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,

What our mothers taught us

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
'You better pray that this will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next
week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC .
' Because I said so, that's why.'

5.My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the
store with me.'


6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA
'You'll sit there until all that SOUP is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER ..
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do..'


16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP .
'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOUR .
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me..'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
'You're just like your father.'

23.My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a tent?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25. And my favourite:
My mother taught me about JUSTICE
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

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.

Dr Juice

Like most of my stories, most originate from the VnA Waterfront. Ive wanted to try Dr Juice at the VnA Food market for a long time and since Ive been on a Dry Lemon and gas drinks detox an all natural juice was definitely welcome.

 The guy (im sorry I didnt get your name) approached me with a sample glass of The WoW fruit drink. You know how you teach your kids not to take things from strangers...Yeaaaah apparently i've outgrown it!
So I try some of this juice and its really not to my liking. Up for the challenge, he says hes not going to stop until he finds one I will enjoy. Rather admirable I would say going through so much effort making different juices on the menu with no guarantee that I would actually buy something.

I loved that everything is made 100% of fruits and vegetables right before you. No added sugar or preservatives.

The MACA Love Potion

My apologies for the low quality of pictures. It's totally my fault! I cant seem to keep my hand steady nowadays(But im getting it sorted!).


So after trying a few drinks, I asked to taste the Maca Love potion- The name intrigued me most. It consisted of Brazil nuts, dates, figs, banana and Coconut water.
Even that wasnt to my liking but it does have a great kick. Also the name wouldve made an awesome hashtag on Instagram, Dont you think?

I opted for A Ginger zing, Yes I finally found a favourite and loved it. It contains Ginger, apple, carrot and lemon. A perfect balance between the ginger and carrot really. And was light enough to accompany my Woodies Burger. Alternatively, if you dont like what you see on the menu, you have the option of makingup your own drink.

The Ginger Zing

Find them (and me, naturally) at the VnA Waterfront's Food Market.

Smiley Face,

Take The Challenge And Try Not To Cry Happy Tears (US Troops Coming Home...

Please note that I just watched this video in class, Crying my eyes out and my friends all assumed My Person did something terrible to me. Haha. Such a beautiful video. Im a wreck.

I wish you could come home too. :(

The Liebster Award

Hello my doves :)
Hope you are all well.

Recently I was nominated the Liebster award by the lovely Hera over at the Hello Hera blog. So thank you Hera, that was very kind of you! (do check out her blog its so fab!)

"Liebstar" apparently means "sweetest", "kindest", "dearest" etc, how cute! It is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers who have less than 200 followers!

As part of the award, I must write 11 random facts about myself, nominate 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers, answer 11 questions from the blogger who has nominated me, and also ask 11 questions to those who I've nominated.

Here goes:

11 random facts about me:

1. My pinky fingers are crooked.
2. I get easily attached.
3. Im the family Rebel.
4. I have a weakness for Sales.
5. I get bored really easily.
6. I actually really suck at blogging
7. I could sleep for days.
8. I am currently obsessed with Sushi.
9. I tend to give up too easily.
10. I love answering questions.
11. I am madly inlove with Emraan Hashmi.


Hera's questions to me:

What was the last thing you ate? 

     Salmon crunches from Nuri Sushi Factory

Long nails or short nails?

    Short. Long is so unhygienic and i have a hand washing OCD

What time is it right now?

    5.01 pm

When was the last time you went on holiday and where?

   Gosh! I cant remember! My last real holiday was 3years ago to Johannesburg 

Favourite Disney film?

   Frozen

Any pets?

   a cat, Skoli

How long have you been blogging for?

   Next week will be a year since my blog has been created! (21st August *note to self)

How long was your longest break from blogging? Hours? Days? etc

   about 5days

What colour is your hair?

   Brown

 Favourite scent/smell?

   The smell of freshly printed money(jokes!) the smell of My Salmon crunches...Duh!

Your biggest achievement?

   A year of Nursing

Now I'd like to present this award to :

Charne from http://www.livinglifealoud.blogspot.com/

Zahra from http://diaryofadeera.blogspot.co.uk/

Mels from http://mother-mel.blogspot.com/

Lisa Jade from http://voodoochildlaw.blogspot.com/

Heather from http://femmelifestyle.blogspot.com/

Saara from http://minimalexposure.blogspot.com/

Namreen from http://namusnarratives.blogspot.com/

Divya from http://imjustdivya.blogspot.co.uk/

Mariam from http://itsemmslife.blogspot.co.uk/

Hera from http://www.hellohera.com/

Muslima from http://amuslimahslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me_23.html 

Here's the 11 questions I want the nominees to answer:

1. Who do you most admire?
2. Why did you start blogging?
3. How did you come up with your blog name and is there a meaning behind it?
4. What do you want to achieve through your blog?
5. What do you find most difficult about blogging?
6. What's the one thing you really want to do, but don't think you'll be able to?
7. If, for some reason, you had to immediately leave your home forever, what is the one item you'd take with you?
8. What is your faveourite book?
9. Pet peeve?
10. Do you have any bad habits?
11. What is your must have beauty product?

(Actually taken from amuslimahslittleblog as it.)

Thank you again for the nomination Hera.
Stay Smiling,

Smiley,

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,

The Tea Merchant

My darling dada took me to Mcdonalds for tea. I know, right! who does that?
Aparently, we do.
Its called Chai Tea which I think is really stupid as you basicly saying Tea-Tea but the point is it was really good. (Im sorry i didnt take a picture of it).

A friend of mine recommended I go check out The Tea Merchant and since I'm always at the Waterfront I figured id check it out anyway, On the hunt for Chai Spice so I could make my very own Tea-Tea.

 As you walk in you immediately get that Tea-brewing smell. Its delightful. The setup is really simple with a range of more teas than I could count. I loved that you can taste away and find a tea that suits you.

We found ourselves walking down the line trying each tea. I didnt really find much to my liking as the tea was brewed really strong. Oh and just a tip: The tea is really hot! Do not just drink it like that!

If I had to choose a favorite it would definitely be this one The Rooibos Shangri La, Although I wouldnt  make mine as strong.(How cute aren't these little kettles).

Tell me this isn't Adorable and ill shoot you!

They have a little tea making corner to make the tea of your choice in store to sell. Its definitely a Tea-Lovers paradise And they have the cutest tea infusers.


Be sure to check them out.

Shop No. KWH8, Lower Level, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, 
Operating Hours: Weekdays & Weekends 09.00 - 21.00
Store contact number: 021 418 3186

Smiley,

Happy Womens Day

We've come a long way for the liberation of Women. However the stats of women abuse is still very much rife. Although more women have become empowered and are in top positions and climbing the corporate ladder, many women still believe they are the inferior sex. Being somewhat of a feminist myself I can relate to not wanting help yet still secretly wanting him to open the car door for me. A tad hypocritical, I agree.

But im a woman.
What do I want: I don't know!
When do I want it: Right now!

Ive been wanting to share this video I found online for a long time now. I know lots of women who actually do this (Myself included!).

 Happy Womens day to all my beauties reading this.

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