originalmindthecurves - Tumblr blog

[originalmindthecurves]

LEVEL 34. This week, as I complete another orbit around the sun, I'd like to take pause and express my gratitude for the many blessings over the past year. 1. MY PRACTICE. At the beginning of last year, I made the drastic decision to completely change careers, and I studied to become a Body Stress Release practitioner. I haven't regretted it for a second. Growing my practice has been rewarding beyond words. It is such a privilege to assist people in their wellness journey. 2. MY HEALTH. Getting to choose my own hours, pace, and work environment has been a blessing and a luxury. It has allowed me the space to work on my own health and wellness, and I feel more vital and connected to my body now than ever before in my life. 3. MY HOME. This year saw us market and sell our home, sans agent, and buy the home of our dreams. I still can't quite believe we managed to pull it off; when I consider the odds it seems unreal. None of it would be possible without the unending support and generosity of my mom. 4. MY HEART. With the passing of time, the depth of my love for my husbingle has grown beyond what I could ever imagine. He has been my number one supporter in all things, even when it involved me absconding just a few months after marriage to go and study in residency; painting our bedroom wall pink; and insisting on posting pictures of myself on the internet wearing nothing but my underoos. I am grateful too for the precious friendships in my life; those that have become life-long commitments in themselves; and the incredible new bonds that I have made over the past year. Y'all know who you are. 5. MY CALLING. This platform has continued to reward and surprise me. My continued involvement with @dove this year has been the most inspiring, stimulating and meaningful work of my life, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. Finally, you, reading this. Thank you. With more content than you could consume in a lifetime at your fingertips, I am humbled that you have chosen to give me your attention. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of my journey. 📸: @abigailkconfidentcreative (a favourite from a few years ago). https://ift.tt/326Gffc

[originalmindthecurves]

A few weeks ago I was sent the delectable new range of hair products from @lorealhair to try out, and I've taken my sweet time to put the products through their paces. I used the #BotanicalsFreshCare Nourishing Therapy range, which is infused with Argan and Safflower, to treat dry hair. I always notice the scent first, and do love this one - it is fresh but fragrant, and gives delicious tingles during washing. My usual challenge with moisture intensive products is that they leave my hair limp and heavy and coated in product, but I've been so pleasantly surprised by how this range has put moisture and shine back into my hair, without contributing to product build-up. In fact, I've found it super effective at getting product like dry shampoo and hairspray out, while simultaneously putting moisture back in. The range is available from @dischem_pharmacies. 📸: @sunkissedstudio #sponsored #beautybloggersa #sabeauty #sabeautyblogger https://ift.tt/2Oy9jIB

[originalmindthecurves]

Catching dem Friday Feelings! Whose got exciting weekend plans? Gorgeous dress from an inclusive local designer I was excited to discover recently - @ckchic_ 📸: @sunkissedstudio #gifted #psootd #psblogger #mystylishcurves #alldressalways https://ift.tt/2IogAqj

[originalmindthecurves]

Yas! Can't help feeling festive as my birthday month begins! 🌸 Dress of my dreams: @curvychicza Flower crown: @sunkissedhandmade 📸: @sunkissedstudio #psblogger #psootd https://ift.tt/2mCgofz

[originalmindthecurves]

As thousands of girls across SA get ready for what seems like the most important event of their lives, their Matric Dance, I can’t help but think back to mine. I went dress shopping with my mum, and after going from shop to shop with no luck, my mum eventually turned to an assistant and pleaded with her to find something for her daughter who had a “difficult figure”. Although she didn’t know it at the time, those words were like a slap in the face. On my bad body image days, they still ring through my head. The thing is though, my mom loves me fiercely. She is my greatest cheerleader, my strongest supporter, and closest confidant. I have absolutely zero doubts that she loves me more than anything else in this world, and I know that the words that haunted me for so long were said out of a desperate desire for her daughter to look – and feel – as beautiful as possible. And for her that meant helping me to hide my ‘flaws’, and disguise my lumps and bumps so that I looked like the conventional perception of pretty, because she didn’t want anything to get in the way of the world seeing me as just as beautiful as she did. The thing is though, when it comes to raising kids, even with the very best of intentions, the things we think and say shapes them into who they become. And this petrifies me, because it means that even when you’re trying your very hardest to do right by your child, you can still mess up, simply because you don’t know any better. Which is why I’m such a friggin’ huge fan of the @dove Self-Esteem Project. The programme, which has been created by industry experts after years of research, equips parents, teachers, mentors and youth leaders to help young people build body confidence and self esteem. There are tons of resources to educate yourself on how to talk to the kids in your life about their bodies, how to recognize low body confidence, cyber bullying, peer pressure and so many more important issues. Visit https://ift.tt/2mzULfy to take advantage of this incredible resource. In the meanwhile, I’ll be here, flaunting my perfectly imperfect body, and showing the world you CAN be happy, just as you are. #realbeauty #showus #ad https://ift.tt/2nbA5uB

[originalmindthecurves]

Putcha feet up, it's the weekend! Gorgeous locally-made leather skoens from @phelanfootwear. 📸: @sunkissedstudio #shoefie https://ift.tt/30hGvLa

[originalmindthecurves]

Looking at the weekend like... With Tuesday being a public holiday, hands up 🙋🏼‍♀️ who's taking a long weekend? 📸: @sunkissedhandmade 👒: @foschinisa https://ift.tt/2Qn8wN9

[originalmindthecurves]

Happy Friday the 13th, from your favourite little black kitty, Spooky. 💕 P.S. are you a pet parent? If so, of what, and what are their names? 📸: @sunkissedstudio https://ift.tt/32H4Ve6

[originalmindthecurves]

Just when you think Spring is here... 🌧💧☂️🌀❄️ Jumpsuit: @exact_clothing (they go up to size 20) 📸: @sunkissedstudio https://ift.tt/2ZUAdRx

[originalmindthecurves]

WIN! @bargainbookssa and I are teaming up to offer one lucky person an awesome hamper of brilliant body positive books. These titles have been hand-picked to inspire, entertain, and encourage. Bargain Books is hosting a massive Warehouse Book Sale, where these - and TONS of other great titles - will be available at bargain prices. The Warehouse Book Sale is on 24th September, from 09:00 – 17:00, at 10 Mymoena Cres, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764. To enter this comp, you must be following @bargainbookssa and @mindthecurvesza, like this post and comment below with which of the titles in the image you would read first. 📚 please also tag your friends and share to stories to spread the love! ❤️ The competition closes 24 September, and is only open to residents of South Africa. *Sponsored by @bargainbookssa 📸: @sunkissedstudio https://ift.tt/2ZQ4Wzf

[originalmindthecurves]

As my mind continues to reel from the events of this week, I still have not found the words to articulate how I feel about the dire situation of women in my home country. I am overcome with a grief and anger that I am unable to shake, and a sense that it doesn't feel right for life to go on as if nothing has happened. As someone who usually looks for the silver lining, and the constructive was forward, it's here that I'm tripping up. I don't know what to do, or how to contribute to a better future for South African women. I feel powerless and disconsolate. So I'm asking for your help. What is the way forward? How can I contribute to a better future for the women in my country? How can I make a meaningful difference? Please share any and all ideas, and let's support eachother through this terrible time. I want to claim back the power that has been taken from me. #enoughisenough #aminext #femicide #gbv #genderbasedviolence https://ift.tt/32rrV0r

[originalmindthecurves]

Spring Day? What Spring Day? Nooootttt feeling the spring vibes here in Cape Town - but am totally feeling my new ‘curvier fit’ jeans from @donnagirlsa. This post is not sponsored, but is a genuine PSA for ladies that battle to find jeans to accommodate their curves. 📸: @sunkissedstudio https://ift.tt/2PzHb9R

[originalmindthecurves]

@botanicajewellery gifted me with these earrings and I am OB-SESSED. They go with everything, and add the perfect amount of sparkle and class to whatever I'm wearing. I don't want to take them off. Please go check out her awesome feed and support a local business today! 📸: @sunkissedstudio https://ift.tt/2UjNVaH

[originalmindthecurves]

Hands up if you've ever dropped your phone on your face while texting in bed? 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏿‍♀️ Me: too many times to count, which is why @popsocketsza is changing my life (obviously I chose the most extra one I could find). Take a peek at their account, and let me know which your favourite design is below in the comments, and you could win it! *Comp closes midnight on 4 Sept, and is only open to residents of South Africa. https://ift.tt/2PkH6XH

[originalmindthecurves]

Throwback Monday is totally a thing, right? @leahhawkerphotographer posted this pic from a project I worked on with @velvetletter and I can't resist sharing. ❤️ https://ift.tt/2Zw2XPD

[originalmindthecurves]

Keep them short, but make them extra! Totally embracing my extra-ness with this polkadot mani. One of the (few) things I lamented about becoming a Body Stress Release practitioner was that I'd always have to keep my nails super short - but if they can look like this, that doesn't seem so bad. Thank you for killing it with this mani @yemaya_spa_and_hair! *Services were gifted https://ift.tt/2NbpWcd

[originalmindthecurves]

Recently, my dear friend @zeezeequeue gave me the most incredibly thoughtful gift - a body positivity mug made by the most amazing artist @scruffylittleherbert. (More on the mug later, I need to take some good pics of it). I was so beguiled by my precious gift that I popped the artist a few questions about it over the gram. This morning I awoke to the most incredible surprise - Esme had been inspired by a pic on my timeline and drawn me! I'm beyond honoured, and so smitten with the artwork. A huge thank you to Esme for this very exciting thing - please go and check out her awesome artwork @scruffylittleherbert - and of course to Zee, who is the most generous and thoughtful friend a girl could ask for. Going to bed feeling very grateful and loved tonight. https://ift.tt/2OY29PA