Breakfast at the Blue train

Being in town at insane hours of the morning its hard to actually find a place open that serves breakfast that suits me. Most eating places open at 11am or thereabout. Im not sure if you remember my last post about The Blue train (Which can be read here) where I said I'd give them a second chance?
Well I did. And it was heavenly to say the least.

So my Bud and I headed off because he's really serious when it comes to place having a halaal certificate (like we all should be...but I guess im more open. DONT JUDGE ME!).I was skeptical to go back but oh well. I had nothing to lose.

I still maintain that the space is waaay too cramped for claustrophobic people but since we were there so early we shared the place with 2 other patrons.
The breakfast menu is vast. I think it took us about 10 miuntes to decide what it is we wanted and even when we said we where ready to order...We werent really. Im indecisive. Deal with it!

I opted for the Farmer's Omelette which was made up of 3 eggs, mushrooms, macon, onions, cheddar cheese, tomato and your choice of bread for toast. (Insanely big slices of toast might I add.. I loved that the eggs were so light and fluffy. And the textures really complimented each other well. Also having the cheese ooze out everytime you cut into it saw my happy face. And it was super filling aswell.
And it cost me R55. Well worth it.

 My bud decided to go for the Boss's Breakfast -Like a boss. It included 2 (Big) slices of toast topped with cream cheese, salmon, tomato, onion, Avocado(hmmm my favourite) and chilli. It was rather weird though as he doesn't eat anything raw(sushi hater but hasn't even tried sushi) so I didnt think he'd enjoy it but he did. It was what a breakfast should be. Light and wholesome.

 And Masala Chai is great with any drink in my opinion. (Picture taken from the Glam Locket coz mine got corrupted. Sikes!)

Im keen on trying the Spinacha nd Feta next.

 The great thing was they are open at 8am everyday and its not too busy so you can stick around for a while. Have a cuppa coffee or two and complain about things or rush to get an assignmnet done (story of my life!).
I'd recommend it- The breakfast part.
 Try it and Holla at me.

Smiley Face,

Atlantic Express 1B Regent Road, Church Street, Seapoint

021 4393038

Spur

Spur is our usual place to have get togethers. Whether it be birthdays, celebrations or my parents taking me out to have "A TALK" its somewhere you can go and you have assurance it wont be disappointing. So how rude would it not be if I didn't put Spur on my blog.

Now while I still maintain that The Spur in Claremont is the best I would have to say that Ottery is in the same rank as well (But only because of Yusuf)Hint hint...
There aren't many halal Spurs though. Its Vangate, Claremont, Ottery, and Observatory. (Please correct me if I have forgotten one).

So here goes:

The Nachos I could compare to LaPlaya at the VnA. Its actually really hard choosing between the two as both are equally delish!

Because Garlic Rolls And buffalo wings are part of starters. Duh!

The Cheddar melt steak

Im going to be brutally honest and say I dont remember what this was. But im 50% sure it was The Spur Burger.

Ok so when I walk into Spur I have a usual order. Seriously its so solid people order for me without even asking me. A Surf and turf (Well done) and a Coffee shake...Although I have been cutting down on the shakes lately. So here comes the fun part. Did you know you could change your meal for a healthier alternative? No? me neither!

Why not swop your fries for a salad? I Swear its really good! But it gets better...

Why not swop your Fries and Onion rings for a hearty portion of vegetables (Thats actually not bad at all)!
So many options...Nooooo!

The cheddarmelt Schnitzel

My artwork

Big up's to Yusuf for always being amazing and a fantastic manager. We love you :)

Also Do take advantage of the Monday Buy one get one free Burger special.
And Dont forget to take your kids to the play pen and get your face painted. (Yes you can because I said so!)
And also before I forget...Spur's Malva pudding is out of this world!!!

Let me know what's your favourite and what you would suggest so I know what Im missing.

Smiley Face,

Chapmans Peak

To me, Friday is Date day/night. Last week(I know this post is delayed) My person and I headed off to HoutBay (Watch this space for the next post) and ended up driving home via Chapman's Peak. The Scenic route.
Now for those of you who don't know:

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa.it's one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak (593m), which is the southerly extension of Constantiaberg and is a great hike for the energetically inclined.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as “Chappies” and is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographers dream. It is a paradise for motorists, sightseers, picnickers, runners, hikers and bikers (both the motorised and the manual varieties).
 [chapmanspeakdrive.co.za]

Here goes:

"Because nothing in life is free" -Smiley Aleem

This is actually my favourite picture of them all

Now usually when I do Chapman's peak I dont really do the hiking trails and the little picnic spots (Which is adorable) so I decided it was time to go and see what I was apparently missing.

My person: "Really Tabassum...You wanna walk? "
Me: "Psssh Yes I wanna walk! I have the rest of the drive home to complain about it..."

And to be totally honest, I dont regret it one bit!
We took a trail as I spotted an abandoned building thing that I just needed to check out and ended up really far from the one I originally wanted to go to but found another one equally as epic!

It was so cool (And a great place to take photo's) I wanted to stay. We sat inside and just embraced the view. Also imagined living there (Waddup Qiyamat se Qiyamat Tak movie reference!)
Anyway...
(Oh and take your picnic basket there. So fab!)

Dont judge my balding head!

Along the way at stops there's guy that sell little key rings that you just have to buy even though you have 8352 at home already. Peer pressure.
Also I think it was kind of racist that This guy tried to sell me a Chilli.

Pssssh! Bought it anyway.

A Big THANK YOU to my photographer who stopped the car every 2minutes because I insist I need a picture from every angle (And for always having patience with me). But also A Big 'Tigger Please!' for making me beg you to send it to me. (Hence why I dont have all the pictures in this blogpost my lovelies).
Will have to do for now.

Chapman's Peak is the perfect place to go if you feel like bunking campus or work or whatever you do. Perhaps to have a heart to heart conversation with your loved one? Or if you, like me, Sometimes need to take in the beauty of nature and find perspective.

Chapman's Peak is all about the view.

Cant wait for you to check it out. Do let me know if you do happen to go.
#capetownmyhome

Smiley Face,

50 random facts about myself

1. I blink too much.(But I totally kickass in staring competitions)
2. I love Cooking and Baking even though I tell people I don't.
3. I swear too much.
4. I suck at parallel parking.
5. I hate clowns.
6. I caused my mother fetal distress as the cord was wrapped around my neck. (Twice!).
7. I wrecked a museum carpet with my crushed Lays Chips when I was 5.
8. I have the biggest girl crush on Katrina Kaif.
9. But my biggest crush in life is Emraan Hashmi
10. I get scared easily yet love horrors.
11. Im claustrophobic.
12. I hate Goodbyes.
13. Im super impulsive.
14. I will throw the nearest thing to me at you when you piss me off.
15. On that note, im pissed off easily.
16. I cry way too easily.
17. Im unfortunately a great listener.
18. But I also talk too much.
19. I love giving.(more than I should)
20. I live for sushi.
21. I have 4 piercings...
22. I absolutely love trying out new things.
23. I get satisfaction out of opening new things/ packaging.
24. I buy unnecessary things and don't even use it most of the time. Compulsive shopper.
25. I go crazy when I see Sales and red stickers. Like I dont even care what it is.
26. Im not afraid to tell people what I think of them.
27.I dont eat Paw-paw or guava's.
28. Im addicted to social media.
29. I have impressive investigating skills.
30. Avocado pear on everything!
31. I suck at saving money.
32. According to my friends and family, my idea of the perfect guy is weird.
33. I cant sleep in silence.
34. I sleep best in a moving vehicle.
35. I hate my arms and toes.
36. I can never stick to a diet.
37. Apparently I make an awesome pillow.
38.I wash my hair every single day.
39. I try ignoring people but it makes me feel terrible so i end up talking to them anyway.
40. If im done with someone, chances are you wont hear from me unless you make the first move.
41.My singing skills are pretty decent.
42. Im a hopeless romantic.
43. Id take a book over a movie any day.
44. I find the need to add chillies to everything.
45. I have a weakness for cards. (Seriously my purse cant deal anymore).
46. Coffee Shakes are my favourite.
47. Planning events are my thing.
48. I expect too much.
49. I love writing.
50. I would pause whatever I was doing to watch an episode of Sponge bob.

Let me know if you think of anything that you think is random and that I should add to the list. Also, make a list of your own and send me the link :)

Smiley Face,

Song of the day:Kabhi Ruhani Kabhi Rumani

I refuse to get over this song. Everyone already knows that Emraan Hashmi is The love of my life. Not only because of my blogpost which can be read here or the fact that he has his rightful place on my righthand-side bar or even that he keeps coming to Cape town with the hopes of meeting me (I mustve like been in his dreams or in a vision like a million times) the poor guy doesnt know what hit him. But this song is especially special to me as this was shot in Cape town like most of his movies actually (I told you so!) but also because the girl sitting in the front of the bus...Happens to be my classmate! (I know!!!) Im literally going to jump her when I see her. (Be Prepared Kathleen!) She lived my dream! Also my new little neice was named Umme-Rumaan (Beautiful babygirl, greeneyes and all) so the song added extra significance. Okaaaaaay I think im done now.

Oh! And im sorry I couldnt find a Video with the subtitles but pssssh! who has time to read subtitles with Emraan on screen anyway. But if you really want the meaning ill gladly send it to you. No biggie.

P.s Ive made it my mission to visit all the places he has been at and take a photo there.

#emraanhashmi #capetownmyhome #missionemraan #emraanwashere
P.s.s Enjoy the vid. I know im going to even though its my 38737687832 time.

Neutrogena Visably clear

A beauty review by me? Whaaaat!

As I maintain that my blog doesnt really do beauty reviews, last week when The Beauty Bulletin send me a product I couldnt help but do a happy dance right there and then. Also this blog is about things happening in my life so change is good right?

When I received my little package, I was over the moon by the fact that it would be my first beauty review. Excited to such an extent that I literally ripped it open and rushed to the bathroom so I could take my 'Facescrub-Selfie.

Directions for use: Massage onto a wet face once a day and rinse thoroughly.

As I opened the bottle I could already smell the Tangerine and Lime notes. I wet my face and took a small amount of product on my hands and started gradually massaging it onto my face. I loved the microbeads. It makes me feel like my face is actually being cleaned. After feeling satisfied with all the rubbing, I lightly splashed my face with water and watched the product easily just rinse off. No residue or harsh wiping needed. After lightly wiping with a towel, I could immediately see the difference. My skin appeared brighter and I felt like a star I finally get the whole "glow thing" pregnant women talk about. I walked into the kitchen and my mom had noticed too. Excess oils on my face was removed and effectively so.

Sorry my camera isnt advanced enough to include my Halo muhahaha!

I left the product in the bathroom as I have since been using it for about 4 days and my brother who is very finicky about face wash seems to be enjoying it too.
 
 Smiley,

A party at Ocean Basket

It was Bhana's 20-sumthing birthday (Happy birthday Bhana!) and to celebrate we decided to head off to Ocean Basket as she was apparently Lus'ing for it since forever. Yeah the birthday boy/girl gets to choose where we go. On a normal day my opinion would usually get preference.(Because i'm awesome).

So we headed to Canal walk because we had a lot of other shopping to as well(I mean when does shopping really end anyway?) And had a really good time. Its one of the Ocean baskets where you always get great service. (Cavendish being my favorite).

I took a few(not so few) pictures and thought Id share them with you.

Something I really love about my family is we always take over. Wherever we go. We brought our presents, got a few balloons and literally made ourselves at home. Not that anyone minded infact as we publicly humiliated Bhana by singing happy birthday(loudly) 2 other tables merrily joined along.

Jewels made each of us a little holder for a Ferrero Just because shes such a creative soul. I personally thought it was such a cute idea. Each one got 1 but the birthday girl got 5. (Obviously I stole a few from her but Shhhh).

The platter for one

The Three way Calamari

The pick of the ocean

Did you know you have the option of adding Cajun spice to your food? For the spice lover. I had the spice added to my fish and it was gorgeous. Not too strong. Not too spicy.

The Saganaki

 The Saganaki is something we all love! Its not on the menu anymore but its still very much available. Basically it Calamari tubes stuffed with Feta cheese(hmmm) and then grilled so when you pop it into your mouth the cheese just Oooozes out all that yummy goodness. (I'm hungry now).

You can almost bet your house on the fact that whenever I go to a sushi serving restaurant im definitely going to order Prawn Or Salmon Fashion sandwiches. To be quite honest I feel like the Fashion sandwich sushi is the only good sushi you'll get at ocean basket as I haven't been impressed with the rest.

No birthday cake? No problem!

see our balloons!

My beautiful Bhana 

Wishing you many more years to come and so much love and happiness.

Also Thank you to Solomon (our waiter) for being so great.

Smiley rating: 8/10
Vibe: In my family make it whatever you want to.

Address
Shop 92, Canal Walk, Century Boulevard, Century City
Telephone
021 555 2331

Dear Body: This is an apology

I'd like to start by saying I owe you an apology for so many things.

 I'm sorry for always covering you up and not accepting you.

 I'm sorry for the times I stand in front of the mirror and curse you.

 I'm sorry for when I used to tell you that no guy would look at or want me because of you.

 I'm sorry  that I keep cutting my hair every time you try and let it grow.

I'm sorry I torture you when I go threading in an attempt to make you look prettier.

I'm sorry I make you go through extreme measures to get rid of excess unwanted hair. 

I'm sorry I wear closed shoes all the time because I don't like your toes.

I'm sorry for blaming you for me not being able to shop where I want to.

I'm sorry for buying you sexy lingerie so seldom.

I'm sorry for starving you every time I felt too fat.

 I'm sorry I let other peoples comments about you affect how I feel about you.

I'm sorry for wearing colour contacts because I thought it would make my eyes look better.

I'm sorry for constantly dying my hair.

I'm sorry for abusing you when indulging in Narcotics.

I'm sorry I eat too much of the wrong things.

I'm sorry for starting things and then quitting.

I'm sorry for all the extra work you have to go through every time I light a cigarette.

I'm sorry for comparing you to those girls in the magazine.

I'm sorry for not making time to pamper you on a daily basis. Which is what you deserve. 

I'm sorry for never sticking to a diet to make you healthier.

I'm sorry I put you under so much pressure.

I'm sorry for blaming you for all my insecurities.

I'm sorry for feeling intimidated because you weren't as pretty as her. 

I'm sorry i don't tell you how beautiful you are.

I'm sorry I don't give you enough sleep.

Im sorry it took me so long to realise how precious you are and how lucky I am to have you. I need you to know that I appreciate you even the quirks I used to hate. Its taken me this long to not take heed of what others had to say about you and just love you unconditionally. To love US unconditionally. I should have loved you from the start as much as most things I love. (Sushi and Skittles being on top of the list.) 
Although there are still things we need to sort out, I love you. Every inch of you, Just the way you are.

Acceptingly,

Smiley

An Emraan Hashmi mix

To the creator of this video: You just made my day 12845478 times more beautiful than it already it. Thank you :)

Song of the day: Tu mere samne

This morning I woke up with this song playing in my head. One of the TABillion bollywood songs that I love but 1 of the very few that doesnt have 6754 wardrobe changes. Oh and the words are too much man.

Its from the Movie Chori Chori which was made in 2003. It stars Ajay Devgan(Who is one of my fav's) and Rani Mukherjee. Basicly Ajay is Inlove with some chick and his and Rani are together in an attempt to make her jealous. But the song is self-explanatory anyway.

Smiley,

Recipe: Spinach and Feta spirals

I recently joined a group that swopped recipes. Because I love almost all of them I figured I would share some that really made me go Mmmmmm and that I have tried or was keen or trying. It would really be a sin not to share.

Quick and easy savoury idea, puff pastry spirals with spinach and feta cheese.

Spinach filling: Chop up some spinach, mix with fresh crushed garlic cloves. Add crumbled feta and a dash of nutmeg. Season well with freshly ground black pepper.

It doesnt get easier than that .

Recipe shared by Rabia Ismail Firfirey

A letter to my 16 year old self

There's this trend...well from a lot of blogs I have recently discovered about writing a letter to your younger self. to be quite honest I sat up all night wondering what I could possibly say. It reminded me of Tina's letters to her daughter Anjali in KuchKuch Hota Hai. Im not even 21... what could I possibly have wanted to tell myself 5 years ago.The simple answers: Lots.

The long answer:

Hello Pretty girl :)

It's me Smiley. You from the future. Get used to being called Smiley, Its going to be your name for a long time. You are in grade 10 and Alhamdulilah you are doing so well. Im really proud of you. Please put your phone down and actually do homework. Take note in maths class and Do not let Dada distract you in accounting! I know you hate subjects that involves numbers but its still going to haunt you in the years to come.

You are going to meet a really special person and he's going to change you life dramatically. Please don't set your heart on him. Family before love. Always. And besides, he's going to be married and a father shortly. Focus on your studies. In grade 11 you will realise that not everything happens the way you want it to. You will find yourself changing. This is good. Let it happen. Try and stay away from chocolates. Its going to stay on your hips for an eternity I swear. But always keep in mind that you are so beautiful. And that you dont need to prove yourself to anyone.And stop stressing about those pimples. It will eventually clear up.

When matric comes its going to be a bumpy ride. BE prepared to have no life the whole year and study all the time. You are going to go to study group and have the most amazing time there. Please study hard. After a successful year I can tell you now that you will pass with entry to study at University.(Oh heads up: Spain is going to win the 2010 World-cup...Make us some money, we going to need it ;) ) And learn how to drive for crying out loud!

PleasePleasePlease go for career guidance counseling. It makes me uneasy that you still dont know what you want to do with your life. You will apply for nursing and its going to be one of the best years for you. The people you'll meet, the things you'll see and the things you will have to do is eventually going to become overwhelming. DO NOT GIVE IT UP! You are going to meet a guy and his going to change your world. You going to be with him because this is your way of rebelling. Stop. Walk away. Listen to me. People will always have something to say about you, but also dont give people a reason to talk.

Lose the contacts- your natural eye color is so much better

Obviously you not going to listen to me(or anyone else) you are going to quit nursing and take a gap year. Big mistake. Rather go work or something. Keep yourself busy all the time. You get bored easily. Its going to make you miserable. You are going to find out who your real friends are. Be prepared. Its going to get ugly. You are going to apply for Public relations and you will have finally found your Forte. Skip all the drama and just go straight to PR after highschool please. Two of your friends are going to ask for your advice regarding abortions, Do not get involved. Alot of your friends are going to get married. Help them where you can. Also just a tip...do not keep personal memento's in the house where people can easily find it and Do Not keep personal pictures of you and whoever on your PC. Its going to come back and bite you.

Do not post this on facebook! People are going to cause problems_im not really sure why though. Your school skirt will be that length

 Also Haroon Mamu is going to pass away. Pleas visit him in hospital and prepare yourself mentally. Or else its going to hit you so hard it'll give you nightmares. I cant say the future is going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Just be careful and think of the consequences before you act.
OH and you going to have this obsession with cutting your hair. Let it go grow!

This is your life and only you have the power to control it (And obviously the entire family who is always dictating) BUt make the most of your years.

See you when you get here Smiley :)

Your future awaits.

PS. Please try and lose some weight. Its going to be so difficult to when you older ;)