Last night this quote fell into my lap and it screamed at me softly. So much so it went straight to my Instagram feed (I have a slight IG addiction, my love for photos and making memories went from 0 to 100 when my daddy died.)Follow me on IG!!https://www.instagram.com/iamnatalake/

Not just the literal, but that undertone of being the creator of your own destiny! Sometimes you just have to dive in, forego the if, what's, how,  why's and maybe's and just jump.

Having read a lot of motivational books, sometimes it comes across as such an easy task. Wake up, make a change, challenge yourself and BAM your life changes.

 But it isn's that easy!

It is hard sometimes to get up, go out and face the world. To deal with people in general. To get through a day without focusing on your shortcomings at least 100 times!  But somehow you manage. It is a challenge to let go of situations and thoughts that make you want to be in hiding. You can be the most bubbly person in the room, and still hide in a house.

If you have ever felt like that, or still do here are a few tips that I have used and I am still using on my journey to bloom!

  • Clear your mind
  • Focus on the present
  • Clearly envision your goals daily
  • Pray and manifest positive energy
  • Meditate
  • Push yourself- I mean really just jump- clear your mind and do it.
  • Surround yourself with like minded people (Find your tribe)
  • Music! Create playlists themed to each mood, or each attitude you want to adopt (Look out for my post next week on Theme days and the best playlists!)

Importantly, know that it is OK to fail. Every day is a new opportunity to start again and work daily on being the best version of yourself!
byNL
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September 09, 2017

The Blooming Process

Last night this quote fell into my lap and it screamed at me softly. So much so it went straight to my Instagram feed (I have a slight ...
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In April, I was blessed to receive an email from Poppy Apparel, inviting me to be a Brand Ambassador!

Now honestly, I pondered. 

Mainly as I have a tendency to procrastinate, but recently I took the jump, and what a great decision it has been.

www.poppyapparel.com  has something for every lady, from flirty and feminine, to sassy and downright daring.

Dresses, accessories, tees, handbags, shoes, sexy lingerie, swim suits, fitness wear and much more.

The prices are reasonable as well! I am talking about a shop that will definitely have you looking your best on a budget.

If you have time take a look. 

If you are anything like me, style isn't just about wearing what's trending, style is an art, a form of self-expression.






Follow me on Instagram, where I share my favourite pieces and include my exclusive discount code NLAKE868 for 10% off your order.

By the way- FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!










byNL
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September 08, 2017

Poppy Apparel|Natalake BA

In April, I was blessed to receive an email from Poppy Apparel, inviting me to be a Brand Ambassador! Now honestly, I pondered.  M...
Read More
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PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders.

It is so common, that many times people are quick to dismiss any complaints of symptoms as " Oh everyone has that, it is not a big deal."

That's pretty frustrating for someone who suffers on a daily basis, and doesn't have access to treatment or information on how to deal with this syndrome.

So if you have received that treatment from people, don't worry. They haven't experienced it, so they don't know.

One of the things that has been hardest for me dealing with PCOS was the fact that it manifested everywhere! So basically my brain fog and hormones are hitting me for six, plus I have a fuzzy layer of hair that grows on my face and I have to wax A LOT. Also, I always had a horrible problem with my weight (Thanks, PCOS). I'm not talking about having an issue just because I was overweight. I had an issue where no matter what I did, I gained weight. I'm talking about drastically cutting caloric intake and doing two hours of cardio, and not losing a single pound.

Let's just say there were many nights of tears.

One morning on my way to work, I was so ill, vomiting and dizziness..... the works. I knew things had gotten worse, but did not realise how horrible it was until I weighed myself.

In the space of three weeks, I put on 20lbs.

So I took myself to the doctor, and he put me on this magic pill called Glucophage XR (Metformin) and I decided to try and make some changes:


  • Exercise 25 mins a day - (I did Shaun T's Focus T25)
  • Slowly cut out all refined sugars.
  • Slowly cut out refined carbohydrates.
  • Ensure each meal has ample greens.
  • Slowly cut out dairy 
  • Increase water intake
  • Decrease liquor intake.
  • Slowly cut out all processed foods.
  • Cut down on the amount of meat I eat.
  • Decrease caffeine intake.
  • Tell myself every morning "I can do this, I am strong, I am beautiful"
Now, admittedly the dairy was not hard to cut out because of the GI side effects of the medication. 

My love of cheese is forever heartbroken.

But as for everything else, it took discipline, prayer and energy.

And tea. Lots and lots of tea. I drink turmeric and ginger tea every day. ( That's the Brit in me- also its great for low grade inflammation, another pain in the butt thanks to PCOS).

I prayed and continue to pray and ask every day for my health to be recovered.

And for everyone out here battling PCOS. I know it's hard, but it's definitely manageable once you have the right treatment and surround yourself with positive energy. 

If you have any tips and tricks to deal with this pesky syndrome, let me know! Sharing is caring!

Here's to a healthier world!










byNL
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September 07, 2017

PCOS

Follow my blog with Bloglovin PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders. It is so common, that many times people...
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There is no doubt in my mind, my biggest source of support and motivation comes from my girlfriends.

I am blessed to have girlfriends from all walks of life, and in all different fields. Our personalities are all fabulous.

Essentially we are all ALPHAS.

We have come to know one another so well, we can stop one before she blurts out something inappropriate, know when someone is unhappy and even know if she got laid. 

And you know what I love, we don't have concern for each other's feelings when they are doing shit. 

There's  no free pass for not buckling down.  

Even if we don't speak in a week.  Basic convo normally includes catching up on everything from family to business to school.... there are no holds barred. 

Basically, it's love.


We motivate, inspire and achieve.

And that's what a true ALPHA is. A lady who is focused on her growth, success and the same for her loved ones and family. 

A lady who actually prays for someone who has harmed them.

A lady who is empathetic and accountable.

An Alpha has been hurt, dragged,  disrespected,  struggled,  hungry,  tearful,  broke,  abused.... The list goes on. 

But she is STRONG

Perhaps Alphas are born, perhaps they are bred. 

Whatever we are,  we are beautiful,  gentle,  powerfully soft and brilliant.

And EXTRA!






byNL
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September 06, 2017

Alphas

There is no doubt in my mind, my biggest source of support and motivation comes from my girlfriends. I am blessed to have girlfriends fro...
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So one of my best girlfriends introduced me to Sarah Jakes Roberts, and I am pretty obsessed with her sermons.

Honestly, some of them go over my head, but most touch a chord in me that I know doesn't want to be exposed.

The most recent one I listened to was titled "Secrets".

And it rang true, ALL secrets come out eventually.

I remember growing up, my father always said that if someone had something to hide, they were doing something wrong. I vehemently disagreed.

Now as an adult, I don't.

The weak hold secrets to protect a self-proclaimed honour.

Why? Because it may actually expose the truth.

People don't like the truth.

The: 'It is better they don't know!" Is really- 'I do not want them to be exposed to my truth!'

It's time to stop.

Evaluate yourself.

Even when it hurts.

It is the only way to grow.










byNL
in
September 06, 2017

Secrets

So one of my best girlfriends introduced me to Sarah Jakes Roberts, and I am pretty obsessed with her sermons. Honestly, some of them go...
Read More
Everyone has them and it makes you who you are.

You ever realise when someone is too perfect your blood instantly starts to crawl, your alarm bells go off, your gut screams, intuition, whatever. 

OWN YOUR FLAWS

Benefits include:
  • Your integrity shines!
  • Less stress
  • Removal of false friends.
  • Removal of negativity
  • People know the REAL you 
    • For example "I'm not coming because I have to (insert excuse here)" Reality: "I'm not coming because I just want to stay home and watch Television." and they love you still. 
  • You may actually live longer for it!
  • You will automatically gravitate towards your tribe.
  • It actually makes you more responsible!

Then you have those who don't see they have any flaws at all.

You can't blame them but you also can't help people who don't want to help themselves.

So you send them good energy and cut those chords.

Life is too short for sh*t.


But, do people feel pressured to be perfect because of society, or because they aren't  comfortable with themselves? What do you think?


byNL
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September 01, 2017

Flaws.

Everyone has them and it makes you who you are. You ever realise when someone is too perfect your blood instantly starts to crawl, your ...
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Do you remember when the 'Gratitude Challenge' was trending?

So Facebook memories have been popping up this week. In a way, it was the Universe directly smacking me over the head and saying, "Hi! You have a lot to be grateful for, even though you may not see it."

Admittedly I have spent years in and out of depression (as my previous posts hint at from time to time). But somehow I always managed to survive, and Facebook showed me how.

Every day I thought of something to be grateful for, that I have been blessed with. I thanked God for my health, even when my condition gave me hell. Thanked God for my family even when we had been to hell and back. Thanked God for friends. Thanked God for being able to go to school, the list is endless.

I realised, what I lost with Daddy was hope and I was robbed of my joy that had been eroding slowly over years of not taking control of my life.

And life without hope is a rabbit hole.

So as I go through life, getting on the mend. I decided to do the cliche yet highly effective positive challenge to myself.

Every day I am going to post on Instagram a word that is positive, reflects love, compassion, joy and hope.

This is my healing.

Sometimes we all need to realise, the only person who can fix you is yourself.

And getting help on the way is OK.




byNL
in
August 29, 2017

Gentle Reminders.

Do you remember when the 'Gratitude Challenge' was trending? So Facebook memories have been popping up this week. In a way, it w...
Read More


So now I am a part of this club that I never applied for, I always get the expected yet dreaded question:

"When did he die?"

"November."

"Almost a year."

 Here is something you don't know until you become part of this club. Time is nothing, it still feels like a fresh wound pouring crimson blood onto the floor where my heart is.

The thing is, if you have not been through it, you do not understand.  You will not understand until you are told by a doctor that your loved one is going to die, and then you don't understand until you watch them take their last breath and you see in their eyes that this is the last goodbye.

I can say this openly because I was the person who thought I understood. Now I know I had no idea.

Heartbreak is real. It is this icy hot sensation that burns in your chest when you see your loved one's casket being rolled away for the last time.

Death is real.

Life is real.


Practicing empathy is a beautiful thing, but if you can't do it, do not fake it.

Show your true emotion and don't be present.

Step to the side and allow those who are genuine to be that person's shoulder.





byNL
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August 28, 2017

A Year Is Nothing

So now I am a part of this club that I never applied for, I always get the expected yet dreaded question: "When did he die?" ...
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My mother gets vex with me.

Mostly because of my language. I retaliate by reminding her I am an adult. So whatever profanity may come, shall come.

Sometimes she will say, "I want to go in town" and I say "No".

Selfish reasons, yes!

You see, this is my typical walk in town.

"Psst"

"Reds"

"Family"

"Baby"

"You have a man?"


No response leads to:

"You feel you better than me or what?"

"You does sh*t ice cream!"

"F8Ck you na girl!"

"Watch she, feel she bess!"

Clearly I am fabulous if you take time out of your day to comment and then get upset because  I ignore you.

But sometimes you get polite men, who per me being brought up properly, I will respond "Good Morning" when they say good morning to me and wish me a good day.

Sometimes I get pissed, and tell them to Haul dey Mudda C*nt!

So mummy cannot walk with me in town.
byNL
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August 24, 2017

Town Walks.

My mother gets vex with me. Mostly because of my language. I retaliate by reminding her I am an adult. So whatever profanity may come, s...
Read More
So today I went for my monthly check up!

They checked my BP, weight etc. All the vitals, and then they delved into the scary abyss of the question deeper than the ocean...  How do you feel?

You know that moment when you have a million fleeting thoughts, but when put on the spot you go blank and say "I'm fine."

That did not happen to me today.

Today I was actually able to say what was going well and what was not. What I am still battling with.

Today I got a gentle reminder that it is okay to be depressed, but it is better to actually do something about it.

I spoke to one of the officers about how I felt.

He said:

"Be Present, Be Selfish."

That's my advice for today, a seed of wisdom I think is really worth a share.




byNL
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August 23, 2017

Check Up!

So today I went for my monthly check up! They checked my BP, weight etc. All the vitals, and then they delved into the scary abyss of the...
Read More
 How do I really feel?

I took a huge step and I recognized I needed someone to talk to. That I cannot continue on my own anymore.

That no matter how many paintings or burpees I do, it won't stop the pain.

I am scared yet numb, knowing when I open those doors tomorrow, I am basically saying goodbye to my life as I know it.

But how bad can it be? Sometimes the most painful transitions are those that bring you to the brightest futures.

I haven't stepped through those doors yet, and I already feel like I am walking into the Arctic.

That I am about to become another statistic.

Another file.

One day I will look back.

I already know it is for the best.

But letting go is never easy.

It is one of life's biggest tests.

Growing up as a girl it is okay to cry. But when did it become not OK to feel?

How is it that the generation of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington became the people of today, who prefer a smile on social media, than a genuine answer to the forever Facebook question, 'What's on your mind?'

Why does a sad person want attention, and not want someone to tell them it's going to be OK?

Why does no one want to acknowledge, that letting go of pain, is one of the hardest lessons we will have to learn.


byNL
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July 25, 2017

How Do I Really Feel?

 How do I really feel? I took a huge step and I recognized I needed someone to talk to. That I cannot continue on my own anymore. Tha...
Read More

 

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