Take an Adventure

Hello friends, you might have heard via social media that I'm kinda, well yes abandoning this blog until further notice. You know that I've started a small business blog over at Social Media Blooms right? I created her around December last year because I wanted to turn my side hustle into something a little bigger. And guess what, it's really going well.

I don't want to get all teary eyes and dramatic about taking a break from Adventures of Victoriafolksy, besides I'm a grown ass woman turning 30 next month. (Gulp, I'm getting old you guys... )You can pop over to Social Media Blooms whenever you miss me. Also say hello to me on Instagram and on my Facebook page. Will you, promise? Ok, see you there. :)

Here's a few post on there you will love.

5 Secrets of the Blog Community

An in depth look at the lives of bloggers, those go-getting + brave individuals always on the forefront of trends. Bloggers influence each other, they are like sponges when it comes to absorbing new + trending information. By the time they take something of the shelves you can be sure it's already well researched. And with all the beauty, fashion, books and even travel reviews they do everyday, it makes things so much easier for the rest of us.

6 Sparkly + Free SEO Resources

Traffic is the lifeblood of any website but its also important to know that various factors play a role, from your site's landing page to your social media strategy. Take a look at a list of resources to help you on your way. :)

App of the Month: Instavation

Ooh, I love this app! Instavation is a free photo app for adding joyous + inspirational quotes to photo's, available for iPhone + iPad. With Instavation you can ad pretty graphic text quotes and captions to your photos and share them on all of your favourite social networks with the click of a button! Cute hey?

Image - www.beautifulyoucoachingacademy.com

Blog of the Month: Coral Tinted Perceptions

Natalie Joseph's the author of Coral Tinted Perceptions, a delightful + cheerful lifestyle blog. She started blogging because she had things to say and not necessarily to someone or about anything, she kinda just wanted to be able to ramble on and see if there are people out there who would make sense of her ramblings! :)

This pretty brown-eyed girl really adores her family, all things football, travelling and yep, blogging! She's the baby in her family and have been told that her smile can light up a room. Natalie's down to earth and really lovely and when you read her blog this comes through beautifully.

Follow Natalie on Twitter or Instagram to see how she spends her days. Also check out one of her recent blog-posts called: What's in my bag???  She's very organised + smart. Ooh, and I must admit that I'm soooo inlove with her handbags.

Image - My own

Breakfast at Caffe Bella

I recently found this beautiful little crafty coffee-shop when I was visiting my hometown. I'm a real sucker for pretty + cute things and I really fell in love with this magical place...

My eyes were darting around the whole time, I felt so happy. The decor just spoke to my heart, there were dainty fresh flowers on my table, as well as a girly piece of artwork.

I eventually ordered a warm pot of strawberry flavoured tea for R12.00 + a scrumptious muffin for R15.00 accompanied by delicious cheese and strawberry jam. Everything on the menu's very affordable, they offer breakfast, sandwiches and cakes. Light meals that's delicious and very well presented. 

I really enjoyed the foodmarkety ambiance +  the vintage/rustic look. Caffe Bella really sourced some fantastic goodies. I love the painted old school-case in the picture above, I had one exactly like this wayyy back in Standerd 1. Admittedly when backpacks became fashionable it was hard for me to let go...

Also, right then and there I became a tea lover, I mean just look at the delicate little cup. No really, I've been stocking up on an assorted range of flavours of tea that's really, really delicious and healthy.

My fun-loving cousin Richard actually introduced me to this hidden gemstone. He really have this creative radar that will find great things + places wherever he goes. And we had such a fabulous time. :)

Caffe Bella's situated in Springbok, 50 Voortrekker Road, kinda in the heart of the beautiful Namaqualand. They also cater for small functions + you'll find awesome little gifts here for your loved-ones.   

Images - My Own

Beautify Your Blog + Digital Sphere

Hello there... I've done a little bit of research and decided to write a cheerful post on how to beautify your blog and digital sphere. (These resources are all free.) In South Africa the weather's freeeeeezing cold so I hope you're keeping warm wherever you are. Here's to a lovely + productive day!  

1. Beautiful Desktop Wallpapers

Choose from a whole bunch of oh-so-pretty free downloads at The Sweet Escape to beautify your desktop + ad a little pop of colour to brighten your day. I love this particular one, cos I'd like to think of myself as an hustling, go-getting ninja! Nothing wrong with giving yourself a little bit of self-love. ;) 

2. Free Pretty Pictures 

Looking for pretty high resolution stock photos for your illustration + design needs? Using big & beautiful images will add lovely pizazz to your blog-posts. Hop over to Morgue File, all the pictures on there are all completely free! 

3. Free Blogging Guide

Blogging consistently does something amazing for the reputation of your brand. It will make you stand out from the rest + it will also show your reliability. Check out these delightful tips on the art of blogging on Social Media Blooms. 

4. Take Yourself Seriously

I love this inspiring blogpost on Braid Creative + if you're an aspiring blogger this might help a lot. If you have a blog you are called a blogger, yep that's right now take what you do seriously.  See how the clever blond Sarah Von Bargen did it. And lastly... I've seen a lot of my blog-peers moved into better and bigger things. I'm truly proud of you guys, hustle harder, stay beautiful + ad “blogger” in your job description. ;)

Images - Links provided

Woohoo, I'm on Instagram! Yep Finally

Well let's calm down now, shall we. Yes I'm finally on Instagram and well yes I'm slightly addicted - it's like a brand new toy to me, you know what I mean right? ;) I might not have the prettiest pictures on there and I'm definitely not standing in-front of majestic pyramids in Egypt or the Eiffel Tower in Paris ( I wish ) but I would really appreciate your support over there. Here's a look at my board...




Image - www.snapwidget.com

Blog of the Month: Gee Whiskers

Woohoo, I'm choosing the lovely Charlene from Gee Whiskers as July's Blog of the Month! Charlene really gets joy out of writing posts + receiving feedback from all her readers. As far back as she can remember she have often used the saying “Gee Whiskers” as an exclamation when she saw something that surprised her (in both a good and bad way).

Charlene loves the beautiful things in life. She blog's about beauty, decor and pretty much anything that tickles her fancy. Oh, and she adores dachshunds, flowers, perfume, music but above all spending time with her friends + family. This level headed lady loves doing reviews on beauty products and she always try to keep them as honest as possible. That means she will seldom write a blog post on something she's not truly crazy about. And you know what that's what I love most about her blog, her honesty...

She's always been big on spending time looking after her skin and her current favourite beauty products are the Dermalogica Calming Cleanser, The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Boost Sorbet and The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum in Oil overnight treatment. Visit her blog Gee Whiskers to learn more about this laid-back + beautiful lady. :)

Image - My own 

Blog Image - Charlene's

Beauty Hauls and the Fall of Giants

Hello all, hope you're keeping warm with big cups of tea/coffee and soft cosy blankies. I'm working from home again today, one of the perks of working in the digital industry. Admittedly it can get a bit lonely after some time, that's why I decided to join a community radio station as guest presenter about 2 months ago. Well here's what I've been up to - pictures described from left to right. Here goes...

1. Making Waves - The radio station I'm working for recently won the Sanlam + MDDA Award for Best Community Radio Station in South Africa! I'm so proud. :) Please go like their Facebook page.

2. Radio Nfm Soup Drive 2014 - We are also currently having an amazing Soup Drive community project. We'll be road-tripping throughout the Northern Cape to rural little towns in need. The whole idea is to connect with our listeners on a more personal level. We will have open broad-castings in every town and it will be live on air. For more information about this project + to be part of this initiative contact our Soup Drive coordinator Jeanne-Dee Cloete at cloetejeanne@gmail.com

Post by RADIO NFM 98.1.

3. End Child Marriage - A short while ago I wrote this heartbreaking blogpost about child marriage, called Too Young To Wed. I really felt this strong urge to write it. I shed a bucketful of tears while researching + compiling this. Take a look at the campaign + show your support. Your voice can make a difference. Let's help to spread awareness.

4. Pixie Haircut - I initially wanted my old Karlie Cut, (see my profile picture) but this particular hairdresser overpowered me and said that girls like me look more feminine in funkier styles, I still don't know what she meant by that. I did get a whole lot of complements, yep so maybe she does have a point. ;)

5. New Digital Collaboration - Recently started to work with a great web development company as an online columnist/blogger - Same place I did my internship last year. Who said shy girls cant hustle + connect? Read my work here: Author Profile 

6. Small Business Blog Makeover - Aah, what can I say, I'm always making little tweaks to my blogs. I might have a slight obsession. Eek! Please go have a look at Social Media Blooms and tell me your thoughts.

Post by Social Media Blooms.

7. Fall Of Giants by Ken Follet - Fall of Giants is a historical novel by Welsh-born author Ken Follett. It is the first in the Century Trilogy, and follows five interrelated families throughout the course of the 20th century between 1911 and 1924. I started reading this book over the weekend and I'm already hooked!

8. Eighties Dance - Me and the fiance had such a great time at this themed dance party. We both love old-school music and after a few glasses of bubbly we took over the dance floor.

9. Essence Haul - At last I got my greedy hands on the Essence Blush Up Powder Blush and the All About Candies Eye-Shadow. I'm inlove with both, and I love doing my face in the morning. I'm currently travelling by bus at about 6 am every morning to be in time for the breakfast show, and although it's freezing cold when I take the short walk to the bus-stop, its good to know that I'm looking good. :)

Image - My own

Blog of the Month: The Glam Green Girl

This months Blog of the Month award goes to Cassidy Taylor-Memmory, the creator and editor of The Glam Green Girl. She's a true humanitarian at heart and started her blog way back in June 2011 because she felt the need + wanted to share everything about going green through her own personal discoveries. Cassidy's truly passionate about nature + the environment and she constantly strives to inform her blog readers on how to live a healthy + eco-conscious lifestyle. Through a super awesome internship at O, The Oprah Magazine in the beauty department towards the end of 2011 she started to develop an interest in natural beauty products, which led to an even better, green beauty and lifestyle blog - The Glam Green Girl! :)

Cassidy's also a Miss Earth South Africa semi-finalist (woohoo!) and one can only imagine how close this lays to her heart. She's currently collecting clothing for the Jacaranda Children's Home (a NPO that looks after the welfare of abused children) in Pretoria + she's also collecting pet food that will be donated to the SPCA - the SPCA is an amazing NPO organisation that is dedicated to animal welfare. Please support Cassidy in this amazing journey and donate in whatever small way you can. See the rest of her Miss Earth South Africa project schedule here. 

Check out her freshest blogpost titled: Easy ways to go green. 

These tips are so easy to achieve, don't you think?

•  Switch off all lights before leaving the house
•  Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use
•  Unplug your cellphone charger when you're not using it
•  Reuse magazines & newspaper as wrapping paper
•  Switch off the tap when brushing your teeth - more lovely green tips on her blog

Image - My own

Blog Image - Cassidy's

Bohemian Lavender and Patchouli Aromatherapy

Admittedly I'm a bit of a hippie, and this bohemian, free-spirited side of me adores things like aromatherapy and everything crafty or homemade. I recently started to use some lovely whimsical oils in my little aromatherapy burner at home and I completely fell in love with the earthiness of patchouli and lavender mixed together. Whenever I feel the need to unwind I infuse a few drops together to create an aura of peacefulness.

Aromatherapy is one of the oldest methods of holistic healing, equipped to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit, the aroma of therapeutic oils triggers physiological and psychological responses: lift moods, increase alertness, and calm anxiousness. I personally love how it ads warmth and ambiance to your home, especially during the winter months.

I mean come now, what's better than a warm cuppa hot chocolate accompanied by the sweet gentle smell of lavender, or even better, a warm soothing bath with beautiful aromatic candles to enhance serenity + bliss. What your favorite aromatherapy blend?

Beauty Tip - Make your own essential oil bath or body blend by combining three drops of your three favorite essential oils in two tablespoons of oil. (Plain vegetable oil will work, but grapeseed, apricot kernel and jojoba are nicer.) Use this lovely blend as a body , bath or massage oil. ;)

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains - Diane Ackerman

Image - My own

All About Balance: Eating Healthy + Staying Energised

Hey there, today I'm working from home, or rather from my bedroom. Most of my loyal readers will know that I like new adventures, a lot. I recently started to work at a community radio station, I'm guest presenting their breakfast show and marketing my small business blog Social Media Blooms while doing some social media on the side - all at the same time. I always push myself to do more, even more so now that I'm getting older and you know what it's all good to be a go-getting + creative hustler. That is until you get sick!

And yes I will admit I've been skipping breakfast a lot, gosh I've even skipped lunch a lot. When you sit behind a laptop all day you sometimes loose track of time and let's face it, eating 2 Minute Noodles for lunch (two days in a row) will just give your stomach a lining, there's no nutrients in there, are there? ;) And having a whole packet of chocolate cookies may taste good and give you a great energy rush, right? But in the end it will just add more fat to the waistline. Oh and then coming home to a glass of bubbly? Well that's just wrong in so many ways.

So I've been suffering from a lot of heartburn lately, leading to a very sore tummy due to my bad eating habits and obviously this is a clear sign to take action. I've been going through my favourite blogs and I love Australian beauty + transformation coach Connie Chapman's blogpost called Why I simplified my morning routine - at the time she was also completely out of balance. Now she starts her day by making a fresh-pressed vegetable juice followed by some meditation.

I also adore beauty blogger Luzanne Ashby's Smoothie/Slushie Sunday recipes. All her recipes are super-easy + healthy! At some point a lack of energy was also a major issue for her, but I really love how she took some action and now she's a bit of a green juice guru. :)

For more awesome tips you can also check out lifestyle blogger Meghan Silva's blogpost called Link Love: Healthy Eating - here she compiled a fabulous list of healthy yummy recipes. I will definitely use all of these ideas myself. Like they say, prevention's better then cure!

Please leave the link of a healthy recipe/habit in your comment if there's one you would like to share.

Image - www.weheartit.com

Blog of the Month: Pink Peonies

And so we're in the beautiful month of May, and the awesome blogger that I've selected as the Blog of the Month are none other than the pretty Luzanne Ashby from the fabulous beauty blog Pink Peonies. Luzanne truly loves everything beauty related from makeup to nail art, crafts, photography and fashion. She adores peonies, decadent cupcakes, pastel colours, smoothies, candy floss, horror movies and macaroons - to name only a few! ;)

I love the fact that she's one of the most generous bloggers out there. She recently had a super awesome Blog Birthday Giveaway to the value of over R2000! Yep, she really went all out + included all of her favourite brands + beauty products in this giveaway.

I also love the delightful graphics/images that accompanies all of her well written blogposts. Luzanne's slightly addicted to the wonderful fresh, organic + handmade products from Lush. Well then again, who doesn't love Lush? ;) And you know what, those are the blogposts on her blog that I enjoy the most, the ones that features products from Lush! What posts do you love most on Luzanne's lovely blog?

Image - My Own
Blog Graphic - Luzanne's

Featured in ELLE INBOX

This morning I got the biggest, jump in the air, woohoo thrill over my little #blogcommunity tweet that's featuring in the latest - May issue of ELLE Magazine South Africa. Those of you who's been here will know that awesome feeling, right? ;) Haha, anyway hope you all have a beautiful + blessed day!

Image - www.elle.co.za

Beauty Tips + Radio Presenting

Phew, I'm a little busy bee again. I'm currently doing some guest presenting on a local radio station + doing a bit of social media for them. I'm really enjoying this little adventure and I love the fact that I'm the one responsible for sharing beauty tips with the listeners out there. And I'm not even a "real" beauty blogger, yikes! Today I shared Chicara's beauty tips - and these are the ones I loved the most! :)

1. Substitute shaving cream for baby oil next time you're in the shower. This gives you a closer shave + smoother legs.

2. A light dusting of baby powder onto your oily roots does exactly the same thing as dry shampoo. It's  the perfect substitute.

3. If you're on a budget use apple cider vinegar instead of toner. It helps balance and restore your skin’s natural pH and helps even out your skin tone.

4. If you have oily roots you should never apply conditioner directly to them. You should rather start conditioning from about ear-level.

Ok, and so here's where I need you help... As a blogger I would love to share some beauty tips from my other fellow South African bloggers out there, over the radio airwaves. If you would like me to use your beauty tip related blogpost please leave me a link in your comment.

Since I've started blogging I've realised that bloggers are the real go to people when it comes to information + trends. They just have this awesome, natural ability to source the most enviable goodies and products. Forget about fashion + beauty magazines, beauty bloggers are the ones that have the most fabulous tips!. ;) Beauty bloggers are always attending fabulous events and they always have their ears on the ground.

Do you agree? So what do you say, are you willing to share your beauty secrets with me and all the waiting ladies out there?

Picture - My Own

It's not a Blue Monday

Image - www.imgfave.com

Blog of the Month: Diva Desle

I've chosen the beautiful bubbly Desle from the blog Diva Desle as this month's Blog of the Month! Desle's truly one of those amazing humble bloggers. She adores all shades of pink. In fact she's crazy about it, maybe a little obsessed. :) She also loves performing and have been doing it since the age of 4. Both her grandparents were performers and used to sing and act on stage. Wow, so talented!

Remember I started this new blog series because I want to give special bloglove to the many talented + inspirational bloggers out there. And I'm really having so much fun with this! Sooo this month I'll be giving some special attention to Diva Desle - read the first Blog of the Month post for more information.

Why I love this blog?

Her blog's fun + glamorous and she definitely knows how to make one smile. You can see that she genuinely loves the art of blogging. And she's celebrating her second year of blogging this month of April. Well done Desle! Check out this amazing giveaway on her blog right now! 

These are my all time favourite Diva Desle blog-posts.

Her Travelling Adventures.
The Glam Events she attends.
And her amazing Give Aways - Like the one on her blog right now! ;)

What do you like most about Diva Desle?

Image - My Own ( blog image, Desle's )

When Life gives you Lemons

 A few months back this guy broke my heart and so with a bruised ego + devastated heart I packed my belongings in search of a new life.

1. Be proactive - This was the hardest part but I forced myself to be positive. I was terrified and anxious but I made a choice. I relocated to a whole different city, applied for new jobs immediately and basically slept on a mattress for 3 months because I wasn't ready to commit to creating a new home, I just needed more time. I wanted to live like a carefree gypsy, and so I did.

2. Find a support system - Miraculously I found a paid internship that supported my new lifestyle. I really learned to hustle + it did wonders for my self-esteem. I reconnected with an old friend and I found a great church nearby. All within short distance from me, all in a short time-span. It was like I just had to reach out to connect the dots.

3. Explore new things - I remember the day my 19 year old sister came to visit me, we had so much fun. We went out for the night and danced way too much because my 29 year old body couldn't keep up, yet that's exactly what I needed. I didn't go out in such a long time but her feisty vibrant energy helped me to let my hair down.

What happened next?

My boyfriend quickly realized that he made a huge mistake, we had contact the whole time but I wanted to finish my internship. Admittedly I did felt confused + concerned about leaving everything again. My side things were blossoming and I felt unstoppable. I really prayed hard about it, and in the end I believe I made the right choice. I took him back. I guess some times you have to forgive in order to move on and sometimes you need to except what could have been... I hate the saying you win some you loose some, but there's so much truth in it.

What have I learned?

Dont fear the unknown, believe that you are capable of great things. Within you there's precious hidden gemstones, you just have to stay positive and press on. Also, something miraculous happens when you pray and stay in faith. Now I know for sure that come what may, I'll be just fine.

My Food Journal

Throughout this ordeal I developed a strange addiction for slap chips. And loads of them! That was my comfort food. I also indulged in cape malay koeksisters, craft beer, exotic cocktails, macaroons and decadent cupcakes! I really developed such a healthy appetite and it was great to stumble upon awesome new patisseries and food-markets. I still haven't recovered from my food addictions - actually still struggling with a bulging tummy nowadays. Eek! :)

What do you do when life give you lemons?

Images - My own

Camping's for Hippies

These pictures are from a recent adventure in a wonderful place called Khamkirri. Khamkirri's situated in the Green Kalahari near the magical Orange River. I always go here when I need a break and it always leaves me revived + refreshed. They are the organisers of the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon which is one of the most successful river marathons in South Africa. They offer river rafting and kayaking as well as a wide range of other river and land based adventure activities.

Me having an early morning stroll... I love spending time in nature. We stayed in a permanent tent, so luckily there were no struggles with tent pens + ropes. ;) And therefore I was able to explore the scenery from the moment I got there. The owner's a real darling too, he was really hands-on + attentive.

They have comfortable braai facilities available on site so at lunchtime we decided to have a braai. This was delicious!

After lunch I had a little nap. Everything were so clean and neat + the mattress were so comfortable and soft. I took a digital detox while I was there and it felt real good.

The view from our little tent. I was trying to get in some reading but the scenery were too beautiful, so in the end I just ended up gazing into nature.

 I spend the nights watching whimsical fireflies from a distance. I really had so much fun here. :)

Images - My own

Blog of the Month

I'm starting a new blog series where I'll be giving some bloglove to the many talented + inspirational bloggers out there. I think so many times we write a blogpost and wait for the blog comments to roll in, amiright? Yet we forget to show support to newbie bloggers that's also looking for a little love. Sometimes we also follow without reading, and by that I mean we follow each other on Twitter, Facebook and Bloglovin, yet at some point all the links to click on get lost and all tangled up on our timelines and we never get around to actually read them.

So here we are then celebrating this month's blogger, Meghan Silva. I'll be reading + commenting throughout the month of March on every blogpost she writes. I will also make sure that I follow this blog by email, I don't want to miss a single blogpost!


Why I love this blog.

Meghan's a very beautiful + softhearted lady. She's humble and really down to earth and this overflows on her blog. In her own words - "This lifestyle blog will be an expression of all the things that grab my attention, advice I have life experience on (life has been my greatest teacher) and basically just my journey trying to find the sparkle in ordinary days , a creative outlet."

All her blogpost are beautifully written, she loves sharing her favourite recipes + decor ideas. I also love her thought provoking motivational posts. You can sense that this lady value the little, simple things in life and I always feel inspired when I spend time reading Meghan's blog.


You'll find her here.

Facebook
Twitter
Bloglovin 
Pinterest

What do you like most about Meghan Silva's Lifestyle Blog? I love her motivational blogposts the most. Comment with your answer.

Thank you Meghan for sharing your blog with us, you're a star! :)

Image - My own (blog image, Meghan's)

Winner of Career + Beauty Giveaway

Image - My own

Career + Beauty Giveaway

I started blogging about 2 years ago and let me tell you, I love the creativity and fun that I have with Adventures of Victoriafolksy. She's like a little baby doll that I dress up and play with (sometimes) the whole day! I also love the fact that some of my readers have become regulars and that we've developed a blog friendship over time. That's so awesome!

So in honor of Adventures of Victoriafolksy’s 2 Birthday and in celebration of my new business blog Social Media Blooms, I’m having a little giveaway! I handpicked a few of my favourite items (that I use in my own office every day) and I really hope you’ll love them too.

1. Little floral Notebook. To jot down those brilliant ideas.

2. Lavender + Patchouli Aromatherapy Blend from India. I mix and use this all the time, expect to feel totally relaxed after a long + stressful day at the office.

3. Freshpak Rooibos Chamomile Tea. Who can say no to a cup of this soothing goodness?

4. Keep Calm and Carry On Coasters. Aspiring words to brighten your mornings.

5. Source Roots of Nature, Sugar Plum & Goji Berry Hand-cream. This indulgent + fruity cream's enriched with Vitamin E and feels incredible on your skin.

6. Maybeline Babylips in Pink Punch. I love this moisturising lip-balm with just a hint of colour, yet very pretty. Really adorable + delicious!

7. Essence Glossy Lip-balm, Cherry Brownie. For a little extra colour + shine. This lip-gloss smells divine; the cherry fragrance just pops out and makes me feel very cheerful.

8. Plus a little extra shimmer & spark! ;)

This giveaway will run from today until the 25^th of February 2014 and will only be open to South African citizens. Comment with your email address on this giveaway blogpost to arrange delivery. 

The Rules

·        Sign up for new blogposts, by email on both blogs - Victoriafolksy + Social Media Blooms.

·        Like Social Media Blooms’s Facebook page.

·        Follow Social Media Blooms’s Twitter page.

·        Follow Victoriafolksy’s Twitter page.

·        Post this tweet on Victoriafolksy: @Victoriafolksy – I love the Career + Beauty Giveaway sponsored by @SMBlooms over here: http://ow.ly/tt4uU 

Thank you for participating and good luck! :)

To all my loyal readers: I want to thank you for supporting me, it really means so much to be part of this beautiful blogging community. Here’s to many more inspiring blogging years!

Image - My own 

It's a Journey

Image - www.weheartit.com

For a Year of Magic

Oh my, I'm looking back at 2013 and for the first time I can clearly see how amazingly trans-formative it has been. But first, here's a quick personal biography about me. This will give you more insight + understanding about the journey I've had thus far... I'm a country girl born in Namaqualand that always wanted to be a model because I was tall and thin, not because I felt beautiful. I also had a lot of critic + self esteem issues because of this - I stood out like a sore thumb and for a while I was the victim of abusive boyfriends, bullying etc. You could say that I've had a bit of a tragic start in life, my grandfather who've been my only true father committed suicide when I was about 6, so I grew up being the sensitive child, furthermore in terms of my biological father, well he treated me like the less favourite toy in the box.

He just could not show love towards me, well I guess he had his own issues. So you see I've dealt with a lot of rejection, which for a very long time sapped my enthusiasm and zest for life. You could say that for a long time I was without direction, I was just so stuck in my inner turmoil, trying to find myself + trying to understand the world around me. In order to find healing I've seen a few counsellors + read some awesome life-coach books but long story short, the great shift came when I gave my life to Jesus. I went through the whole baptising thing when I was 23. So you see, where others believe in the universe and drinking green juice for breakfast, I believe in the power of praying to Jesus. And might I ad with some magical results too. To this day I love watching Spiritword - forget about stardust and glitter, this is the real thing. Here you'll find some real miracles. :)

And after those lost wandering years things became gooood. Not that I'm a total goodie two shoes, I love Pina Colada's way too much, but you know what I mean. I gained more focus + vision and I started to see my life with more clarity. Slowly but surely things fell into place and 2013 I would say became A Year of Magic and here's why....

• Well first of all it's the year I turned 29, realising that I wanted to do more in a short time, whether it's travelling, creating a business or just embracing my new found clarity.
• I actually saw my face in Glamour Magazine. This for me was clearly a sign that God sometimes give you even the desires of your heart.
• I've also turned my side hustle into Social Media Blooms. It's my little internet baby...
• In the same year I had a break-up and then got engaged to my long-term boyfriend. 
• During this  3 month break-up I had a blast, yep really. I basically had a stunning holiday in Cape Town and created a fresh start. I totally spoiled myself with fabulous adventurous weekends and outings. I had lots of luxurious long Lush bubble-baths accompanied by big glasses of bubbly. 
• I also attended this fab internship at a web-development company to further my career. 
• Most importantly, I fell inlove with myself, my life and the potential that I realised I have. And you know what, I've just overall reached a good place in my life. I know that I will be fine, come what may.  

So why am I telling you this somewhat personal story? Well, the words just came to me, I started writing and couldn't stop. And maybe, just maybe this will be inspirational to one of you. In terms of myself and how I feel now writing this, well I have this wonderful sense of freedom and I love this powerful shift that has taken control over me. Writing about this felt real good.

So to help me move forward with even more courage + passion I'm currently doing this amazing + delightful 12 month e-course called For a Year of Magic designed by the talented Stephanie Hall the lovely blogger at Stylings & Stories. It’s about fulfilling our desires of the day, laying a foundation for our desires of the future, and letting our desires evolve as we grow. For A Year Of Magic is about making your wishes come true and it includes.

1.  Monthly worksheets.
2.  Monthly e-course material sent right to your inbox.
3.  Monthly newsletter to help you stay motivated.
4.  Private Facebook group to share your progress.
5.  And so much more, have a look and buy it now! 

I definitely recommend this awesome course. Expect to feel inspired + full of va va woom! There's nothing wrong with making 2014 magical too, right? ;)

Image - Stephanie Hall's

Ad a Little Sparkle

Hey you, hope you're well. How's it going with the new year resolutions? Never mind, I'm just joking. Obviously that's not to say that we don't have goals, amiright? I know its all there listed in your head. :) Today I'm showing off beautiful arm-candy, sparkling fruit juice and the cutest little coffee mug.

I adore this cheerful bracelet and bought it from the pretty jewelry store Klines for R129.95 a few days ago. I like the whole layered look and the beautiful pastel shades of mint, lavender and yellow instantly stole my heart. The cute packaging are made from a recycled margherita pizza box.

Sad to say, I only recently discovered Liqui Fruit's 100 % sparkling fruit juice blend. It's super delicious + healthy, with no added preservatives. It's available in Litchi & Pine, Cranberry & Apple, Passion & Pear and also Strawberry & Orange. I got this tasty summer's drink from my local Spar for R7.99

Don't you think this little guy's the coolest. This adorable owl coffee mug are my new best friend and it sure doesn't matter how many mugs I already own, does it? This one's just tooo cute. I found it at Game for only R9.99 - lucky me! :) 

Images - My Own

My Little Beauty-Stand

Because I'm a very creative blogger with an eye for beautiful things, this little macaroon/cake-stand became my beauty-stand. ;) I mean this is what I truly love about blogging, the fact that you start to look at things through different eyes, you basically become a stylist in many ways, especially if you take your own pictures and I would say, overall you become a more positive & cheerful person. Now this little stand is basically just a very pretty porceline sideplate with a handle (that you screw in) that I bought at Pep Home for just R14.99 - can I hear a woohoo!

And I adore the fact that my everyday beauty products fit in here perfectly and are displayed in such a cute + lovely way... There are still loads of these in store - the last time I checked. Just make sure that you inspect the product in the box too, they have two stunning vintage inspired designs in gold and silver, very glamorous. So do yourself a favor and go get one, and let me know if you did. Stay blessed!

Images - My Own

Happy New Year - Live Simply

Woohoo! It's a brand new shiny year and a chance for all of us to start afresh... I hope all of you had an epic time so far, but most importantly, I wish that this year you'll find your mojo & keep it. Here's to a super awesome 2014 - Be blessed, have fun, dream big, keep your sparkle and live simply. ;)

Image - www.etsy.com