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Archive for the ‘REESIE’S WORLD’ Category
No, this is not the Boyz IIMen treffer. But quite close.
As the season changes it signals the time to turn over a new leaf; reflect on what was and make plans for what is ahead.
When you’re in school, one of the first things you’re taught are the seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. Many believe that the only thing that changes along with the seasons in the year are the weather and the fashion trends. Growing up you come to the realisation that this statement is complete and utter nonsense.
Welcome to the season-cycle of dating also known as the seasons-of–love; but in many cases, the seasons-of-loneliness.
Let me start with winter (because I’m a winter baby), followed by spring, summer and then ending with autumn. There are different courses for each of these seasons, depending on whether you are single or in a relationship. Now these are unwritten rules in the dating world. However, with any rules there are many exceptions to the rule.
You don’t have to agree with everything I have to say, but it would be nice if you could follow my logic and thought flow. If not, your relationship could be doomed (possibly). Granted, there are always loopholes or that one in a billion to defy the odds (see – exception to the rule). And in the event that you’re one of those people, Mazel tov! I wish you well.
Right, winter is my worst season. It’s cold. It’s miserable. You wear your biggest clothes (yes, even that gross hoody you bought when you took your gap year back in 2001). You gain weight and basically, you are nowhere near your A-game. I mean, who the hell  can be on their A-game when it’s freezing cold outside and all you want to do is hibernate. You lay low, you enjoy all the carbs. Yes, you have the occasional hook up but you’re not going to avail yourself to every dude knocking on your door. If you do meet someone in winter, your fling/relationship or whatever you want to call it, will crash and burn. I am a living testimony to this! Why do you ask? Well, to be blunt, during winter the singles are the leftovers. And as I continue with the seasons you’ll understand why. But seriously, do you want to be a leftover? No! You want to be a diamond! Had I followed this advice last year, I could have avoided plenty of tears. But we grow older and wiser don’t we? 
… Well some of us at least
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End of December I found myself at a popular nightclub in Cape Town, jamming to the smooth sounds of Jimmy Nevis. There were obviously a thousand or so girls, all “heartboxing” with him and I’m not one for wanting to get lost in the crowd. So I stood back and just enjoyed this amazing young talent.
I have to be honest, the first time I heard his first single “Elephant Shoes” on radio, I thought he was either American or Canadian. Imagine my proudness when I found out he is in fact from Cape Town, South Africa Jimmy’s sound comprises of “quirky lyrics, acoustic tones and catchy melodies” and what’s even more awesome, he writes his own music.
After a somewhat mediocre weekend, Robbie drags my tired bum to Grand West for the GAS Festival one Sunday afternoon. It consisted of cars, sound offs and “doef doef” taxis. However, that wasn’t the draw card. The main draw card was Jimmy Nevis was going to perform. Otherwise I would’ve stayed at home and slept. My inner teenage girl was doing back flips and 
twirls, screaming with excitement. Because I rate our very own Jimmy much higher than that Bieber boy.
When Jimmy came on stage I rushed to the front and I sang all his songs, including the covers. I bought his debut album “Subliminal” so I’ve had time to memorize. After the show, we went backstage, thanks to @SpeedQueen, and had a very nice, relaxed one-on-one with this UCT journalism student.
Jimmy is signed to Rudeworld Records, a record label he says understood him and encouraged his sense of self and that’s why he is flourishing. The music industry isn’t meant for everyone. People will try and bring you down and make YOUR dream THEIR reality. If you follow him on Twitter or Facebook, you will realize he draws his strength and inspiration by staying grounded in prayer.
I asked him about the “In Love With You” music video. If you haven’t watched it yet, do yourself that favour.
It’s a happy song. It will take you back to when life was easy and care-free. Fortunately I saw the video before I met Jimmy and I could give “intelligent” commentary.
He told me that while they were road-tripping, the car really broke down. Shame man. I should’ve been part of that entourage (volgens langer tyd om te flirt mos).
But if you look at that video, as well as all his others, you will notice the professionalism of the production, the quality of the sound and after giving his album a spin, you will realize why “Heartboxing” debuted on US stations on 30 April.
Jimmy is a humble young man and the world is his oyster. I foresee great things in his future. In between his studies, he is shooting videos and recording singles. Robbie asked him when we can expect a follow up and Mr Nevis was pretty chilled. Who knows, he might just get to review his next album.
Good luck Jimmy! And thank you for being so amazing! God bless!
Love, Reesie
Follow me on Twitter @Reesiebabygirl Follow Jimmy Nevis @JimmyNevis. Follow Robert Daniels @Robert__Daniels
You are probably familiar with the term “follow your bliss”. But what does “bliss” mean? Is bliss a sunny day at the beach? Good times with friends, chilling out? Or freedom from struggle? Or is it something else? Is it something deeper?
The late Joseph Campbell said: “We must be willing to get rid of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” In other words, “follow your bliss”…a term coined by Joseph.
Ever felt like you’re stuck in a rut? In the music video of Nicky Romero featuring Avicii’s latest single “I could be the one”, the main character visits her psychiatrist and tells her: “I feel as though I’m trapped in somebody else’s master plan. Go to school. Get a job. Get a mortgage. All I’m really doing is dying.” The psychiatrist then replies: “let me get you some more pills.”
The thing is, there are people out there who will guide us in both the right and the wrong direction. But the message from that scene is crystal clear: “Asking others for solutions to your problems can only be given from their point of view and experience.” That is why it might not be beneficial to you personally.
Ten years ago, if you told your peers you met your current boyfriend on the Internet, your friends would have phoned the closest “groen dakkies” and have you admitted.
Nowadays it is less frowned upon…actually, it’s encouraged. Especially since we are living in a digital era. My cousin met his wife online. She isn’t even South African and I am witness to the fact that they are the happiest couple I’ve seen. Happier than most who have been dating since Standard 6 (Grade 8 – sorry I’m old school).
As a frequent user of the interwebs, especially Twitter, I have seen some relationships evolve right in front of my eyes. It’s actually really cute to witness. It’s like being at a party and people watching. A little bit flirty tweets, then the silence on your timeline – which means they have either decided not move on OR they’ve taken their convos to DM (direct messaging aka private messages). Boom! After a few months you realize these people are now an official couple. I always sit there and ask myself “how the hell did they do it?” Because I am overly cautious when it comes to dating online. I mean, what if this homey decides to kill me? Or what if he is a psychopath?
But the more I thought of it, I realized that in today’s age, with people leading stressful lives and having limited time, using dating sites or social media platforms are ways which allow love seekers to look for potential partners speedily. I mean, how many times have you said no to a potential date because you were tired? I’ve been tired! But I’m also tired of the dating game, the fake smile, the butterflies which really meant nothing, the sweet talk…why can’t we just be honest and say something like “Listen here, the truth is that I like you. A lot. You make me happy. You make me laugh. You’re smart. You’re different. You’re a little crazy and awkward and your smile alone makes my day.” Klaar! But I digress…back to online dating.
Social media-initiated relationships can be positive if people are smart and know how to use the different forms of media. Twitter especially is a great platform. You can tell a lot about someone by reading their “favourites” (yes, go read their favourites – I double dare ya).
CONTINUE… Read the rest of this entry »
MUSIC REVIEW: Cassie – Rock a Bye Baby
If rolling your hips and twerking is your thing, the brand new Cassie mixtape is a must-have. Yes, you heard it, Bad Boy artist, Cassie, made her official return to music with the release of her new mixtape, RockaByeBaby, which dropped on the 11th of April.
Even though she hasn’t released an album since 2006, it may surprise some of you to learn that Cassie has stayed relatively active in music. She’s done a lot of work behind-the-scenes, including the occasional dabble in song writing. But now it’s her time to emerge once more. RockaByeBaby features thirteen new tracks and appearances from some of hip hop’s biggest names, including Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Pusha T, Fabolous, Meek Mill, French Montana, Too Short, Jeremih and Ester Dean.
Cassie is reportedly in the studio working on a new full length release.
But back to RockaByeBaby…
The tracklist is as follows:
“My dream is that our leaders will come in a rainbow of colours. I dream that our country will be helped and assisted by others. I’m dreaming that my generation won’t be the one remembered for its baggy pants. But it will be one that the next generation can say took a stand.”
Tina Schouw, a South African singer holds a poster of Anene Booysen
I never wanted to write this post. But after recent events, I feel that I have to. I need to. And I’m going to be brutally honest…
South Africa has recently been under the international media spotlight – and not because we have prospered. We didn’t win any awards. We didn’t glorify a hero. We didn’t defy odds. We’ve won an Oscar award for “Searching for Sugarman” yes, but even that hasn’t received the amount of media attention our current crime statistics have.
The international media has slandered us as a country with a “culture of violence”. My country. My beautiful birthplace is under attack. It’s a jagged little pill to swallow. However, it’s a harsh reality.
We were a country who had so much potential when we inaugurated our first black president in 1994 after years of apartheid, a country who actually did defy the odds, a country who hosted THREE international world cup events, a country with so much youthfulness and cultural diversity, a country with so much to give to the global stage, a country who bounced back after being a place where government ruled and the people were treated like animals…that’s the South Africa I know. That’s the South Africa I want my children to know. That’s the South Africa that is busy dying.
Who Determines What Makes A Man ‘Good’? In my opinion a “Good Man” is whomever YOU say he is!
The concept of a “good man” is totally subjective. What looks good to me may not look good to you. This is why I laugh at magazine articles and books that try to tell women what they want. Honestly, I don’t think any man or woman needs to be told what they should desire in a mate. We all know what we like, though our tastes, desires and needs may change from time to time. As we date different people we learn that what we thought we wanted is not all it’s cracked up to be. For example, a woman may want to date a bodybuilder until she finally gets one and realizes that she comes second to his obsessive training schedule. Plus, he won’t take her to eat at her favourite Mexican restaurant because they don’t serve anything he can eat on his strict diet.
Some of us who have low self-esteem will take anything we can get. We make good men out of monsters and good women out of psychopaths. This is not healthy, obviously. Even with the lowest self-esteem a human can possibly have in life there should be a standard. Every human should have a standard they stick to when it comes to relationships of any kind. The gold standard for any and every relationship is LOVE, HONESTY and RESPECT. These three are non-negotiable for a healthy relationship and should not be compromised. You can build upon you standard from here and add to your list as you see fit but this trinity stays put!
It’s finally the year of 30! I’m going to lie if I say it’s not a scary thought, even though I’m kinda excited. I can finally bump that Jay Z track “30’s the new 20”!
However, being the kind of person I am, I don’t want 2013 to be just another year and I don’t want my last few months as a 20-something to be just another few months. I have a bucket list…it’s written down in pencil because I wrote this one night when I felt a bit like an over-achiever. All I had was a pencil and a slip from a restaurant I visited the day before.
My last summer as a 20-something wasn’t a holiday in Thailand (or Hartenbos as it is now commonly known). It wasn’t a summer where I partied all night and slept all day. And honestly, it wasn’t really epic in the social standards…however, to me it was memorable. I rekindled friendships, I chased sunsets, on New Year’s Day I stood in awe as I watched the most beautiful sunset, I made new friends, I cut out the junk in my life and just looked at everything I have…everything I have achieved. You see, I don’t have a big house and a fancy car, I don’t have the bank account of a business mogul and I cannot just jump on a plane and have an exotic holiday anywhere in the world.
But I am rich…I am rich in the sense that I have a wonderful family, amazing friends and a brilliant mind. I have a bubbly personality and my love for people is actually greater than my hate for them (only because people can stab you in the back and people don’t like seeing others prosper – but that doesn’t and shouldn’t define us). What you think of yourself is much more important than what people think of you! Remember that – it’s gospel in my opinion! I have 29 and a half years worth of experience. Life has dealt me some pretty tough cards. Some cards I kept close to my heart and others I played, only to lose the bet. I was left naked and vulnerable, exposing my flaws. But vulnerability is strength! Once you can actually look at yourself in the mirror and be brutally honest with the person looking back, that’s when you win the battle.
However, all these pearls of wisdom mean nothing if I don’t apply it to my own life. 2013 I’m not about mediocrity and this includes mediocre people. If I don’t feel like hanging out with you, bear in mind it’s because you have no ambition and I am not about that right now.
2013 is all about me. This is my year to do things inspiring, to be great, to be me…to DO me! To give freely, to love harder, to push boundaries, to challenge myself, to decide who I want in my life, to live a spiritual life and to say no to things that do not benefit me. Maybe it is because I’m standing on the brink of a new era. Maybe it is because I’m looking back at situations in my life I wish I could redo. Or maybe…maybe I’m just sick and tired of normality. Who are we?
Well a good Twitter friend from the US, Rob Hill, says it best:
There’s this saying “Be careful what you wish for”. My goal this year is simple: “I want to inspire people to be better versions of themselves!” And my wish? I wish that people who are inspired by me, inspires others too. Imagine the world if we were all just a little more thankful for a new day. A little more humble. And a little less “normal”?
Love Reesie
Follow me on Twitter @Reesiebabygirl and join in the conversation #ReesiesWorld
I started the year off with a motto: “The Universe is eternally abundant as long as we remain grateful. So thank you, more please…”
This hasn’t been the greatest year but it certainly was the best year yet. My blue team in England won the Champions League – finally. While my blue team in Cape Town ended victorious after an 11 year drought and brought the Currie Cup back home. Halala! It’s been too long!
Just like the emotions in sport, my emotions in life were also at an all-time high. I wanted it to be the “year of the boyfriend” but it turned out to be the “year of the Scorpio” and I realized that I wasn’t ready. I needed to sort myself out first (as you know). This of course didn’t deter me from going on meaningless dates. I know now what I want…and it wasn’t that. I made a lot of mistakes this year – it wasn’t all moonlight and roses.
I said goodbye to the bad guy, I friend-zoned the good guy.
I made new friends, I lost a few good friends.
I laughed. I cried. I argued my point across. I accepted defeat.
I calmed down on my partying ways and I haven’t been happier.
I have made my mark as the self-appointed DHL Stormers Brand Ambassador – I had the yellow couch experience, I did a stadium visit, I feel a bit like a VIP at my second home now (Newlands Rugby Stadium).
I kissed ass! I ain’t even gonna lie. I did…I failed at life…but it was for a good cause.
I won a few competitions yet the Audi A1 was not meant to be 
And I turned 29. And this is my last summer as a 20-something. This is somewhat exciting yet scary and sad at the same time. But I made a promise to myself – this will be an epic summer! I have too many new things I have to experience before I get my 3 decade award.
I’ve made some silly mistakes as well, let’s not get it twisted. However, I’m happy I made them. And I believe that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life because every experience is part of God’s divine plan. Amidst the utter sadness and the sheer joy, I have found myself. I know who I am. I know what (or who) I’m waiting for.
I’m grateful for the people in my life. My career. My (drama-free…to an extent) life. Music. The fact that my blessings beat my problems. I’m grateful that I’m mature enough to choose my battles (although, I sometimes fail miserably). I have started living my life for me, nobody else. I live a life I’m proud of.
I’m a dreamer. Rejection was (and still is) inevitable. The sea is rough. I worked hard to be where I am and I know that I have to continue the hustle. Ernest Hemingway said “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”
This year I’ve also learned that gentlemen do exist. They’re just hiding. I don’t blame them. As women we aren’t really giving them the reason to show off their gentleman-skills. And yes, ya’ll can quote me on this: stop opening your legs and start opening your mind.
Be grateful. Life isn’t easy but it’s so beautiful and definitely worth it…My 2012 lesson is simple: I found beauty in negative spaces.
And in 2013 I will continue to not merely survive but to thrive…and do so with a little passion, a little compassion, a little humour and a little style.
Thank you…more please
Love Reesie
Follow me on Twitter @Reesiebabygirl and join in on the conversation #ReesiesWorld
How many times have we heard “Life is short”? Yes, it’s the longest thing ever because I’ve been here for more than 29 years and I’ve experienced imprisonment and freedom at the same time. I wasn’t born-free, but I grew up free (if that at all makes sense).
I picked up a habit a few years ago. Walt Whitman once said “I celebrate myself and sing myself”. So most mornings (when I’m early) I would pick up my hair brush and dance around in my room, singing:
“I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful dammit!” Remember this song?
Now, I am no goddess. I have flaws too and there are times I wish I had bigger boobs, a bigger bum, straighter hair, you know, the normal thing Hollywood/Bollywood/Nollywood thing the media is continuously feeding us…but give me their bank accounts and I’m sure I can also look like I walked straight from a magazine cover shoot.
But back to my little song… this one liner has boosted my confidence so much and being able to share my thoughts and random brain farts with all of you, even more. So I have a question for you…do you celebrate life or do you hide in the shadows?
Too many people hide their feelings, afraid to live out loud, afraid to stand out and afraid to really enjoy life. Meanwhile, others seem to be a party unto themselves, unabashedly unafraid! I know that I sound like a broken record most of the time but why do we sell ourselves short?
You’re not vain if you compliment yourself! Who told you that? Society? Screw society in my opinion. Don’t worry about becoming a raging egomaniac or blind to your faults; the beauty of being able to celebrate and love yourself is that it allows you to deal with your shortcomings in a productive way.
Secure, happy people are also confident; able to take criticism and understand their mistakes and failings do not make them bad, unworthy people and thus have no need to be defensive or evasive when dealing with these shortcomings.
Today is the last day of a loooooong month! November is like that family member that just would not leave! I want to challenge everyone to celebrate themselves this December! Why not December? It’s a festive time, it’s a time for family, friends, beach days…but wouldn’t you want to start 2013 a better you?
So why not celebrate yourself, each and every day? Look in the mirror and tell yourself “I Love You!”. Yes, it’s going to sound helluva weird at first. But practice makes perfect does it not? In order to be loved by others, we need to love ourselves.
Nothing beats Christmas lunch! My mouth is already watering just thinking of it. However, don’t let this be the reason you let yourself go. Look after your body and make nourishing your body a priority. Think of the message you are sending out every time you neglect to eat, eat too much, don’t sleep enough, look like something a cat would drag in…you catch my drift?
December is also shopping month…thank you Christmas bonus! Invest some of that shopping budget in clothes that flatter and fit. Just because you are a size 42, doesn’t mean you HAVE to wear a tent. But it also doesn’t mean you have to force yourself into a size 26. Don’t be ambitious here. Wear clothes that makes you feel confident, that shows the curves you want to show and hides what you want to hide. You are not a clotheshorse!
I’ve been flying solo for a while now, just like Bridget Jones and due to this I’ve learned how to do things by myself…and go to places alone. I’m not “famous” enough for a socialite status yet (still waiting on that Audi endorsement to come through). Trust me, this didn’t come overnight. It was something that came with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. So many times I missed out on events and opportunities because nobody wanted to come with me. Then came the Bafana vs USA match at CT Stadium. NOBODY wanted to go with me. I got myself a ticket and I went…by myself. And it was amazing! I made friends with the people next to me and we had a mad time! I used to be so scared to talk to people I didn’t know (to the people who have had the pleasure of meeting me, I know, this is hard to imagine).
And you know what? If someone gives me a compliment, yes I blush, but I say “thank you”. Modesty and humility are wonderful but they shouldn’t keep you from taking pride in your own accomplishments. I had a friend tell me the other day I had great legs. Thank you! I work hard every day to maintain them so why can’t I feel good about getting the recognition? I’m not bragging but I’m sure as hell not going to downplay my accomplishments OR apologize for them! And if I have good news to share, I’m going to tell people. There is NOTHING wrong with spreading some joy and happiness. That said, spread your joyful spirit by smiling as often as you can. I wore braces for FOUR years, so yes, I smile a lot. Ain’t no shame in that! And I take pride in knowing that my happiness is infectious and I can make so many days brighter just by flashing my smile
“I’m beautiful dammit” is not only a line from a song, it’s also one of my MANY mottos. And remember, beauty is not only about the exterior. This December, pick a motto/theme song and sing/dance to your heart’s content. Shaft isn’t the only bad motha’ who should have a theme song. Find one that suits your bad self and don’t be afraid to hum or sing it to yourself from time to time. If mottos are more of your style, feel free to mentally repeat yours as often as needed to keep you on your happy path. My theme song changes with my mood. And I can’t sing to save my life but that didn’t deter me from entering Bathroom Idols on one of the big radio stations in Cape Town and it sure as hell doesn’t deter me from singing at karaoke. Don’t allow your inhibitions to cramp your style.
I’m also blessed because I have met such wonderful, inspirational and truly positive people. People who lift up my spirits when I have a blue day. It’s really great being happy every day but let’s be honest, some days feel like a Monica “don’t take it personal” song. Those are the days I give thanks to these people. And block BS! Negative people are like cancer. They eat you up inside. Choose your battles. Let go and let God.
Celebrate yourself by treating yourself the way that you’d treat your child, spouse or best friend. Understand that you deserve the best that life has to offer and that you have so much to contribute to the world. Flash your killer smile and serenade the world with your song!
Love Reesie
Follow me on Twitter @Reesiebabygirl and join the conversation #ReesiesWorld
