Something I used to be sceptical about – but am feeling the benefits from – Meditation. Most of us live in a fast-paced, modern world, and we try to negotiate ourselves through excessive noise, to-do lists, distractions and materialism on a daily basis. In contrast to that, there are spiritual seekers and healers seeking a higher purpose in life.  The picture that comes to mind is one of monks living their modest lives in a monastery, but filled with inner peace.

It is nearly impossible to imagine someone who’s excelling at work, driving a fast car, living in a rooftop apartment and holidaying in Saint Tropez, having anything in common with the monks in the monastery.

But why not?  One of the philosophies of those who teach and practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) is that there is 200% of life to be enjoyed.  The first 100% takes care of the inner being.  Once we learn to be quiet and truly listen and connect to our inner selves, there is no reason that the abundance the world has to offer, which represent the second 100%, can’t be enjoyed as well.  It doesn’t have to be an either or situation.

The regular practice of TM develops a deep connection to the Self. Therefore the Self is fulfilled, and worldly goods don’t need to fill a gap.  This puts one in a position to enjoy the worldly offering with exuberance from within, whether it is a movie, a beautiful pair of shoes, a gorgeous home or a lakeside holiday.

There are some very successful people who certainly seem to enjoy the pleasures the world have to offer while fulfilling their need to go within by practicing TM regularly. 

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PUMA’s most responsive running shoe, it features innovative foam technology that maximizes energy return to keep you running faster – if you put the energy in then IGNITE gives it back. In Puma stores, today! (R1699) 

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Lorna Jane tights are made from patented excel fabric which is shrink and fade resistant, wick moisture and are quick drying and breathable, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable. The tights boast soft waistbands with internal elastic draw cords, making them easy to adjust for the perfect fit. For more fun work out wear, visit Lorna Jane Here. 

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These breakfast muffins have a few different recipe versions (See another version here) – I just made mine as you would an omelette. Beat Free Range eggs ( I had 5 eggs – came out with 6 muffins) and then add what ever ingredients you fancy into the mixture. I had:

Chunk of smoked bacon from the Hermanus Farmers Market chopped into cubes / cheese / basil / cheri tomatoes halved / salt&pepper. Delicious with a side salad of rocket, avo, olive oil & lemon juice as breakfast,brunch or lunch.

Grease the muffin pans, pour in the mixture and cook +- 15 min or until cooked through. * I didn’t but you may want to pre-cook your bacon a bit.

These crackers are from The Real Meal Revolution Recipe Book and again, are incredibly simple to make and delicious with your favourite cheese. A nutritious way to cut out carbs. Find the recipe over at Wellness Warehouse Here.

Now this is big in the states – Peppermint Bark – usually it’s thin sheets of layered chocolate one breaks up and devours with coffee after dinner. But here’s a healthier version. I used:

70% Lindt Dark Chocolate

Macadamia Nuts

Pistachio Nuts

Cranberries

For the nuts, chop or bash them in a pestle & mortar – you can go quite fine or chunkier, depending on how you like it. Melt the chocolate in a pot over a pot of boiling water. Once the chocolate has melted, mix in the nuts and cranberries, leaving +- 1/3 behind. Spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with wax/parchment paper around 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients on top. Refrigerate for 3 hours at least or over night. I made mine quite chunky. You can experiment with peppermint, granola, different nuts etc You can adapt this recipe easily for banting too by using 70% or higher dark chocolate and leave out the dried fruit etc . . .

ENJOY! xx

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We did a Vinyasa flow class known for the fluid, movement-intensive practice. Vinyasa teachers choreograph their classes to smoothly transition from pose to pose. I loved my class and was pretty sore the next day – but a good sore! So I definitely felt the benefits.I loved the breathing and relaxing, visualisation at the end. Again, a definite mood enhancer!

You can either carry on with personal classes at home as often as you like (or your office – get the whole team to do it!) or if your budget does not allow, join a studio once you’re more confident or look into The Om Revolution Classes in The Gardens / Gordons Bay (With more to come soon).

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How novel are these Mimo Design Napkins? You can buy a set like this (different quotes available) or buy single serviettes and make up your own set of quotes. i.e:

“I’m on a seafood diet – I see food, I eat it…”

“Whenever I want a really nice meal, I start dating again…”

“Coffee, Chocolate, Men… Some things are just better rich…”

“It’s not just France we’re fighting for . . . it’s Champagne. Sir Winston Churchill”

I think these make for a fabulous ice breaker or just general dinner party giggles. Love the idea.

The food was healthy, tasty and fresh – adorned with fresh herbs and a beautiful basket to keep.

For more healthy DIY food to your door – check out UCOOK.co.za and for more info on the serviettes, mail Iza: izaraeburn@hotmail.co.za or find Mimo Design On Facebook Here. 

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A while back I made some boundaries in my life – Like for example, you won’t catch me at all the latest media launches, events and grand openings. Looking back now a few years, I had just won some blog awards, was featured in all the latest mags and so started getting invited to some amazing events. But why wasn’t I having the time of my life?

a.) Spending all this time at launches (being a fashion, decor etc blogger you are invite to so many different launches, I could be doing launches all day long) meant catching up on work at night. i.e my husband and I ate dinner together and then parted our ways to our laptops.

b.) I was seen as a fashion blogger, what was I going to wear? Lipstick, no lipstick – being somewhat insecure and perhaps totally naive to the whole media showbiz at the time – I found launches just plain stressful.

So – Now I sit where I’m happy. Behind the scenes. I shut my computer when my nanny leaves – and I spend the rest of the day with my family. But now a big side note! Please don’t think I’m slandering these events and the people that use them as a fabulous networking opportunity. Brands put a lot of effort into these events and it’s the media’s job to be there. And, I realise that not everyone has the liberty of closing their computer at 4pm. But what I am getting at, is obtaining balance – putting the right things first – being aware of what makes you happy & comfortable. What makes you feel comfortable in your own skin and sleep well at night. Are you trying to keep others happy at the expense of your own happiness? These are the types of boundaries I put in my life to obtain happiness – yours may be very different.

So here’s the article - it’s a good read! I guess success should not have you craving more sleep! (Albeit, a baby may have you doing that!!!) xx

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Find our more about the courses here & here – and for classes, see here.

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