No Kids No Legacy...

So being a 30 something woman, married for just over 3 years now, a question I get asked a lot is "when are you having children", now I know there are many women out there who dread this question. I on the other hand am ok with being asked this, my answer which I firmly believe in, is simple, I will have kids when God wants me to and it fulfills his amazing plan for my life.

Although I'm patiently waiting for when that happens, the other night I was thinking. Since I don't have any kids as yet, does this mean I don't have a legacy to leave behind?

Heavy thought I know, then I remembered a great woman who was such a driving force in my life.

She was my aunt who was always so busy taking care of everyone that she didn't marry or have any kids. Although we were virtually her kids by association.

Whenever I think of her, I remember how kind she was, always helping others, always sharing even though she may not have had much.

She was fierce and resilient, motivating and passionate. Full of life and never backed down from a challenge. She took what life threw at her and she made the most of it, she taught us all to do the same.

Sadly she passed away 17 years ago and now thinking of her assures me that even without any kids, I can still leave behind a legacy infact I  have a responsibility to leave behind a great one.

It's a good thing to be known as someone who made a success of your life but is that your legacy? I think not

Your legacy is the way you make people feel, the knowledge you impart onto others. The helping hands you offer to those in need. The smiles you leave on people's faces when they think of you and the ability to inspire people to leave a legacy of their own.

Your legacy is the space you leave behind that no one can fill.

So here's to living a life today that your future self will be proud of♥️

Love Yourself

So it's officially the "month of love", I thought it would be only fitting that my first post for this month focuses on the theme of LOVE.

This post is on something that I feel is very important, Self Love.

For me Self Love is simply put as loving your self. Sounds easy enough but  sometimes it can be a little hard.

We've all had many experiences in life, not even romantic ones that can affect how we love ourselves. Often how we love ourselves also affects how others love us.

Self love for me is taking care of one's self. It's not compromising on what makes YOU happy.

Practicing self love can be as easy as just asking yourself a few questions:

• Am I happy
• What can I do to make me happy
• Does this have a positive impact on my life

Spending time with yourself, reading and journalling can also help you on this journey.

Self love is a continuous cycle, it shouldn't be altered by others views of you. You have to be honest with yourself and if there is something about you that you don't love, then what about a plan on changing that. Self love is action, not only words.

When you are at a point where you truly love yourself (not to be confused with narcissism), you will find it harder to accept anything less that what you truly deserve in this world. You will begin to question anything and anyone that makes you feel less than the awesome, rockstar that you are and you will also weed out anything or anyone that doesn't add value to your life. Sometimes you might find yourself in a smaller social circle but that just might be what you need to maintain a positive, happy you.

You can also practice daily affirmations which can help set the tone for your day ahead and remind you of just how special you are.  

I've included some below, but you can make your own list if you like.

Is there something that you practice along the lines of SelfLove, please share with us below.

I chopped my hair eeeek......

Yes, December last year I bit the bullet and went for a new do, chopped off my hair and added some highlights (I use this term very loosely).

I was scared at first but I felt great. I loved the way my new do frames my face and apparently it makes me look younger, now who doesn't want to look younger.

I’ve included some tips below to consider if you are thinking of a new hair do

#1 Will I be able to maintain my new hair style?

Chopping off all you hair is a fab idea but sometimes the maintenance might be too much of an effort and leave you feeling more tired than excited. In which case maybe think of other ways you can style your current look that might not require as much maintenance.

 #2 Will I be comfortable with the new length

I know some people must have their hair at a certain length or longer, if you are one of those peeps, then maybe a few layers might be your answer instead of a new pixie cut.

#3 Choose the best stylist for you

I have gone to the stylist who cut my hair for many other hair dos before. I am very comfortable with her and trusted her to give me my dream new look, which I feel she delivered on. Make sure you are also comfortable with the person you entrust your new look too.

#4 Consider testing the look

There are actually many apps online where you can “test” out a new hair do. Maybe that could give you an idea of the looks you love and the ones you want stay away from. I tried some looks on the YouCam app and although I didn’t end up with the exact look, it really was a great starting point for me.

#5 To Dye or not to Dye

Whether to colour your hair or not is a beeg decision, you have to think about the affects these products will have on your hair, the maintenance and after care and guestimate on the outcome, especially if you are like me and haven’t coloured your hair in the last 12 years. You can try hair chalk, clip in streaks or semi permanent bonded highlights if you want to test drive how coloured hair would look on you.

Changing your look is exciting and I hope these tips help you. Most of all make sure you are happy and comfortable. Also remember that even though they may not be a returns policy on a new hair cut, it will grow back eventually.

Are you more likely to cut or colour your hair, let me know below:

Because I’m Appy

I love my phone, there I said it and it’s true. I really like the convenience of having everything in one place. I have a Huawei P10 light, the screen is quite big, the phone itself has a great design and isn’t too bulky. As awesome as my phone might be, it's really only as good as the Apps on it.

There are thousands of apps out there for Android devices. I seem to use the ones below on the regular. I have shared them with many family and friends and most agree that these apps are the Bee’s Knees

Photogrid

For me the best all in one photo editing app, you can create collages, posters, scrapbooks and so much more. It also comes with ultra-cool photo props and filters that are updated for different seasons. 2017 Christmas edition had me on a roll. Kids love these filters, also its meme generator is genius. It’s a really quick way to personalize pics especially for special occasions.

Google keep

Shopping lists, notes, images all in one place and its free. This is my top pick for making quick lists with check boxes that are easy to edit and save. Ps the colour coding and labels help too and you can access these online.

UB reader

I have read too many books on this app. It opens files in multiple formats including epub and pdf. There aren't too many ads on the free version and I love how you can switch up the screen design and fonts. It also allows you to create your very own digital library and I know many will say you can’t beat the feel of a “real” book and I agree but I love the convenience and affordability of ebooks. There are some sites that offer great, free ebooks but only in epub format so that’s when this app comes in really handy.

Pinterest.com

Their app is one of the most user friendly apps around. Makes searching, pinning and sharing a breeze I heart it so much. Especially like how you can upload pics from your phone to create pins of your own. Also how you can share boards with your peeps so you all pin together. This app is great for party planning, fashion inspo, DIYs’, travel info and well pretty much pretty imagery of everything.

Speechnotes

Now this app is amazingly, it takes your voice notes and converts it to text. I actually use it for blogging and it's super helpful for studying as well. You can save and share your notes. Yes you have to edit the notes a bit but its much quicker than typing all of it out. You could also use it to makes lists, quick notes or memos. Options are really endless.

What are your favourite Apps that you'd be lost without, share them with me below...

Save or Splurge - Battle of the MAKEUP SETTING Sprays

Setting sprays are all the #RAGE right now. Good news for us South African’s is that more brands (affordable ones too) are bringing setting sprays to SA… Whoop Whoop.

I must firstly say that if you haven’t tried a setting spray, go on try it. I know you will see a difference in your makeup game with just this one product.

You can use them to:

Prime your skin before make up application

Set your makeup

Hydrate and moisturize your skin

Refresh your makeup throughout the day

    

I have been using these 2 sprays for about 10 months or so and have to admit, I now can’t imagine makeup application without a setting spray.

 

1^st up is the Avon Makeup Setting Spray

At R79.99 for 125ml ,this bottle is affordable and great for anyone wanting to try out setting sprays without the heavy price tag. So this spray is a little tacky when you 1^st apply it and you need to make sure it dries completely before touching your face. Once dry, I don’t recommend adding any products onto your skin as it is a bit stiff but that makes it great for keeping your look locked in. The mist isn’t as fine as you would like and it is advisable to spray in the air first before spraying your face, which does lead to a bit of product wastage. I haven’t tried using it to refresh my make up but I think it could work.

Bonus tip for this one, use after primer and while tacking apply your foundation. You will find it helps keep the product in place with a natural look.

Get your bottle from your local AVON rep 

Primed and Shined with the Avon Makeup setting spray

Next up is the BeautyFix Radiant Make-up Finish

This beauty babe costs R299.00 for 100ml but I have to say it is worth ever rand. I will also come right out and say it, its my FAVOURITE. I won’t classify this as a makeup setting spray because I haven’t seen it pro-long the wear of my make up but it is everything else and more. I use this before and after make up application. It calms my skin and leaves it with a fresh feeling. It has rosewater, cucumber and aloe Vera extracts. I even use it after I cleanse my skin at night. It offers a beautiful dewy finish to your make up. You can spray it on your make up sponge or brushes for seem less blending.

Bonus tip for this one, Get them from RUNWAYSALE when available for R150.00 each.

Get your fix from BEAUTYFIX 

Locked in my look with the BeautyFix Make-up mist

I found that neither of the sprays did much for my oily T Zone but in their defence very little can help with that *sigh*.These sprays last a long time depending on how often you use them.

There are many other awesome brands out there with great make up sprays. Like most things in life, each person may have a favourite or different experience with each products. Find the best one for you and share with us by commenting below.

Monday Motivation

Just a quick post to remind us that no matter what we want to achieve in life, we just need to start

Yes that's right just begin, just take the step and do it.

Whether you want to exercise, start a new hobby, further your studies, read more or complain less, just start. Take the 1st step towards the life you want, the life you deserve.

The time for thinking is over... BEGIN

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