Add hope 🙏🏼

Magic Johnson once said “All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them”. From his mouth to the ears of the incredible souls at KFC…
KFC’s Add Hope – now in its seventh year – has found a powerful way to unite staff and customers in the fight against hunger. Add Hope partners with over 110 beneficiary organisations to feed over 110 000 children every day across the country, helping them learn, grow and thrive.

With World Hunger Month having kicked off in October, Add Hope continues to shine a spotlight on hunger issues in South Africa and the beneficiaries it supports.

In the second leg of their World Hunger Month roadshow, Add Hope visited Home of Hope in Tableview, Cape Town with local media and KFC team members from surrounding stores. We began the day with an introduction from resident social worker, Bianca Breytenbach on the home and the kind of children they support.

Home of Hope specialises in supporting children who have been affected by Fetal Alchohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition developed by a mother consuming alcohol during pregnancy which results in various disorders.

Home of Hope houses children ranging from new-borns to 18 year olds, who are fed three nutritious meals and two snacks daily at their Table View home. Guests were then entertained by beautiful singing and dancing from the children and were then shown a tour of the grounds where they were able to see where the children live, sleep, learn and play.

As a patron of KFC this is just one example of physically seeing where your R2 donation goes to. The Add Hope initiative provides us all with opportunity to be able to make a real difference in the lives of children across South Africa.

What a heartwarming feeling knowing you’ve given hope and so much more to someone less fortunate that yourself  – Kudos to KFC & Add Hope.

To find out more, visit Add Hope #AddHope and visit Home of Hope if you’d like to assist further.
Until next time remember that together we can save lives & Add Hope.

Nadia xo xo

Credits – Plato Communications

Tamryn Sher 

What time is it?

You would’ve noticed that it’s been a while since my last blog post. So many adventures to share with you, but first, a personal note from me to you!

Whilst the “experts” say content should be posted often, keep the reader interested and engaged, and all those wonderful things to grow your audience, it’s important to take some time out for yourself, to take stock, to reflect, to simply be…I’ve done just that over the month of August, and then some 😉

This ME time has been invigorating and positive. It’s given me a fresh perspective on my life and business, and helped me grow in a way I never imagined.

There’s no worse feeling in the world than feeling like you’re in limbo, stuck in a rut so to speak. So if you’re feeling that way I can highly recommend putting YOU first. Be it as simple as switching off your phone, running a bubble bath & just shutting yourself off from the world, lying in your garden looking up into the sky and making cloud animals or getting on a plane and traveling to a destination unknown, you will never realize the importance of ME time until you make it happen!

Chicken soup for the soul has been tried and tested. It’s left me feeling good and hopeful but ME time has left me feeling whole and more alive than ever before! I’d love to share my recipe with you!

Until next time remember that sometimes you just need to step outside, get some air and remind yourself of who you are and who you’d like to be!

Reflecting as the sun sets over Brooklyn Bridge, NYC

Nadia xo xo

Dress by Zara

Slops by Ipanema

Nails by Gelish

Engagement bling by my fiancé *blush*

GrandWest takes Kensington Home for the Aged under its wing

William Wordsworth once said “The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind.”

In a world where so much emphasis is placed on youth & material wealth, it is so refreshing & heartwarming to see a company like GrandWest investing in & caring about our aged!

I was truly sad to have (at the last minute) missed the incredible moment when Grand Parade Investment, GrandWest & Miss SA arrived at the Kensington Home for the Aged last week, with love, appreciation, time & care packs for the residents of this home. If like me, you missed the event, you can fortunately read all about what GrandWest is doing for Kensington – its truly a Motivating & Inspiring Monday post!

GrandWest takes Kensington Home for the Aged under its wing

Improving comfort and safety for the residents of the Kensington Home for the Aged were the objectives of the extensive refurbishment project that has just been completed by GrandWest’s Social Economic Development Department in collaboration with BBBEE suppliers of GrandWest.

The project, started in January 2016, included installing dry walling in the Home’s Hassen Adams Frail Care Centre, electrical refurbishments, installing additional showers, grab rails and shower sheets, repainting the centre and the installation of blinds. The 10 rooms in the frail care centre were refreshed with new décor and also received new cupboards, side bed lamps and linen. The reception area was revamped with a new couch and reception desk, while outside, new paving will be laid, along with a carport for the ambulance and automated gates commencing July 2016. Since its inception, a total of R450 000 has been donated towards Kensington Home’s building refurbishments.

Prior to the refurbishment project, the GrandWest Social Economic Development Department made it possible for five of the home’s staff to undergo training with St John’s to ensure that they are adequately skilled for their demanding roles as caregivers.

The home provides shelter, medical support and a nurturing, supportive environment for about 110 aged and infirm people from previously disadvantaged communities. Many of the residents do not have any family and have limited means to support themselves. The home relies heavily on the donations and sponsorships it receives from the public to continue operating as the Pension and Social Welfare Subsidy it receives is not sufficient.

“The elderly are sadly often amongst the most neglected and forgotten members of our society and much can be said about a community by the way in which it treats its elderly citizens. Kensington Home for the Aged provides invaluable care and support to the elderly, many of whom have nowhere else to turn,” says Heidi Edson, Group Social Economic Development Manager for Sun International.

“The Home’s commitment to ensuring a safe, nurturing and healthy environment for its residents is heartening. We recognise the challenges they face in keeping the facility up and running. As such, we are pleased to be in a position to assist the home in addressing some of these challenges. This project, which involved one of our enterprise development partners, Decordent Living, demonstrated what can be achieved when caring people work together,” says Edson.

In 2015, GrandWest’s Social Economic Development Department visited the Home and identified various needs. A fire detection system was installed to the value of R255 000  and staff were given training on using fire extinguishers. During the winter of 2015, GrandWest teamed up with The Table Bay to donate warm accessories such as gloves and beanies as well as blankets to help alleviate some of the burden on the Home in keeping its residents warm and comfortable. The items were handed to the residents by Miss South Africa 2015, Liesl Laurie, much to the residents’ delight.

Later in the year, SHAWCO Health (the University of Cape Town’s Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) visited the home. The visit, facilitated by GrandWest which is a primary sponsor of SHAWCO Health, saw 19 students from the Physiotherapy, Audiology and Speech-Language faculties engage with the home’ residents in a range of activities focused on uplifting their spirits.
SHAWCO Health plans to host further group therapy sessions at the home in 2016 as well as offer training to the nurses and caregivers to assist them in managing the residents’ diagnoses more effectively.

Until next time, we all too often forget about these pillars of our society, so lets hope this little reminder has you inspired to Be The Change too!

Nadia xo xo

Press release issued on behalf of GrandWest: Mercedes Westbrook, The Mail Room PR

Photo Credit: Nickay-Alfonso Stoffels

We Are Original

ENDLESS STORIES. ONE ORIGINAL.

Iconic. Original. Timeless. Since 1873 Levi’s® has been worn by generations of fans, from pioneers to rebels, rockstars to presidents.

Now it’s your turn to share your story and show us how you live in Levi’s®.

To launch the We Are Original campaign, Levi’s® collaborated with Twiggy from Sleepless In Soweto, Siya from The Threaded Man and Maitele who were shot by photography trio, I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU.  These images and a video were shot to form part of a consumer call to action for the Levi’s® We Are Original Casting happening on Saturday 23 April.

 

 

The casting encourages Levi’s® fans to get styled up in their favourite Levi’s® and spend a day at Shine Studios in Braamfontein where they will be shot by I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU. They’ll also stand the chance of being featured in the We Are Original campaign as well as winning a year’s supply of Levi’s®. (T&C’S APPLY)

 

Find more info on the We Are Original campaign – http://weareoriginal.co.za

We Are Original Casting Information:

Date: Saturday 23rd April 2016

Time: 11am – 6pm

Venue: Shine Studios, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

www.levi.co.za

#WeAreOriginal

#LiveInLevis

Until next time, embrace your originality! Do it in Levis!

Nadia xo xo

A new chapter begins

In a few hours I turn the page on an old chapter & begin writing a completely new one!
The past is never far away & will be by my side as I continue writing my new pages – the bad, the sad, the good & the blessed – to help me be the best version of me!
Excited, anxious, sad, elated are only a few of the emotions I’ve been feeling for days now. Occasions are incredibly special to me – Birthdays especially!

They are a time of reflection for me. I think back to last year, my first birthday spent in CT whilst holidaying. This year though as a permanent resident of the beautiful Mother City.
It’s truly been a roller coaster year!

Studies, entrepreneurship, goodbyes, hellos, feelings of hopelessness & helplessness, love, loss of my special baby Larry, fear, failure, excitement, lessons learned & accomplishment – The life I live, the life I love!

On a personal level, I’ve always nurtured & treasured relationships but the passed year has shown me just how important it is to do so. My special day without those I love so dearly watching down on me, my family & my extended family of friends who won’t be here to party with me or wish me in person, the treasured hug from my dearest niece & mums kiss & birthday cooking (we celebrate our birthdays a day apart) all evoke bittersweet emotions – and in the same breath I’m so blessed to have my love Sean right beside me on yet another special moment in my life…What remains with me year after year, never taking people & time for granted…

On a professional level it’s been anything but easy – it’s being trying & challenging, many tears & many times I’ve wanted to turn the blank page over but I’ve vowed to take this new year I’m blessed with & put in more, take more risks & grab every opportunity presented, no matter how little or large! In my quest to be my best version of me I’m no longer afraid to ask for advice & for help. Along the way I continue to meet inspiring people & will continue to value them.

So as I get ready to write my first line of my new chapter I vow to be true to myself no matter what, to throw kindness around like confetti, to keep in mind that the opinions of others do not define me, to remind myself each day to be proud of the woman aspiring to be the best version of herself, to live, to love & to be unapologetically ME!

Nadia xo xo

Happy New Year, on the 9th of Feb!

Happy New Year! Yes I know, it’s the 9th of Feb 😉 
When January the 1st approaches we generally take stock of our lives, we reflect, we regret, we decide…
Why wait for the 1st? If you’d like to make a change & it’s important enough then why wait for the 1st of January – start now! 

Taking stock, reflecting & making decisions about ourselves is an integral part of growing & should have no time stamp or expiry date. 
I had a profound blog – in my mind – that I was going to put finger to keypad a month ago but then…life happened & it made me realise, why the time stamp?! 

Every morning presents a new opportunity to start over. It offers a new beginning & is filled with hope! 
Seize the day & make it happen – today is as good a day as any! 

*Tears up NY resolutions & tosses it into the bin* 
I’ve got no time for that – there’s an empire waiting to be built 🙂 

Here’s to me, here’s to you, here’s to opportunity & hope – Happy Everyday!
Until next time remember, although no one can go back & make a brand new start, anyone can start from now & make a brand new ending…
  
Nadia xo xo 

Call It Spring X Good Morning Angels

Good Morning Angels is a project that is run on Jacaranda FM’s Complimentary Breakfast show weekly and with Good Morning Angels, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Friends and family of those in need can get in touch with  to request help on their behalf, whatever the need may be.

The request is received and the journey to help begins.

For this occasion, Good Morning Angels came on board to help those in need with finding the perfect outfit for their matric ball and Call It Spring became the sponsor for shoes and accessories, giving each student a R2000 vouchers to spend. An angel to deliver blessings to those in need.

On Sunday 20 September, 12 boys and girls, selected by Good Morning Angels were invited to go shopping with Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie  and to share in her good fortune. Call It Spring Sandton City provided snacks and refreshments for the students and their families to enjoy while Liesl assisted them in finding the perfect accessories for their magical night.

Countless people have been helped through Good Morning Angels in various ways and Call It Spring is honoured to have been a part of changing these young people’s lives.
If you know someone in need contact Good Morning Angels:

http://www.jacarandafm.com/contact-us/good-morning-angels/

About CALL IT SPRING

The ultimate destination for shoes, handbags and accessories, CALL IT SPRING is your go-to for coveted trends with accessible price-tags. It’s about discovery, freedom and making your fashion a show-and-tell for who you are. Playful, unique and never predictable, the brand is home to those who want to stand out while still fitting in. You call it love, we CALL IT SPRING

Until next time lets wish Miss SA Liesl all the very best as she leaves for China today to compete in the Miss World pageant and in her words lets remember, what we do for us dies with us, but what we do for others, lives forever!

Nadia xo xo

Credits​ The House Of Busby

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Throw kindness around like confetti!

Today’s blog has nothing to do with fashion, celebs, new & exciting venues or incredible events…Today’s blog serves as a reminder to me, to my readers & to everyone around us all, that we should always be kind, as we never truly know the battles people around us are fighting!

You may find this post a bit morbid or not in line with my usual happy posts, however I think this is probably more relevant than what I wore, where I went, which celeb I met etc. however keeps in line with my theme of Lifestyle & the aspiration to have a balanced life & to help those around me.

A while back I read an article in Cosmo talking about a generation of youngsters being anxious, nervous, depressed, facing pressures that’s are unimaginable, trying to fit in, trying to survive, peer pressure, bullying, societal pressure, to name but a few & this morning when I got the news of a friend having ended his life at 24 years of age it made me realize that we are all fighting battles of our own every single day & it could take a smile or an insult to push one either way…

In 2014 it was reported that SA had the 8th highest suicide rate in the world – shocking & incredibly sad that almost 8 000 people are taking their lives yearly. 2015 saw an article in the Mail & Guardian stating stress & suicides in SA are on the increase & the 8 000 number from the previous year could increase! Whilst we are living in a society where health, wellbeing & fitness is promoted daily all around us, the same promotion has also led to a pressure being created in terms of poor self esteem & bad body image, having an adverse effect on us. Many argue the positive vs negative impact platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & SnapChat have on us with some saying we have a platform to shine & to help others, whilst others throw words around such as narcissism & pressure…What are you views on this?

Watch for tell tale signs in your network & offer to listen & not judge. If you suspect depression or life threatening behavior get help by calling organizations such as Life Line or the SA Depression & Anxiety Group where trained professionals can assist. If you are being bullied or know of someone who is, talk to someone you trust – there are organisations such as Morne Marais’ FABA or the JAG Foundation who are doing remarkable work by highlighting the issue & can assist! If you yourself are feeling this way remember, you are special, you are the rainbow in someone’s cloudy day, you are loved & valued as a person & you have a great life ahead of you to LIVE!

So until next time throw kindness around like confetti … The impact it may have could literally be lifechanging…Take care of yourself & those around you!

Nadia xo xo