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4 Things..., Be Inspired, Lifestyle

4 Things That Inspire Me

 

After having a rather busy weekend both socially and around the house, I thought I would feel quite tired today but instead I feel inspired. It got me thinking about what exactly it is that inspires me? I have come to the conclusion that it is in fact not one isolated thing but a combination of things that gets me motivated and inspires everything I do.

 

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My main sources of inspiration are:
  • My Gorgeous Family – what’s not to love, they may drive me mad at times but they each inspire me and all that I do. Just seeing the amount of passion and enthusiasm that they each possess is reason enough to get out of bed each day.
  • The beautiful city and country that I call home, I am inspired daily just looking out of my window, at the glory that surrounds me. We are a nation of inspiration!
  • I am inspired by beautiful things and I find nature is the best place to find true beauty – be it a tree, a flower or a sunset. A rose is my favourite; it reminds me of my girls, they start off as this tiny bud and blossom into something truly breath-taking!
  • So, how do I express my appreciation for all the things that inspire me – I love to take photographs and capture the moment forever. I find photography and the creativity it allows me, is my ultimate source of inspiration.

 

Images: Super Mom

 

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Children, Family, Parenting, Quotes

Good Manners

 

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It always amazes me as to how easily, we as human beings have the ability to adapt and change dependant on the circumstance or situation – some boarding on split personality disorder. What we say or how we act is largely determined by who we are with and what situation we find ourselves in.

This said, what does it say about our belief system and the type of values we imparting to our children? I would like my children to grow up with good solid values, being respectful and well-rounded adults – which means that I have to be a good role model and give them something to aspire to.

 

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I think in the world at large, most people do not share this ideology, just take a simple concept like good manners – people just don’t seem to care about manners anymore. Yes I am generalising but I see it every day – if someone doesn’t feel like greeting you they just don’t! What’s up with that? I don’t want to be a lifelong friend – but would a simple “hello” kill you???

If we as adults adopt this policy – to only greet or have manners when we feel like, can we honestly expect our children to do any differently? We should be leading by example. I understand that we all have different belief systems and morals but we should still maintain basic etiquette.

“Manners Maketh Man” – William Wykeham. How we behave says a great deal about who we are and manners stop the world from falling into a heap of savagery!

So what can we do to stop the world from degenerating around us?  To me it is very simple –be the better person; never give up and never stop trying! 😉

 

Images: Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Local, Travel

The Overberg – Black Eagle Lodge

 

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During the October school holidays we decided to do something a bit different for our family getaway – let’s just say we all like our creature comforts. So we did our version of getting in touch with nature and stayed at the eco-friendly Black Eagle Lodge. There is no electricity in the cottages but they have solar power for lighting and gas for heating water and cooking. I hate to sound like a sissy but camping is not my cup of tea and this is as close as we will probably get to roughing-it!

Black Eagle Lodge is situated  off the N2, just before the town of Caledon, nestled in the Overberg Mountains. The drive, from Cape Town, takes you past the turn-off to Hermanus and Botriver, this area is beautiful and mostly farming country. The Overberg has always been one of our favourite places to holiday and spend time exploring. The area has great accommodation and an abundance of great restaurants and wine farms.

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The Villa accommodation was luxurious but understated and with its stone-clad exterior blended well into its surroundings. The view from the Villa, was totally amazing, the landscape spreads like a tapestry, of colour, in front of you and all you can hear are the calls from the abundant bird-life in the area. It truly was a return to nature!

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The  working farm which surrounds you is magnificently kept and boasts wheat fields, flocks of sheep and herds of feisty looking cattle. All there is to do, is leave the city behind you and submerge yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and explore the natural world around you.

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Activities on the farm include mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, hunting for lizards with the kids and spot the Black Eagles. The stars at night are breath-taking and we spent many a night sitting outside, next to a blazing fire, sipping good wine!

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Although you feel like you are completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of city life, you are centrally positioned for fun day trips. We decided to venture out one day and take a trip to Hermanus. En-route to Hermanus, we took a trip through the Hemel-en Aarde valley. The Valley boasts some amazing wine farms – such as Hamilton Russell , Bouchard Finlayson and Whalehaven; a boutique vineyard – to name but a few.

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Hermanus, is a beautiful sea side town which we love visiting and if you are lucky you may get to see a few whales when you are there. If you are planning a trip there, the end of September is a good time to go, they host the annual Whale festival then – which is a great deal of fun! It can get very busy during this time, so pre-booking  accomodation is essential. There are great restaurants in the area as well – most of them, with a view of the sea.  Another popular, rather quaint town to visit in the area is Greyton.

So if you are looking for a relaxing, reinvigorating break, then Black Eagle Lodge, in the Overberg is the place to go!

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Images: ©FAR Photography

 

 

 

 

 

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