Journey to self discovery and recovery

Its been a long time since I have posted anything....

But now I think its time that I start spending more time on this little blog,
Where did i go? good question but the sad but true answer is that I really did not go anywhere or do anything special, guess I just got caught up with life!

It has officially been a year and a half since i posted. In the past I guess I was sort off trying to find my niche. I talked about a bit of Self discovery, shoes, dresses, Lindsay and lots lots more but my blogs still felt empty, pointless and that I was not saying the things I really should have been saying. when I first stared this blog, the goal was to make a difference in the lives of others, be it with the words and inspiration.

I did not see too much of this happening and soon decided to rather stop writing until I felt that I could write from the heart.

Now, Im back and for the next six months i will be trying to write from the heart. I dont have many followers at this stage, guess its because i never wanted this blog to be a big thing and i sort off kept it hidden, it was more of a online diary I suppose. I hope that once you start reading what I write about and you can relate deep down in your soul, that you would join my blog.

Im looking Forward to the next phase of the blog and hope that I can make a difference in the lives of others.



Will be posting soon! xxoo

Self- Reflection

The question I repeated in my head almost daily, until I finally got the hang of it. What is self-reflection?
Now I'm really excited to explain it to you and It's something I'm clearly very passionate about, I'll tell you why .....
BUT WAIT, Lets back up a little bit before I tell you that,..... back to the question, (Now, what is self-reflection? Why do we need this? What's so important about it all, oh what's the big fuss?

I think its best I begin to explain the term self- reflection first.
Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to exercise introspection and the willingness to learn more about their fundamental nature, purpose and essence. The earliest historical records demonstrate the great interest which humanity has had in itself. Human self-reflection invariably leads to inquiry into the human condition and the essence of humankind as a whole. man self-reflection is related to the philosophy of consciousness, the topic of awareness, consciousness in general and the philosophy of mind.

Okay Lady Couture but what does this have to do with me?

I say everything... See it's important for all of us to do the basic ground work before we can figure it all out.....
.. and the basis to start is by self - Reflection. Now don’t be fooled self-reflection is not all smooth sailing, it can be an intense and rocky process whereby you uncover not only the good about who you are but also the scary little bad bits. The great thing about Embarking on a reflection trip is that you can identify all imperfections and as I call them, development areas to change yourself into the beautiful butterfly you dream to be. It is not an easy challenge to take on and it is best to wait until you are truly ready to make some serious life changing developments. It will definitely help you to become more Assertive in communication styles and float easier through life. In the end, it all it boils down to building that place inside ourselves, the place we call our self-esteem. That you can only find by finding out who you really are. Let's face it, no matter who you are, we all have dreams, hopes and goals and its sad that only some get to really achieve them. I ask why is this, Is it because they know it all? They are the most hardworking? They are meant too? AND my answer to these three questions always comes back the same. The answer is.... NO!. No they are not but I do believe that there is a common factor that most achievers hold. Ask them, they will all tell you echo they are! My point in the whole blah blah blah is....

Start Self-reflection!!!!!!!!! .......The sooner you start the better.

here's How I self-reflected today...

I found my self in a bath hot bath, I'm one who simply loves hot baths, (thinking, how I've been waiting all day for this warm bath with lots of bubblebath, and hot water) that's the way I like it :) .. As I'm lying in the warm foamy water. I washed myself down just twice from head to toe with cool silky liquid body wash. Before you know it, I got out up and ready to towel down, ...

I had this sudden thought, it hit me..(An influx of questioning running thru my head)... Why am I getting out of this bath so soon when I waited all day to be here? Why is my heart racing right now? I placed my hand next to my head and felt a trimbling of emotions..as if I didn't know how to handle this bath)....

now then, right then and there I questioned myself., is it cos u love this? Is cos u there, waited so long to get what u have right now the bubble bath of your day, the one thing that makes ur day?.. Is that your about to run away?

I immediately reffered and compared this to my life, I questioned myself, why do I run away from things that make me feel good? Why do I work absolutely hard to get what I want and just when I'm almost there, I let a little bit of heat frighten me away?...
BACK TO THE STORY>>>

So I than decided to sit on the side of the bath.. There's no way I'm getting out of this bath right now, there's no way I'm running away from goodness anymore.. I sat there on the side of the bath with my legs half way in the water and the rest of me out of the heat wave. Some more body wash on my peach colored wash cloth, and washed my legs down. I soon got into the enjoyment again once I have declared to myself that YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE...hehehe!

For a moment there I felt a sence of achievement. My legs were still in the water at least I didn't go.. The lather felt so good on my skin. So there I was thinking... (Even though I'm not fully immerged in the water , at least my legs are still in there!) I soon jumped back in the water..

It hit me, I was back, back in my goodness and all of a sudden the heat wasn't so much.. It just felt perfect.. fully emerged in the water, I kept thinking and saying out loud to myself..(This is indeed the longest and nicest bath I've ever had!)...

A sudden memory just popped up, made me think back to when my last time I had a bath like this. I was in my teen years.., and immediately I knew I was beginning to open new doors and even opening shut ones too.

I'm on a new journy and self discovery is about to revele the real me to me like I can never imagine.... I'm on my way, and scared of what I'm about to discover about me, but not even the fear is gonna stop me this time. I'm to ready to find me!....
BACK TO THE STORY>>>

I then proceeded to the room to put some lotion on and get dressed. Here I was standing in front of the mirror and looking at me. Asking myself, what is it that you see? I couldn't answer that question. Guess because I'm not there yet. This didn't bother me much so I proceded with placing some lotion on my hand. I started rubbing the lotion on to my face and there it was, another light bulb moment...

...( Mmmmmhhh this feels so good, can't I keep doing that?, like forever??)..this thought stuck with me and the more it suck, the longer I kept on rubbing my face, I soon felt like I was drifting away to aaaahaaaa zone, no its lala land, no wait maybe heaven??.. What ever I was it, didn't matter much cos all that seemed to matter this moment was the feeling on my face and the realisation that pleasing me right now. It's my no1 priority, I satrted referencing this to my life, why do I expect people to be nice to me? Why do I expect touch from other, just because I like touch??..

The realization started there and my self-reflection gain is:
I should be nice to me more often, I shuould be touching me..cos see here, I know just how too!... This self-discovery thing is becoming way interesting..

As I walked to the lounge to get my conditioner I walked and somewhat spopped for a while cos all of a sudden I felt this humagus influx of love, peace and clarity?? What's this? Why am I feeling so high? .. Could it be that I'm falling inlove with me?.. Could it be that I'm feeling all this love for myself.. And there it hit me... I feel like this Because I was nice to me, I did something to please me, and now I'm grateful to myself. We project this kind of energy all the time, by thanking and being grateful for what others do for us or when its returned, I just did that by l that by being really nice to the self. When you look into the power of this energy, you'll find that it should absolutely be treasured as it just produces more good in one's life... And now I know how to project it in self!

I like the, Nice to me thing, It all starts with simply acknowledgment and the rest is history!




Be inspired!!

Journey to self discovery

Its time for change, its time for the release of the old, the unneeded and the hold backs. I felt this change surfacing since the new year approached but little did I know that it was about to get allot more interesting..

Have u ever felt like its about time for your life to begin?.OR maybe just that you feel in your soul that their is more to your life and dreams then what u see now? Whether u have already established your career and family and there doesn't seem to be much wrong with your life as per society you seem to have the ideal perfect little life? When that feeling haunts you and you seem to loose all focus on the other stuff. Its time to take yourself and that calling seriously!


As per this I'm about to remark on the long awaited JOURNEY TO FINDING ME. I know what's to do. I know what's required and I know it won't be easy but the hunger for the achievement will haunt me forever if I don't take this leap of faith right now..


For starters, 1 month of self cleansing.
In this process I will start at the ground work and most essential aspect of the entire journey. The body, soul, mind cleansing process whereby I meditate daily, eat differently by putting only good food into my body. Self reflect and pray. This will be the first step to my discovery and I'm willing to share my journey with you. There will daily/ weekly posts on the development and changes that I face on this path..off course the free time factor applies here as well. Starting Day 1 tomorrow..


What is your feelings and thoughts about this Nique?
I'm excited to see what lays beyond to uncover and I'm a little sad for all the nice nice that I'll be giving up along the way. The hope, dreams and visions that I have for myself are important to me right now but I'm more interested to see what God indeed has in store for me. I'm putting both the time and faith into being open to depart from Nicky dreams and see what God dreams are for me. (So very excited here...hehehe!) ...a sense of awareness coming on really strongly. Can't shake the feeling but I know that Awareness is the first step in the creation process. As you grow in self awareness you will better understand why you feel what you feel and why you behave as you behave. That understanding then gives you the opportunity and freedom to change those things you’d like to change about yourself and create the life you want. Without knowing who you are, self acceptance and change become impossible. Hence the reason I am taking on this process to finally see who it is I am and what it is God wants for me. (So still, a very excited face!)




June 10
Day prior to the cleansing season

I'm preparing for my big path starting tomorrow. Its lunch time now and I'm a little confused about what to put in my body. One part of me wants to eat as much junk food as possible cos I don't know if ill ever go back to wanting it. The other half of me wants to take it easy, simple and eat as light and healthy as possible to prepare but the biggest part of me is just confused!..

My meal today will be 6 lightly fried fish fingers in butter with a glass of Coca Cola. I was a bit tempted to do more but I opted for a little aromat on my fish finger instead. With a rather strange craving for nicotine as well. I might just indulge with a cigarette. For old times sake off course

Prayer meditation for the day?
Lord come into my life today. I invite you on my transformation. Take and make with my hopes, dreams and visions as you please. Change my body to you like and move in ways that constantly shock and surprise me. You know I love surprises, Amen

Bible Verse of the day:
Acts 21:35 its more blessed to give than to receive


Until tomorrow,



Be inspired!

Geeeezzzzzz, Its been so long since I’ve sat down and written. I have so much to say, there is just so much to catch up on! Awwwww this feels so good …but I suppose I will be writing a lot more now as I’m taking a newness in journey through life. Life has been kinder to me now and I finally have something called a little bit more free time on my hands.............. ......... Today My blog will be about my life and the realizations that I’ve discovered recently! ............... ...........

Don’t you find life to always be filled with stress? Doesn’t it seem like there is always something that happens which encompasses our entire attention, and thus drain our positive energy? As our society grows more and more complex, finding true peace becomes more like trying to find an oasis in the desert. My life is a busy one as well, as I have been working long hours and late shifts for the past year now. All of the stress & demands that comes with it, definitely takes its toll over time. Recently my body actually exhaused its self and gave in, guess that was my body telling me to slow down and in this process of being house bound and sick I actually realized a lot about myself, my heath, and it forced me to go back to the drawing board and find the basics again. Therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the methods that I use and discovered to make use off in my life daily now.... ............

........................ Accept what is I have personally been fighting agaist so many things in my life. Be it family, work life, social or goals but finally realized that I cant compete with what is suppose to be in life. I cant run away from faith or destiny anymore, so this is my new take on it.....There is only so much we can affect. What we cannot change, what we cannot influence no matter what, should not be a concern to us. This is what I notice with so many people, in that we focus and linger on things which we have no control over. Why worry about something that all the worrying in the world will not change? Why care about what other people think of us when we’re not even sure what it is they are actually thinking? Once you open the blinds to this fact, and start accepting what is that you cannot change, you automatically relieve yourself of a mountain of stress and anxiety. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Taking this path is following a road towards peace......... I have been reading up on how to meditate. Daily meditation can have an enormous impact in all areas of your life. Try it, what do you have to loose? lol, yes I have...even taking a yoga class now and believe me,if you do not meditate yet, you are missing out on a very important activity that can change your life. Meditating for just 20 minutes a day is all it takes….............. ..................

Last week I found myself with a pile of washing to do and as I hung the washing up I took some time to relax in the outside world....A place I feel we spend to little time in. It made me see and notice things again like insects walking around on the sand and clearly hearing the sound of a dog bark or bird flying by...As a kid I use to love these sounds, I use to love taking a train ride with my gran and I could stand at the window for hours passing by just to adore nature. Be one with nature and dream...:) made me think of how long its been since I have really started dreaming again..............

................. So on my to do list now is to Spend time in nature….much,much more time, hehehe!..............

............ We spend so much time confined in buildings of steel and concrete and bricks that we quickly forget where we come from. It is natural for us to be in nature, and this is why it feels so good and it is so peaceful when you take a walk in a park or bike on a trail in the woods. As I am typing this blog, I am looking out my window to this gigantic tree in front of my house. Watching its stillness, with the wind blowing through its branches calmly, it is a sight that not only inspires me, but that I find peace within it. I have blogged before about how I enjoy biking and one of the reasons is that it brings me closer to nature. It is something you just can’t experience in a car. If you feel overwhelmed, take a stroll outside where there are tons of trees and far from the city. Be there and just enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the peace..............

................... Learn the power of a smile

...................... ............................


Whenever you are laughing or smiling, something interesting happens. Not only does something happen on a chemical level to make you feel better, but it also stops all stress and negativity from entering your psyche. A simple smile can make such a difference. For example, the other day I mishandled a dish and it fell on the floor, breaking into pieces, creating a big mess. Now, I could have been angry with myself for being clumsy and thinking “here’s another reason why life sucks!”. But I did the opposite. I began to smile and kind of make fun of myself for not being able to hold on to that plate properly. As I cleaned up the mess, there was no bitterness or anger. As a matter of fact, I did it with a smile on my face…I did it with peace. So whenever you find yourself in a similar predicament, just think of the silver lining, and don’t be shy to poke fun at yourself. You will quickly realize that peace finds its way much more easily to you when you smile. 

Think outwardly What I mean by this is that most of the time, we are so consumed within our own problems that we can no longer see the forest from the trees. Therefore, it helps to remind ourselves how big the world is. Take a moment and read up about some other countries, cultures, and the likes. Be aware that the world does not revolve around your problems. I find that when I hear about a tsunami or an earthquake killing hundreds of thousands of people on the other side of the world, my problems aren’t really “problems”. Looking beyond ourselves is very important in finding peace and it leads me to my next point. Just yesterday I was dumb struck talking to my sister about my cousin and all his problems. How he struggles daily and how the little things that we take for granted would make the world of difference to him and his family. Just thinking now, how many hundreds of others face the same challenges daily? It simply saddens me to just walk to the garage during my lunch time at work to get a pie when I see a little boy begging for money just to buy a loaf of bread. The little things like that is what I’m referring to. It really does wonders for one’s inner self to jus acknowledge these outward thoughts!.................

......................... Care about others You will never find peace by being self-consumed and only worrying about your own needs and wants. When you begin to genuinely care about other people, so much goodness comes right out. This only helps into solidifying your inner peace. It can be people close to you or pure strangers, but any act of kindness and goodwill eases your way towards peace. When I help other people, I stop focusing on my so-called problems and realize that my life isn’t so bad after all. This rids my entire being of all the stress and feelings of overwhelm. There is great peace and wisdom in thinking and caring about other people, which we are blind to when we are too deep within our own selfish ways. Never lose hope.........

............... Hope is something you can never afford to lose. With hope you always have a path towards peace. Whenever we get too stressed out and overwhelmed within our own life, we forget that hope. We forget that the sun always shines after a rainy day, and that this is merely a bump in the road. I find immense peace in just knowing, deep within my heart, that everything will be ok. With hope, I know that whatever is seemingly terrible, is only temporary and that soon enough, things will be just fine. This lifts off all of that negativity from my entire being, and I feel better pretty much instantly. Like my grandmother use to say, (more is n noge dag)…in Afrikaans, all is simply means is that tomorrow you will have another chance and new hope.............. ................

Embrace your beliefs.............

............... I am not one to pick or favor one belief system over another, so whatever it is that you believe in, embrace it with your entire being. Be within your faith 100% and peace will find its way into your heart. Now, we may all disagree on each other’s beliefs but one thing we must all agree on is that having a solid, healthy faith is crucial in founding a proper conscience that helps into guiding us towards peace and wisdom. There is a reason why research has shown that people that are deeply devoted to their faith have a higher life expectancy and are less likely to have diseases such as cancer. This is because they experience more inner peace, which is important if you want to increase the quality of your life...............

............

Keep learning.........

.............. One thing that provides us with much stress in life is the fact that we always worry about not having all the answers. Just accepting that you do not know everything, and that you are open to always keep learning is a tremendous step to take towards achieving inner peace. I find great joy in learning all kinds of different things, and just being aware that I am growing as a person each and every day provides me with great feelings of peace. Accept that life is one big journey of never-ending learning and you will find yourself closer to experiencing true peace within yourself.............

................

Live in the present moment...............
............... Most of the time, what we worry about is relating to something either in the past, or something that hasn’t happened. Living in the present moment erases all such thoughts. Why worry about something in the past that we cannot ever change? ………..

These are my new decisions and rules for living, I hope it inspires you to try it or to maybe sit down and search and discover your own paved way to get through this wonderful unknown journey called life! ……. Be inspired!

Bargain Buys. Unbelievable bargains, unbelievably easy......

Bargain shopping with Lady Couture
.......the site where you will find specials and discounts on quality goods up to 90%  discounts on some of the goods,


Join me in finding your bargain and looking smashingly fly ALL the time.....





Bargain of the month,


Sissy Boy pump


                             at R150 per pair, stock is limited so to avoid disappointment, place your order!

Sissy Boy pump at R150 per pair, stock is limited so to avoid disappointment, place your order!



.........join my page, if you like bargains like I do.......Like so I can keep bringing you the best prices and the best quality,





                                                                                           be inspired!!!!!

Letter to myself ......

Dear 25^th year,



I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you have done, been and ever will be. You were the year that changed my life, and I know that it can only improve and get better with age.


This year, you helped me found a big organization that contributed hugely to my self growth in so many ways I can not begin to tell, then there was PDS....that was also quite a learning curve that allowed me to learn so much about people, the human mind and the inner potential one has within.

 
I learned a lot about myself during this year. I learned that I am brave enough to start a business from scratch because I believe the people in in East Rand needed my homemade delicious bunny chows...Boy, what an adventure that was! It was great to invest all that time and effort and so much passion ....great start to Cuminyos indeed.



I learned way too much about idioms and how to write an amazing letter of appreciation. I learned
how to conduct professional interviews, how the corporate industry works, how to rest at any opportunity life allows me too ...

 
I learned the value of commitment, and what it means to be a life partner. I learned a lot about communication, vows and love.

I learnt to let go on having to control everything around me all the time. I learned that I am just a small part of my reason for being here and that everyone in my life is equally as important as I am.

I learned to let go, let go of the dearest person to my heart... as I had to make a valued career move. I learned to spend 8months without my dearest Lindsay Jay for the first time in four years of knowing this beautiful boy. I learned to look into his eyes just a little bit longer!

I learned to not trust so easily as I usually do..... as God opened my eyes to positive and negative people that I may see them clearly in order to move ahead and never look back.

I learnt the importance of love ....... I love that I Learned this, I learned to say I LOVE YOU easier and to make it last a bit longer,


I learned about blogging, social media, business marketing and telephone marketing. I learned about promoting myself as a business and constantly being on the look out for more opportunities.


I learned that I am much braver than I think I am.

 
I learned that with a little support and a lot of love, you can get anywhere. AND I learned that even without the support and the love, manifesting a positive attitude and putting dreams into actions will help you achieve any dream.

 
I learned how to cook and a bit of (boere kos) and even how to cook (Pap).

I learned to make peace with my past and all the (could have beens) that I held on to for so long.

I learnt to see things through the eyes of others


I learned to finally except the things I can not change, think a bit longer before making life changing decisions and to try and never regret my decisions. ( Undoing is not possible)...


I learned how to clean an oven,how to wake up in the morning just before daylight and hang up my washing, how to make coasters and the importance their off, the importance of candles , always having wipes around, and making a lunch box. LOL, how to bunp my car just pulling away in the complex where I live,,,,rushing lins to school, the result, wishing I did not rush!!!

 
I learned about beauty and organic products (which I hope to be certified in next year), 


I learned that a strawberry milkshake from MC Ds can solve any problem

 
I was already blessed, but this year proved to me that life can get better and better everyday. If we keep our positive attitudes and our dreams alive, we will manifest the most amazing and wonderful life. I am so grateful for, my family (including my extended family), friends and new faces!

Bring it on 26! Let’s see what you have to offer, what obstacles I need to remove or encounter, what positive, blessed and amazing events can happen and where I will end up next. I am so excited to be with you on this journey.



Forever & always,

Veronique Beuran

The dress simples, I simply adore continues.......

The dress that you can wear oncocktails and to formal events,simple and stylishly me .....Love this look








The perfect dress.....I need not say more ....the perfect dress








I simply cant wait to play with the likes of these looks...........my Verse for the day, Luke 10 verse 9 -10
Gods promise,go read it! go on ..........



                                                                    Be inspired!!

The dress simples, I simply adore......

The perfect party dress should you be looking for a fun going night, this dress can really make me feel confident pretty in pink.......love it!

The playful cocktail/ball dress.........I can wear this dress with a silver strap slipper, bet Cinderella has no chance with the Prince after he sees me in this..hehe!

This dress reminds me of my youthful days when dressing up for a party, the only missing link is lace........loving it is an understatement........Why not rock this look with a pair of boots, Why not??

The mermaid dress, never a bad choice supports almost any figure and can do wonders for the eye...I adore this dress and will dod and redo this look totally.

The perfect dress, now this dress I looooooove simply love this look, enoughsaid, love it!!!

Come on its nice, its really something stunning but it will not allow just anyone to put it on right or should I say not just anyone will allow it on them but I dare to dream....I will wear the likes of this even if it is just in my room in front of a mirror but this I do love.....at the bottom is the flaunt me dress...........perfection is just the word, Im taken by it, taken!

Happen to find yourself without a date this Valentines day?

Even though you happy flying solo for the rest of the year, Therese always something about Valentines Day that can make a woman feel like their might be something wrong with her,,, I know because I been
single for many many many Valentines days. So, Yah I know the feeling all too well!
Thinking back to all this, Iv decided to help those having the Valentines blues this year,
You ask and Lady Couture, Just how do you plan on doing this????
Well its simple Iv compiled a list of this to keep you so busy and make you feel as special as you
suppose too on this very flirty day, See given my expertise in this field I know just the cure to the Single blues, Its simple - The trick to avoiding over thinking your single status is making sure you have back up plan for the night!! Clever, Right?



 Here are some quick patch up ideas :
- Plan a ladies night out with your girls, we all have single girl friend right! You have a night out or throw a pamper party ( each one can take a turn to perform massage, facials, hairstyling or even play make me over!  * ( great fun!!!!!)
- Throw a Ken and Barbie Party (Heres how it works!)
 Invite all the single ladies and guys you know and have a modelling competition, you have best  dressed, play game and then select the winner for more info ON this party ideas, you can e-mail me on vbcraven@gmail.com
-Have a dinner party with your bestest buddies and exchange hand made gifts!

 look if all fails you can always buy a nice dress, pair of red heels and just,,,,,,, wear it! lol!

Well their you have it,,,,,,,atleast my take on this! use it, do it, don't do it! anyway thanks for reading my blog!!
          !Wishing you a loving and warm Valentines !
                                                                                Be inspired !!!!!!!!!!!

DIY, Refreshing chocolate body scrub!!!! mmmmmmmmmmm!

Why not Treat yourself to a chocolate scrub today????
This chocolate body scrub is made of all natural ingredients and will leave your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. The experience is well worth the few moments it will take to mix up a batch! I just did, why dont you try it!!
while you at it, you can make some for your best friend too!


(What you will need
- 1 tbsp brown suger
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp of honey
-  a plastic container

-  3 tbsp olive oil

How 2???????????
Mix sugar, cocoa powder,  vanilla extract and honey in a clean container / jar,. mix together but do not over mix,,,,,

Add the olive oil and blend together with the other ingredients until it forms a paste. Pour ito a fancy container/ jar and make sure that you Store your chocolate body scrub in the sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Now the only thing left to do is ,,,,, Run the bath water and indulge in chocolate!!!!!!

Be inspired!!!!!

LJ,,, It will soon be your first day ( Congrats on ur very first day at School!)

In this pic, you are barely even 2 and soon, in just a few hours you are embarking 
on a whole new journey all grown up and  ready to start school tommorow.Hard to believe that you will be starting school at the tender age of just 4! ( This is me wishing you a fantastic first day !!!!!!!!!)

You are leaving home in just a few hours. I keep repeating that statement over and over in my mind, trying to understand what it means. I have had a good 4 years now to prepare for this, sometimes wanting it to come quickly and sometimes hoping this day would never come. Most of the time though, I have been preparing myself and 
preparing you, by madly gathering life’s questions and answers in the hope that I 
haven’t forgotten anything. I keep revising the list inside my head; checking off 
all the things I know I’ve already told you – so many times.

As tempting as it is to slip a few of the big ones into a casual conversation I 
correct myself and let it go. An image of your face appears before me and I see 
your eyes look upward and your mouth tighten with that expression of yours that 
we both know so well. “Mum I know – you have told me a hundred times 
already.”

Well, you know me well enough to expect a letter tucked away in your luggage 
with just a couple of pages of instructions about ‘keeping yourself safe and 
healthy’. You might even expect to find a special little treat to keep you 
going. And lots of XXX’s scribbled on a note like noisy kisses on your bare belly.

Protecting you and preparing you has been such a big part of who I am – it’s 
hard to redefine myself and accept that my job is almost done.Time is just going so fast you keep growing and growing,,,

I remind myself that this is about you, but as usual, here I am making it about me 
again. Slightly neurotic, I find myself wanting to explain or apologize or gain 
some kind of absolution from you. I want to go back into your history and call 
myself to your attention and wipe the slate clean of all my mistakes. I do admit 
that I have been selfish and hypocritical at times I just hope you know that all that Iv ever done, even pushing you so hard was only becaurse I wanted you to grow into yourself and you have, all too fast but I am glad to see that you are young but oh so ready for life!

Yeah, yeah, I hear you say ‘huh, what you talking now?????”.

I have such an urge to tell you of promises I made, as you slept below my heart 
all those years ago. So very real and profound to me and so intense I’m sure I’d 
weep if I even tried to tell you. You of course, would shift from one leg to the 
other and endure my disclosure with discomfort and impatience.

Mini movies of first steps, first words and first everything else’s consume me. 
Tooth fairies and Santa Clause and Easter bunnies. Little trophies, wall posters, 
clay models and lego buildings.

I’m indulging myself, it’s my prerogative, but I have promised myself to keep it 
all to myself. I want to reminisce, at a time when you have one foot out the door. 
I’m going back to the baby and you are going forward to becoming a big boy now. You have 
freedom, independence and adventure on your mind. I know you are ready; 
capable, competent and smarter than I’ll ever be. Of-course just look at what you already doing now, with you I clearly believe that the sky is the limit for sure, you show me that each day , lindsay !!!!!!

My attitude shifts as I accept you don’t need any precautions, no more 
moralizing; no more “You know what you should do…” You know who you are ! Indeed you do!

And even though I have represented myself as parent and teacher I see so clearly 
that I have also been the pupil. I have learned so much from you, you have 
played such a large part in moulding me into the person I am. You have taught 
me well and I thank you.

Now, I’m compelled to tell you of all the things about you that fills me with pride 
and awe. Another long list of what you have achieved, the person you are, your 
character and integrity. I want to place wishes on you and insist that they all 
become true for you. I want you to stand at the head of the table and have 
everyone who ever knew you, come forward and pay tribute to you. But, you 
would hate that too.

It’s never about what you have done or anything that you are capable of doing. 
It’s only ever about who you are; the real value is in the fact that you exist.

No, you don’t need to be told who you are or what you are capable of. You don’
t judge yourself by such things and I don’t want you to do that either. You are 
your own person and you are comfortable in your own skin, and at the end of 
the day, that tells me that I have done well. That tells me, that you are ready for 
the world and the world will be better for having you as a participant. Thats my Lindsay always the over achiever!

I really don’t need to tell you any of this - I even wonder now what impact any 
of the words have ever had. I do believe that I have taught you by example, but 
more than that, I think you have always known my heart.

When you leave today, I will light an imaginary candle and place it on the 
window-sill. Think about it, if you wander into shadows or if you need to lighten 
up. Let it always be your beacon.

And all in all, there are only two things left to say to you, “I am proud of you and 
I love you boy boy.” Lindsay Jay , You are the best! I am so proud of you! Have a fantastic first day !

Real Beauty

So I wonder???????
Beauty is a funny thing… So many of us spend way too much time focused on our own external appearance – arguably, with the goal of looking more “beautiful.” But what does it really mean to be beautiful – and does primping and pampering and criticising and altering our physical appearance really make us any more beautiful in the end?

While you may quickly argue that you look better in pictures when you’re dressed up and have your hair and makeup done – is that really what makes you beautiful?
So, I ask you this: what really does make someone beautiful?
I’ve asked this question to numerous friends, family and we all agree that beauty comes from within but yet I see so many people each and every day trying their utter most to try and idolise someone else.
Face it you are who and what you are and no amount of make-up or flashy labels will ever change that.

So I tend to see myself as an original being, perfect in my own sense but yet wonder why so many can not see their own originality in that sense. On this matter I pondered and thought about this many times until I came across a intriguing message that immediately just spoke to me -
 “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.”
 This actually is a quote given to Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
 There is a heartfelt sincerity when one speaks from the wellspring of their heart and tiny bit off info tells me that the focus and the pattern will never change not unless we as individuals take a stand and change our own hearts as only ones self can change them self from within. What are the benefits of being truly original???????
How I see it ,,,,The opportunity to fully become who we were meant to be and not to clone and override our own special talents and abilities! Trough all our experiences we encounter within our path we grow and I believe we all grow for own special contribution to fulfil Gods plan but we cant access that ability unless we strive to develop and grow our own self. It really make me sad to see how people turn into something else basically over night. Something that may seem cool to them as they imitate the next but from the viewers point of view it just looks whack as we know that that that person you are trying to be is not you and you can and will never be your idol. Look face it the reason you are you is because you are meant to be you, no need to want to change.Life itself takes on a form of beauty when you access your heart’s wellspring. You perceive things differently. As you grow spiritually your soul flourishes and only then you can access your calling!!

Whether you the reader find my advice whack or may not agree, I could not care less.  My goal for this article is to touch at least one girl that can fully understand this and give herself a chance to fully grow her inner self! As I believe I have found my originality and I will continue to do as the spirit guides me. I meet beautiful and stylish girls all the time… some of whom are, shall we say, “personality challenged”…but…the girls that I always want to shoot…and the girls that I always want to talk to and get to know better are the sweethearts…the kind ones…the genuine ones…the ones who have not only beauty on the outside but who radiate it from within as well! “Beauty comes from within” is not a backhanded compliment - it’s a mantra that you should repeat to yourself and the ultimate goal should be to find that beauty within and stop the fakeness!! Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that the clothes and make-up is bad, I for one love my bling. Its the fakeness that comes from the internal  I'm referring too, the sort that one can can spot a mile away.

I want to share the following  poem with you ,,, I just read!

THE SKIN YOU’RE IN,

By Kim Morrison Co-Author of: About Face, Look and Feel 10 Years Younger – Naturally

When a little girl is three, she looks at herself and sees a glorious queen.
Her world is like all the fairytale books she has ever read and seen.
By the time she reaches eight; she sees herself as Sleeping Beauty.
She plays the part; she is a princess, the sweetest little cutie.

But when she hits her teens it’s like she sees nothing nice at all.
All she sees are ugly pimples, too fat, too short, too tall.
This crazy self-destruction continues into her 20’s and beyond.
Perfect images make her wish for a magic model making wand.

And then she hits her 30’s; life’s busy now with so much to do.
She’s fatter now but what the heck, she’s had a kid or two.
She feels herself getting older, she complains and knows it’s naughty.
She’s got more wrinkles, a mid life crisis and she’s hitting 40!

She tries real hard to say “I’m Ok” but the mirror doesn’t lie.
She’s put on weight, she’s tried all the diets, it’s enough to make her cry.
What she’d give to have her body of 20 years ago.
If only she’d had more time for her, she’d have made an effort, you know!

Then something starts to happen at 50, a woman takes heed and reflects within.
She looks at herself, she say’s I am! She will conquer, prevail and win.
She tells young women: be kind to yourself, be happy with who you are.
When youth passes you by you will reflect and see you where indeed a shining star.

A 60 year old woman takes a look at herself and is grateful she can see at all.
She reminds herself how short life is, there’s no too fat, too tall.
She sees all women as Beautiful, if only they weren’t in such a hurry.
She says, Slow down, smell the roses, stop all the fuss and worry.

When a woman is 70 she looks at herself and sees wisdom and laughter.
Life is about enjoying yourself, being loved and happier ever after.
Having a body that moves with ease, an active and open mind.
Knowing that beauty lies within, being truthful, honest and kind.

An 80 year old woman doesn’t look at herself ; she sees the wind, the rain and the sun.
She puts on a pink hat, goes out in the world and shares it with everyone.
If only we knew to grab that pink hat and see the world through her eyes.
Judge ourselves less and learn to appreciate that life is the greatest prize.

This is no reason why we shouldn’t all smile and see how beautiful we are.
Women- Take Stock; accept who you are, be the light in your shining star.
Honour yourself and know that what matters comes from deep within.
It’s about being happy, being proud of yourself and loving the skin you are in!

Be Inspired
By Veronique Beuran craven    

            

DIY Glitter pumps

(Take my Old and make them band new for my band new wardrobe)


This is what you will need:
1. A pair of old Heels or pumps, in fact you can use any type of shoe as  long as you follow the steps correctly
2. Glitter in the colour of your choice
3. Acrylic glue or craft glue
4. Sandpaper
5. Paint brush



How to:
Ensure that your shoes are clean,wipe them with a soft cloth and then lightly sand them with sand paper so that the glue can stick to it.
Mix the glue and glitter together in a container.
Paint the shoes with the glitter glue, using the paint brush.If you get glitter in the inside of 
shoes its ok, you can skake it off later.You may apply a second coat on the heel part of the shoes – just in case you missed some spots but first wait until the glue has dried properly before you apply a second coat. You may get away with a single coat, but feel free to do a second coat if required. Let your creativity run wild!

And that's all their is to it, A brand new old pair of Shoes all Blinged up!!!!

Here are some more funky looks you can try on your shoes!

Pump fun!!!!

Diva nights!

Casual bling!

Daily activities!

Be Inspired!!

Inspiring Quotes Collection

Today I am feeling in a bit of a writing mood, when this mood arises I am obligated to put something down on paper, So I decided to share something to Inspire and  motivate for the week ahead!
This is my collection of favourite Quotes and my little Inspiration haven I turn to when I'm feeling a bit glum. Hope it puts a smile on your face, if not I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.
Albert Einstein

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
EmersoRalph Waldo n

The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it.
Cullen Hightower

People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.
Salma Hayek

If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you dream it, you can become it.
William Arthur Ward

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And Today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.
Babatunde Olatunji

The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.
Theodore Roosevelt

Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly.Author Unknown

Everything is okay in the end, if it's not ok, then it's not the end.
Author Unknown

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Frank Outlaw

Never be afraid to try, remember...
Amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.
Author Unknown

"Aloneness is a time to be ourselves, with the freedom, dreams, enjoyments, and casual simplicity that recharge us and return us to our roots. It's a chance to review and plan, to introspect and create, to become self-reliant and re-defined. It is an assertion of our precious identity whenever we have lost ourselves in a world that is full of people and bustle."
 Peter Shepherd

Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure."
Hill Nepoleon


"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey
                                                                
Veronique Beuran Craven            (Be Inspired)