The Evolved Golfing Experience

There are over 32 000 golf courses around the world and the number is growing every day.

We all know that golf is the business worlds unofficial sport and that a golf courses outline is pretty much designed with luscious green fields, putting greens, bunkers and then of course the 19th hole. The 19th hole is where golfers gather and also lovingly nicknamed the watering hole. It is where the days game is discussed in earnest whilst enjoying a drink or two.

The golfer
South Africa has generated a new type of golf player: the sophisticated golfer. And where better to play a game of golf than in the Cape Winelands. In recent years the game of golf has had an interesting effect upon this district. Less than an hours drive from Cape town youll be met by lush green valleys, vineyards and dramatic mountains that surround this area. A long leisurely drive through the green countryside, basking in the sun while enjoying a relaxing game of golf proves to be better than an apple a day when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.

The Cape Winelands truly is the golfers paradise. Here you can play 18 holes of golf and then at the 19th turn into a wine connoisseur while discussing the days game. The 19th hole will never be the same. The exquisite wines of Cape Winelands truly make this golfing experience something to remember.

Combining Golf with Wine
Forming part of this refined golf experience is the Alluvia wine estate. Surrounded by several world class golf courses within easy driving distance, Alluvia wine estate is the perfect base for any golf lover. A holiday combining the world of golf with the wine culture of the Cape Winelands is sure to make anyone envious.

Alluvia has gone the extra mile for their golf enthusiasts by constructing a pga golf green and bunker on the estate. If you need a bit of help to perfect your backswing, the professional service of Sydney van Rensburg is available at your beck and call. Now you can improve your game whilst overlooking onto the Banhoek valley and sipping on a top class Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you are planning on enjoying a stay at the Alluvia wine estate, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

There are many other golf courses within a 30 minute drive from Alluvia. Some are designed by famous players like Gary Player and Peter Matkovich, these golf courses are sure to give even the best players a run for their money. One of the better courses is Erinvale Golf and Country club, a beautifully crafted course with challenging holes, set against the foothills of the Hottentots Holland Mountains with panoramic views of False Bay. Gary player was once quoted as saying that he thought this would be one of the best golf courses in South Africa. He was proved to be right.

Day Tripping
More than just a vineyard lifestyle, Alluvia is a luxury wine estate with five star accommodations to give you that head start. Situated in the Stellenbosch Winelands, you would be close to many other tourist attractions. You can spend a day or two in Cape town, going to Robben island or up Table Mountains cable car.

Enjoy a day trip to Stellenbosch where you can learn about the South African heritage at the many museums found in Stellenbosch. Or if you want to learn more about the nightlife, be sure to join in at one of Cape Towns many clubs, pubs or discos. No matter your taste, there is something for everyone in this area and all well within easy drive of Alluvia.

Alluvia is truly a golfers paradise. Surrounded with natural beauty, some of the best golf courses and superb food and wine, the western Cape introduces a new way of enjoying a game of golf.

Author Bio

Alluvia Boutique Wine estate is just outside of Stellenbosch. Surrounded by several golf courses, the winelands golf also offers private lessons on the newly constructed pga golf green and bunker available on the Alluvia estate.

Correspondence Teacher Training Yoga

What Does "High Maintenance" Really Mean?

We hear this term "High Maintenance" quite frequently used as an adjective to describe Women. Men say, "She was/is high maintenance." What does it mean to you? Do you consider yourself HIGH Maintenance? Do you think being HIGH maintenance is wrong?

High Maintenance to me isn't a financial issue, exclusively or about a woman being demanding. Although being high maintenance requires the means by which a woman's needs, wants, desires and pleasures can be given to her. There should be perks for "staying the course." Many [women] have stayed the course and can enjoy the perks that come with working hard and smart. I do not particularly like when the phrase "high maintenance" is used for a person. I think it works perfectly well for certain vehicles, and other things such as hardwood floors, 100% linen and silk outfits, or even a long and thick head of hair. It works for things that require more attention than their alternatives, perhaps.

I am aware some women require more 'upkeep' than others but it's their choice and lifestyle. One woman may not care about makeup, manicures, pedicures, massages, highlights in her hair, fine jewelry, luxurious suites at their vacation destination, or being catered to and pampered. Another woman may seek out this treatment because it enables her to thrive and flourish. Would the latter type of woman be considered High Maintenance?"

What I think is wrong is when a woman demands these things from someone when she isn't capable of providing them for herself. Or when she forces a man to go into debt just to maintain a facade, which isn't affordable for either of them. A man complying with such demands need to reassess his involvement with this type of woman and bid her farewell.

Read what a young man of 26, whom Ill call Michael, thinks High Maintenance women are when he was asked the question.

High maintenance women, from my personal definition means:

1. Needs lots of time

2. Needs lots of effort

3. Are very fussy and particular

4. Are difficult and troublesome

5. Are annoying

6. Have high expectations of her partner or date

7. Will be quick to reject a person if those expectations are not met

8. Hard to please, not easily impressed

9. Takes forever to get ready

10. Something all but the most patient and tolerant men should avoid like the plague."

And a gentleman of 68, whom Ill call George, describes a High Maintenance woman as follows:

High Maintenance includes many things. She selects a restaurant because of she's heard VIPs go there not because of great food and service. Another High Maintenance definition is she's very demanding with little consideration of what the guy enjoys so the time together becomes high maintenance (wasted). The rental car must be impressive and so many other things."

To be fair, here are two quotes from women who are 47 and 50 years of age, respectively:

High maintenance here in Australia is really the term used to describe women being highly groomed which includes nail polish, good make up, classical/business clothes, etc. on a daily basis." Jeni

Funny, I thought getting your nails done and your hair done and looking nice and acting appropriately was just part of being a woman/girl. Since when did the maintaining the aspects of our sex become high maintenance?" Cheryl

And finally, a 50 year old, whom Ill call Sharon, made this contribution to the question.

1. If your purse holds more than 5 lbs of ESSENTIALS . . .

2. If you own more than 50 pairs of shoes . . .

3. If your make-up case is a double-decker toolbox from Sears . . .

4. If a small family could live in your closet . . .

5. If more than 3 items in your closet still have price tags . . .

6. If your jewelry box used to be a high-boy chest . . .

7. If you have more underwear than you can wear in 3 months . . .

8. If a weekend trip takes more than 1 piece of luggage . . .

9. If you spend more on hair products than groceries . . .

10. If your dry-cleaning bill is more than your car payment . . .

11. If you have a weekly Botox appointment . . .

12. If you're still making payments on your last plastic surgery . . .

You may be High Maintenance!

I am guilty of four of the twelve (#2, #5, #7 & #8); therefore, if Sharon is correct, I am High Maintenance! Pffft! I dont think so! I, admittedly, require more 'attention' than I used to. I am older. I deserve it. I have earned it. I also give as good or greater than I get. I never want to feel obligated to anyone or for anyone to feel taken advantage of by me. If I am over-indulgent with myself, you can count on me being over-indulgent with you. I maintain myself. I'm blessed and highly favoured! Because I'm blessed I must be a blessing.

Are you High Maintenance? The phrase is not restricted to describe only women. Men have been deemed and a few I know, as High Maintenance. I just think people have different requirements, likes and dislikes. I hope Michael and George arent entirely correct!

Copyright 2007 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC

Avis Ward is an aspiring writer who enjoys writing about her spirituality, self-improvement, relationships, and women's issues. She is Dental Marketing Consultant, specializing in Orthodontics. http://aviswardconsulting.com/ Avis invites you to view her blog.

Yoga Pilates Studio

20 Ways to Lose Weight

1. Take it one step at a time

Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control, add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you chose an activity that you enjoy.

2. Find a friend

It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight. Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in together and maybe even have a contest.

3. Use weights

Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so you will be smaller ( but probably weigh more).

4. Eat fewer carbs

Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.

5. Set a goal

Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see it daily.

6. Give up soda

If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you find it hard to stop completely, cut back at first and drink water instead.

7. Grill or boil

Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it and probably enjoy it more.

8. Don't buy junk food

When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be tempted to indulge.

9. Eat breakfast

Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast. Don't eat after 8pm and not only will you avoid those added calories but you will sleep better.

10. Give yourself a treat

When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more. Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel you are missing out.

11. Use smaller plates

Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a smaller plate.

12. Drink lots of water

Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full' feeling.

13. Don't eat everything on your plate

Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you have had enough.

14. Eat five or six meals a day

Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.

15. Plan your workout sessions

Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.

16. Stay away from fad diets

Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will gain it back ( and more) just as fast. It takes time to put it on and time to take it off.

17. Do several workouts a day

While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.

18. Measure your food

If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and control what you eat.

19. Keep pre-cut vegetables

...and ward off those cravings.

20. Create Good Habits

It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit. Create good eating habits.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

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