Top South African Lifestyle Blog
I am very excited to announce another exciting giveaway! You can win one of two wonderful Solar Jars, sponsored by Consol Glass. I recently featured the Launch of the Solar Jar, on my blog, it has become a rather popular decor product, and it is one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL Objects IN SA 2012 FINALISTS. [Read more…]
Today we get to look inside the life of Kathryn Rossiter; Kathryn is the creator of the blog Becoming you.
I am from Cape Town, South Africa – the top tourism destination in the world!
I live in an area known as the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. It is a beautiful area surrounded by mountains, forests, nature reserves and beaches! It really is a paradise to raise small children and I have to pinch myself that we are so blessed to live in a place so many people pay a small fortune to visit on holiday. We enjoy a wonderful outdoor lifestyle with great weather (besides the wind!) I love living in Cape Town as I am very fortunate to have grown up here and all my close family live within 10 minutes drive!
I am passionate about my children, family, friends, chocolate, magazines, books, photography, blogging….
My Dream – To be a success at raising my children while not losing sight of who I am or how important my marriage is! To travel the world would be pretty nice too!
Hard to know really but I do want to end my life knowing I was really great at something. The admiration of my children and family as well as an inner drive to succeed at all I do also spurs me onwards….
God, the ultimate creator, is a pretty awesome source of inspiration don’t you think??? Just look at nature and how perfect and scientific and beautiful it all is. I mean babies – come on they are the ultimate creation, totally amazing!
What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses?
Strengths: The willpower to avoid chips and fizzy drinks Weaknesses: The lack of willpower to avoid chocolate and cake…. Seriously my greatest strength is my organizational skills; my greatest weakness has to be patience as a mom or on the road 😉
What Do You Treasure Most In Life?
My husband is a gem, memories, happy times with family, good friendships, holidays, photographs, sentimental jewellery like my engagement ring, and the security of my home!
What Are Your Fears?
Like most, the fear that keeps me awake at night is probably that health problems would befall me or my family, security is a big concern in SA and the future well-being of my kids is pretty scary too. But perfect love casts out fear and I’m pretty well covered by someone much larger than me who is looking out for all these concerns!
What Keeps You Busy?
I have always wanted to work in publishing from the age of 14, when I would spend all my pocket-money on magazines and then pour over them for hours in my room on my own! I still would love to do this but for now I have 3 jobs – the paying one is as a Media Liaison where I write documents, guides, newsletters, website content and do social media 1 day per week. The unpaying one is my blog – Becoming you – which is something I hope will grow into a paying job soon! It is my current baby and I love it. My unpaying, full-time, no overtime, intensively emotionally draining job is being a mom to 2 employers! 😉
What Do You Do For fun?
Have I said blog? Yes that is pretty time intensive at present. Also seeing friends, walks in nature, eating out when the budget allows, outings with my family, painting, and entertaining but not cooking, visiting the beach, reading, watching movies, camping holidays or weekends away.
I try to find time for blogging, photography, gardening, Beth Moore bible study, painting, some baking and sewing crafts or things for my kids occasionally (when patience allows)
What are your successes or failures?
My greatest successes are the 2 little people I birthed; my greatest failure is not always seeing what value lies in raising 2 little people to become successful big people!
What has been your greatest challenge thus far in your life?
As a child and teen my family went through a few rough years in terms of health, finances, job security, moving city, changing school and subsequent friend issues. It was a very hard time for me and not one I wish to repeat but I definitely think that what they say about difficulties making you who you are is true in this case. I learnt a lot during that time and I am better for it now. Another difficult period in my life was when I was newly married and living in a foreign country for 2 years with my husband. The experience was full of very high highs and low lows but we definitely learnt to rely heavily on God and each other during this time!!
If you could do something different with your life what would it be?
Occasionally I do regret that I didn’t go to university after school – not due to grades but rather finances…. I don’t think I am worse off today because of it but I would like to prove myself, mostly to me but to others too! I’m not sure if I’m committed enough to study part-time though, not yet anyway. If I could change something in my life right now it would be to have more travel experiences… I would love to see somewhere new or go on an adventure once a year.
Thanks Kathryn for sharing your life with us, we wish you every success and we hope that one day you will realise your dream of a life in journalism!
Also in this interview series Real Women – Real Life, meet Ellie Coburn from The Ellie Life….
Image Source: Kathryn from Becoming you
One of my goals or challenges for 2012 is to find more ways to give back to my community. I consider myself and my family to be extremely privileged but along with this comes the tendency to become complacent and take what you have for granted! I never want to lose sight of the needs of others that are less fortunate than I am and I think it is also very important to encourage our children to be part of some kind of outreach project, to help maintain a well-balanced perspective in their lives!
A project that I have come across that struck a chord is Newkidz on the block, which is a non-profit organization (062-837-NPO) whose major concern is that of the plight of orphans in South Africa.
They are based in Cape Town, South Africa and they are currently involved in projects in local communities throughout the Mother City. They aim to expand their services throughout South Africa in the future and to become a national name in outreach projects that improve the living conditions for vulnerable and underprivileged children in South Africa.
Mandela Day 2011 - Beach Cleanup
Newkidz was founded in 2007, after a successful home make-over, at the Masigcine Children’s Home, which was completed in just ONE weekend. A group of friends from Cape Town, South Africa, saw a need at a Children’s Home for abandoned and orphaned children in one of the local communities called Mullein, just north of Cape Town. Originally the team volunteered their time on weekends but they soon realised that more focused time was needed, to meet the needs of the community concerned.
The main aim of Newkidz is to build sustainable child–support networks in communities and link them with foster families and children’s homes; the organisation promotes foster care to the general public and offers guidance to foster families. Newkidz facilitates the renovation and maintenance of children’s homes / foster family accommodation and places of safety with the help of corporate sponsors.
Zanethemba Kidz Haven
[quote style=”1″]So that is who we are – a group of friends who love God and children, especially orphans and have decided to make a difference in this world. Children are not able to care for themselves so if they have been orphaned; the responsibility falls on those in their community to be their parents by fostering or adopting them. ~ Newkidz[/quote]
So how can you get involved? A project that they are currently running is the Heatherdale Children’s Home – Mural Touch Up Project and they are in need of volunteers to help with painting, this Saturday 25th February. Please sign up and help this worthy cause!
You can visit the Newkidz on the Block website to find out more or you can contact them directly to make a contribution:
[note color=”1BE0CC”]Michael and Hilda de Beer: Telephone:+27(0)219815425 Fax:+27(0)866725152 Mobile:+27(0)798755745 Email Address:[email protected][/note]
Today we get to take a peek inside the life of Ellie Coburn; Ellie is the creator of the blog The Ellie Life.
I am Ellie Coburn and I come from Coronado, California. I am passionate about the word love. A bit ridiculous I know but it is my honest belief that there is much to go around. I am passionate about family and friends and creating. Mostly though I am passionate about getting inspired.
I have a dream that every young women thinks highly of herself. I believe that all young women are beautiful, talented, and bold. It is my honest prayer that they will thrive on believing in themselves. I dream of a place where all young women have a voice – and use it!
I am strong when it comes to giving and sharing advice. I do not like goodbyes. Not till tomorrow or till next year. Mostly I’d rather you not leave at all.
My mentors, family members, and an incredible support group motivate me to do what I love to do. I love Blogging to young women, about young women and for young women. I am often told that I attract more than just young souls and when asked how, I often answer that “my words reflect the words of the people I surround myself with” many of them older than my fifteen years.
Casey Wiegand who blogs over at The Wiegand Family Blog has been a constant in my life since I began this incredible journey. Answering all my questions and concerns and most of all she has made the commitment to stand by me. It is absolutely wonderful to have her heart right there when I need anything.
My baby sister. She my absolute number one fan in all that I do. She wants to be just like me and it is the most wonderful feeling in the world. Often times when she is sound asleep in bed I’ll sit up and stare at her, thinking about all the beautiful places she will go. This makes me feel absolutely blessed!
I have been blogging since September of 2011, I also attend one of the most competitive art high school’s in California. It is sheer joy. But I am a busy bee.
I am a West Coast girl and spend about half my life with the pacific ocean’s sand between my toes. After school and weekends are spent on the beach or enjoying the sweet outdoors of my incredible community. I am spoiled when it comes to my hometown!
I love art. All things art! Especially graphic design and anything that can bring a whole room together. I believe that art could be a person’s greatest endeavour.
I am successful when it comes to my blog. Not as successful when it comes to my long time dream of being a photographer. I am successful when it comes to sticking to my goal to spread love. Somewhere I feel that I fail is understanding and seeing eye to eye with those who do not live a life of love. This has been an incredible struggle for me.
I’m fifteen. My story is only just beginning. But I have been challenged by the grace of God. Meeting his every expectation. Mirroring his love. Has been hard. There are decisions that must be made and choices that must be attained that must reflect your love for God. As a sophomore in high school it has been a struggle. But His beautiful heart is near.
Two years ago my father passed away of a heart attack. He was a stay at home daddy to me and the baby sis. One day he was here, the next he was with God. My life has changed forever. This event created my soft heart. It has taught me to let love in order to let His love for me shine through from somewhere very far away.
I have founded * Speak Now, a soon to be non-profit organization. Our The Mission:“Speak Now gives a voice to young women who have been silenced in the fear of being outspoken”. The Ellie Life has branched its wings to send love to these lovely young women we speak of above. Spreading it’s wings, The Ellie Life speaks to them on love, life, coping, heartache, drama, & dreams. Mostly though, to give them a voice.
I am blessed with the life that I live. Truly blessed and grateful that for much of my life I will not have to worry about change. I am content here in this sweet place.
*If you would like to find out more & support this wonderful cause, visit them on Facebook – give a little, to gain a lot!
Also in this interview series, read – Cape Town’s Premier Birth Photographer.
Image Source: Ellie Coburn & Pinterest
Red is definitely a colour that is trending this season and one of my favourite, favourites – to me it symbolises love and passion! Red hearts, red roses – the colour of LOVE! Wearing red makes me feel super sexy!
There are so many shades of red when it comes to fashion; I have never been able to wear anything with an orange base – my skin tone suites a “Blue-based” red. I think it is so important to be aware of what shades suit your colouring especially when it comes to a colour like red. If you get it wrong it can be a fashion disaster!
The other important factor to consider is just how much red is right for the occasion or outfit, as it is a very striking colour and too much of it can be over powering!
So consider the less is more approach, for the during the day perhaps just a hint of red, in an accessory or red lips or nails can make a dramatic statement and enhance your outfit. You can always spice up your ensemble by adding a pair of “killer’ red heels – super sexy!
For the evening, however, I feel that it is a completely different story, again dependant on the occasion but there is nothing more striking than a long flowing scarlet gown!
The “red carpet trend” is to pretty much wear red from head to toe, red lips, red dress, red shoes – I guess when you are famous and gorgeous, you set the trend! I love these gorgeous gals in their fabulous, red couture!
Ashley Greene, Taylor Swift, Kate Bosworth, and Dianna Agron - Looking Radiant in Red!
So step out there, be bold, be daring and embrace this passionate colour – you only live once, so why be boring! Especially if you celebrate Valentines day, really get in the mood and wear something red!
Image Source: Pinterest Fashion & Style Trends, Beauty Trends
