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

Madiba Magic Forever

RIP Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Madiba's passing was bittersweet. We knew his health had been critical for a number of months and that his life would slowly come to an end. I think most people experienced the same feelings of relief and disbelief when the news of his departure broke. 

City Hall, Cape Town, 6 December 2013

A few years from now, people will ask; "Where were you when you heard the news of Madiba's passing?". My answer will be; "In my bed, chatting on Whatsapp with my boyfriend. My boyfriend sent me three words; 'Madiba died hun.'. As quickly as I could process what I had just read, I switched on my TV and watched in silence as my eyes welled up with tears, as president Zuma announced that our beloved Mandela passed away in his Houghton home at 20:50 on 5 December. A deep sense of sadness enveloped me as I watched the news until 02:00 the following morning.

Two little girls representing the change

 It touched me to see how gently president Zuma broke the news. It felt like Madiba was my own blood relative and that he was part of my family. A tear rolled down my face, as I realised once again what a magnificent contribution Madiba had made, what a force he was and what a loss have suffered.

There is nothing I can say about Madiba that has not been said by counless others. So I reiterate;  He was a man with a purpose, a father to a nation, a son to his father and he lived selflessly, putting South Africans, his family of 52 million people first. He was a man. He was a great man.

Celebration of a legend

I give God all the honour for the life of this legend. Thank You God for sending Your best Freedom Fighter turned, Peace Maker, to prepare the ground and plant the seeds of true Freedom in South Africa. I believe there will be another valliant person with the same passion, by Your grace. I am just not sure if I will be alive to see it.

RIP Madiba, your magic will never fade. Madiba Magic Lives.

For a summarised version of his biography, click here to visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Paying my respects

Got mint? Find out how Peppermint can work for you!

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Every so often I discover a herb or plant or life enhancing product that I want to share. Peppermint poked my interest this time around.

My other half and I have a favourite refreshing drink we love to share... A virgin Mojito! There is nothing like the cooling refreshing taste of crushed ice, lemon slices and that unmistakeable taste of a few sprigs of peppermint on a hot summer's day. 

Yesterday, I was watching Expresso on SABC3 and the dietician they featured made a recommendation that got me thinking. She said adding fresh peppermint leaves to water is a great way to enjoy water and that its aroma also boosts memory and concentration are promoted by the aroma of peppermint.  Now that is a great benefit!

This made me curious and I wanted to know what other fantastic benefits are locked up inside of this pretty scented leaf. This is what I found:

• According to medical experts, peppermint is aids in soothing nausea and digestive problems.
• Peppermint plants is great for use and growing indoors. So where concentration is required, you can replace flowers in your home or desk with a peppermint pot plant.
• Peppermint oil soaked cotton balls will keep common critters like ants at bay. Ants hate the smell of mint. 
• Peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed on your temples is a great alternative way to ease a headache or sinus congestion according to herbalists.
• A hot steaping cup of peppermint tea before bedtime prepares the mind and body for a deep relaxing rest. This is wonderful for the sleep deprived. Feeling gassy? Have some peppermint tea, apparently its effective in relieving gas build up in the intestines.

There are so many healthy reasons why you should incorporate peppermint into your diet... I have and I am drinking my tea right now... So its not just meant for bad breath or toothpaste! Here is something to consider... The University of Kiels found that Peppermint oil depression and even apathy! Get your mint in and be happy! :)

BodyLove,

Mishtery

Friday Food Fest: Mishtery jams with Jade

Friday Food Fest is all about celebrating good food with joy. Food Jamming with Jade by Jade de Waal does exactly that! Food jamming is a rocking and mouth watering way of preparing food and sharing it with your friends and family. In case you need a reminder of what Food Jamming is about, click here or visit her Facebook page: Food Jams

I jammed to the goodness of Patatas Bravas with a good rib eye and boy was that a hit with my other half and my dad! This is a great weekend recipe. Turn up the music and jam while you breeze through this recipe. :)

So, as I always say... Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself!

Serves 4

500 g waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges vegetable oil, for deep-frying

TOMATO SAUCE

4 Tbsp (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 red chilli, finely chopped

1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes

ó tsp (2.5 ml) sugar

ó tsp (2.5 ml) salt

1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika

1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar

AÏOLI

1 egg

1 clove garlic

1 cup (250 ml) extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar

1. Place the potato wedges in a saucepan of cold salted water, bring to the boil and cook until almost soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Drain the potato wedges and pat dry.

3. Heat a small pot half-fi lled with vegetable oil and deep-fry the potato wedges until golden brown.

4. To make the tomato sauce, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

5. Add the onion and brown for 7 minutes until soft.

6. Add the chilli and cook for another 2 minutes.

7. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and smoked paprika. Stir well.

8. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thick.

9. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vinegar and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

10. To make the aïoli, place the egg in a food processor together with the garlic.

11. Add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and blend until incorporated.

12. Add the rest of the olive oil in a thin stream with the motor running, until you have a creamy mayonnaise-style sauce. Stir in the vinegar and season to taste.

13. To serve, sprinkle the potato wedges with a little salt and serve with the sauce and aïoli on the side.

TIP: You can also use a hand blender instead of a food processor to make the aïoli, but it’s more diffi cult to add ingredients and blend at the same time.

Get it, you will love it! Available at all good bookstores.