This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer for more information.
It's almost that time of the year. Can you guess what it is? You got that right - Valentine's Day! For years and years, Valentine's Day has been romantisised. When we speak about Valentine's Day, we think red roses, champagne, wine, dinner for two and so much more!
In my experience, couples have been making the most of this day going all out. The red and white attire is undeniably popular and somewhat weird (to me anyway), but believe me I have absolutely nothing against Valentine's Day.
I have decided that Valentine's Day isn't just for couples; it is also about inviduals loving and appreciating themselves. I love watching partners love each other loudly and even quietly and I shall await my turn. Until then, I will be showing love to me and those I care about on this day. Here are seven things you can do if you're single this Valentine's Day:
Diner Date
I make it my mission to treat myself to dinner or lunch at least once a month.
Try this: put on your favourite outfit (or comfortable outfit) and go to one of your favourite restaurant spots for a solo date. You can take your book with you to catch up on some reading while you dine. Use this time to catch up on blog related work alone or journaling. An hour or two will be great!
It's almost that time of the year. Can you guess what it is? You got that right - Valentine's Day! For years and years, Valentine's Day has been romantisised. When we speak about Valentine's Day, we think red roses, champagne, wine, dinner for two and so much more!
In my experience, couples have been making the most of this day going all out. The red and white attire is undeniably popular and somewhat weird (to me anyway), but believe me I have absolutely nothing against Valentine's Day.
I have decided that Valentine's Day isn't just for couples; it is also about inviduals loving and appreciating themselves. I love watching partners love each other loudly and even quietly and I shall await my turn. Until then, I will be showing love to me and those I care about on this day. Here are seven things you can do if you're single this Valentine's Day:
Offer to Babysit
Quite a handful of partners could have their plans laid out and looking for someone to look after the kids. This could be an opportunity for you to make some extra income.
Go Out With Some Friends
Are your friends single? Check if they'd like to grab a bite with you or go to a concert nearby! If you guys are into sports and there's a game, you can go to the game.
Are your friends single? Check if they'd like to grab a bite with you or go to a concert nearby! If you guys are into sports and there's a game, you can go to the game.
Diner Date
I make it my mission to treat myself to dinner or lunch at least once a month.
Try this: put on your favourite outfit (or comfortable outfit) and go to one of your favourite restaurant spots for a solo date. You can take your book with you to catch up on some reading while you dine. Use this time to catch up on blog related work alone or journaling. An hour or two will be great!
Take a Nap
If you've been needing to take a nap for a while now, why not when you've got no plans for this incredibly busy day? Rest is necessary for the human body and mind to keep going and to keep healthy.
Visit Your Parents
Do Your parents live far from you? Perhaps they haven't seen you in a while. This could be the best time to pay them a visit. They probably miss you and would rather spend the day with you. Call them and ask if they have any plans and if they'd be happy to include you I'm their day.
Offer to cook their favourite meal or bring something from your house. Make their day memorable.
Do Your parents live far from you? Perhaps they haven't seen you in a while. This could be the best time to pay them a visit. They probably miss you and would rather spend the day with you. Call them and ask if they have any plans and if they'd be happy to include you I'm their day.
Offer to cook their favourite meal or bring something from your house. Make their day memorable.
Go For a Walk
Some minutes of fresh air outside while you listen to the birds can do you well. In my experience, going for a walk can improve your mood and contribute to fitness.
Spoil Yourself With Gifts
I love shopping! Do you? Check out these cute and stylish Valentine's Day accessories on SALE! There's so many options on site, simply click on 'accessories' to start shopping.
Some minutes of fresh air outside while you listen to the birds can do you well. In my experience, going for a walk can improve your mood and contribute to fitness.
Spoil Yourself With Gifts
I love shopping! Do you? Check out these cute and stylish Valentine's Day accessories on SALE! There's so many options on site, simply click on 'accessories' to start shopping.
I have also picked out my favourite fashion pieces under the SALE category on site. You'll find two-pieces, sweatshirts, denim and more. If you need to shop more for a little less, use code 'Jeannie' at checkout for extra 19% OFF! I hope you love your pieces.
How will you be spending your Valentine's Day this year? Let me know in the comments! Happy Valentine's Day and thanks for your support!
Happy New Year, everyone! Is it okay to say that now? I mean, we’re 17 days into the new year and I keep asking myself just how far along the month is it too far to wish someone a happy new year?! I know I’ve been off-ish (I'm aware that that’s an understatement). I have been off for quite a long time here. I wasn't hit by a writer's block or anything, I just took some time off. I talk a lot about taking a break and practice it myself.
I took some time off for me, practicing more self-care, awareness, taking it a little slow and I also had to focus on my new career in radio hosting. I spent time prepping, researching my topics and making the most of my journey as a radio personality and I'm loving the journey. I am, however, excited to be back to this chapter of my life once again and I'll be picking up where I've left off. Is everyone well? Please let me know in the comments how the new year is going so far.
Today is International We Are Not Broken Day! Thanks to The Wellbeing Blogger's social media event calendar for Bloggers that I've come to know about this important day! The calendar has over one hundred and eighty (180) special dates to help creatives come up with amazing content and spread awareness. Don't forget to subscribe to her newsletter, you will not regret it!
The International We Are Not Broken Day is one of my new favourite days and I'll be sure to keep celebrating it going forward. Society can be a little unfair and/or unkind to people living with mental health illness or trauma. The world has took it so far that we had to have dates like these and campaigns in order to teach and create awareness around these topics. The International We Are Not Broken Day was made to bring awareness the fact that despite living or struggling with mental illness or trauma, you're still human and
It is no secret that those who struggle with things like depression, anxiety and/or more are often labelled as unstable or 'not so normal'. The stigma created around mental illness has got to change. Is someone you know, a friend or family member struggling with mental illness? These are a few ways or things you may use to support and be there for them:
Understanding
First of all, every person struggling or living with mental illness or trauma is different. They are different people with different experiences, triggers and pasts. When talking to a person living with one of these, do not generalise or assume you know them, get to know them personally so you may find a way to live with them as individuals and not add to their pain or struggle. The illness may have the same name but what each person carries is known to them and just because one carries it well, doesn't mean the other person will too.
Learn
Never stop learning. Admit first that you need an education on this and keep an open mind. Compassion may help you learn better, too. You may learn about mental illness or trauma through experts who teach and share information about mental illness. You can find them online and maybe go to their seminar. You can also learn by choosing to be actively involved in campaigns that shed light on mental illness and trauma and open your eyes and ears through the course of the campaigns. You may even learn something from tracking your own mental health journey.
Offer Emotional Support
It can be a bit upsetting or triggering for a person living with mental illness to be reminded that they are living or struggling with one. A few of the things that push or trigger them may include but not limited to passive aggressive comments and being labelled - it depends on the person. A few other ways you may offer emotional support is by listening actively, showing up for your loved ones and being clear about the things you can or cannot do. Try to give clear answers and do not make promises you can't keep. You may also offer to hangout with them at one of their favourite spots and ask questions only when you deem necessary regarding their health. Reassure them when they need it, but do not lie to them.
Do Not Take It Personally
Having had my fair share of trauma in the past, I know just how much one can go off on you even when you've not done or said anything wrong. It's a complicated journey that takes patience. It's important to remember that just because you give to a person who lives with mental illness or trauma doesn't mean you'll get back what you give. The best thing you may get is their sincere appreciation for your effort. Don't forget to take good care of yourself too because you can't pour from an empty cup.
Make Sure They Get Help
Last but not least, it's hard seeing a loved one struggle. The situation may be a lot better when the person recognises that they are struggling and ask for help, while others may not admit it to themselves or do but ask for any help. It helps to have an honest conversation with them and express how much you care about their wellbeing. Do your own research and suggest the nearest place they can get help from.
Always remember to take care of your own mental health so you can a loved one better. Here are a few mental health institutions you may call for help:
1. South Africa SADAG (depression and anxiety) - 0800 456 789 a 24-hour mental health helpline
2. UK giveusashout org - 85258 (first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service)
For those whose country's contact number I didn't share here, please search online for the nearest free or paid mental health services near you.
People living with mental illness or trauma may be a little wounded or shaken but they are not broken.
*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer for more information.
I can't believe it's October already! I'd say I'm happy about Halloween but I'm South African and we don't celebrate Halloween. There's been a few people who have tried to take on the tradition but it just won't go through. I won't lie it seems fun.
September was very exciting! We celebrated one of the most important days of the year in the country - Heritage Day. Heritage Day is about embracing all the cultures and South Africa is rich in culture. With nine official languages, it means nine different cultures - cool, right?!
September was very exciting! We celebrated one of the most important days of the year in the country - Heritage Day. Heritage Day is about embracing all the cultures and South Africa is rich in culture. With nine official languages, it means nine different cultures - cool, right?!
I did a few things in September which include taking some time away from social media every other day, redecorated my bedroom and I'm loving it! I've been redecorating for three months, I'd be disappointed if the decorations weren't impressive, haha. Another exciting thing I did in September was record some music. I haven't put out new music in a while and I miss radio interviews. Music makes me so happy. I can go on all day about my love for music so I'll leave it there.
I've mentioned before that my favourite season is Summer. Winter is great but I can't find any clothes I like for Winter so I root for Summer - I understand the importance of both seasons though. Summer is almost here and you know what that means: pool party, BBQ and being outside.
Whether you're currently in Spring or Winter, Summer's coming and there's no harm in being prepared. I'd like to share these four amazing (hand-picked by me) swimwear from Zaful. To make this whole post better, here's 19% off for swimwear valid for a limited time; use code: AFFSWIM. Here we go:
1. At the top of my list of favourite swimwear is this Women Tankinis Push Up Underwire High Rest Swimwear. What I love about this one is the high rest feature. It's almost like you're in the mood for a good swim but also looks like you are just out there being a model in your own world. It is so classy.
3 Wearing calm colours is one of my favourite things. This calm Ribbed Tie Slide Metallic Glitter String Bikini Swimwear looks very soothing! Besides, I like when a bikini looks like coffee.
4. Remember this? The good old one-piece swimming costume? They are still my favourite. Just because something is old doesn't mean it's boring. Ribbed Cinched Frilled One-Piece Swimwear is really cute!
Go on and enjoy your summer. Put your feet in the pool, get an ice popsicle, lay in the shade, read a book and relax. What season are you currently in? Do you like any of these swimsuits?
*This post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something through one of my links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclaimer for more information.
I am so happy to write this post, I'm screaming on the inside. I love gift idea posts because sometimes I run out of ideas myself and need some help. In this post, I'm sharing gift ideas of products I wouldn't mind receiving myself (some I already own). I handpicked these out specially for this post, so let's get right into them.
1. I like to have some order when it comes to my make up. Sponges get dirty really quickly and knowing that they touch on your face when you blend in your foundation or contour really makes me want to be careful even more! I'm suggesting this 4PCS Droplet Sponge Make Up Beauty Tool.
2. Owning a deep cleansing facial brush myself, I can honestly say that it definitely does the job! It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I think about it making it into the skin pores where my fingers can't reach. It cleanses my skin from the inside out. I think this will make a great gift even to self.
3. I'm an undeniable fan of Vitamin C going onto my skin. Having suffered from acne from a young age during puberty and trying many products which didn't work out for me, I ended up getting myself Vitamin C products just to check out how they would treat my skin - it was love at first sight. My skin has significantly improved. Vitamin C products are my favourite and that is why I'm sharing this next product - Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening SILK Face Mask - Set of 4.
4. Being an owner of a face massage roller myself, I'm happy to share this Simple Jade Face Massage Roller. These improve blood flow and reduce puffiness. I also like that they help the skin absorb products easily.
5. I love a good sale, so I had to share this: A MelodySusie 13th anniversary, up to 50% off now! This sale is valid for a limited time and I think you'll love what they have to offer. I'd like to leave this gift idea open so everyone can get anything they love from this sale. You'll find nail drills, nail accessories, lamp, bits and more.
Please let me know in the comments if any of these are something you can get for yourself, your sister or friend. If you'd like to make a purchase, click on any of the pictures. Thanks for your support!
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