The Little Guru

Author: Nicole – The Little Guru

Longevity Event – All About Healthy Living with MNI

Last week I attend my first Longevity Event and it was so amazing! Here is the details of what went down!

The exclusive readers event was held at the gorgeous Munro Boutique Hotel in Houghton. Longevity and MNI (Medical Nutritional Institute) were the hosts for the day, sharing healthy lifestyle tips and prevention’s. The MNI Healthy Lifestyle Team of experts shared key information to preventing Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that together increase the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, liver disease and even certain types of cancer. Our modern lifestyle puts the entire family at risk of MetS, which is becoming increasingly common in younger people.

The Munro Boutique Hotel

Arriving at the gorgeous Hotel, I couldn’t stop myself from taking pictures of this beautiful place! It was the perfect setting for the MNI workshop allowing guests to roam freely and chat to the medical experts that were coming around introducing themselves to their guests.

We were warmly welcomed to the beautiful outside area of the hotel to indulge in some healthy breakfast goodies before the start of the workshop!

Caught in the Act! Picture taken by the Lovely Joy Gracious

How gorgeous is this setting?!

Ultimate Freshness! Getting Healthy with MNI

Breakfast Served!

Enjoying the beauty of The Munro Boutique Hotel before the start of the Workshop

Healthy Living

Before the start of the workshop, we had the option of doing a free health screening which was discussed in the workshop to see our health status in real time!

What followed was an interactive discussion and information a a group of MNI’s finest medical experts in their field.The panel of experts included:

Valerie Thomas– a registered nurse with a special interest in preventative wellness. She is the manager of the MNI Academy. The focus of the Academy is to promote the value of primary healthcare that shifts the focus from reactive to proactive intervention. Valerie was very real in the sense of telling it like it is and no beating around the bush and because of it, she captivated us with her witty humor and impressive knowledge on MetS. She was just brilliant!

Engela Palmer is a biokineticist. The primary function of a biokineticist it to improve physical functioning and healthcare through exercise. After being the senior bio at DBC SA and Physical Fitness, Engela joined the Medical Nutritional Institute where she is the product specialist manager. Engela made sure we got our exercise in on that morning by making us do easy exercise in our very seat.

Nicola Grant is a registered dietician who incorporates the principles of food science with integrative medicine. In addition to her thriving practice. Nicola spoke about the importance of a healthy balanced diet and benefits thereof.

The workshop was so informative and really gave me some perspective in the matter of leading a healthier lifestyle. Dealing with an already existing heart/lung condition, I know that I have higher risk of getting MetS. The workshop gave me insightful knowledge on what to look out for and what to do to prevent it.

Leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight especially in this fast paced world we live in today. It does take time, but it’s do-able, with the help of MNI. Check out their website here and fill out the free evaluation forms to see if your health is in check!

For more info contact the MNI team here.

Want to join the next Longevity event? Buy your tickets here!

October 17, 2017
Ingredients to a Healthier Me…

Lately I’ve been on a mission to come up with a few ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Just a few simple things to make life a little more enjoyable and to really just be in the moment- you know?

So in light of this I have come up with 4 little lifestyle changes to help inspire those who would like to do the same!

1. Switch Off – Most of us these days suffer from mild anxiety and stress which contributes to so many of our ailments. I stress so much sometimes I start to feel ‘old’ and tired despite the many hours I may sleep, my mind is always switched on. I am challenging myself to switch off by at least 9pm every night. It may seem crazy but the life of a full time employee, blogger and all that’s in between means you’re always calculating ways to earn more money or create more content to keep yourself going, this can be so stressful! Switching off means putting my phone away, putting my notebook down and just enjoying my own company, the company of my fur babies and the company of someone I love.

2. Less tech more books – I spend 99% of my time on my computer or phone scrolling through various apps, articles and creating scenarios for new business ventures. When I am not on my devices I love parking in front of the TV catching up on my latest series and/or documentaries. I have always been a reader and just love the feeling of a book in between my hands, not a kindle (which I do not even own) a real life book. There is nothing better so I will definitely make an effort to read more!

3. More meaningful conversations – I crave meaningful conversations. Most of my conversations revolve around me telling people what it is I do and more often than not ‘pitching’ my latest venture. I want to challenge myself – and I’ve already begun this – to have more conversations that leave me thinking, contemplating and slightly more enriched. Its easier when you put down your phone and get off social media for the duration of the conversation. We will be surprised at how many members of our generation have discussions with their friends while scrolling their instagram feed at the same time.

4. Less Clutter – Being a neat freak I somehow manage to collect alot of stuff, I find I collect so many things. Whether its makeup, clothing, shoes or cute gadgets from Typo (It will be the death of me!) there’s always so much lying around. Clearing clutter can be somewhat therapeutic. So i’ll be spending alot more time cleaning out clutter and giving it to someone less fortunate.

Got any lifestyle challenges? Share them with me, would love to hear about it!

August 4, 2017
Suzelle DIY to Tali’s Wedding Diary!

If you are someone who is hooked to comedy central channel, then you will definitely know who Suzelle DIY is! The quirky, DIY obsessed character we have all fallen in love with to the point where you almost feel like you know her!

Suzelle has been MIA these past couple of weeks but don’t be alarmed, she isn’t going anywhere but rather transforming into another character.

Julia (Suzelle) is currently filming the first of Showmax’s original series – a mockumentary called Tali’s Wedding Diary – an eight-episode, 20-minute series which will launch on the streaming service in December.

What the new show is all about: A self-obsessed, Sandton princess who has moved to Cape Town, has hired a documentary crew to film the build-up to her lavish wedding to her property-agent fiancé, Darren. Sounds like fantastic comedy doesn’t it? I absolutely can’t wait for the release of the show!

Tali has been posting short videos of her new character which is just hilarious to watch!

If you haven’t heard of Tali- Then babes where you been hiding, under a rock?
Check out her new account on instagram: tali_babes

July 13, 2017
Getaway to Tranquillity Dinokeng…
A couple of weekends ago we got invited to tag along for a surprise getaway for our dear friends birthday. With a much needed break from the hustle and bustle, we didn’t hesitate with our answer for a beautiful weekend away.

The celebrations took place at the splendid Tranquility Spa and Lodge in Cullinan. Nestled within a private conservancy, bordering on the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve, it’s the perfect getaway! Far enough to feel like a holiday but close enough to get back home. It’s really a short drive to nights spent around a fire, under dazzling stars and the sound of lions roaring in the Kevin Richardson Lion Sanctuary next door. Bush paradise only 35 km north of Pretoria- A hidden gem indeed!

The 4 of us huddled in the Zebra thatched chalet. A cute 2 bedroom chalet fitted with a queen-size bed in 1 room and 2 single beds in the other. Privacy is limited for the one’s who take the double bed- so make you have a system to let your friends know you are walking into “their” room. We opted for a bird call every time we came out of our 2 single bedded room, just to make sure they were awake and clothed! It was a good laugh every morning! Oh and don’t worry about taking blankets or linen, luxury linen and towels are provided.

The next day, the lovely host Hennie took us on a little tour around the lodge to get a real feel for the place. Thick bush all around but not so bad that you can’t enjoy the Giraffe visits in the morning on the way to breakfast! (Breakfast is yum) Nature all around you makes you feel like you are in another world- It’s the most relaxed weekend you will probably ever experience!

With the Kevin Richardson Lion Sanctuary right next door, you can’t not go for a game drive and see the beautiful animals. You can read all about the sanctuary here and see the amazing work these guys do.

Our lovely game ranger and very knowledgeable driver, might I add, George took us on the drive and gave us the opportunity to see nature and wildlife at it’s best! We viewed Waterbuck, Zebra’s, Impala, Sprinbok, Wildebeest, spotted Hyenas and of course Lions. It’s a definite must but please dress warm, it got chilly out there!

We spent our days lounging around the fire, taking multiple walks around the game reserve and really enjoying each others company. It’s amazing how places like this allow you to completely switch off from the world and just enjoy the right here, right now moment.

Tranquility Spa and Lodge is definitely a place we will visit again one day. We arrived as strangers and feel like we left as friends.

Looking for a little getaway?
Tranquillity Spa and Lodge
R573 Cullinan 1000

Tranquillity cell: 084 508 3491

Fax: 0866 11 99 53

Beth: 079 496 8586

Ray: 084 468 3350

Email: [email protected]
July 11, 2017
Travel Guide: Phuket- Thailand
Guys, if there is one place that you have to visit- it’s definitely Thailand. You just have to put it on your travel list because it is such a beautiful place to see and experience what it has to offer.

Thailand is the travel hub of South East Asia. With it’s lush jungles, famed beaches, snorkeling, amazing food, friendly and cheap prices, Thailand has hit my top 5 places to visit. Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. When you hear it’s name, you already think about beaches, beauty, and food. Your thoughts are spot on.

Excitement filled the air as we got packed and ready to leave to the airport and I wasn’t sad about it because we were going to beautiful heat and sunshine instead of staying behind in cold and miserable winter.

THE FLIGHT

Our trip consisted of a quick stop over in Doha then from Doha to Phuket. The flights were long- +-8 hrs for each flight so we were exhausted to say the least- well I was. Oh, let me just throw this in there while I’m at it, everyone that I had spoken to had told me that it was really hot, so in my mind I was thinking that it couldn’t be hotter and more humid then our KZN summers- boy was I wrong- The heat and humidity hits you like a ton of bricks when you get off of the plane.. It is really really HOT! So to add to the exhaustion , we still needed to drag ourselves to dinner 10pm that evening in Phuket.

THE FOOD

The one thing that is amazing about Phuket is that what is shown on the menu is exactly what you get! A masterpiece of a meal and so so delicious! We tried all the local food almost everyday, from street vendors to restaurants along the main street of our hotel. The food is fresh and tasty and not badly priced too, depending on where you go.

TIPS: Definitely eat at the street stalls, the food is not only cheap, it’s utterly delicious. Remember that buying beers from the local supermarket vs in bars and restaurants will save you lots of money. (The boys went hunting around)

THE HOTEL

Staying at the beautiful Horizon Karon Beach Hotel , we were pretty central to quite a few restaurants, shops and supermarkets that was in walking distance. If you are not much of a walker, don’t worry, there are many tuk-tuk and taxi services that can quite easily take you to any destination- The going rate is 400THB, but if you spark a smile and bargain you can get it for 300THB. The hotel was so beautiful with pristine pools that we swam in everyday to keep cool, the lovely restaurant that we devoured our breakfasts daily and the hotel staff are so friendly. A hotel I would definitely recommend if you are ever planning a trip to Thailand!

THE WEATHER

It’s HOT. I don’t know what else to tell you other than you are going spend most of your time in pools to cool off, or purposely walking into a shop just to use their air-con to get some relief from the heat. No need to take jeans or jerseys because they will sit in your bag like mine did. What I would strongly suggest is that you pack a poncho or a very light rain jacket in case you get caught in the rain on the scooter! With your clothes being drenched, you might get a little chilly, but that’s the only time you will feel the chill, I promise. Oh and don’t let the rain keep you indoors or away from exploring! On our second day, it rained the whole day. So that was the day that we decided to meet up with our tour guide and book our James Bond and Phi Phi Island Tours. After that was done, we braved the rain- ponchos and all and went walking the streets and visiting the markets close by!

TOP THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
- Cruise around Phang Nga Bay – The best way to view the awe-inspiring limestone islands is by taking a leisurely cruise through the glorious emerald-green waters. With limestone cliffs and collapsed caves, you’ll really feel like you’ve found paradise. The beauty of this place is something that you have to see to believe and is something that will always leave a memorable impression. We got to see the limestone island whilst on the James Bond Tour- There are so many companies that will offer you great tours but if you are looking for a tour guide, then book your trip through Buffalo Tours. We had the greatest time with our Tour Guide- Mr Boy- (Yes, he is a lady boy but man he is the cutest and most knowledgeable of them all!) He will have you in stitches the whole day!
- Visit the temples – Phuket is distinctive for its temples. One in particular that is definitely a must-see is Wat Chalong and Big Buddah. The biggest and most impressive of all of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries, it is associated with the monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chaung. For this reason a lot of Thai come here to be blessed. There are many different Buddha statues to see here, and the inside of the Grand Pagoda’s walls are covered in paintings that relay the Buddha’s life story. A sense of calm and peace washes over you as you ebeter the temples, take and a moment and really be in the moment of holiness- it’s extraordinary!
- Patong BANGLA ROAD – This is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but it’s something that you have to see and experience if you plan on visiting phuket. Patong is really all about crowded beaches, resorts, hawkers, stores, bars, and sadly, a lot of sex tourists. The minute you walk through the road you will be bombarded with signs to see ping- pong shows, pubs and other exotic shows. We met up with a great group of South African’s on our trip and they tagged along with us down Bangla road to show us the ropes and look after us! If you are considering seeing a ‘show’ bargain a price with them before you enter (200THB for a beer) otherwise you are in for a very big suprise!
- Learn to cook traditional Thai food – I wish we had done this, but we unfortunately ran out of time but, If you are looking to learn some Thai cooking tricks, take a class at Pum’s Thai Cooking School. Located near Patong Beach, you can take classes ranging from 30 minutes to 6+ hours. Classes start at 500 THB.
- Watch some Muay Thai fighting – We didnt get to see this one either but it’s something that you should see if you visiting. Book yourself in to watch some Muay Thai. This is a form of combat that combines striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, and is known as “the art of eight limbs.” It requires extreme mental and physical discipline to train to be a Muay Thai fighter. The Saphan Hin Stadium is the destination to see regular matches or go to Patong Beach where you can watch these disciplined fighters in action.
- Rent a Scooter & Enjoy the viewpoints – Phuket has many viewpoints- there are 10 in total. Kata viewpoints are beautiful. Nothing is better than watching a golden sunset from these points. Your camera will thank you! With regards to hiring a scooter, make sure you have a bike license and wear a helmet! We got stopped at a road block and had to pay 1000THB for not having a bike license. Look, if you don’t have it’s ok because the guys that you hire from don’t ask you but just be warned that you might get stopped along the way. You can expect to pay around 250 THB per day.
- Stroll the Phuket Weekend Market – A definite must! Known also as the Naka market, this market is located right outside of Phuket Town. It is a crazy assortment of local and secondhand goods, interesting objects, and a huge variety of food. The market is broken up into two sections- the covered section (everything from Handbags, clothing, DVD’s Make-up), and the open market (food, food, food!) It’s extremely hot under the covered section so be prepared to sweat while you shop and make sure you give yourself enough time to look around, we only spent about an hour and a half there which is too little time because we didn’t even get half way, but I did manage to bargain for some handbags!
- Bargain Bargain Bargain! – Bargain your way through almost anything and everything! At first I was a bit shy to ask them to take 100THB off of the asking price but by the 2nd day, I was a pro and definitely got things at a great price! It’s really fun too!
Phuket is so beautiful and is definitely a place I would recommended to put on your travel bucket list!

There is nothing quite like it!
June 20, 2017
Travel: Thailand In Pictures!

I thought I would share some of our pictures from our recent trip to Thailand! Man, looking back on these makes me miss the beautiful blue waters! *sigh* – Till we meet again Thailand!

Travel Guide post to follow!

Khai Nai Island

Floating Village

James Bond Island Tour

Big Buddha

Wat Chalong Temple

Fantasea Show

June 20, 2017
#WorldPHDay

Every year on May 5, pulmonary hypertension organizations and groups around the world participate in World Pulmonary Hypertension Day activities to raise awareness of this rare and often-misdiagnosed disease and to celebrate the lives of the global PH community.

This year, phaware global association (www.phaware.global) has developed an amazing app called PHaware 365. The will allow those who have been affected by PH or who have a loved one that has been affected, to show your support and raise awareness!

World PH Day brings global attention to the importance of improving the quality of life and life expectancy of the more than 25 million people living with PH worldwide.

I urge you all to get involved and show your support for Pulmonary Hypertension patients. It unfortunate that many patients are often misdiagnosed which in turn, leaves patients with a very short life expectancy if untreated.

Download phaware’s free app now: www.phaware.global/phaware365
Show the world you are #phaware of this rare, chronic lung disease. Snap a selfie. Decorate your photos. Customize with PH facts. Add awareness stickers. Share your #WorldPHDay event photos across social media and on the phaware365 Global Selfie Stream.

Save. Tag. Share.
#WorldPHDay
Step 1: SNAP a Selfie during events around the globe.
Step 2: DECORATE your photos using the phaware365 app – available on the App Store, Google Play or at www.phaware.global/phaware365.
Step 3: POST your photos across social media. Be sure to tag them with #WorldPHDay & #phaware. Challenge your friends and family to participate!
Create global pulmonary hypertension awareness through engagement and innovation to forge a new course to a cure. With your help, we can all make a difference.

Please do share your photos to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of South Africa Facebook page and don’t forget to #WorldPHDay

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May 2, 2017
Tea Meditation Experience…

This year I’m all about finding my Zen and in order to do that I have taken up all things Zen’y. From purchasing motivational books to doing yoga classes after work to searching for meditation retreats and finding Tea Meditation ones!

I was intrigued when I stumbled upon the advert about the tea meditation and wanted to see what it was about. So with excitement I called my bestie to ask if she would tag along. I booked and paid and we were set for Sunday meditation.

Based in Parkmore Sandton- The Nan Hua Meditation Centre is set perfectly within the quiet suburbs allowing to enjoy nature at its best! Upon arrival we were greeted with love and warmth and escorted to our table. The Tea Meditation itself was set outside under an enormous tree with beautiful music playing in the background to calm. The setting was perfect and allowed us to really connect with all things that surrounded us. It was strange because even though there was hustle and bustle on the street, not once did I feel my concentration get lost over the noise of the outside world.

Our Tea Meditation set up

The Gong

As the tables slowly filled up, we enjoyed the tranquility of the space and just sat there quietly taking it all in. The Tea Meditation started at 9am sharp with no one allowed in as it would disrupt the session.

The Tea Meditation session was conducted by a Buddist Monk- The Master that only spoke in Mandarin- Don’t worry, there was a lovely gentlemen that translated everything in English for us as he spoke us through the session. That in it’s self was so awesome. Learning about different cultures only enriches the mind, body and soul.

The Master started the session and we were asked to be in complete silence through out. With beautiful music playing in the background, we were asked to get seated comfortably in our chairs and to close our eyes for a 30 minute meditation. Honestly for me it flew by! It felt like 10 minutes had passed until we opened our eyes to see a beautiful display of teapots, cups and boards.

The Gong sounded and The Master called upon the Tea Practitioners to start the Tea Meditation. They all gracefully filled the tables one by one and proceeded with the art of tea making. As we sat in silence watching the Tea practitioner go through the process of showing us the dried tea leaves, allowing us to smell the aroma of the tea and eventually tasting the tea after it had brewed.

The process of the tea making took about 35 minutes in total. The Master had explained that the reason why the tea making is long is so that by focusing your mind and energy on the task of making the tea, it allows your mind to be focused on only that and to allow you to have complete peace of mind- a time out, if we could call it that. We were all captivated my the easy flow of the tea practitioner and the elegance she displayed throughout the process.

Our lovely Tea Practitioner- Lida

Once all the tea had been sipped away, the Tea Meditation had come to an end and the tables were cleared. I was a bit sad that it had concluded so quickly but to my surprise we had one more thing to do. All the Tea Practitioners had been dismissed all for 2 which asked us to make a big circle around them. They then went on to tell us that we would practice Thai Chi to conclude our day before the feedback session. I was thrilled about this as I have been wanting to do Thai Chi for so long! (I told you I was all about being Zen’y!)

Thai Chi is amazing and I would definitely take it up! It was the perfect end to an amazing experience.

The Master

The Meditation came to and end and we were all welcomed to have some drinks and snacks and to sit around for the feedback session. It was really beautiful to see how the experience had moved people in many different ways. People young and old, stood up and shared their experience with the Master. There was one person in particular that stood out for me that had said, this experience for her had really opened her eyes to how fast paced our life is and that by a simple task as making tea could ground a person so much. She continued on to say that every weekend she and her grandchild sit around the kitchen table and have tea together and that by doing so she is taking time out and sharing a special moment with her grandchild- with tears in her eyes she said, in that moment when I look at my grandchild, that is when I realize that nothing matters in life other then special moments like those, and she thanked the class.

The Tea Meditation not only taught me to enjoy the simple things in life but to be present in the moment fully. To be fully aware of all my surroundings and thoughts and to love fully and completely. Life is too short not too.

The Tea Meditation experience was wonderful and I would urge you all to experience it! They are introducing more classes this year that i will definitely be taking part and will share my experience when I do.

For more info on retreats and meditation classes, read here.

March 9, 2017
Eat Here: Forum Homini Roots Restaurant

Over the weekend we celebrated my cousin’s 1st wedding anniversary. In our family, we have a tradition where we steal the cake topper from the wedding cake on the day of the wedding and give it back to the happy couple 1 year later. It’s a really fun way to surprise the couple and treat them to a day out on their anniversary.

We decided to treat them to a rather fancy dining experience at the beautiful Forum Homini- Roots Restaurant. Located on Krugersdorp, it’s really a hidden little gem in the amoungst gorgeous tranquil wilderness.

Our meal consisted of a carefully orchestrated menu of 6 beautifully presented courses along with each serving of the dishes, our enthusiastic waiter gave us a briefing of what was placed before us as we “oooo-ed” and “aaaa-ed” at every dish. You would think that gourmet meals wouldn’t fill you- well it does! By the end of the dining experience we were all stuffed!

Our lunch began with a little taste-bud teaser; that being a chunk of Ostrich, mixed with vegetables, nuts and a vinaigrette- For someone who isn’t a fan of any meat other then beef or chicken, I sucked it up and tried ostrich for the very first time! (If your going for the full experience then you have to put aside your dislikes and try everything- it’s worth it , trust me)

Dish #1- Potatoe Gnocchi: Dehydrated Parma Ham, Buttermilk Labneh, Pickled Onions, Butternut Puree, Charred Peaches

Dish #2- Cured Salmon: Salmon Tartare, Pickled Cucumber Ribbons, Yuzu Gel, Horseradish Mousse.

Dish #3 was another first for me. I had never eaten duck before and swore I never would. Never say never…

Dish #3- Duck Breast: Leg Terrine, Porcini Puree, Artichokes, Cauliflower, Pickled Shimeji, Sorrel

The next dish was amazing! The beef just melted in your mouth and the ingredients combined was just a burst of flavor in your mouth!

Dish #4- Beef Fillet: Prime Rib, Smoked Potatoe Puree, Glazed Carrot, Baby Leeks, Black Garlin Puree, Onion Herb Crumble

Now this is living it up -a pre-dessert before the main dessert which was just divine! The Coconut snow Sorbet is EVERYTHING!

Dish #5- Mango Panna Cotta: Mango Gel, Coconut Snow, Popping Candy, Passion Fruit Siphon, Coconut Sorbet, Passion Fruit Curd.

Dish #6- Chocolate Fudge Sponge: Dulcey Dulce Cream, Banana Ice Cream, Banana Chips, Hot Fudge Sauce, Chocolate Banana Soil, Salted Caramel, Pliable Peanut Butter Ganache

We all agreed that the last dish was everyone’s absolute favorite!, but all in all, the whole experience was stunning! With great company and great food, you just cant go wrong! I would highly recommend a fine dining experience at Roots Restaurant for any occasion!

For more info, see below:

Restaurant Name: Roots at Forum Homini
Website: http://forumhomini.co.za/
Phone Number : +27 11 668 7000
Location: Letamo Game Estate, Kromdraai, R540 (Off N14), Mogale City, Gauteng, 1732

Your welcome…

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March 1, 2017
Advice to get you through your late 20’s…

It’s dawned on me that I’m getting closer to 30 years of existence in this glorious world of ours and I’m kinda unsure of what to do about it..

So I rekon the next two years I’m definitely going to make it count and leave my 20’s with a bang and share some wisdom for my fellow late 20’ers.

1.Get rid of your skinny jeans, they’re an unnecessary struggle. (It’s a love/hate relationship)

2. Do whatever you can to avoid judging other women. You don’t know what kind of mother you will be, or what kind of daughter you will be to an aging parent, or a friend to someone who needs it, until you are. Be accepting to your fellow women who are all just trying to do their best.

3. The majority of your Friday nights will consist of couch, pizza and movies and you will be TOTALLY fine with it! The thought of going out on a Friday after a long week sounds both awful and terrifying. Once a month, this thought will also feel exciting, but after you brave it, you’ll be a mess for days. #NotWorthIt.

4. It’s okay to whittle down your friendships to the few core people you need. Don’t feel bad about falling out of touch with everyone. Sometimes the few friends who stick around are who you’ll really grow with and depend on for years to come. #SquadGoals

5. Don’t judge older women for spending money on eye cream and other expensive facial products. When you see your first under eye wrinkle… you’ll get it.

6. You might start making more money, but it will go towards weddings– Say goodbye to savings and hello to showering people with hundreds of rands, and then probably not speaking to half of those people ever again.

7. Always wear sunblock and wash off that make-up before you go to bed.

8. There are babies on your social pages- Babies conceived by choice. By people YOUR AGE. What is happening?

9. The person you choose to spend your life with is the most important career decision you will make. Your life will be significantly harder if you don’t have someone who believes in your path as much as you do.

10. Say yes to as many new experiences you possibly can, but limit the amount of commitments in your life that don’t work for you. If you’re spending your time trying to please other people, you’ll wind up with nothing to give yourself.

11. It’s okay to be nice and pleasant and still be professional, but don’t let people take advantage of you — and STOP APOLOGIZING.

12. Don’t worry so much. Ninety percent of the crap you spend your time worrying about really and truly doesn’t matter.

13. Exercise, even if you hate it!

14. Have patience with your parents – you will form the most amazing relationship with them and its something you’ll regret if you don’t give it a chance.

15. One day we will die, but that’s just one day, the rest of the other days we are living, so live and look after your health.

January 24, 2017