could see that I was not certain and so promptly sent me home to think about it some more.

Years later, I am very glad that artist sent me home because my choice back then would have been one that I would have regretted today. It was impulsive and I had not thought it through.  After all a tattoo is a lifelong commitment and you need to be hundred percent sure about what you want. It’s on your skin for life as a reminder of your brilliance or stupidity.  So the search began for the perfect artwork, a piece I would wear on my canvas and once I’d narrowed down my choices a new search began for the right tattoo artist. This part is as important as finding the artwork - if not more important. So Brainy Bella set a day aside to go look at all the tattoo parlours in our vicinity. We got majorly side-tracked from this task because Bubbly Bella and I decided to do our hair and we took Brainy Bella with us.

However one fateful Sunday we managed to visit Old Ink Tattoo parlour and we met Clive the tattoo artist. I showed him the four different pieces that I had selected and he came up with a great idea that incorporated three of these into one beautiful artwork. Now I just had to decide on the placement. Clive gave me ideas on where I could place each tattoo but ultimately the decision was mine. I took my time with this, starting by watching people with tattoos and having a look at the different placing’s that other people chose for their tattoos. I finally decided on the placing’s for my tattoos and set the appointment with Clive.

On the morning of the 28^th November I made my way to Clive’s Old Ink Tattoo parlour to get my tattoos done. I prepared to be there for the better part of the morning, however to my surprise and to Clive’s delight my skin loves the ink and he was able to make quick yet perfect work of the tattoos. One hour forty five minutes later with one short break, both tattoos were etched on my skin. Clive used both small and large needles to complete the tattoos. I really enjoyed the experience and I especially loved the larger needle as it felt like it glided over my skin. Clive was awesome. So now I’m planning my third tattoo :)

Much Love and Light

Bossy Bella

Bellas are getting Inked! Part 1

It is the general feeling that getting tattooed is a far more accepted and a more common happening than it was even ten years ago, in specific regards to Western civilization. Tattoos are no longer only found on the arms of sailors or veterans, they are an expression of self, of remembrance of experiences: they are art.

As with any art; the appreciation of such is hugely personal. The Bellas have found a certain lack of artistic appreciation from our mothers... this is most unfortunate - however understandable it may be as a result of the very large generation gaps in our families.

Aside from that snag we do hope you enjoy these two accounts Part 1 and Part 2 of us getting our first work done, in two completely different situations, studios and by different artists.

Word from Bubbly Bella:

Being a working girl, I knew that my tattoo could not be put on my forehead. Especially working with children, most school and companies are quite sticky on tattoos; thus I chose the base of my neck for placement, it is easily concealable and it still allows for the addition of the back into the canvas.

Having given a lot of thought to my tattoo (far more than usual for most things) I chose the design of a rose, because I like roses and because it is my lovely mother’s name. Since having the initial work done I have decided to create an entire garden down my back - it will be many more musings and decades in the making.

After the first attempt at sullying my virgin skin was thwarted by ESKOM and their uselessness, we suited up and headed the near 100 odd kilometres out to Boksburg again…..yay!

On the way over I was thinking: “okay, this is a bad idea, its forever, what happens if you get it done and then hate it in 2 and a half days’ time like with your nail polish choices (EVERYTIME)” but I was driving so I had to act cool.


Upon arrival, we chatted to Candi for a few minutes and then palms perspiring, knees knocking, I climbed up onto the table. She applied the outline of my design to the small of my neck and got her needle buzzing. Brainy Bella reminded me that we could go home.

An artsy photo

As Candi worked Brainy Bella tried to get artsy photographs taken for the blog - it is harder than it looks when so many components of your picture are moving.

At first the tattoo application felt like an epilator hair removal session and then after a while it turned into a really awesome deep massage feeling. The shading in of the coloured area was the most painful part of the entire design and because it is only a few centimetres big the whole experience took 20 minutes.


Candi left us with care instructions and well wishes to go to her initial weigh-in of a charity challenge she was doing against a local DJ. (On a side note at the end of that challenge she lost 14kgs - Well done Candi!)

The ensuing weeks of care and scabbing etc. were a fascination at every step, and due to this being a much post-dated blog, I can safely say that it has been nearly 6 months since I last got inked and I am completely in love with my body art still - from the time that needle first touched my skin to now I have never experienced any regret over my decision and I can’t wait to add more to the canvas that is my body.

Much love and light to you all! Bubbly Bella
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

New Experiences - Fete de la Musique

The title for this post, while accurate, doesn't quite convey the entire story (we contemplated Cocktails, Mexican Food, and Cats...)

One of the intersections with a stage.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Johannesburg when the Bellas, their friend Rox and Al (her Argentinian significant other) headed to 7th Street in Melville for the Fete de la Musique. It was the 3rd edition of the music festival and entrance was free (bonus). A portion of 7th Street was blocked off, with two stages set up on the corners of 2nd and 4th Avenues, and performers, bands and DJ's from Madagascar, France, Switzerland, and South Africa.

Rox and Al

The music could be heard all the way from the parking area (a school field down the road) and as the Bossy and Brainy Bellas walked in they were greeted by a street vendor selling Rastafarian goods. The vibe was chilled and the people were very friendly. Some of the patrons drew pictures and wrote messages on the street with chalk of different colours.

Chalk Art!

Two of the Bellas visited the Six Cocktail Bar for a drink while they waited for Bubbly Bella, Rox and Al. It was happy hour between 12 and 4 and the Bellas, feeling a little adventurous, tried out a different drink - the name of which has escaped us (mark this under the dangers of delayed blogging). The cocktail was amazing and the service at this establishment was really good. The Bellas only stayed for one drink however, as the Bubbly Bella and Co. arrived at this juncture.

The Six Cocktail Bar (with the really long happy hour)

The Bellas and Company went to check out this cool store, Kinks, that stocks some racy goodies such as whips, handcuffs, and leather outfits (Ooh kinky) all for the uninhibited at heart and free spirited. As we exited the shop we got a goodbye tap on our lovely bottoms (one lash :D) from the owner. The streets were filled with street vendors and the Bellas scored some cool scarves, a beautiful skirt for Brainy Bella and some cool jewellery, including a ring made from buffalo bone. Unfortunately Bossy Bellas ring broke a few days after she bought it. 

The bustling street (and it got busier)

The Bellas also visited a few shops which were really busy as were all the restaurants. It was then decided to have a late lunch at Café Mexicho. Brainy Bella had heard from a friend that the restaurant made some yummy magheritas and that the food was really good, so we went to check it out for ourselves. Café Mexicho is a Mexican/tavern style restaurant with saloon type doors and wooden furniture. We found some seats near a fireplace and settled in for lunch with our friends. The service was rather slow (understandably as the café was packed) but we placed our orders, including the recommended strawberry and lime magheritas (which received mixed reactions from the Bellas).

Lime and Strawberry Margherita

We then waited for our food for quite some time but we were not disappointed when it finally arrived, Brainy Bella had Nachos Regular, Bossy Bella had Sincronizada, Bubbly Bella had Totopos and Rox and Al had Hamburguesa. All the food was yummy and we left there with happy tummies. We then visited the Bounty Hunters charity shop next door. The shop sells clothes, books, jewellery etc. and shelters the most adorable cats and kittens. The profits made on items sold go towards many different charities, as well as to care for the resident cats.

The Bellas are a bit gaga for cats and we spent a bit of time stroking and loving them then we got some great bargains on some second hand books  (books coming in a close second to the cats :D). The shelter needs homes for the cats and you can even foster the cats for six months and take them back. The day all in all was pretty awesome and the Bellas all fell in love with Melville. If you're ever in the area in Johannesburg, we recommend you check it out.

Much love and light
The Bellas

South African Adventures - International Travellers Part 3 OR Pia, Doors, and Heavy Metal

Sunday the 27th July was a long awaited day - the Bubbly Bella's German sister, Pia, arrived for a visit. The Bellas headed once more to the OR Tambo airport to greet a friend. The Bubbly Bella created letters out of sticky glitter board and we made sure to stand in order (which took some co-ordination). There were tears and smiles at the gate and then it was time to head home for some much deserved rest.

At International Arrivals

In order to celebrate the anniversary of Pia's first arrival in South Africa, it was decided that we would head out for a night of fun on the first Tuesday. The Bellas were quite disappointed but not all too surprised that there wasn't much to do in the beautiful city of Johannesburg on a Tuesday night as we google’d, enquired and pretty much pleaded with the universe to please, please, please lead us to a party.

We had to impress Pia or at the very least, deliver a night out, and Doors in Edenvale seemed to be the only place ‘happening’ thus heavy metal and head banging was the order of the night.  The entry fee was reasonable and there was a discount on the drinks courtesy of student night and in preparation for the serious commencement of the second semester (which to be honest, had started a week or so prior).

The club was filled with students and State Dependency would be playing later in the evening. While we waited to get our Rock on, we ordered some drinks and made a new friend; let's call him Mr Lonely Heart, who needed a temporary haven from a tricky ex-girlfriend situation and saw us as his safe bet. The Bellas welcomed him with open arms.

The party (pixellated for legal reasons)

State Dependency hit the stage and the dance floor came alive with headbangers moving to the music (Have you ever seen an audience head banging? It is a very strange sight to those unused to the scene). Mr Lonely Heart and two of the Bella’s hit the dance floor (the only injury incurred resulted from some vigorous hair swinging on the Bubbly Bella's part). Pia played pool with the Bossy Bella for a while and then caught up with the Bubbly and Brainy Bella on the floor. The band was good from what we know of heavy metal music and they are due to release their first album soon. We can’t say we will be hunting it down but if you are a fan of heavy metal than you should check them out.

The night ended with boerewors rolls from a stand in the parking lot - tended by an American guy who lives in Johannesburg. On the way home the Bossy Bella and Pia decided that Oreo McFlurry's were necessary - we stopped at a McDonalds across the road from The Zone in Rosebank to retrieve them. The ice-cream order was messed up and the extra chocolate sauce was not forthcoming. Having only discovered this disaster after leaving Rosebank we turned to the McDonald's in Craighall where the night was saved - shout out to you, manager of Craighall McDonald's. J

Much love and light,
The Bellas

Internet Dating

From a previous blog (New Experiences – Micheal and the failed tattoo) you are all well aware that the Bella’s are not opposed to some cyber action and internet loving. Meeting someone these days in a supermarket or out on a jog is not that easy anymore. People are suspicious and weary. So after exploring Tinder, Bossy Bella who was not having any luck on Tinder and was finding it rather tedious decided to try some new sites.

However the dilemma came in trying to decide which site to explore and after much deliberation she settled on AfroIntroductions. Bossy Bella set up a profile and not even after minutes she had completed her profile, the first e-mails came flooding through from all different parts of the world, Africa to Europe and USA. Bossy Bella had some interesting initial conversations on the site with some members some being upfront about what they were seeking from the site, sex, nude photos and ‘nothing serious.’ Bossy Bella could appreciate their candidness and it meant she didn’t have to waste a second more than she needed too with them. Bossy don’t roll like that. There were others with some lame pick-up lines that lacked creativity. Tired, effortless nonsense that was so boring you weren’t sure if you should cry or laugh. Then there were others who assumed that flaunting their large bank accounts, pretty titles and private planes would drop panties faster than Flash could run around the world. I guess that worked for them in the past. *shrugs*

Then there were genuinely sweet guys and after a while of conversating both parties realised that they had nothing in common and agreed to be friends. Although that being said it’s not easy to maintain long distance friendships never mind long distance relationships.

Enter Matthaus, Bossy bella and him hit it off and sparks were flying, maybe too many sparks. Weeks went by with Bossy in bliss, talks of visits ensued and plans were made, however as time went on Bossy started to notice that Matthaus might not be as upfront and honest as he claimed. The topping on the cake was how he used his belief to cover up for his mysterious absences, prolonged silences and rudeness. Unfortunately these are the types of encounters that make people weary of internet dating. Posers, scammers are there waiting, you just have to be smart about it. As Bossy tried to figure this all out, the e-mails kept streaming in and she logged onto the site again after weeks of absence and sifted through the electronic advances of potential suitors. Another one caught her eye, well let’s just say distance is not an issue and Matthaus isn’t an issue either. J

Warning: AfroIntroductions is for people who are into Interracial dating, if you are not into that then this site is NOT for you. However there are many varied sites out there, from Christian singles to illicit encounters try one out you never know but be safe.

www.afrointroductions.com 

www.badoo.com

 

www.zoosk.com 

Much love and light

Barefoot Bellas.

South African Adventures - International Travellers Part 2

Remember the tentative plans made with the Christine when she arrived in Johannesburg? Well consider this the sequel.

After a long day at work (Yes, the Bellas have day jobs - blogging doesn't pay the bills hey, but it’s fun) we headed off for an evening on the town. We were super excited about the evening as we hadn't been out at night in a very long while (way too long).

The first order of business for the evening was to rescue the Brainy Bellas car from the panel-beaters where she had been incarcerated for nearly a month (a month to fix a tow bar? Super mechanics hey :/). Once Jezebel was freed from the clutches of the mechanics we headed to a local Portuguese pub and grill for an early dinner and to (sort of) watch the first match of the Fifa World Cup. Cesco's doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside it is warm and welcoming. The prices are reasonable, the service friendly, and the food - oh, the food is absolutely divine. The Bellas whiled away a pleasant hour or two waiting for the Christine to indicate her availability.

We headed off to fetch Christine from her hotel and then we formed our convoy to Sandton Square.
Now Bossy Bella had never been to Sandton Square and she is not really a fan of malls so we expected her not too impressed comments about the place. These appeared as expected - ‘It’s like every other mall’, ‘The stores here are overly priced’ and last but not least ‘it’s too big’ etc., etc.

The Bellas thought they'd watch The Fault in Our Stars but were too late for the showing; so we settled on Milky lane for a catch up session like only we can do it. We had lots of Sundaes and talked, talked, talked to the wee hours of the night. Christine decided that she didn't want the night to end and so we went in search of a club/lounge to dance the last hour of Friday away.

When we eventually found a likely place, we noticed from all the people inside that we were under dressed to get inside the club. Under dressed for a club! Only in Sandton. (Have to start keeping heels and shimmery tops in the boot now).

We headed to the square so Bossy Bella could see the statue of our late President Nelson Mandela - at least it got her nod of approval (She thought it was beautiful and a fitting tribute for the man and legend). We ended the night by heading on home, with the Christine in tow.

The next day the Bellas and the Christine headed off to see Maleficent (yey!!!!! - All of the Bellas have a love of fairy tales). The Bellas were not disappointed at all - it was a spectacular film. Angelina Jolie was simply amazing in her portrayal of Maleficent (the Bellas have minor girl crushes on her, in case you were wondering). The story was captivating and there were many funny moments that made the story splendid.

Maleficent (2014 movie poster)

Spoiler Alert!!!

It was rather amusing when Prince Philip’s kiss of ‘true love’ failed to awaken Aurora. However rather fitting that Maleficent’s kiss did wake Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. It shows true love doesn't always have to be romantic love, it can be love for family members or love between friends.

Oh and the action is quite epic too.

All in all the Bellas loved Maleficent, we love Angelina Jolie, and the Christine is pretty cool too.

Much love and light,
The Bellas