BodyLove: Beauty is fleeting! Own it!

This past weekend I spent a glorious spa day with two people who are close to my heart, Raylene from Diary of an innocently oblivious girl and my cousin, Janine!

A Caesar Salad and a conversation please! 

My friend, Raylene is very health conscious and does her best to keep in shape and it shows. My cousin, Janine is a leggy beauty with the longest black hair. Between the two, I felt... hmmm, pretty okay! 

We got to chatting about beauty, the flaws and the fabulous over a Caesar salad and an ice-tea. My cousin told us that she feels a bit insecure about certain areas of her body. It was confirmation that even the most gorgeous women have a distorted body image.  

That thing that makes you who you are

I felt frustrated because to so many women and men, my cousin is absolutely beautiful and has nothing to worry about. In her mind, she had a few major flaws which only really exists in her grey matter.

When you focus so much on the external, you forget about the internal. You miss the beauty inside of yourself because you are to pre-occupied with the media's idea of what you are supposed to look or act like. As life goes, we lose that youthful beauty and as it fades, something else has to take centre stage... That thing that makes you who you are. Your individuality, that thing that makes you the best aunt or story-teller or dress maker or whatever makes you different and memorable.

Faking it is contagious 

BodyLove means taking care and accepting where you are, while you are on your way to getting where you want to be and not letting your 'flaws' rule your life. So if I think of my own 'flaws', it is probably the few extra kilos I have gained but while I am in this space,  I am owning it. It is not stopping me from enjoying life and it is not going to dictate what or how I feel about myself. This is not easy because on the days that I truly feel bad about myself, I have to force it or fake and trust me... This is the true test. 

So, to get back the spa day... Sure, I felt insecure when we got to the pool but I didn't stop me! Was I seriously going to cover up when I was in the company of people who love and respect me? No! 

I recall Raylene's words when I was younger... She said; "Girl fake it until you make it!".  So while I faked my confidence when I dropped my towel... I was figuratively clutching all the parts of my body that I didn't want to highlight and my insides were screaming nooooooo! On the flipside, I really gained power by ignoring my body issues. It was simple, I decided to fake the hell out of it and to enjoy myself with my loved ones rather than miss out on the opportunity to make memories that would last! 

The real confidence was a direct result of facing the thing that made me uncomfortable... That was confident feeling was contagious, because my cousin absorbed enough of it to enjoy herself and lay off the self lashings for a while.

We only have so much time in these bodies... We might as well make the best of it. Beauty is fleeting and we have to adapt at every change and every age! Oprah always speaks about your authentic self... So, let that person shine through. 

Lots of BodyLove,

Mishtery  

Raylene also posted about our spa day! Click here to read about it! 

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15 On Orange

If you are looking for clever design and sophistication, you should give 15 On Orange a whirl. Suntra Spa is located on the 7th floor of this trendy hotel. The spa offers, expert staff, five-star treatment, stunning views of the mountain and a pool deck that will make you want to stay for more. As well as access to Cinnamon Coffee Shop and Murano Bar for cocktails or a beautiful light meal (Try the Ceasar salad at Cinnamon! It is to die!) Click here to read more about 15 On Orange.

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Click here to view the video

Best Body Boosting Quotes

Today I decided to simply remind myself and everyone out there of their beauty... Both inside and out! 

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Show courage by loving the body you were blessed with! 

Have a beautiful weekend!

#BodyLove

Mishtery

BodyLove is tough

The New Year comes standard with good feelings, hope for the future and good resolutions. This means, I will lose weight, I will get that promotion, I will start a group for whatever is important or of interest to you… So in the spirit of the good resolutions, I will be kind to my body.

As you all know, I started BodyLove a while back and as a lot of good intentions go… Mine got side tracked by being to busy to pay attention to what really matters. So I have a bit of a confession… I backslid on my own BodyLove.

In 2011, I was so excited about claiming my love for my body and treating it better. I gained so much confidence helping others realize their BodyLove, that when summer came, I went to the beach and dropped my cover up! I felt victorious! I finally overcame my issues with my body.

Last year, my life went into a different direction. I decided to get serious about my career and ended up neglecting my body and its needs. I got sick a few times and most of the time it was stress related. Ughhh, stress’ good friends, emotional eating, sleep deprivation and ultimately weight gain paid me a visit and stuck around. I went from a size 12 to a size 14. Truthfully, I am not feeling my best self. I think that size 12 is my happy weight… Both emotionally and physically!

This presents a revised resolution to get my weight down to the size that makes me feel like ME. J This summer I went to the beach and could not bear, to bare it all. I was playing in the waves with my cover up over my bathing suit which made me feel restricted. I realized that I was back where I had started, when I was critical of my body and caring too much about what other people say. I will be doing more regular BodyLove posts which I hope everyone will enjoy, as well as welcome people to write their own BodyLove post for you, my audience!

Lots of BodyLove,

Mishtery

New Jo Malone Boutique opened in town!

Last year ended on a very high note! Jo Malone came to town and took residence in Canal Walk.  I was very excited to learn that this fragrance heaven with its understated style and timeless elegance found another new home in the Mother City!

As I have posted about Jo Malone and raved about its charm, bespoke perfumes and unusual combinations, I can say without a doubt the new branch will does not fail to deliver!

At the launch I was welcomed with a glass of bubbly, warm service, knowledgeable staff and a host of intriguing scents as can be expected at Jo Malone Boutiques! The Tasting Bar is an absolute must when visiting the store. I was treated to a deliciously indulgent Hand and Arm Massage with Jo's unexpected combinations... Transporting me to a glimpse of what I believe heaven smells like.

To celebrate the opening of Jo Malone's new boutique, I am giving away a 30 ml Jo Malone cologne valued at R545, including a voucher for a complimentary Hand and Arm massage! An experience you need to start the new year on a NEW and UNEXPECTED note!

All you need to do is follow me on Instagram @Mishtery10 and answer the following question: 

What is the name of the fragrance station where you will be treated to a Hand and Arm massage?

The winner will be announced on the 15th of January 2014.

Happy New Year every one!

Visit The World of Jo Malone at Canal Walk, Shop no 653 UL

xoxo