The last #BWB breakfast (which I sadly had to miss out on as I was sick) was themed stars and stripes so we were challenged to do nail art themed with the iconic red, white and blue.
I am might be artistic but nails are so not my forte unless it’s a single colour application but I will admit I had a bit of fun with this. Just a bit ;)
Here’s my submission…

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Guys, I admit it – this is a purely gushy, braggy post all about how blessed I am to be a part of a new group of amazing bloggers. Let’s just get that disclaimer out of the way.
I was lucky enough to be asked to join a new network of bloggers here in Cape Town, known as the Bloggers Who Bless (#BWB for all you hashtag fundis). In a world where people trash talk and troll each other all too easily online, BWB aims to provide a positive environment for bloggers to encourage, support, learn and grow from one another.

All the lovely ladies I met this weekend

I was lucky enough to be asked to join a new network of bloggers here in Cape Town, known as the Bloggers Who Bless (#BWB for all you hashtag fundis). In a world where people trash talk and troll each other all too easily online, BWB aims to provide a positive environment for bloggers to encourage, support, learn and grow from one another.

This weekend we were treated to the most amazing bedouin cuisine at the new Bedouin Deli in Woodstock. It boasts such an interesting menu! The owner spent time with the Bedouin women in the middle east and learnt how they prepare and cook their food. She then brought back these skills to Cape Town, and the result is the Bedouin Deli and restaurant she has since opened.

Really regretting not buying a jar of these..! Cream cheese balls made with yoghurt. I die.

Dessert. I mean.

I’d like to give a special thank you to the organisers of BWB – Heather, Fi and Leana (who we missed terribly on Saturday!). A great big hug also to all the wonderful brands who generously filled up our goodie bags – reviews are on their way!

 Peeping inside my goodie bag

I only attended my first meet up last weekend, and I can already feel the difference it is making. Knowing people care, are watching you, want the best for you, and want to see you succeed is the best kind of motivation you can have. For anybody out there who working towards something – anything – the best advice for motivation and self esteem I can give you is to find like minded people who are in the same field. Feeling so hashtag blessed!

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Frightening how speedily time passes us by, on Saturday we had our 2nd #BWB get together which means it’s been 6 weeks since the last one already (holy purple socks on a rooster!) and it was lovely seeing all the faces behind the blogs and tweets again as well as some new ones that have joined to make up the 15 that is the Cape Town “branch”.


The deli was gorgeous and despite the food not being my lifestyle edible it looked really good and the ladies seemed to enjoy it so I’ll take their word on that but I will also not be putting strange foods into my mouth after receiving a safety go ahead from Femme Lifestyle hahahaha < I pointed out something and she said it was just spiced rice wrapped up in a leaf… a bit revealed it was pesto and that odd yogurt cheese (a napkin and plate was passed my way really quickly)

The goodie bags are always an added bonus and there aren’t always any because that’s not what it’s always about but the one that was put together for Saturday was just lovely, so many goodies in it! And as with last time momma got to pick out what she wanted as a thank you for watching master Fysh while I had a bit of kid free time with the ladies.

In our bag: Rain Africa, Hey gorgeous, Nimue, dermatologica, Ritzis chilli, bath oils, oh so heavenly cream and spray, original iced cocktails, and a heap of other goodies that I’ll be reviewing for you as I test them out.

Highlight of the day for me was something rather small… Heather and Fi gave each of us 3 strips of paper and we were to write our names on the back and then pick out three ladies there to each write a small motivational something to. Then they were handed back, sorted out and slipped into our goodie bags while we were all chatting. I’d actually forgotten about them until the lipglossed ninja tagged me on instagram with a photo of one she’d written to me (it was accidentally given back to her) letting me know what she’d written.

Words are such powerful things and we should start realising that before it’s too late. So take a leaf out of the #BWB book and go tell someone something nice – let a stranger know they look good, smile at the carguard, tell your momma you love her, let your kids know how brilliant they are or compliment your sister on her beauty and intelligence. Just go out there today with the intent of saying at least one nice thing to someone you meet…

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On Saturday I joined my fellow bloggers at the unassuming Bedouin Cafe & Deli situated in the heart of the artsy lower Woodstock area. I really enjoy strolling around this part of Woodstock, but the Saturday morning traffic is another story!
I sampled labneh (a creamy cheese made with strained yoghurt) for the first time, and simply loved it.   The stuffed peppadews were also absolutely divine and so were the stuffed vine leaves- a perfect mezze platter was served!

All the beautiful ladies, except Cupcake who took the photo 

It was my first Bloggers Who Bless (#BWB ladies) get together and I felt like I already knew the ladies seated around the table (even though for some it was our first face-to-face meeting). It is so special to be part of this bunch of women, whose sole aim is to inspire, uplift and motivate each other. I really feel honoured to be included in this forum, and the daily interactions and notes definitely inspire me to do better, and more importantly spread the love :-D

I look forward to many more, and need to make a special mention of Heather De Bruin, Fi Fitzpatrick and Leana Henke who run all the administration for our group and ensure that we are always on track. From the great venues, the buddy system to the always highly appreciated goodie bags! Much love to these beautiful women; and for going the extra mile to bring positivity to each day.

List of Sponsors:

Dermalogica - 

http://www.dermalogica.co.za

Bedouin Cafe & Deli - 

http://www.bedouinfoods.co.za

Hey Gorgeous - 

http://www.hey-gorgeous.co.za

Naturals Beauty -

http://www.naturalsbeauty.co.za

Ritzi's Chilli - 

http://www.ritzis.co.za

Blend box - 

http://www.blendbox.co.za

Rain - 

http://www.rainafrica.com

Original cocktails - 

http://www.originalcocktails.co.za

FreebeesPR/ Ralo Cosmetics - 

http://ralocosmetics.co.za

Oh So Heavenly - 

http://www.ohsoheavenly.co.za

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our first #BWB breakfast

February 8, 2014 · by cupcakemummy

 

After realising how cut-throat, overly competitive and downright nasty the blogging “community” can be Heather from Femme Lifestyle sat back and watched a little from the sidelines trying to gauge who the supportive bloggers are who think freebies are just a bonus and who’s first reaction is “what do I get out of it?”

And thus the #BWB was born! A community of selected bloggers who share the same ideas and values, it’s not an “elite” group and in no way meant to make anyone feel like they’re not good enough to be a part of it despite it being by invite only. I point this out because after posting a photo on instagram of the lovely little goodie bag that Heather had put together for us (which a few of us personally contributed to) there were some rather nasty/spiteful comments made on it. Those comments are the exact reason the #BWB came to play.

We are a community after all. We should stand together instead of be envious, we should supportand encourage. No one blogger is the be all and end all of the blogging world.

The morning was a lovely one and there was never a lull in the conversation though that might be partly my fault seeing as I either ramble too much when I’m nervous or I’m completely silent. But what was really great was that the beautiful souls there acknowledged that it was hard for me and thanked me for coming regardless.

 

Fysh tagged along and because it’s not a vegan friendly place he had my pancakes but by the time everyone else’s breakfast arrived he was hungry again (typical) so each of the ladies offered up a little something from their breakfasts to make up a small plate for him which he finished as well and for which I’m so very thankful for. He also really wanted to go upstairs so one of the waiters took him up and entertained him while I was chatting to the ladies and filling out our “blog buddy” cards. Brownie points to the friendly staff at The Bromwell and a proud momma moment for him being so well behaved.

I didn’t get round to taking a photo of everything that was in the bag before my momma raided it saying “you don’t use this, or this, or this” which I really don’t mind considering she does so much for me and usually watches Fysh when I go to any events or just need some “me time” so you can go have a look at Femme Lifestyle’s post on the event.

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