Ok, Winter is officially here… Well in Joburg that is. Cold weather and I are like oil and water, no really! Terrible habit I know, but I am one to fuss and complain right through the winter season. Truthfully speaking though, the only advantages the cold brings with it, is the excuse to stay indoors and cuddle up under a blanket with your partner. And to stuff your face silly with comfort food, which I’ve been doing way too much of late!
So we had a stomach bug making its rounds in the house, FUN, FUN days I tell you….….………NOT! My husband caught it first and he missed work for a day, and then he passed it onto Kwando, so I’ve been nursing a toddler with a runny tummy. The not so glamorous side of motherhood kicked in,and in full force. I’ve had to clean dodoos ( that’s what we call a number two in the Shandu household) that covered his entire back, because PAMPERS actually leaks. Believe it or not! I’ve basically had a smelly house for the past few days and used more wipes than you could ever possibly imagine. I’ll spare you the gory details, and I’ll stop right there. Thankfully though, my child was still himself, in actual fact I feel like he was more active than usual which did make everything much easier to handle. Kwands then passed the bug onto me, I then started having severe headaches and extreme dizziness. Just a summary of ‘Keeping up with the Shandu’s’, ha ha ha… What a week I tell you, but I’m thankful that everyone is back to being a 100%. God is good!
Do I have any mommy’s reading this today? Happy belated Mother’s Day to you * insert kisses*. I hope you were spoilt rotten by your little one/ones and flooded with wet kisses and the warmest hugs. I do also hope you took time out to relax and actually enjoy the day. I hope your partner afforded you the rare opportunity to put your feet up and indulge in some quiet time, because you truly are deserving. As a mother myself, I know how exhausting it can be at times, and also how thankless of a job it can be (at times). So I just want to take time to tell you that your role is so important, I salute you! Your efforts, you’re nurturing manner, your strength, your diligence in all areas ( spiritual, emotional, physical) , your unconditional love, your selflessness, your vulnerability, your teachable spirit and most of all your presence. Your child/children are so blessed to have you as a mom, you may not hear it often enough, but you truly are blessing. You have been graced by God to raise up, guide, influence, shape an individual/individuals that will make a difference in society one day. What a calling! Stop putting yourself down, stop thinking you aren’t doing enough, stop overlooking your efforts, stop thinking you aren’t deserving of a break/ time-out. Your role is not minor, your role can never be overlooked in society. SALUTE to you mommy, SALUTE!
I’ve been on the motherhood journey for close two years now and I can honestly say that no role has been more rewarding for me. I have learnt so much about myself, but more especially about the love of God through my little man. Oftentimes we think motherhood is about teaching and growing these precious little human beings we’ve been entrusted with, but I’m slowly starting to see that at times it can be quite the opposite. He has taught me so much and I’ve grown so much because of his existence. Kwando you are my greatest blessing my baby, I’m so honoured to be your mom. My love for you knows no bounds. And if asked ,if I would do it all over again….. In a heartbeat, oh in a heartbeat! And a special shout out to my husband for spoiling my sister and I, you heart is everything!
Ok! Enough with all the emo stuff. Onto this thrift coat my sister got me, yes thrift! If I’m not mistaken the coat cost her R80. Yes, you read right! I’ve had this bad boy for about three years, it could even be four, my memory could be off.. I used to go thrift shopping quite a lot in my varsity days. Sbosh ( a friend of mine) and I would budget R200/ R300 and come back with packets full of clothing. If you’re up for an adventure you should try it. My advice would be to go to well-known thrift shops, like the likes of Hospice. Search for classic items, that you would be able to wear repeatedly. And of course look thoroughly, as overwhelming as the amount of clothing can be, take your time. The truth is, the more you look, the better your chances are of finding gems.
I’ve been in Joburg now for a little over eight years. You can’t survive a Joburg Winter without a trench coat, well you can, but you may experience the longest Winter of your life. A trench coat is a key Winter item and that means it should be treated as an investment piece. Keep that in mind when shopping , because it’s an invest piece you can spend more than you usually would. Most importantly though, the item should last you a few seasons. My advice would be to look for a classic look, that can adjust to future trends.
Xx
THRIFT trench coat | H& M turtle neck | FOREVER 21 shorts | WOOLWORTHS socks | THE FIX loafers
Photography by: Mikayla Birkholtz
