Lifestyle - Inspired Living SA

Be Inspired, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Quotes, Super Mom

Is Blogging Really Right For Me?

Have you ever felt that you are not sure if what you are doing at a particular moment in your life is the right thing for you? Well I have been questioning a great deal of what is going on in my life at present! One question which keeps plaguing – Is Blogging Really Right For Me? It could have something to do with the fact that I will be turning forty at the beginning of next year and I feel that along with this comes a need to be sure that I have my priorities straight!

Is Blogging Really For Me?

Why you may ask? Well I guess that for me forty is one of those milestones in life that brings with it a need to truly grow up. Yes, up to now I have not really worried too much about where I am in life, what I have achieved or what I would like to achieve. The exact reason why, I am not too sure about but it may have something to do with focusing most of my attention on my children but somehow forty looming seems to have bought about a mind shift!

So why now, what is the difference in turning 40 as opposed to all the other major milestones? I think it may have something to do with the fact that I have almost reached middle age, as my life expectancy is probably around 80! Wow that is a rather sobering thought – I have almost been alive for forty years, I use to think that forty-year-olds were really old! Do I feel really old? Not really but in the back of my mind I am thinking maybe I should start paying attention!

This brings me to the ever important question that is constantly in the back of my mind – Why I am blogging and is blogging what I should be doing with my life? Well I suppose I need to reflect back to why I started blogging in the first place. Essentially it was to do something for “me” – to have an outlet for my thoughts and a platform to share my creativity. Almost 2 years later I am not entirely sure if I have indeed remained true to what I set out to achieve.

If I have to be completely honest with myself, I feel as if I have lost my way and allowed the commercial aspect of the blogger-sphere to get the better of me. I know that a vast majority of people view blogging as a just a hobby or something bored housewives do but if you have a look at what has happened in the blogging world in the USA you can see this is not the case. In South Africa however, as with most aspects of technology we are somewhat behind the curve. Where does this leave me? Well as I mentioned earlier, questioning my motivation for where I am destined to be in the blogging world.

As with most things I do I am fiercely competitive and being a complete perfectionist nothing less than success will do… but at what cost? So this has brought me to a few realisations I need to address going forward, if I do indeed continue blogging I need to remain true to myself and not allow numbers and stats to be my motivation for doing what I do. I need to do the things that make me happy, the things I am passionate about and follow where these things lead me!

So in conclusion I have decided that for the immediate future I will no longer be concentrating on the commercial aspects of my blog but rather the inspirational side of it. I have also decided to start a second website, well I have actually started it already, which will focus primarily on my passions which are photography, fashion, beauty and leisure, in time I hope to develop this into an online Lifestyle Magazine. For what are we if we have no dreams?….or more importantly, do not pursue the ones we do have with every ounce of passion we can muster and give life our best shot!!!!!!

[quote style=”1″]If your dreams don’t scare you, they are NOT BIG ENOUGH![/quote]

Competitions, International, Lifestyle, Travel

Flyconnected Giveaway

We all rely quite heavily on technology, even though most of us don’t like to admit it! How often do you leave your cell phone at home and feel like you have lost an arm! We can say what we like, but technology has become a part of our everyday lives. We all like to be connected whether it’s by cell phone, tablet or lap top it does not really matter, as long as you are able to make the connection. So when we have to travel internationally this can cause a bit of a problem, trying to get your cell phone cleared for international roaming can be a rather frustrating process or having to borrow a phone from someone while you are travelling can be somewhat inconvenient. So what if I told you there is an amazing new product that could remedy these issues?

Flyconnected is a new company, that provides travellers with the convenience of getting connected before they fly. They have the best deals with unlimited data and lots of text and call credit. With Flyconnected you can not only save money by getting your UK SIM card here in SA before you fly but you can also let your friends, family or colleagues know your number before you leave on your trip. You will be able to leave your number on your voice mail and out-of-office message, making it much easier for people to be able to contact you while you are away.

Some of the other benefits of using Flyconnected are that you will be connected with the UK’s biggest 3G network, giving you complete peace of mind and you have the convenience of being able to order your “bundle” online. Your order will be delivered to you within 2 Working days and as you pay for your sim or data upfront there are no hidden costs or astronomical bills when you return from your trip.

So if you are planning a trip to the UK for business or pleasure, possibly to watch the Olympic Games, this product is perfect for you.

I am so excited to announce that Flyconnected are sponsoring a giveaway of a cell phone SIM bundle for one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is answer one simple question from the Flyconnected website, subscribe to Super Mom’s Newsletters and leave a comment with your answer and details below this post.

So here is what you need to do:

Click through to the Flyconnected website here and tell me how much you will pay for the cell-phone sim bundle *(This step is mandatory)
Subscribe to Super Mom Blogs Newsletter by entering your email below :

Please leave your answer in the comment section below this post, along with your details (please include your email address).

For Extra Entries:

“Like” Super Mom Blogs Facebook page *(Earns you one extra entry)
Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter – mentioning @supermomsablog and Flyconnected *(Earns you one extra entry)

Please leave one additional comment after each of your extra entries!

Competition Details:

This giveaway will run from the 23rd February 2012, until midnight on the 10th April 2012. The winner will then be selected and announced on my blog on the 11th April. They will also be notified by email that they have won.
Conditions of entry: Anyone may enter this giveaway, but please note that Flyconnected is a South African company and your prize will only be shipped within South Africa.

Image Source: Pinterest, Flyconnected

Fashion, Fashion, Lifestyle, Look of the Week

Look of the Week – Floral "Party Pants"

My look of the week this week is bang on trend! “Party” pants are very much the trend at the moment and paired with a smart black blazer it gives the whole look a smart – sassy edge. Add a pair of killer heels and you are well on your way to super sexy “street style”.

I am not necessarily convinced that this look is for me but I would be willing to at least give it a try!

Image Source: FabHunter

Be Inspired, Featured Posts, Gift Ideas, Interviews, Lifestyle, Real Women.Real Life, Websites

Heart and Home Online Gift Shop

This week my Real Women – Real Life feature focuses on Kathryn and Vanessa Rheeder, from Heart and Home. Vanessa gives us a bit of insight into the lives, of two local Cape Town mom’s running an online business.

Tell Us A Bit About Heart and Home?

Heart and Home is an online gift shop that was launched on the 9^th of February this year. I (Vanessa) was working as a finance manager in the corporate field and wanted to do something a little more creative and flexible as I am a mother of 2 boys, Josh and James. Kathryn is going to be a mom in September and our online gift shop provides us with the flexibility, of having a business while still allowing us to spend time with our children.

We both share the love of products that are unique, charming and reasonably priced. Our goal was to source products that aren’t readily available in South Africa, to ensure that we offer something different to our customers. We also want to support local suppliers so we have included some local products, which fit our signature brand and style.

Tell Me About The People Behind Heart and Home?

Kathryn and I both live in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town and are sisters-in-law, business partners and long-time school friends. As mentioned above, I am a mom of 2 boys and Kathryn is expecting her little boy in September. Kathryn is consulting full-time at the moment and I used to work as a financial manager for a listed company.

We found a great deal of inspiration from overseas websites when we were designing and developing our brand and website. We love products from the UK, Scandinavia and South Africa of course. We also love visiting food and craft markets in South Africa.

What Are Your Favourite Products & Why?

We stock both local and imported products. We especially love the local, handmade babushka dolls, owls and tepee tents which you can find in our handmade section.

We have only been trading for a month so our bestsellers change all the time but at the moment, the jumbo shoppers are our bestsellers. They come in 4 designs and are made from recycled plastic bottles so they are eco-friendly too, which makes them a practical and unique gift.

What Would You Say Your Personal Décor Style Is?

My personal style is more contemporary with a touch of classic, while Kathryn’s is more classic with a touch of vintage chic.

What Advice Can You Give to Women Starting Their Own Business?

My advice to women, especially mom’s, starting up their own business is to ensure they have a proper support system in place and a separate office to work in. My eldest son gets dropped at crèche in the mornings and my nanny looks after James. I work upstairs in my office and I’m available to spend the afternoons with the boys.

[quote style=”1″]Ask God for a creative idea – He knows you the best and always gives you something original and helps you along the way![/quote]

Make sure you spend time on research, draw up a formal business plan with financial forecasts. It’s important to know where you are going. Ensure that you implement the proper systems for your business. Use reputable service providers for website design, development and hosting. Use good quality images and descriptions for your products as your customer relies heavily on this.

What Was The Biggest Challenge Setting Up Your Business?

The biggest challenges I faced was not earning a salary for the last 12 months and learning to have patience as it takes time to set up the website and to make it profitable. Kathryn is still working full-time so she has had to juggle the business and her full-time job!

Where Do You See Heart & Home in 5 Years?

We would like to increase our product base in the near future. We have to manage our cash flow so we will only introduce new products as and when we can. We have a 3 year financial forecast which we hope to meet. Our vision is to be one of the leading online gift shops in South Africa.

Thank you to Vanessa from Heart and Home for sharing a few of your business and life insights with us. I wish you every success with your business and hope you achieve your goal of becoming one of SA’s leading online gift shops!

Heart and Home are offering a 15% discount off your initial purchase when you sign up for their newsletter, check their website here for more details. If you like their Facebook page before the 31^st of March 2012 and you could win a R350 Heart and Home gift voucher.

Images: Photography by Leigh-Ann Cooke of Love Life Photography

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Local, Travel

Discovering Cape Town – Franschhoek

As I have mentioned before we really enjoy taking trips out to Franschhoek, it is mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town, which makes it perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. I love visiting the area, truth be told I would love to move there! I just need to convince the rest of my family!

We took a trip out to this beautiful little town two weeks ago, the main purpose for our visit was to take photographs and gather information for my eldest daughters school project. The added benefit, for the parents, was a wine soaked lazy lunch! Franschhoek, in my opinion is by far one of the most stunning wine regions in the Cape! The town’s name Franschhoek is Dutch for ‘French Corner’, the area is steeped in history and home to The Huguenot Monument, which you can see in the photographs above.