Your Presence Is Golden!!

As part of my Motivation Mondays' piece I would like to share something that my sister reminded me of this morning just 4 words but they ignited my soul "Your presence is golden. Sometimes we forget to value and appreciate ourselves.
Remember: In your presence is abundant joy.

Peace & Blessings.

Thuli Madonsela is Forbes Africa Person of the Year!!

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has been selected as the Forbes Africa Person of the Year for 2016

The ceremony took place in Kenya on Thursday evening. The former South African public protector is the sixth recipient of the award.

According to a media release by Forbes, Madonsela was selected as the winner due to her bravery "in her quest to bring inconsistencies to the fore".

Other nominees included Tanzania’s President John Pombe Magufuli‚ Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib‚ fellow South African and founder of Capitec Bank Michiel le Roux‚ and the people of Rwanda.

In this photo: RSL Blogger Nelisiwe Jiyane (Right); Former South African Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and Siphiwe Jiyane (Left).
I am so grateful and thankful to have had a chance this phenomenal woman personally, what an honor and a privilege.

MOTIVATION MONDAY

Today: Walk and Live by Faith. Take the first step in faith you don't need to see the whole staircase, just keep moving. Remember God doesn't have to reveal "everything" to you all at once.
Peace & Blessings.

Side Note: This is the best advice or piece of motivation I have retrieved all year recited by Pastor Mark Hodgetts.

BONJOUR NOVEMBRE!!

This Is My Month. May Your Reap Blessings On Blessings On Blessings.
Peace, Love & Light.
#Shine #Flourish #Propser

MOTIVATION MONDAYS

Be Like The Bamboo
The Higher You Grow
The Deeper You Bow
- Chineese Proverb

LIFE IS NOW!!

Today: The message that I would like to share with you today is only 3 words just 3 poignant words, that Life Is Now. Whatever you are doing, Wherever you are right now, Whatever you are planning, Whatever you are feeling, Whatever you are thinking. Remember that Life Is Now. Plan For Now. Whatever you do today will determine your tomorrow, yesterday has passed now, it is irrelevant you cannot go back, but you can do it better. Act Now.Time Is Now. Life Is Now.

In the words of Marilyn Monroe: "The happiest time of my life is now"

Live in the Moment. Capture it Forever.

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!

SOMETHING WONDERFUL IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!!

A-ASK
U-UNTIL
G-GOD
U-UNVEILS
S-SOMETHING
T-TANGIBLE

HAPPY NEW MONTH TO YOU RED SOLE LOVERS!!

Life & Love

"A person has a good side and a bad, happy and sad side and in Love we get to share or express both sides with that one person, that way you are abled to truly be yourself with them" - The Tourist

THE STORM THAT YOU'RE IN

The storm that you’re in will toss you around.

It will throw your life out of kilter.

It will leave you discombobulated.

It will distract you from what is good in the world.

It will make everything seem out of control.

It will mess up your hair.

It will block the sun.

And thankfully, it will end.

When it does, you will be stronger.

More resilient.

Better prepared for the next storm.

The storm that you’re in is an incredible inconvenience.

And an amazing teacher.

Don’t lose sight of that.

It's been 2 weeks since my mother passed, and I find many people whom are close to me asking me how I am doing, how I am feeling and if I am coping, and though I often find myself responding: "Yes I am fine" or "Yes, I am hanging in there" or "Yes, I am trying to keep it together", the truth is I am not, I actually don't know what I am feeling, I cannot translate it into words I cannot compare it to anything, I feel like I have lost Everything and life just really seems and feels so irrelevant and meaningless you really cannot relate unless you are going through the same thing or have been through the same thing. I often find myself wondering how I will ever get out of this space, how I will ever view life the way I used to? A friend who has experienced exactly what I am going through now mailed me this piece which I believe is from the Better Life Coaching Blog by Darren Poke and the first 7 lines are a direct translation of how I feel and what I am going through, but what I absolutely love about it, is the assurance and promise that it gives that it will end, and that when it does you'll be a completely new or better person, that it will get better, and that is exactly why I decided to share it with you all.

P.S: Stay in Peace. Not in Pieces - Iyanla Vanzant

Love & Light

NICKI MINAJ PINKPRINT TOUR SOUTH AFRICA

YES SHE CAME, WE SAW AND WE WERE TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY!!
Last week Friday,18th March,I attended Day 2 of the Nicki Minaj PinkPrint Tour at the TicketPro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In this photo: Nicki Minaj holding it down in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In this photo: Nicki Minaj's performance outfit.

She sang ALL of my favorite jam, even went as far as singing her hook on "Bedrock" remember that Jam that was when she actually broke put into the industry and I have followed her career since then (a true fan),and it was so Fun being able to sing along to EVERY single song at one point I was even out of breath, the energy at the venue was spectacular, at this point I can't even single out any of her performances as my favorite the whole show was just amazing Nicki kept slaying and slaying and slaying but I will single out her performance on "All Eyes On Me" where she had pictures of her and Meek Mill displayed in the background *Beautiful*, we just couldn't get enough, at the end of her show we chanted for MORE and that's what she gave us MORE. A true artist & a truly magical experience. A bit dissapointed though that she didn't perform "Trini Dem Girls" and "Itty Bitty Piggy" but I have So Much MORE Love and Respect for Nicki, she is out of this world!!

.@NICKIMINAJ performing "Anaconda" live at #ThePinkprintTOUR in #Johannesburg. pic.twitter.com/fLpyfzZlSi

— Mundo Nicki Minaj (@MUND0NICKIMINAJ) March 18, 2016

In this clip: Nicki performing Anaconda Live at The PinkPrint Tour.

In this photo: Nicki signing off.That's a wrap.

Thank you for an epic performance she is Stunning. This was my moment for Life!!Oh yes and a BIG ShoutOut to my brother Musa Jiyane for getting me tickets to the show cause he certainly knows that I'm a die hard fan like Bruce Willis!! God Bless You!! #PinkPrintTour #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica #NickiMinajSA

26 THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE AT 26

So it was my birthday 2 weeks ago and I turned 26, this post is a bit delayed but here it is

[pause for cheering]

I realized that as I've grown older,the birthday excitement has kinda died out I don't get as excited as I used to for it, it's totally weird LOL however, while I certainly appreciate the extra love on Facebook from family and friends all over the world that I haven’t seen or heard from in decades, Calls, Text Messages, Whatsapp and Tweets *hides* I still do believe that it is a special day and I always believe that your birthday should be different from any other day in the year, it is YOUR DAY!!
So here I am, just a 26-year-old woman, sitting in front of a screen, hoping that you won’t make the same mistakes that I made. But if you did, guess what? Everything ends up working out just fine.

What I Know:

1. Gratitude is happiness. There is tremendous power in positive thinking.

2. No matter how bad you screw up, you are capable of changing your course. You can create the life you want. Never give up.

3. Friends come and go, and that’s okay. Cherish the real ones.

4. Time and Money are expensive and sometimes irreplaceable.

5. Material things are only temporarily satisfying. Friendship, Family and Love, are worth so much more than fancy possessions.

6. Always be honest. Trust is easily broken.

7. Carpe Diem (Live in the moment)as cliche as it sounds, life really does fly by and memories fade When I was younger , I spent so much time wishing I was older. Now that I am officially old, I realize how important it is to breathe and stay in the moment.

8. Cherish every moment with your loved ones. Never take your family for granted. They can be gone, or become ill, in an instant.

9. What the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve. (my philosophy)

10. Never compare yourself to anyone, you don't know how they go there and what they did to get there. We all have our own special journey. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

11. Always be persistent in your pursuits. Consistency shows value in whatever you're after.

12. Take A Chance Say yes. Jump out of that plane. Take that trip. Take a chance.

13. Wake Up. Get Up. And Show Up translated in Zulu as Vuka. Ugeze. Ubangene

14. Your struggles and fears can help another person. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your story. Life is never black and white and however much you may have an opinion on something, unless you have been there yourself, you really can’t judge anything anyone does.

15. Endorphins are real. Make fitness a priority.

16. The world will disappoint you. Your heart will break. But know this: No feeling is final.

17. Live your best life possible.

18. Imperfection is beautiful.

19. Just Do It. Do it Now, Not tomorrow, Not in the next minute, Not in the Next hour, the Next Day, Week, Month, or Year .Procrastination is a great way to move backwards.

20. Don’t waste your time feeling bad for yourself. If you’re experiencing self-pity, snap the hell out of it. For the most part, you are in control of your own happiness. If you’re in a deep depression, seek out help.

21. Success is Contagious. You need to surround yourself with successful people in order to learn & grow from them to aid your success.

22. You never get a second chance at making a first impression. You have to start and finish with a bang.

23. Life doesn't give you what you want but what you deserve. If it is meant for you, it is up to you.

24. Waking up early is always a good idea. The snooze button is always a bad idea - this is sooo true.

25. Whatever you believe about yourself on the inside is what will manifest on the outside.

26. Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters & Time heals all.

I know that what I know changes all the time and I can go from thinking I know a lot to realising I don’t know much at all. At this point in my life, I have been through such a learning curve so I guess what I know right now is that you are never too old to learn something new as I am learning something new every single day!In life you pay school fees and that is for your experience.

Merci Beaucoup!! One Love Always❤️

BECOME A GARNIER PURE ACTIVE AMBASSADOR!

Garnier is looking for a Pure Active Brand Ambassador and you can totally enter!

If you are chosen, you will have the opportunity to write monthly reviews for the Garnier Facebook page, get featured in their advertorials, and talk about your skin journey at events and in magazines.
It’s a pretty awesome way to make a name for yourself in the beauty biz and to help other people through your experience.

How to enter
Buy any products in the Garnier Pure Active Range, complete the Entry Form and email it to: admin@9lives.co.za

To download the Pure Active Ambassador Entry Form visit: http://www.9lives.co.za/garnier-pure-active-ambassador/

All The Best Wishes!

Source: Liezel Fourie @9Lives
www.9lives.co.za

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WEDNESDAYS FEATURES LOWENA WARIES

In todays' Women Empowerment Wednesday the spotlight is on M-Net Local Entertainment’s youngest Marketing Manager Lowena Waries,the creative force behind the scenes on M-Net’s youth and music channels.

Lowena Waries (28) was recently appointed as M-Net’s new Marketing Manager for the youth and music channels (M-Net Local Entertainment). She’s the youngest person to have filled this role. Here she shares how her journey has been so far.

How did your career start?
I was fortunate enough to land my first job at M-Net right after I graduated from UCT and I’ve been here for nearly seven years. I have a great passion for music and the arts so being able to work for a company like M-Net has been absolutely amazing. I’ve worked as an EGP editor, a brand manager and now a marketing manager. My love for the arts goes way back and now I get to work on the coolest brand on the planet. I’m not complaining!

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned?
It’s all about earning your stripes. This job consists of everything: putting up branding at events, working late nights, writing briefs until the early hours of the morning, sitting in on pitches and being a creative on set at 5am. The important thing is to also take everything in its stride and pay attention to detail.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?
I’d say look at careers people haven’t told you about. Growing up, you know about the lawyers and doctors, and going to university – you’re told which careers to follow. So I’d tell my 20-year-old self that you can be whatever you want to be. Also, stop being too conformist about what you’re meant to do and having a “9-5”. Be a bit more out of the box about what you want to become.

What’s your creative process like?
I believe in brainstorming. I love having a thought to begin with – one simple idea – and building on it. I like taking that idea and sharing it with agencies or my direct team and asking them: “What are your thoughts on this and can it go further?” A lot of the time brand and marketing managers take on the perspective of their brands. It’s always interesting to step outside your role and put yourself in the shoes of the consumer. Ask yourself: “What is an 18-year-old thinking right now? Am I still relevant?” Those kinds of discussions, the brainstorming, etc… they’re important in the creative process. I’m 28 and although I think I’m cool, I don’t know if what I think is cool is the same as what’s out there.

What was it like being part of the Vuzu Amp launch?
It was fun, scary and challenging – all in one. Not only did it launch in SA, but we also launched it to the rest of Africa. There was a lot of pressure from the business, as it was another premium offering. Working on a premium channel is a very important focus for the Multichoice brand and although the pressure was high, it was eventually very rewarding.

What dreams or vision do you have for Vuzu Amp, Channel O and Mzansi Magic Music?
I definitely want us to keep the stamp of authority, especially with our music channels, like Channel O. I want Channel O to be a brand that pushes local music, but also celebrates a global way of thinking. Whether you’re in the heart of Soweto or in the Cape Flats, Channel O should speak to you and give you an aspirational feeling. Vuzu Amp has always been the trendsetter, i.e. with celebrities, reality shows etc. We always say that we speak to the psycho-graphic of being young at heart. Mzansi Music speaks to nostalgia, being reminiscent. So for me, I want all three channels to be number one in their target markets.

Source: Roxanne Francis @DestinyConnect

WORLD CANCER DAY 2016

To Supporting The Fighters.
Admiring The Survivors.
Honoring The Taken & Never Giving Up Hope!!

KIM K & AMBER ROSE THE SELFIE THAT BROKE THE INTERNET

Yesterday, Kim Kardashian set social media alight when she posted a shot of herself and Amber Rose, alongside the caption: "Tea anyone?" despite their tumultuous relationship over the years.

In the snap: the pair look like good friends as they pose next to each while pouting.

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

#InshaAllah

RSL TRUTHFUL THURSDAYS

What I know....

TYRA BANKS WELCOMES NEW BABY BOY

In this photo: Proud Parents Tyra Banks and boyfriend/photographer Erik Asla

Supermodel-turned-TV star Tyra Banks is a mum after welcoming a baby boy via a surrogate.
Tyra America's Next Top Model host surprised fans yesterday on Wednesday (27 January 2016)
by announcing that she and her boyfriend of two years, photographer Erik Asla, are the proud parents of little York Banks Asla.

Last year (2015), Banks divulged that she and Asla had been trying to start a family together, and had undergone in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment after struggling to conceive naturally.
On the birth of their little bundle of joy Tyra mentioned: "We are so excited for our new baby boy bundle of joy," Banks says in a statement. "The journey to now has not been an easy process, as I've shared before. But there was a beautiful bright light at the end of the tunnel for me and his father, Erik.
York mentioned: "As I gaze into the beautiful eyes of my son, I think about all the people who struggle with fertility or carrying a child and continue to pray for them every day. My hopes and dreams are filled with well wishes that they get to feel what my little treasure, York Banks Asla, feels like in my arms."
Tyra also was quoted as saying: "As we thank the angel of a woman who carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone. York Banks Asla, welcome to the world."

We certainly cannot wait to see little York and Congratulations to the couple. Welcome to the World York Banks Asla.
#LookAtGod

NICKI MINAJ SOUTH AFRICA TOUR

YES!!It’s Official Nicki Minaj is coming to South Africa for real this time!!

5 FM and Metro FM announced on Wednesday morning that they will be bringing Nicki Minaj to South Africa in March 2016.
Nicki will be doing a three-leg tour in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Sources reveal that tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, 28 January from 09:00am.
Minaj will be performing in:

Johannesburg (Ticketpro Dome) on 17 March,
Durban (Moses Mabhida Stadium) on 20 March; and
Cape Town (Grand West Arena) on 22 March.

Such Great News!! So Excited!! Nicki What’s Good?

THE WAIT IS OVER RIHANNA HAS COMPLETED HER EIGHTH ALBUM - ANTI

The Wait Is Over!!We have been waiting for months for Riri to drop her eighth LP, which was at one point was expected to come out at the end of November.
The 27-year-old singer has now posted a photo of herself wearing a gold crown and golden headphones on Twitter along with the caption "listening to Anti".Anti is her first studio album since 2012's Unapologetic.

In this photo: Rihanna,reveals that she's finally finished her eighth album, Anti, in spectacular fashion, posting a snap of herself wearing an opulent gold crown and bedazzled headphones.

Rihanna has been teasing the release of the album over several weeks with video clips being released online which have shown her unlocking different rooms. She named the campaign "#ANTIdiaRy"

In this photo: Rihanna reveals the artwork for her album at the AMA Gallery back in October 2015.

Rihanna is also believed to be performing at the upcoming Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016 and is expected to join Coldplay earlier in the month at their Super Bowl half-time show on February 7, 2016
As a loyal and die hard fan I certainly cannot wait to hear the album and Anti and I am sure it will be worth the wait. Riri Never Dissapoints.

In this photo: Rihanna reveals the artwork for her album at the AMA Gallery back in October, 2015.

RSL MOTIVATION MONDAYS

You have a choice to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE today and everyday no matter the circumstances. Only you can.

SPARKLE FOUNDATION STATIONERY DRIVE 2016

Take Part In Our First Drive for the Year 2016!!
Sparkle Foundation Presents Our Annual Stationery Drive For 2016!! School is in session but many cannot afford the basic & necessary school supplies and You Can Help Make A Difference. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
All Donations Welcome!! Donate Today.

BLESSINGS & LESSONS

WELCOME BACK!!

Welcome Back RSL Lovers!! It’s been so long since I have really sat down to write something, so here it goes this is my first post of 2016 and from the RSL Team Compliments of the new season, we hope you are all well and ready for the new year and that 2016 will be a blessed year for you all!!

So as you can see since it is a new year I decided to change my look, Yes! and go for something completely different something that I have never done before I colored my hair for the very first time and did a dry perm for the very first time, mind you I was so anxious about making that move but it turned out really great and I totally love it props to my stylist!! New Year! New Hair! New Me!

So What’s in store for 2016? Year of 26 (as I am turning 26 this year) –well to work harder and smarter, it’s time to take myself more seriously, Yes, I plan on taking the blog to a whole new level “Zilevels” you know lol and a whole lot more I have been working on some exciting content and ideas which are still in the pipelines but sure you will love it once they are cooked and ready – The Evolution. Secondly to finally launch our online boutique store “La Red Sole Boutique” a project I have been working on throughout 2015 bringing you extraordinary, reasonable fashion and trends from all over the globe and to your door step, imagine that! You guys will obviously be the first to know on my social media platforms. As the COO (Chief Operations Officer), of The Sparkle Foundation, Giving back remains a huge part of my life so I will also be working and launching many more projects from my Non-profit Organisation The Sparkle Foundation(NPO) also hoping to get a whole lot more sponsors/donors to make these initiatives possible. Stay glued to the blog for more.

Oh yes, and Thank you for all your support you have truly made blogging my source of happiness and something I love with all my heart. I hope to keep bringing you all the content you love.

Remember: To Live. To Laugh. To Learn.To Smile. To Be Positive Everyday.
Live Your Best Life This Year!! #Slay #Slay #Slay
Salut!

Love & Light Nelly xoxo