It’s What’s New Wednesday time and this week’s theme is: Some fabulous obsessions! I thought we could celebrate the good stuff this week instead of all the never-ending bad things, because you know what? I’m tired of feeling depressed. I’m tired of complaining. This is my life and I won’t allow anyone or anything—not even the South African government—take away the little I have left.
Monique Snyman is DONE playing nice. 😈
So, I’ve decided that I’m taking control of this damned roller-coaster again, and I’m doing it with style. This is where the “some fabulous obsessions” part comes in … I mean, if I’m going to take over the world, I need a few things: A catchy soundtrack, some great moisturizer, and probably a plan. 😂 I’m still working on the last part, but in the meantime, here are:
Some Fabulous Obsessions
Music
I Prevail is a band I only recently discovered, and each song has a powerful message (some of those songs are more meaningful to me than others, and it’ll be the same for you too, but I think that’s the point on their Trauma album). They make excellent background music for when you’re trying to come up with a plan to better the world.
Amo by Bring me the Horizon has a bit of a science fiction feel to it, but this rock band has captured my attention completely. There’s something incredible about their music that I simply can’t describe (and after exploring some of their older music, I can officially announce they are now one of my favorite bands ever). On the Amo album, the song: “In the Dark” is just out of this world … Seriously, you’ve got to hear it.
Machine Gun Kelly is one of those bands I always feel energized by. I absolutely love their sound, and sometimes it feels just a tiny bit nostalgic … Honestly, this band is getting better the longer they’re on the scene. I’ve had Bloody Valentine on repeat for days to get out of my recent slump (it worked!).
The Dream Your Life Away album by Vance Joy is raw and beautiful and brings a little balance to my soundtrack. This is a great album to chill to, especially if you’re dreaming up plans for the future. And I have plenty of plans. 😉
Valerie Broussard‘s song, “Killer”, is what I’d like to think of as my “sexy song”. I mean, if I’m taking over the world, I want to feel really confident doing it, and I feel uber-hot jamming to the old-school vibes she brings to the table.
Don’t worry, I won’t be a dictator once I rule over this chaotic planet. I like balance in everything I do in life, which is why I will always remain a Libra (don’t come at me with your idiotic thirteenth star sign nonsense—I’m not a Virgo, no matter how hard you try to convince the world). This is why my soundtrack also has Jason Walker‘s song, “One Step Closer”. It’s optimistic and cheerful and after listening to it about a thousand times, everything looks bright and shiny again. There’s a lot of hope in that one, which is why I love it.
#BodyGoals
I’m not into fad diets or losing weight because I like eating and I also made peace with my body a long time ago. That said, I’ve been feeling a little frumpy lately, which is why I decided to get healthy. TRUTH TIME! Exercise does not come naturally to me because … well, I’m lazy (there’s no use tiptoeing around it, I guess). BUT I felt it was time to get off my butt and do something positive before things got out of hand. After all, I can’t take over the world without doing some cardio.
So, here’s another fabulous obsession: I’ve started to work out! Everything hurts (seriously, everything hurts), but I have my motivation and I’m actually using the fantastic tips on Blogilates to help me get started. I also a few friends who’re religious gym-bunnies for some tips and tricks and voila. I have a semi-decent work-out plan. I’m still working on the meal-plan, which is always tricky because—like I said—I’m lazy and I don’t know if I have the strength to make 2 different dinners every night. Still, I’m getting somewhere.
Okay, so if you’re hoping for a “before” photo, you’re out of luck. Sorry (not sorry). That said, my #bodygoal is as follows: I want to look good in a bikini again by December. That’s it. I just want to sit in my inflatable pool in a bikini by December and feel good AF.
I’ll keep everyone updated on my progress as I go. 🙂
Skincare
In the same breath, I need to gush about another fabulous obsession! So, I found the best bloody skincare range EVER and I love everything about it!
Backstory time: Okay, so, in South Africa, we have really dry winters and the summers are hot, humid (at times), and just plain hell on your skin. This means my skin tends to get super dry in winter and I get bad breakouts in summer (because yes, people sweat here and we have pores). To make matters worse, I have super sensitive skin, so I can’t use just anything.
Luckily, I found Sukin Naturals!
Now, I know you’re thinking this is just me getting stuff for free and pimping it to the masses. No. I swear, I’ve not been sent anything in return for talking about my fabulous obsession with Sukin Natural, but I do use these skin products religiously now. I also added their eye serum to my skincare regime, because I needed something to make me look less tired, and BAM! Sukin Naturals is so freaking refreshing and that toning mist is … wow. It smells so good. And if that’s not enough to make you sit up and take notice, these products are vegan and cruelty-free, too!
If you have difficult skin and you need something to brave extreme weather, this is what you need in your life right now.
Exploring the Voortrekker Monument
Husband and I went to the Voortrekker Monument to enjoy a refresher on our history, culture, and language, and just to enjoy some fresh air while we were at it. We had such a good time! Oh my word. It’s been so long since we actually got out of the house that even all those stairs (and there are PLENTY of stairs) turned out to be hella fun.
To those who don’t know what the Voortrekker Monument is: Simply put, the building was finished in 1949 and commemorates the Voortrekkers’ history—their trials and tribulations during the move out of the Cape Colonies during British rule. That means there’s a lot of war history (not only did they get into skirmishes against the tribes they ran into on their trek across the plateau, but they also fought against the British during both Anglo-Boer Wars). Of course, history is never “simple”, but let’s just leave it at that for now.
What I will say is that the little outing left me energized, rejuvenated my lust for life, and frankly, it has been a wonderful motivator. 🙂 I loved every second of exploring this fabulous obsession.
Okay, so that wraps up this What’s New Wednesday post. I know, it’s not what I typically do, but I thought I’d change it up a bit for the sake of keeping things fresh. I need to wrap this one up for now, though, considering I have to take over the world and all that jazz. 😉
I’ll see you all soon!
Monique
