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Love Your Body

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As the time draws near for the season of summer to peak, most of us still don’t have our “summer bodies” we promised ourselves we would have 8 years ago. I have a few questions. What is a summer body? Who decides what it looks like? What are the benefits of having one? And of course, we know what it is, who decides what it looks like and the benefits of having one. If you don’t know, let me fill you in. A summer body is a body suitable for the weather in summer. Sundresses, shorts, vibes, you get the idea. Society decides what it looks like. Benefits? Men want you more than ever, you get more likes and followers on social media and to be honest, you’re just awesome in general. You’re considered the standard. The rest of us, however, beat ourselves up for years about this summer body ritual that we have to go into before summer arrives. We almost never get it done and the years of saying we would just increases. We have felt bad all those years and probably still do, but I am here t...

I’m a mess

Yes you’ve read right and no I’m not talking about the Bebe Rexha song, I’m talking about me… Ney. I’m a mess in every sense of that word. I guess I should elaborate on the title, so here goes: I’m a mess because I use my health as an excuse for pretty much anything. I’m a mess because I let my anxiety get the best of me sometimes. I’m a mess because I’m scared AF to try new things, get out of my comfort zone. I’m a mess because I overanalyse everything. I’m a mess because I still try to make others happy instead of working on myself. I’m a mess because I might be suffering from depression. I’m a mess because I need pills to sleep The list goes on, really, but that’s the few things that have been at the front line, but I guess at the end of the day, I have to accept that I’m only human and take it one step at a time. It has taken me a few months to realise that maybe the problems I have are deeper than what I’d like it to be. Now some of you (probably family) will ask why I’m sharing s...

Better late than never

We are officially in the last month of what can be said to be the world’s most loved season – SPRING. There were many beauty trends this year that took over this season, from yellow eyeshadow looks that were bold and definitely beautiful, to the “no make-up, make-up” looks. If you have not hopped on any of these trends, you have a few weeks left to do the most, GO AHEAD. For the last month of the season, there are certainly some beauty tips to take note of while transitioning into summer next month. Firstly, make sure to have a highlighter kit with you at all times. While ‘sun’s out, guns out’ applies to the boys, ladies, we have to be sure to kill the side look with a highlight so strong, it could blind anyone who dares to look twice. Oh, and please do not be shy. We are done with sticking to a highlighter that goes with our “specific skin tone” – shake things up and go for a violet, pink or even silver highlighter, it looks AMAZING. Next, make sure you switch your foundation from thi...

What I’ve learned from Relationships

Most of you probably read the title and thought “damn, she’s using the R word in 2018” but, someone had to.  It’s crazy looking back to young me and what she wanted in a relationship vs who I am today. I can honestly say, I’ve only had two serious relationships in my entire 24 years of life and both of them taught me things about myself that I never imagined and most importantly it taught me a lot about the type of relationship  and partner I really want. 1st Relationship: My first serious relationship started a few weeks before my 18th birthday and it lasted for over 4 years. I don’t really know how else to describe this relationship, other than intense, looking back now I know that I was way too young and I didn’t figure myself out yet. I thought by dating him, I would somehow found my way to me, in a way where he became my identity and the more I thought I was getting close to who I’m supposed to be, the more I lost myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it was all bad,...

Protect Your Crown

Summer is here! I am a winter fanatic myself, but I know 99% of humans love the summer season – beach days, summer dresses, cocktails, and wind blowing through your hair. Summer is all about fun – you can feel it in the air, however, it comes with some responsibility for your hair. For the natural hair KWEENS, now that winter is over you can finally get rid of your protective winter hairstyles. If you want your hair to breathe, you can but that does not mean you do not have to protect it in the summer time – the sun can damage your hair if you’re outside for long periods of time, it can also discolour your hair and even burn your scalp. Taking this into consideration, it will also be wise to not use heat on your hair during summer time. The sun already dries out your hair, do not amplify it by using hairdryers, straighteners, etc. on your hair as well. The best solution for hair during summer time is to keep your hair moisturised at all times. This means, do not shampoo your hair as of...

A blind hen also finds a grain

Does it sometimes seem to you as if you are experiencing more trouble in your life than others? As if others were "getting it easier" than you? And then you start thinking…. Why can't it happen to me. That's exactly where I found myself, less than 7 months back. You see, 7 months ago I and my best half (of course my husband) decided to take the biggest step yet. After a successful 3 years of love sharing in our marriage, we are ready for a miracle. We are ready to be called Mum & Dad for the rest of our lives. It's easy ?! So fast as flash, as long as one does the actions. Then I can show off like a peacock with the news of life growing inside of me. So start the biggest, most difficult journey I still had to take in my life. A journey consists of different fasteners. You see it starting with a decision. Then one plans to travel. These plans can only be put into effect when exercised. But it didn't immediately realize. Because one always wants to get every...

A Dip in the Deep Side

I've been a little overwhelmed for about two weeks. Overwhelmed by work, by the crime and state of affairs in our country, by the sadness and pain that so many children walk in my class, by family and by all the "being" expected of us: be mother, spouse, be a teacher, be a woman, be a friend and be a Christian. It seems like the whole world is a bit dark and heavy as if I accidentally fell into the deep end of the pool when I just wanted to wet my toes. My friends count on me not being nice, my husband feels like I'm curt and hard, my mom says I'm quiet and my colleagues see the frown on my forehead. For someone who walks around with my whole heart and yet a diary full of emotions, it's also difficult to hide if everything in my heart is not honey theory. For days I tried to think exactly what made me so depressed, because it really felt as if I had just got up tired and depressed one morning. And I use the word depressed very carefully here because I have hea...

One day, long ago...

For the rest of my life, I think that pregnancy and babies get something that should happen so naturally and easily ... without any serious complications, without injections, without planning ... just "happening". With my mum trip I realized what an incredible privilege and miracle it is to get pregnant first, secondly, not to lose the baby in the first trimester, third, to put the baby in your stomach for the full 40 weeks wearing and finally having a healthy, living baby. It all started at the end of 2013. My husband and I were ready to start the whole "let's get kids" story. My husband is in the fleet and is pretty much away from home. He returned to sail at the end of November after 2 months of sailing. After so many of my girlfriends took years to get pregnant, I thought we should start and then hopefully we'll see something in about 6 months. But no, we are quickly blessed and on Christmas morning we found out I expected! What an incredible Christmas g...

What 2018 Taught Me

As the year comes to an end, I thought it’s time to dot down 20 things this year taught me. Because 2018 felt like a roller coaster. A wild ride, yet a good time. It made me feel sick and happy all at once, and it was one strange but magical year. Here are 20 (short and sweet) things 2018 taught me. 20 of the BEST and the WORST things: 1. I got engaged! And I personally learned things DOES change once you enter this phase in a relationship. 2. It’s okay to take your time and do things your way. Your pace, your race. 3. Anxiety is a real thing. For the first time in my life, anxiety has become a real-life issue. I’ve also learned, you CAN overcome anything. 4. Hormonal changes at the age of 26: The things you thought can’t happen to you WILL eventually happen. Age is a strange thing. 5. Doors close for a reason. 6. Every season has its reason. 7. Saying NO is fine. Balance and staying authentic is what matters. 8. Be present. Life is SO short. 9. Take care of yourself. Health is wealth....

5 Tips to Beat Sugar Cravings This Festive Season

If you sit down and think about what you’ve put in your mouth lately, you’ll agree that you’re probably high. Yes, high! Those thick, creamy milkshakes, cold cuts and chicken nuggets can have you’re riding a sugar high right now. Well, don’t feel bad – you’re not the only one buzzed with a sugar addiction. In fact, according to research nearly a quarter of one’s daily caloric intakes – 325 calories on averages – comes from foods such as soft drinks, baked goods, desserts and fruit juices. In other words, from sugar. You’ll agree with me that that the end of the year is the worst time of the year to try and take control of your sugar cravings. So, here are six tips to help you take control of your sweet tooth that really work! HOW TO CURB YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS THIS DECEMBER 1. NEVER CROSS THE 150 CALORIE LINE! It’s not easy to say no to a cupcake or a chocolate especially when you’re at a dinner or Christmas party. Honestly – this happens! However, when it does happen, make sure you stick...