Oh, don’t get me wrong my life is far from perfect BUT I’m happy – stressed BUT happy.

I grew up in a home with two siblings. My late brother and I never really saw eye to eye BUT I’ve made peace with it and I have a great understanding why. Many times I’ve tried to blog about him but I’m just not ready yet.

My sister who is the youngest has grown up into a beautiful woman. She is a phenominal aunty to my 3 beautiful children, making every effort to be apart of their lives.

I often wish I looked like her, have her sexy body BUT I had my chance. When I was younger I was a sexy chick. Yip, I was the perfect size 8. Now, lol I’m the perfect size 12 with a mommy figure. My hubby still thinks I’m sexy

My mom and dad have supported me through so much. I’ve mentioned it so many times before how they would give us their last penny. I could not have asked for better parents. They are honest people with so much integrity.
I’ve taken quite a few risks in my life. Started my own model agency at the tender age of 22. I lived in the limelight and it is no secret I loved it.

At the tender age of 21 I backpacked through Europe and I have so many fond memories. I hope that one day my children will travel too.

I left for the USA when I was 27 to be an au pair. I met the most amazing people and once again I travelled. This was a tough year for me but damn I have fond memories.

I’ve broken hearts and have had my heart broken too. I’ve dated some douche bags but hey I came to my senses.

I married Joshuas father but the marriage ended before it started.

In 2005 I met my husband. Now everyone knows what an awesome man he is. He is a beautiful man, a true gem.

I am forever grateful that we crossed paths. I believe that we were made for each other. Soul Mates!

I’ve given birth naturally three times and I have 3 beautiful children. I’m a good mom but I make mistakes.

Tranquil Body Treats was opened 2 years ago and its no secret how I feel about my business.

I don’t have many friends but the ones I do have play a very important role in my life. I recently reunited with my friend Ali and I’m over the moon. Lucky to be given a second chance.

I hate the sound of the heart machine in hospitals, especially when I hear the beeeeeeeeep sound. I’ve  watched my brother and my ex father in law take their last breath. I miss them both dearly.

I celebrated my 40th on Saturday. Everyone had a ball. It was a small party, with only a few friends that mean the world to me and play a very special part in my life.

A special thanks to my mom, sister and dad for making the day extra special for me. My mom went all out, she made a fuss about everything from the cake to the spit braai even the champagne. Thank you mom I love you more and more each day XX

I believe I’m all grown up now and I am ready to take on the world.

Robert my later brother

My sister Desiree and Logi Bear

My dad and Logi Bear

My cousin Chantal, one of my ex models

My beautiful handsome boy, Joshua

The happy couple @fairygirlza and @baldy_za

My beautiful Abigail

Ali, Me, Des and Cindz

My most beautiful and awesome mom

I recently had my soul cleansed and freed from all negative energy.

It seems that I was losing my way. I’ve been given an awesome talent and I was abusing and neglecting it. I was focusing on the wrong people and the wrong things.

Fortunately, the universe has once again given me a chance to make it right. My passion has returned and I’m excited for what the future holds. I will continue to heal people through my products, give them the opportunity to unwind, relax and cherish.

I will teach them to care for those around them and for themselves. I aim to help people care for their beautiful bodies that they have been blessed with. It is such a blessing to be given a talent that makes others feel good about themselves. I love what I do!

Last month I had a serious wake up call. I was hospitalized because of suspect TIA.

Thankfully it was just stress. I was lucky this time round. My body started sending me signals to slow down and take it easy.

I have had to re look at my life and what’s important to me.

First and foremost my family and then my business.

I don’t want my children to grow up without their mommy.

Stress is a killer. A lot of my stress was self inflicted and could have easily been avoided if only I had stopped, slowed down and listened.

Listened to my body, my children, my husband and my intuition.

Please don’t allow stress to destroy you or your precious family.

I’ve been given a second chance and I’m grabbing it with  two grateful hands.

Our mornings run smoothly there is no fighting or arguing. Barend and the kids are usually out of the door by 7:00 am.

I usually climb back into bed and read until 7:30 am.

Between 7:30 and 9:00 am, I do all of my admin, email,  TBT blog posts, specials, data capturing etc.

At 9:00 am my staff arrive and that is usually when production starts. I make all of the products, while Onius decants and labels (i don’t like labeling). In between production I  try and see my existing and prospective clients.

I fetch the kids around 2:00 ish drop them off at home and then I report back to the factory to continue the days work.

Joshua has cricket on a Monday and Tuesday so the kids are only picked up around 3:00.

Wednesday the girls have swimming and after their lesson Joshua has dancing. We usually arrive home around 6:30 pm. Barend and I take turns taking the girls or Josh.

Barend and I also take turns to cook. I have to admit that he does most of the cooking.

I try and visit our shop at Life Style at least 3 times a week, to check stock etc.

Our Saturday’s are usually spent catching up with friends and family.

At the mo my Sundays start as early as 6:30 am. I pack the car and head off to Rosebank Rooftop Market. Marty and I set up and I return again at 5:00 pm to pack-up and take Marty home. I get home around 6:30 pm.

Once a month I work at our shop at Life Style to give Neo some time off.

In between all of this I find time to read, play with my kids and have a glass or two or three of vino;)

What does your schedule look like?

Life in general is good.

I hit a bit of a wobbly about two / three weeks ago. I decided to change my PND tabs and oi it was hectic!! BUT I’m on new meds and shite this stuff is good:)

Abigail celebrated her 3rd birthday and I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. Logi Bear started baby school and to be honest she isn’t really a happy camper, she is very much a mommies girl and I think she prefers to be home with me. Joshua is in grade 5 and actually loving school. He starts hip hop dance lessons this week and I can’t wait to see him in action. He has rhythm and I know he gets it from me.

I gained so much weight over the December hols, a little depressing but I’m once again trying to lose it. I’ve decided to just cut out on a few things like bread, coffee and vino. In all honesty I’m not doing too well with the vino. Its easy during the week but come weekends it really difficult to sit at a braai and sip on water while your friends enjoy their glass of red.

Business, well I am not even sure where to start. There is so much going on at the mo. I’d like to reveal all but I don’t want to spoil the fun and or jinx anything. All I can say is that we are hectically busy and I’m loving it. One thing I will say is we are hoping to be “certified organic” by the end of the year.

Baldy and I are good. He has been so supportive with my mood swings (meds), weight gain (moods) and business (stress). He has put his foot down because as much as I said I’d spend more time with the kids and him it seems I was still spending too much time in the factory. I have to knock off at 5 sharp!

Logi Bear has taken some strain because I’ve been working long hours, I guess that’s why hubs said NO more! I’m not angry, in fact I’m grateful because I need him to steer me into direction at times.

Having my sister work with me has really been awesome, I’m very blessed. She is one smart cookie.

I’m going to try and catch up on blog reading this week and as usual when I read a post I leave a message:)

Lovies

Leigh

As I start typing this post I wonder if I will have more highs than lows.

I’m certainly hoping so.

Financially, it was very challenging. As our business started to grow so did our expenses. Cash flow is no joke.

The opening of our two franchised stores was definitely one of my highlights.

Losing a few kilograms made me feel good, but I am nowhere near my goal weight. It is definitely on top of my priority list for 2012.

Joshua received an award for mathematics and I am soo proud of him. I’d love to take the credit but I’m no maths boff .

Ending a friendship with one of my closest and dearest friends, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

Attending my friend Hilary’s wedding was my happiest and most memorable celebration.

Watching a friend of mine say goodbye to her 13 year old son (hit and run), was definitely one of the saddest days for me.

Having my sister move back to Jo’burg has been awesome.

Dealing with PTS and PND has been quite the challenge but I managed it well.

Letting go of past relationships that were manipulative and abusive set me free.

Learning to set boundaries has got to be the best thing I did in 2011. A lot of people have not coped well with the change, but it all honesty it wasn’t about them but about me.

Not spending enough time with my hubby really saddened me. I’ve been so focused on Tranquil Body Treats that I’ve neglected him and my children. This is something that will change in 2012.

I never put my all into our salon and spa range but I’ll be starting with a BANG in 2012.

Making new friends (twitter) has been awesome!

Reuniting with two of my friends (Misch and Linkie) has been wonderful.

One of the most difficult decisions I made, was to have the endometrial  ablation. This meant no more babies for hubby and I.

Experiencing spinal fluid leakage, was the most painful experience ever, I thought I was going to die.

Looking back, I guess 2011 was not all that bad but I’m glad its over and I am so looking forward to 2012.

I feel it in my toes that 2012 is going to be a year of love, happiness, laughter and peace.

Anyhoo, enjoy the read. (sometimes its nice to know the ins and outs)

Lovies

xoxox

Leigh

Barend, Josh and I went out for dinner. The food was delicious and the wine good too.

The girls were spending the night with my sister and folks.

Saturday we had an early start. Headed to the venue and started to setup. At first the sales were slow, but picked up quickly.

We watched a good few games of squash. The final was awesome. TBT donated some prizes.

Soon after the last game we packed up and moved on over to the members bar. This is where the fun began.

The conversation was flowing and the drinks too. Everyone was merry.

I can’t remember when last I had so much fun.

We all moved on to a braai hosted by one of the members.

The alcohol continued to flow and then the shooters started. I’m not a huge fan of shooters but the “melk terts” are to die for.

We really had a good time. Met new amazing people.

Sunday hubby set off to 94.7 while Josh and I drove to V town to fetch the girls. They were so excited to see me, gave me the biggest hugs. Nothing better than the feeling of tiny little arms wrapped around your neck.

After a yummy chicken roast we headed back home. I always hate the drive home it feels like hours on the road.

All in all we had a wonderful weekend, that was much needed.

On Sunday we launched our Limited Edition Christmas Range at our shop at Life Style. It was a small gathering of friends, clients and family.

A few pics of the event.

Abigail - our little butterfly

Logan our other butterfly

Our beautiful Busi - Shop Manager

Tweety Pies catching up

Celebrating Busi Birthday

This past month has been very stressful.

As most of you know we launched our new containers (super excited), but I was let down by our supplier in a big way.  Needless to say it has set me back quite a few pennies. Running a business is no joke, it is definitely not for sissy’s.

I’m feeling very sorry for myself at the mo. My emotions are flying high, as in sky high.

I cannot wait for the 16th of December so that I can switch off, close the factory and take a much needed break.  Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love what I do but I’m finding it very difficult to juggle family, exams, launches, expo’s and keep clients happy.

We are going away in December for a good few days. Our first trip away from home over the festive season, I am soooo looking forward to it. We’ll be having Christmas in Cape Town with my folks, my sister and her boyfriend. My mom has booked us into a resort in Langebaan.

We are having our last Tranquil Body Treats launch this weekend and I’m looking forward to mingling with my clients, twitter friends and family. Of course I’m going to have a glass of vino or 2 or 3.

The next couple of weeks we are going to be very busy, preparing for the Mamma Magic Baby Expo. I’m looking forward to the expo, but not so much to the preparation.

I have really neglected my family this past month, especially my husband and Joshua. I’ve grown horns and long finger nails, I’ve become quite the CAT with an ..itch (capital B) and no doubt they have felt it. I have no idea how to make it up to them – thinking about it makes me cry. Sorry, just doesn’t seem to be enough. They are both so forgiving – how did I ever get this lucky.