Henry George Designs by Keith Pretorius

Today, my post is about my cousin Keith Pretorius.

He was born and raised in the Cape Flats and attended Good Hope High School where he matriculated in 2009. He then went on and followed in his father's footsteps, who is an amazing jewelry manufacturer. Mr John Pretorius, Keith's father, has been doing jewelry design and manufacturing for more than 40 years.

Keith had discovered his passion for the detailed art and decided to study for 5 years of his life. He started studying Jewelry Design & Manufacture at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2009 and completed his degree in 2014. In his fourth year at college, 2013, he assisted as a student tutor along side lecturers. Even they could see the skills and passionately driven attitude Keith always had for Jewelry making.

His passion is driven through his curiosity and hunger for new forms. Throughout his studies, he has been experimenting with many concepts and themes to push his ability as a designer and goldsmith. He is one of the most talented and skilled people I know.

He is currently doing an internship in Gordon's Bay which has given him the opportunity to find his way and gain more experience.

His work is very unique and I feel that it is truly amazing since I have respect for articulate things such as his pieces.

Henry George Designs will be launching in the new year. The name is inspired by both his Grand Fathers' names, Henry and George. I am sure they would be so proud of him!

Email:
keithpretorius25@gmail.com

My "X" Addiction

Hellooooo there!

My love for cars started in my early teens when I used to spend a lot of time with my older brother, Joshua. He and I always spoke about cars and even car sound systems. Ever since, I have been a fanatic of speed, sound and modified cars.

Yes, I am addicted to the Toyota RunX preferably RSi. My reason for being a fan of this beauty is the fact that Toyota is manufactured by the 'Japs' and in saying that, I feel that Japanese cars are usually very reliable, I am sure I have a few friends who would agree. My Father is a full on Toyota fan and has brought me up to believe that I should never purchase any other car one day. Don't get me wrong, I have respect for most brands of cars. Some brands are just a complete mock and a waste of space on earth.

So, the Toyota Runx has models which are grouped in three engine sizes and five specification levels:

"R" (baseline available on the 140i only)
"RT" (140i and 160i)
"RS" (safety specification available on 160i only)
"RX" (160i luxury specification)
"RSi" (top of the range, 1,8-litre model)

All 140i and 160i models has five-speed manual transmissions and the RSi is fitted with a six-speed transmission.

The RSi model is one for the performance freaks and offers all the luxury of the RX with a few additional items such as Toyota's 'Optitron' backlit instrument panel. Alloy wheels are 6JJ x 16 and are fitted with low profile 195/55R16-87V tyres. The engine is the most significant difference of the RSi model. It produces 141kW at 7 800 r/min and 180 N.m at 6 800 r/min because of the 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift intelligent) engine. This engine is definitely the one you want for small budgets, if you want something reliable and economical with performance aspirations.

Personally, I can't stand the site of a stock-standard RSi. It actually urks me.
Here are a few pictures of modified X's.

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DenXRSi

This is my friend Denroy Schippers, he owns a modified RunX RSi.

I remember Denroy took me for a spin 1 night (literally) in 2013, which was one of the best experiences in my life. He did a 180degree handbrake turn with me in the passenger seat. That adrenaline rush is still so clear to me and I loved every second of it. Ever since then, I've been wanting to experience more and I am waiting patiently for the big days where I get to be in a car that will be drifting!

Denroy's beautiful beast mods:

2006 Toyota RunX Rsi

2ZZ-GE Engine

Supension: Front 60mm Rear 50mm

Exhaust: Pro-Fit Exhaust 57/63mm

Cold Air Induction with Alexi pod filter

Stainless Steel Valvetrain Kit

152kW, 200N.m

I can definitely say that this is the fastest X I have ever been in, in my life this far. Cannot wait to see this beauty perform again. 

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About the 2ZZ-GE engine

The Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine was designed and built by Yamaha. It is a straight-4 piston engine series. The VVTL-i is an enhanced version of VVT-i that can alter valve lift (and duration) as well as valve timing. The ZZ series uses a die-cast aluminium engine block with aluminium silicon cylinder liners, and aluminium DOHC 4-valve cylinder heads which is a first for Toyota. The camshafts are chain-driven. The two 1.8 L members of the family, the 1ZZ and 2ZZ, use different bore and stroke. The former was optimized for economy and torque, while the latter is a "square" design optimized for high-RPM power. The ZZ family replaced the extremely popular cast-iron block 4A engines. 

MR2 2ZZ-GE Engine

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 Instagram becky_28_

She said YES!

So my post today has been inspired by my best friend Nicole Julius and her fiance Kyle Lawrence.

They have been dating for 5 years and Kyle eventually popped the question over the weekend! It is definitely an auspicious moment in their lives.

Nicole's Beautiful Engagement Ring

There are many ways to propose nowadays and people come up with so many different ideas based on their character. The fiancee also has a big influence on how the proposal would be. Kyle planned a romantic treat which included special moments they had shared and memorable places they have been to. He had written clues on little sticky notes which Nicole had to follow until she arrived at the location where he would ask her to be his wife. At the location he had a picnic basket with champagne and snacks for them to enjoy while expressing their love for one another.

I am not engaged or married but I think that engagements are the start of something so beautiful. It doesn't matter how you go about doing it or where you pop the question. It is a big step towards building a future with the person you love unconditionally. It makes me happy to know when two people are to be betrothed. It is the Godly thing to do. 

I am sure it is every girl's dream to have the most romantic and special proposal. All women like different things. That's why it is important for you to get to know your partner very well and also put every step in God's hands. Some people make it a mutual decision and discuss the proposal whereas others will go all out and make his woman feel extra special. I found this site with 61 Most Romantic Ways to Propose.

61 Romantic Ways to Propose

The History of Engagement Rings 

Pre-History: The caveman tied cords made of braided grass around his chosen mate's wrists, ankles and waist to bring her spirit under his control.

Circa 2800 BC: Egyptians are buried wearing rings made of a single silver or gold wire on the 3rd finger of their left hands, believed to be connected directly to the heart by the vena amoris.

2nd Century BC: According to Pliny the Elder, the groom gives the bride first a gold ring to wear during the ceremony and at special events, then an iron ring to wear at home, signifying her binding legal agreement to his ownership of her.

1st Century BC: Puzzle rings first appear in Asia, where sultans and sheiks use them to tag each of their wives.

1217: The bishop of Salisbury puts an end to the popular practice of seducing girls into mock marriage with rings made of rushes. His solution? Declaring marriage with a rush-ring legally binding.

1456: The Gutenberg bible is published. There is no mention of betrothal or marriage rings in this or any any other edition of the bible.

1477: In one of the first recorded uses of a diamond engagement ring, Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposes to Mary of Burgundy with a ring that is set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an "M".

1700s: Silver and gold "poesy rings" engraved with flowery sayings are in vogue in Europe. Across the Atlantic Ocean, the Puritans give their betrothed's useful thimbles instead of rings, which are derided as frippery. Eventually, however, many thimbles get their tops sliced off and are worn as rings anyway.

1800s: The highly sentimental Victorians make jewelry from human hair, and use gemstones to spell out names or endearments, such as D-E-A-R-E-S-T ring set with a sequence of diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby etc.

1876: Diamonds are discovered in the Cape Colony (now a Province in South Africa), the beginning of a huge increase in the diamond supply.

1880: Cecil Rhodes, who arrived in South Africa in 1873, founds the DeBeers Mining Company with other investors. Within the decade, they will control 90 percent of the world's diamond production. 

Information retrieved from 

Single Moms!

Hey!

Since I am a single mother, I have done a lot of reading about being a single parent.

It is a huge responsibility, I know because I am a single parent of 2.
In today's life, being a young female single parent and trying to live a lifestyle that is to your interest can be very challenging. Myself for instance, I like the high lifestyle and following trends. Although it is tough becoming financially stable when you're a parent, I wouldn't say it is impossible. Your life has just been put on hold so that you could give your kids the life you want them to have and that of which they deserve.

To me, it is a mental, emotional and physical roller coaster ride. Something that you have to prepare yourself and be strong for since you're playing the figure of mother and father. You need a lot of inspiration when having to go through something like this. You are now all grown up and have to be independent. I recently went through an emotional break down because it seemed as if nothing was working out for myself and kids. I always make sure that I get back up since I know my life is not my own anymore, and my kids are a total blessing!

The thing that keeps me going are my angels. Imagine waking up in the morning and receiving so much love and affection from something incredible that God has blessed you with, it makes you blind to your selfishness and you become totally grateful. They are NOT a burden. Some woman are barren and cannot conceive whereas others are just over fertile. The women who cannot conceive are going through the same emotional roller coaster ride that young single moms do too.

Being a single parent and waiting for love is not easy. Single moms have a hard time trying to find a man who will accept her kids as his own and take that big step of being a fatherly figure to them. Fortunately, those men are around! It takes patience and prayer. Put your situation in God's hands and you will see how things turn around for you. I have been blessed with a man that accepts me and my kids. We have a very healthy relationship going and hopefully it will continue to grow and blossom in the years to come.

I have found this interesting article on single moms called: 10 Single Mom Secrets. It has really helped me a lot and given me and open mind on how to deal with things.

It is what it is.....

10 Single Mom Secrets

It Is What It Is...

Hi There!

Rebecca here, most people call me Becky. Here is a little bit about me!~

Me, 2015.

I attended Heathfield High School from 2003 and Matriculated in 2008. I fell pregnant with my first born when I was in Matric and still managed to pass and complete my 5 years of High School. How you might ask? I was out of school for about 2 months in my matric year and in those 2 months, I used to "home school" myself. After I had given birth to my first born Amy in September 2008, I had to study from home and practice everything to prepare for my final exams. Fortunately for me, I was still given the opportunity to write! I wrote my matric exams in the Principle's office. Thank God I passed! I decided not to let my circumstance keep me back from doing what I needed to. 

In 2009, I did a basic hairdressing course and computer course in the space of 8 Weeks. I was sort of figuring out what my passion was and what I was most good at. I really enjoyed the hairdressing, it was as if I was a natural. I then went on and was blessed with a job as Junior Stylist and Salon Assistant for Gio's Unisex Hair Studio in Wynberg, Cape Town.

10 Months Old.

On her 7th Birthday, 2015.

In 2010 I gave birth to my son Daniel. I was yet again out of work and kept back on finding myself. Can you imagine being a mother of 2 at age 20! I never in my life thought it would be me. I wouldn't trade my kids for the world though and would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn't for them and for the Grace of God. I have been through so much and learnt a lot from my actions. In the year 2010 I was working on Contract as a Data Capturer for DataCentrix for 6 months. I then went on to be employed as a permanent Receptionist for Margaret Nicol & Associates and later on promoted to a Production Assistant. During the time working at MNA, I did 2 courses namely, Design & Develop as well as Assessor. I also completed First Aid Level 1 training. Unfortunately after almost 3 years of employment at MNA the company retrenched all their staff and had to close down due to circumstances. I was then again unemployed. I eventually went back into the Hair Dressing trade and got a job as Hair Stylist and Salon Manager for Something Sassi Salon, also located in Wynberg. I thoroughly enjoyed working there. Learnt a few new things in Beauty Therapy as well. All this took place from 2010 - 2013.

1 years old.

On his 5th Birthday, 2015.

In 2014, I was blessed with an opportunity to study. I started studying Civil Engineering at Damelin College, full-time. Pretty tough when you're a mother of 2 and didn't have much financial support. My parents were always supporting us while I went on and studied. Unfortunately, I had to leave college and look for work again as the financial situation wasn't looking good. I then got a job at City Varsity, where I am currently employed as a Receptionist. I recently completed a Web Design course through the Varsity.

My reason for starting this blog is to connect with people and share my interests with those who enjoy the same things as me.