a fond farewell

Picture with me and Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar, who is going to be a fellow judge at the Herald Greenacres Miss Port Elizabeth competition tonight.

A year has gone by, it seems like yesterday when I was a nervous wreck on this day, thinking what did I get myself into :)
But I have to say every minute was worth it. Whilst reflecting on the year that has been, I am glad I have came out with NO REGRETS and with lots of WISDOM. This was a memorable experience and the highlight of my life so far.
All of this would not have been possible if I did not have people like you in my life. A BIG Thank You for the advice, encouragement, criticism ( both positive and negative) and most importantly the SUPPORT you have given me. Thank you for caring and being there for me all the way.
To all my sponsors – a huge Thank You.
I believe that I have GROWN!
THANK YOU :)

Love Nono

Meeting the finalists

All the Finalists looked really stunning and were well groomed.

They wanted to know how my year was, the highlights and the downside of everything that I went through. I was actually saying to them that, now that the 2009 gala is getting closer, its only now that I am reflecting on how my year has been.

During the year, there was one function after the other, one picture after the other.

So I did not really get time to sit and think about every single moment.

Its only now that I realize how much I have done and how amazing the year has been for me.

It was also interesting for me to listen to them and hear what their expectations are.

Sponsors cocktail party

This is a picture of me and Sindy De Jager, one of the finalists for The Herald Greenacres Miss Port Elizabeth 2009 competition.

It was taken at the Sponsors Cocktail Party at the Beach hotel, which was held for the finalists and sponsors to meet.

It does not seem so long ago that I was a finalist myself. Time has really gone by - FAST!

All the girls looked gorgeous and were very eager to know more about the competition.

Belle of the Ball

This was taken of me and Werner Oelofse, prior to the Community Chest Valentines Ball which was held at the Feather Market on Valentines Day.

Ohhh, how I love dressing up for these functions. I am definitely going to miss this :(

The Feather Market was transformed into a “Love Hall” LOL. There were flowers, candles, and red everywhere. The tables were set perfectly and everything was exquisite.

What made the night more wonderful, was the fact that all the tables were taken by different companies, in support of the Community Chest.

The Community Chest (the Feather - as some call it) is doing so much for our community and it was nice to see that the Nelson Mandela Bay citizens support this cause.

I was seated with Mr Port Elizabeth, Denver Burns, and Mrs Port Elizabeth,Paula Duffy-it was my first time meeting her , other than bumping into her in traffic …LOL.

The night was really a romantic and a memorable one.

Valentine's day table setting competition

Greenacres Shopping Centre held a table decorating competition to celebrate Valentines Day.
This is a picture of me with the winning mother and daughter team.

Customers from the centre entered a draw and six were chosen to take part in a table setting competition, I was asked to be one of the judges.

Contestants were given tools such as cutlery, plates, glasses, candles etc. from different vendors within the shopping centre, and were asked to set the tables 'valentines style'.

It was really exciting to watch each team’s efforts.

I was personally looking for originality and appearance. All the tables were set out very well, with a little bit of creativity from each team.

The Boardman’s table came out tops at the end, and the winners received wonderful expensive : ) gifts from the Tenants at the Greenacres Shopping centre.

Valentine's Day - Love is in the air

This picture of me and my boyfriend Thembinkosi Nogambula was taken by The Herald photographer, Beverley Darlow at the Boardwalk Casino complex.

We were enjoying a Valentine's meal prepared by executive head chef Robert Mnyamana to promote a La Femme Valentine's Day competition.

It’s Valentine's Day very soon and I am pretty sure all the couples can’t wait to spoil their better halves.

Personally, I think every day should be Valentine’s Day (imagine getting a gift, every single day LOL). I know its cliché, but my personal opinion is; when you are in a relationship you should always show the other person that you love and appreciate them every single day.

Personally I feel that Valentine’s Day is overrated, people have commercialised the whole concept – it is now more about making money than actually spending time, spoiling or making your partner feel special.

But to all those who do celebrate Valentine’s Day, a little suggestion - DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!

Help you partner wash the dishes, challenge him to a game on his Playstation. Do something small, something that you hardly ever do.

Search for Next The Herald Greenacres Miss Port Elizabeth

This morning The Herald Multimedia editor, Eugene Coetzee took this picture of me which made me think, the year is almost coming to an end … sigh … lots of mixed emotions there :)
One thing that I do know is that being The Herald Greenacres Miss Port Elizabeth has made 2008 the best year of my life so far and I am sure more good things are still to come.

Being Miss PE has meant so much to me. Personal growth – I am now more confident, I now know what I want in life and what I am capable of; business growth – time management, having to organise and balance work, family and social life; building a network of contacts that I will always keep (and utilise ... LOL).

Miss PE has been a dream that I never saw coming. My life has changed in the way I view things and the way I do things. The way that I see people. I HAVE GROWN!
The biggest highlights would be definitely going overseas for the first time (thanks Uniglobe Bay Travel!) and meeting inspirational people that I look up to and admire, like Basetsane Khumalo and Ryk Neethling. Another big highlight was not having to SAVE ON PETROL especially at such a difficult time in our country as General Motors South Africa was there to fill up my tank :)

Having the opportunity to share my opinions and my views. There are lots more special moments that I had. Overall Miss PE has had a big influence on my ultimate goal which is to LEAVE A LEGACY BEHIND!

And I have started already by being Miss PE . By leaving a legacy I mean be a role model to other young people, be successful in my chosen career, so much that when it comes to expertise in my chosen field people refer to me. I also want to be content with myself so much that I can be able to help and give more to others.
As I will be handing over, I call on all young girls to enter. This is your chance to show people what you are capable of, show people what your potential is. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help our community be a better place and a chance for you to be an AMBASSADOR of the Nelson Mandela Bay.