Christmas Country Fair - Demo

After yesterday's sad post I am back with a HAPPY and cheerful post today. Just in time to really get excited for the week that lies ahead. I am honoured to be hosting a demo at this year's Christmas Country Fair at Collisheen Estate next week Thursday 29 October. This annual event is lovingly organised by the Christmas Fair Fund - a group of volunteers who put the entire fair together. It's an NPO so the ladies work their hearts out to make the event a wonderful success and a merry blessing to those less fortunate!

I will be sharing my insight and tips on wrapping and packaging, along with how to create a gifting experience. Giving gifts is one of my absolute passions and wrapping them is possibly one of my absolute favourite things. The demos are being hosted by a range of talented ladies including Patricia Lewis and Joani Mitchell.

Tickets are very limited for the demo and are purchased prior to the event. 
To buy your ticket at R350 contact Michelle Blake via email (click here) or on 083 284 9059 / visit their Faceboook.

Your ticket includes entrance to the fair (lots of beautiful things for sale), the demos, a shopping bag, bottle of water, glass of bubbly and a light snack. The morning kicks off around 8:30am on Thursday 29 October at Collisheen Estate.

I was interviewed this morning on Life & Style fm and will check and see if I can share the link with here - should they have a recording. You can also see the feature here.

(Photo taken by Derryn Schmidt for Ideas Magazine.)

A Tough, Painful & Testing Week

An email and social media free week is almost unheard off in our life and times, especially with how busy we all find ourselves. Well, you might or might not have noticed, but I took a break from social media and email because I ended up in hospital unexpectedly. The choice happened by default because I had to put my health first. When it came to cancelling, postponing and rescheduling it amazed me how understanding people were. I was so grateful for that. I can be quite tough on myself, so I assumed that most clients would be annoyed, but quite the opposite happened (a relief of course). I don't want to delve into the reasons for ending up there - it involved excessive pain, an insane amount of tests, prayers, tears, anxiety, patience, hospital food (I like the jelly) and love.

I think it also opened my eyes to how many of us can be fine one minute and desperately unwell the next. I also think that it's time to take things a bit slower. We are all so busy and yes, that's a good thing, but when is enough enough? I'm not here to pretend that a health scare has changed my point of view, I have felt this way for a long time and this past week's experience has just solidified it (read my 'less is more' post). Let's be more gentle, let's prioritise and let's take it slower.

I'm back to email, social media and work, but I am taking it slowly and that's just the way it has to be. Thank you for those who have messaged, shown care and of course to my family and Daniel who were my absolute rays of joy through it all. Hooray! I'm back home, sleeping in my own bed and that feels pretty damn good. I met people along the way who made it all so much more bearable and for that I am infinitely grateful.

I know that I am fortunate to have access to great health care and little luxuries for which I am glad of. Nonetheless things can be tough and small comforts are very welcome. I'm totally aware that these are absolute luxuries and not essential to getting better, but they did add a little sparkle to my day and extra hope to my heart.
PJ Pants from Love Long Length: These kept me comfortable and made me feel less like I was wearing PJ's day in and out.

First 5 App: Hospitals are sad, dull places and a faith boost is always needed. I really gleaned great solace from this useful and beautifully designed app.

Himalayan Pink Salt & Vanilla Popcorn from Woolies: I'm hooked.

EOS Lipbalm: Such a fun conversation starter with the nurses. They all wanted to know what was inside the 'pink egg'.

Joyful Designs Coloring Book & Docrafts Brush Markers: The keepers of my sanity while I waited for yet another test result, doctor or answer. Both of these are from CNA.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: Fantastic book so far!

A Papery Parcel

Papery and pretty... a rather lovely combo if you ask me. Yvette Mommsen has consulted with me a few times with regards to her online shop - ArtEsense, which stocks a mix of local decor, gifts and accessories. Earlier this year she spent some time preparing a few media / influencer packs to share the story of her brand and business. I was lucky enough to receive one - Yvette created a variety of paper items with her striking branding to share the message of what she does and sells. Included in the papery parcel was a notebook (hooray), a bookmark, voucher, postcard and the sweetest envelope with her business card inside. The package was informative, but also mindful of her budget. Thanks for including me Yvette!

There are several items in the shop that are perfect gifts - especially with the festive season fast approaching. My favourite is the three charm necklace. If you are after a local gift then support ArtEsense - click here to visit the site or follow along on Facebook.
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