About me!
Hey everyone!
My name is Nienke (ning-ka) and welcome to Revel! I love that you stopped by! I hope you find something you like here, and decide to come back again soon. I suppose I should introduce myself a bit so that we are not strangers anymore?
In a nutshell, Im just a girl who likes to eat good food, hang out with my favourite people and see life as one grand adventure. If you have some time, grab a coffee and read the longer version below!
I want Revel to be a place of pure, toe-curling pleasure and joy. Seriously – I want to REVEL in my life. Every day. And I do most days. I am in the process of creating that life and attitude for myself.
To quote Jenny Craig (not endorsing the program or anything here, just like the quote a lot!):
“It’s not what you do once in a while, it’s what you do day in and day out that makes the difference”
And another favourite one of mine (don’t know who spoke these words of wisdom – sorry!)
“How you spend your days is how you spend your life”
So revelling in your own life means finding things and moments in your life every day to revel in. It is not only the big events and vacations (although those are pretty darn sweet!), but finding a way to revel in our everyday lives. Even if it means that you have to proactively go out and create this life and the attitude that goes with it.
So what do I revel in??
Food is so powerful. It gives you pleasure because it tastes so darn good! Healthy and real food nourishes your body, which in turn gives you the power and energy to live your best life. I am a firm believer that ‘you are what you eat’. Literally. The food you put in your mouth gets used to create the cells that make up your body, influences how organs and systems function. What and when you eat greatly affects your energy levels too – you know when you are not eating right and you feel so lethargic? You can prevent this. So would you not rather put the best quality and balance of food into your body so that you can perform and function at your optimum level? By eating right you can set yourself up for great success in life!
Food is also very social – and we are all social creatures. We do groceries together, cook together, eat together, share together. Sitting down for a beautiful and healthy meal forces us to stop time for a while and spend gentle and happy moments with loved ones. The service of cooking is an act of love.
Cooking is also good for your mental health: the ritual of cooking gives you the chance to work with your hands, which is very therapeutic. It is a very creative process, as you use different flavours, colours and textures together to create something new – maybe even something daring. And if it turns out well it gives you a boost and leaves you feeling proud of yourself! (And if it doesn’t work out so well, loved ones will commend you for your effort! I made meatballs this week that turned out like hockey pucks, very hard and dry, but my family insisted that they were very good!)
I love how Oprah says it: “Your home should rise up to meet you”. Lovely! I always say that my home is my nest, my little bubble from the rest of the world where all is well. My house hugs me.
Since I am into creating a life that gives me pleasure every day, my home is a big part of it. Because home is where life happens…. every day. It is important to surround yourself with items and colours that make your heart smile. Why can’t your toothbrush holder be pretty? You use it twice a day! Paint your walls in colours that make you feel like you are on vacation, or colours that help you relax or give you a jolt of energy.
Your home is a great way of expressing yourself. Let it speak of who you are – make it a place where you are proud to have people over.
Your nest is important for your mental health: Your home is your shelter. Make sure it is a place where you want to be – where all is well. Knowing that you have your home to return to makes all the crappy stuff outside the home a little bit more OK (I guess I am now blurring the lines between the physical ‘home’ and the ‘home’ that includes your loved ones).
Make sure your home is organized. This is a great way for you to set yourself up for success! Having your kitchen in order makes it easier to cook healthy meals. Having your workout gear all together makes it easier to set out for that run or swim. Organizing your office makes for more productive time when you are at your desk. Create a home that supports your goals and dreams. Make it easy for yourself to succeed!
I like to travel a lot and experience new places and things (and am lucky to be able to do that). Since leaving my corporate job I have been enjoying the novelty of more freedom (I now work part time at a very awesome cafe). I am trying to test my personal boundaries, take a few risks and know that it is ok if it doesn’t work out, because I will just move on to something else. I will survive. This makes me feel so alive and in control! Funny how exposing myself to failure makes me feel more in control? It’s so liberating!
Try new things (this can relate to your taste buds and nest too: new recipes or decorating styles). You may be surprised at what you find.
A great sense of adventure is good for your mental health! It opens up now possibilities. It reminds you that you are capable. It may open up new and wonderful worlds to you. Your own and guts and perseverance may surprise you and will give you confidence. We don’t want to be static – we all inherently want progress. Dream a little and go for it. Take part in life!
REVEL IN THE LIFE YOU ARE CREATING!
Now you know a bit more about me – why don’t you tell me about yourself at therevelblog@gmail.com – I’d love to hear from ya!
I, too, want colourful mixing bowls! But I don’t want plastic ones. I found this very cool vintage set at my local antique and collectibles store, and it’s a popular set so it’s there often, but the bowls don’t have lips like my mum’s do, for pouring. I’m holding out for the perfect set.
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Oh my! Vintage mixing bowls! I feel like a set of those would instantly make me a better baker!
And I agree, the lip is key. I also like having a rubber ring at the bottom for stability …. but those only come in plastic…
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What a lovely blog!! I agree wholeheartedly about the small bowls. I buy the little ones from china town and leave them around the house to drop jewellery in whenever I take it off. By the kitchen sink, next to the bed, on the bathroom counter. Keep writing
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Nienke Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 4:48 am
Thanks for the blog love Kena!
That’s a great idea about the ‘jewelry bowls’. I always take my rings off when I’m doing stuff around the house, and I’m afraid that I will misplace them some day.
This looks like a pretty good excuse to buy some more little bowls, right?
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Nienke – wat ‘n pragtige blog! Die foto’s, die idees, die dinge waarvan jy hou, die styl, die lieflik en inspirerend. Jou pa het die brainwave gehad om jou link aan al sy vriende te stuur. Dankie tog hy het! Dis lekker om alles te lees. En jy is getroud – waar gaan die tyd? Ek skryf ook ‘n blog, maar saam met vriende, dis The Runners Blog by blog.timesunion.com/running. Ek skryf dus nie alleen nie en dis nie naastenby so mooi soos jou nie! Dit vat tyd en ek wens ek kon elke dag skryf, maar ek blog maar omtrent een maal per week. Nou ja, mooi bly, en o ja, hopelik onthou jy ons nog HAHA!
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Nienke Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi Marie – natuurlik onthou ek julle nog! Ek het jou blog gecheck en jy is nogals hardcore ne? Ek het ‘n hele paar health en fitness blogs wat ek elke dag lees en ek het al soveel by daai girls geleer oor hoe om gesonder te eet en leef en hoe om oefening in jou dag in te pas – so ek sal weer by joune inloer
Ek het nie ‘n clue vir wie my pa dit almal gestuur het nie – maar dis lekker om te sien wie almal hier kom ‘kuier’ – dankie dat jy ook gecheck het. Ek stem saam, dit vat tyd om te skryf maar ek geniet dit vreeslik baie! Groete daar!
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Wow. You are gorgeous girl!! I love your about story. Very real, very relateable and just awesome. I could never have too many little bowls/plates and mini spoons!
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I just stumbled across your blog and love it! My hubby is also South African and I have quite a few South African mates and love visiting your country of birth.
I can’t wait for the weather to warm up – we will be having some lekker braais soon!
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Nienke Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Hi – thanks for stopping by! I totally hear ya on the braais!! It is still pretty gold here in Toronto, but this weekend was gorgeous weather, so we barbecued Saturday AND Sunday… it was awesome. Hope you get to braai soon too
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Thanks Ashley!! I must say, you have the most beautiful bowls and spoons and cups – totally giving me ‘bowl envy’ – haha!
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You made such a beautiful bride! I did not get to talk to you yesterday at the blogger meetup since I was at the very end of the table but I am glad I got your website! Looking forward following it!
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Nienke Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Hi Noelle! I know! I feel like I only talked to half of the table and missed out on meeting some awesome people! Next time we need to all switch seats halfway through our meal
. For now I will get to know you better on your blog!
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Just wanted to say that it was ‘nice to almost meet you’ yesterday at the blogger meetup! Like Noelle I was at the other end of the table, so didn’t get a chance to chat with you! I wish I had. My family actually lived in South Africa for a couple of years (just outside Cape Town in Paarl).
PS: I love bowls too!
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Hey Kristen! Too bad I didn’t get to chat with you yesterday…. Like I said to Noelle, next time we all need to switch seats halfway through our meal so that we can meet everyone. Sorta like in speed dating where they ring a bell after a few minutes and you move on to the next person
Oh Paarl is gorgeous! I’m actually heading to SA next week and will spend a few days in Cape Town, and I’m pretty sure I will venture into wine country while im there.
Looking forward to getting to know you better!
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Hi Nienks!
Dis stunning en so jy!!!
Was so great om jou te sien en ek is beindruk dat jy tyd gekry het selfs met vakansie!
YKILYS
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Nienke Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Thanks Helgie!! Dit was so wonderlik om jou te gesien het!
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Hi Nienks!
Dis stunning en so jy!!!
Was so great om jou te sien en ek is beindruk dat jy tyd gekry het selfs met vakansie!
YKILYS
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Hi Nienke
Wil net sê dat ek begin het om veranderinge in my blyplek te maak. Ek het klein kers houertjies gekry waarin tealight candles pas en ‘n mengelmoes van kleure gekoop. Verder werk ek stelselmatig aan die veranderinge in my blyplek. Mens raak gou moeg vir dieselfde goed in mens se huis en daar kom ‘n tyd waar mens dit moet wegpak en ander goed moet uithaal. Ek het teels in my blyplek en gaan los matte op die vloer gooi. Op my wenslys is ‘n kelim of ‘n griekse mat, maar ek dink nie daardie wit griekse mat sal deug nie.
Geniet jou dag en dankie vir al die inspirasies op jou blog.
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Hi Nienke! So nice to meet you. Thanks so much for following our blog. It’s nice to see some fab Canadian bloggers out in the blogging world. I really love your blog, and your style of writing. Your photos are gorgeous and I love seeing pictures of your everyday life!
I can’t believe you grew up in South Africa. I have a friend who moved to Cape Town a few years ago, with whom I still stay in touch, and she sends me gorgeous photos of the city. I wish I could travel more, go to interesting places and take beautiful pictures. But that’ll have to wait until I finish school!
Again, so nice to meet you!
xo,
-Sandy
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Revel! Reply:
April 25th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Hey Sandy! Thanks for checking out my blog – and for all the nice compliments
I also love it when I find other Canadian bloggers, it’s like we share an instant connection, right?!
Hopefully when you are done school you can go to SA – you totally won’t regret it!
Nice meeting you too!
nienke
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Nienke! Yes, finally, another woman who has a husband who doesn’t understand that a bowl is never JUST a bowl! Ah, relief.
I love this about page, through and through. It’s revealing and inspiring… I started thinking about decorating my house just now! Crisp sheets, coffee, yoga… hmmm, we seem to have a lot in common, you and I.
What a wonderful blog – lovely and very visual, which I love. So glad you found my blog.. now I have found yours and am looking forward to seeing what other treasures you share on here.
sandyb
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Revel! Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Hey Sandyb – thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words (compliments always make me wanna be more awesome)! I’m glad that I found your blog and the cherry on top is meeting a cool Toronto blogger!
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Oh my gosh, your wedding photos are GORGEOUS!!! Totally LOVE your dress, so sleek, elegant and classy.
Had SO MUCH FUN with you this weekend! I hope we’ll be able to meet up again sometime soon.
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I loved meeting you this weekend! And your blog is wonderful. You take such gorgeous pictures!
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As a girl who is about to get married, what’s the one piece of advice you can give me?!?
ps love your blog
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Revel! Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Hey Kristen! I would say try to totally let go of the details on the actual day – just trust that all your planning will fall into place and other people will do their job well – that way you can just enjoy! Also, remember your fiance/new husband and what the day is really about, ’cause an awesome wedding does not mean an awesome marriage. Good luck with the last couple of weeks of prepping!
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I just came across your blog and love your home decor!! You take beautiful photos as well! Cheers!
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Hi,
I just came across your blog and I love your outlook on life. All of your photos are amazing and your wedding photos are amazing. You were a beautiful bride. Cant wait to keep reading!!
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Revel! Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Thank you Lindsay – you are so kind! Glad you stopped by
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I just found your blog through Emily at The Front Burner, and you have an inspiring and very mindful way of living about you – thank you! I also wanted to say that your second quote is by Annie Dillard, an incredible writer whose work reminds me to be in the present (try her book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek if you are curious about her). The full quote, as I’ve read it, is “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” I noticed it on a friend’s wall just two days ago and love its message!
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Revel! Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
Hi Allegra! Thanks so much for telling me about Annie! I love that quote so much and try to live with it in mind, so I will definitely check out her book. And I love the addition of ‘of course’ in the quote because it should be common sense but we somehow forget it sometimes.
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Came over from edible perspective and I agree with her- beautiful photography. I just skimmed around but I will add this to my Google reader and begin reading. Such a happy, pretty blog!
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Revel! Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Aw thanks Katie!
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So lovely to have met you yesterday! Love your blog!
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Revel! Reply:
November 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
Thanks Dani, it was great meeting you too!
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Hi Nienke! I found your blog through Twitter and am so glad I did! I can’t wait to read more
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Hi Nienke,
It’s such a pleasure reading your blog. I admire your perspective on life — it’s something I aspire to every day, in fact. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on here, and for spreading such a positive outlook on life!
Cheers!
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Revel! Reply:
December 3rd, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hi Simi! I’m so glad I found your blog through this comment! Thanks for stopping by
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I love your philosophy! Look forward to reading more.
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What gorgeous photos! What kind of camera do you use?
Love your story too. Such a good reminder to make the most out of every single minute of the day.
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Revel! Reply:
January 31st, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Thanks Casey! I use a Canon Rebel T1i and the stock lens that came with it (18-55mm). Oooo I would LOVE to get more lenses though!
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Hi Nienke!
I nominated you for the 7×7 Blog Award! Keep up the great recipes, decor tips and ways to inspire us to revel in the life we’re living! Awesome job on your blog!
Here is the post: http://ateaspoonofturmeric.com/2012/03/13/7-x-7/#more-5314
Cheers,
Preena
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Hello, I am a retired grandmother and while researching orange chai accidentally came across your blog. I have to say it is absolutely charming; I enjoyed it very much. And those are the BEST door photos I have ever seen. I’m glad you get to travel and see the world and experience life in the way you do. I hope you and your husband continue to spread sunshine wherever you go! Anna in Dallas, TX
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