
Tazz Nginda wearing True Religion clothing for the Curvy SA hunk of the month shoot. Photograper: Pat Sloane
The irony of going with the flow usually happens when hindsight hits you between the eyes. I had more than one of those moments today and I can’t but wonder why Lifeology is secretly registered as Lifeology Media and I had the most incredible day surrounded by the magazine world.
I have to admit … I totally loved it!!!
Firstly, I get to pause and honour a huge moment in my writing career because after months of blogging, guest writing and submitting article, I am officially getting paid for the first time. I’m one of those people who claps my hands, does a happy dance and then thanks myself with a big self hug when I have these incredible milestone moments. This day was one of the biggest squeezes I have given myself in a long time. There is something about being paid for living your dream that can’t beat a ‘project me’ moment and I have say the biggest thank you ever to Michele Smith of Curvy SA for seeing me, believing in me and paying me
The whole day’s energy hovered around my exciting involvement with the Curvy SA hunk of the month shoot seeing as I called on my new friend, Tazz Nginda to be a good sport and be the model. Tazz is one of SA’s actors, models and downright inspiration men and it was thrilling for me to realise that my blogging career has introduced me to so many amazing people. I loved the thrill of collaborating with Pat Sloane, who we all know is THAT photographer closest to my heart, on the idea of taking the Curvy SA hunk of the month shoot to the stables. I loved dashing off to True Religion Jeans to pick of Tazz’s outfits.
But before my first day on a magazine photo shoot, I had another magazine moment that has pulled at my South African heart strings and has my head ticking over about the possibility of how ‘project me’ and Lifeology can help spread the word about a mag that I discovered through #FollowSA.
ZA Difference magazine‘s slogan is “bridging the difference” and that has been my vision for as long as I can remember. I have always wanted to show South African’s that we are not the different from the rest of the world and especially from each other and I am so excited about the energy of this magazine. I intend to do a feature on the mag because there is so much more to understand about the philosophy behind it but I was swept away by Ndaba Msalili’s passion of people telling their true life South African stories that span between ‘Alternative to giving money to beggars‘ and ‘poverty knows no colour’.

Tazz Nginda, Michele Smith and myself tucking into SA's famous extra hot chicken wings from Chicken Licken
I’ve always prided myself in the down to earth way that I conduct my life, (although the ones closest to me will say I’m highly strung) so it’s no surprise that I took the model shopping for what we would eat on set. It’s also no surprise that Tazz had Michele and myself tucking into one of SA’s most renowned chicken dishes … extra hot chicken wings from Chicken Licken. The extra hot and the fact that it’s fried, greasy fast food would shout the reason why neither Michele nor myself were familiar with the food that Tazz couldn’t seem to start his shoot without.
The idea of horses, stables, a stetson and True Religion jeans was a magical day that sparked my realisation that there is a part of me that loves the creativity and the fun that goes along with a photo shoot. It’s on thing to be fully inline with what I dreamed of for Lifeology and writing an article, but there is another part of my personality that thrived today and now I have to work my magic into working it into my Lifeology life … because now that I’ve had a taste …
A few more pics taken by Pat Sloane with Tazz Nginda wearing True Religion clothing for Curvy SA Magazine’s hunk of the month (well, I had to say it AGAIN because I’m that proud of everyone involved!!)
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Having chased a dream of being a fashion designer , Katie Mohamed’s academic background stems from Fashion Design to clients services and eventually Sales and Marketing. Modelling and Fashion shows proved to be part of an exciting journey into the media industry.
Having on air radio experience for a local radio stations in Durban, is where her love for broadcasting began. After years of experience praising the Public Broadcaster of assisting in being the driving force of gaining a wealth of knowledge within the media and broadcasting field. Katie has successfully expanded the SABC brands , within her field and has generated sales worth, widened the client base, achieved client retention and being part of the positive relationship within the advertising trade. Sponsorships then became a driving force within her environments.
Realising the dream of being a talk show host was a highlight of 2010. “No Reservations” was a chatty, honest and real show, delving onto issues and challenges we face on a regular basis, and having a group of friends talking and sharing their experiences. The response has been phenomenal and the girls will definitely be coming back for a bigger and better show.
Since taking on the new and exciting experience, Katie has now left the broadcaster and is now leveraging off her experience in taking the media and advertising industry to fresher concepts, working on innovations for clients and creating 360” implementations for their objectives. Currently hosting and producing a cooking show called “ Food with friends” that is another authentic South African show .
A mother of 3 kids, she believes in constantly chasing her dreams and is driven by ensuring she will leave a legacy for them, following her instincts, that’s were true wisdom manifests itself.
As Oprah says ““I am a woman in process. I am trying like everybody else. I try to take every conflict, every experience and learn from it. Life is never dull!”
Katie tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I used to think it was about things, but it’s also about experiences.
Material objects and money make life easier (don’t let people say it’s not about money!!!!) BUT in saying that I believe that you can only achieve happiness in being true to yourself, its finding that inner peace. Life and Life’s traumas can bring you down, but if you are at peace, you definitely can overcome most challenges. If you start achieving your goals as humans we seek of own ways of bliss and happiness and whichever it is, I try to find ways to reach my happiness destiny. I am fuelled by passion for everything I am committed to my family, my shows, my clients, my friends, and my home. It brings me peace which results in happiness.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
” I am not happy living someone else’s dream, I will live my own”
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I need ME to believe in ME. I take care of ME. I’m the best person that knows what’s best for me. I know if I believe in myself I have the power to make my dreams come true. I believe in myself and all that I can trust, love, act, plan and believe that I can achieve anything humanly possible. When I believe in myself I feel stronger, braver and smarter.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Love- our right to give and receive love can never be taught. It is an emotion that just happens. The quality of love is more important than anything you can give or get as a human being. It’s the foundation of any relationship, your family, your partner, your job, your friends….
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
You can only achieve anything for the moment. You can exist only in the present, so you can achieve anything only in the present moment. Goal setting is not to control the future, and it improves your present reality. I am constantly trying to achieve for the present and reality is the ultimate judge, so things change, surprises in between. I always loved public speaking, motivating people even if my life isn’t that perfect just helping. So I guess the “No Reservations” was part of my achievements that has taken me on a level that I can speak my mind thereby guiding and talking about real life experiences. So ultimate achievement might be a book… but who knows life throws you curveballs everyday…
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
They’ve changed as well? When you a little girl you dream of the fairy tale, then YOU make decisions that change your dreams. You ultimately want to make your dreams, your destiny, but implement practical techniques, don’t let people fool you into believing the fairy tale. It can only happen the way reality allows you to, no matter how much you dream. Having said that I always dreamt of making a difference in society in what I do, so I will continue to persevere my passion for `Media and not allow the distractions and noise of life to crowd out my dreams.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Get back to reality, what are the tangibles, how can we assess situations, how can we try and fix challenges. I remind myself that we are souls and that there is a divine power that we can tap into. Have faith in God, in which ever way.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
The ability to talk, to care about individuals, to go out of my way to help. So its reliability!
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
When we let fear rule our lives we miss out on opportunities. We have a limited time on earth so if you build self- confidence, immediately you can handle fear. Remind myself that the past does not define my future.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
We’ve lost sight of being human! Kindness, compassion, sympathy. Everything seems to become a commercial transaction. We’ve lost sight of forgiveness, if we can do that we can live. We hide behind screens and phones. We’ve lost the art of being human and humane. The ability to achieve meaningful connections for the human spirit. Life is too short, we need to enjoy our days, laugh at every chance. We need to listen, love, speak, pray, share, trust and have the strength and courage to be human without being apologetic. We’ve lost our sense of conscienceless and awareness of elements around us.
Katie supports: The South African Ballet Theatre
The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) presents the magical fairytale ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the Joburg Theatre from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 16th 2011.
Based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, and set to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this season will feature SABT stars such as Principal dancer Burnise Silvius, international guest artists Lily-Ann Bones, Daniel Convery and Australian Adam Thurlow who returns to SABT for his second guest appearance.
Also appearing in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are a host of surprise local celebrities in the roles of the King and Queen as well as members of the SABT Academy and SABT Development Schools.
The well – known fairy tale of the spell placed on Princess Aurora by the evil fairy Carabosse, is told in four acts with appearances by the Lilac Fairy, Puss in Boots, the Bluebird couple and of course, Little Red Riding Hood.
The season is accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (except for performances on October 6th, 7th and 13th which are performed to a recorded score) under the baton of Sonja Bass. This season marks the first time that SABT works with a female conductor.
The production is suitable for ages three and up.
SABT is the country’s foremost professional ballet company and has established itself as a major player in the performing arts with impressive productions of classical ballets, new works by South African choreographers and collaborations across international boundaries. 2011 marks the Company’s tenth anniversary.
Bookings for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com.
SABT management has endeavored to keep ticket prices for the 18 performances as low as possible with prices ranging from just R50 to R320. All tickets for the Sunday morning performances at 11h00 are R110.
For additional information please visit www.saballettheatre.co.za
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Tonight is supposed to be a project body blog but that’s seriously the last thing on my mind. Actually, so is blogging but something has to be said … and fast! I’ve always been the girls of lots of words but tonight, starting at the candle that will burn for the memory of dad (known as Yotsiet in Jewdism) I don’t feel like speaking much. Tomorrow is the date of his passing and just for that extra touch of family drama, he passed away on my sister’s birthday …
If you know my story through this blog you know I’m not very connected to the religion at all. My pagan heart has very different beliefs when it comes to death and those who have left this earth, but I know my mom feels and so I share it.
I can’t believe my dad has been gone 3 years. More than that, I can’t believe how it’s torn at my heart this year. I’m not one to even get stuck on anniversaries and I questioned whether I was falling into a depression today and needed to go onto those little blue pills. Then it hit me … it doesn’t always have to get easier with time.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
It’s amazing that you can google anything under the sun and an answer will come up. I’m having an exhausted day and literally dragged myself to watch the rugby this morning I tried to be as perky as possible. My friends saw right through me.
It made me grouchy and completely … oh, the emotions are a long blog if you know my style of escape you know it’s either a country song or a googled set of random questions that set me straight.
I haven’t done the questions in ages, so I googled it: questions you would ask a friend:
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I would be in my early 30’s thinking that 40 was so old and so far away
Have you ever been fired?
No, but I swore at my boss a year after I finished college, resigned the next day and have been my own boss ever since.
What is something you regret?
I know the standard answer is supposed to be that I have no regrets, but that would be a lie. I have one … I loved someone and never told him … he died not knowing that!
How often do you go over the speed limit?
This nerd never goes over the speed limit!
Were you considered popular in high school? Why or why not?
Hell no! I was the nerd with glasses, braces and pimples
When, if ever, do you think it is okay to tell a lie?
Never! It’s been an interesting journey choosing to live in my truth but worth it once you’ve learned that people don’t like the truth and you adjust to friends leaving and family not smiling at you all the time.
Do you dance like crazy, when no one is looking?
I dance like crazy when everyone is looking.
What do you sing in the shower?
I’m a hummer more than a singer … I hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack
When is the last time you cried?
Last week Friday when my man gave m flowers. He always says flowers die and swore he’d never buy
Do you like baths or showers?
This house has a yuk bath, but when it’s a nice one I’m there in a flash! So it’s shower for now!
When you were younger, did you ever drink too much and get sick?
Again … total nerd! I think I’ve been drunk twice in my life
Did you ever run away from home? Why/ why not?
When I moved out of home at 24 you would have sworn I was running away the way my dad cried … otherwise I had no reason to
What did you get in trouble for, when you were a kid?
I smoked my dad’s cigarette once and my mom gave me a whack with the hairbrush. I still went on to smoke (behind their backs) for years and years and …
Did you ever have a teacher who picked on you?
Oh yes! Mrs Feldman and she really didn’t like me. It might be because she caught me copying someone’s homework before class once.
What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?
A boy pulled down my panties on the playground in primary school once. I cried so much he had to sit in the principal’s office for a week.
What really gives you the creeps?
Those CSI scenes where they go inside the body … eeeewww!
Did you have a nickname in middle school or high school?
More a family one … Dinki! My one sis still calls me that
What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
Barbie and use to have her house with a pool and convertible and I would imagine being that small and living in that perfect house.
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would that be?
PROJECT ME!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour

The Bobbi Brown team from Melrose Arch store, a kidnapped Ashwin Willemse and my super special friends ... pic taken by the one and only Pat Sloane
I’m the first to admit that this blog has been a bit blah of late but tonight I got a whole lot of smiling to do. I know my best friend is somewhere between Seattle and San Francisco at this very moment so I’m not even sure if he will be reading this. I don’t think he’s missed a blog in the 620-odd days unless he fakes it really well. Whether he reads it or not, the fact are the same … I miss my boy, but it’s been very empowering having to stand on my own two feet.
I’ve set my GPS to places near and far and I’ve found them all. I’ve discussed finances and make monitory decisions. I’ve requested invoices from the accountant and kept track of the bank account. All the big girl stuff that I just haven’t had to do for as long as Greggie and I have been business partners.
Something is beginning to shift and a part of me knows that there’s a new blossoming of a much bolder and determined person. I started to feel it a few days ago, but had a surge of confidence and self respect when I was surrounded by the most amazing group of women because of one incredible woman.
I fell in love with the story of Bobbi Brown and her journey of creating such a world renowned product before I had ever had the joy of putting a lipstick to my lips or a foundation to my cheek.
It was my first Bobbi Brown experience on Wednesday night and I can’t believe how I felt when I looked around the Melrose Arch store and saw the women who surround me. I got to bring 9 of my closest and it was so easy to choose them. Most of these super ladies have met me through Twitter … actually, besides Hustler Girl who reconnected with me on Facebook, we are all Twit friends. Well, Khanyi is more of an extension of Twitter because I was invited to an event that she was at, but we were Twit friends before the night was through. Liesl, Liza, Michele and Lindsey are all definitely Twits and Carol is another great extension of my social media life.
It was such a joy to see everyone having fun, switching off from our worlds for a moment and getting lost in the girlie world of makeup. It was an even greater joy knowing that my journey of blogging and dedication to my career brought us all together.
And … amidst the crowd of friends and talented Bobbi Brown Makeup artists was the other boy. The very special boy … Mr Unexpected. It’s just as awesome to see that my photographer, who is now my man is so loved and cherished by my friends. So much so that he was asked to gate crash the rest of the girl’s night out that extended to dinner just before our Kleenex girl’s night out.
It’s always bound to happen with this crowd and no one was letting SA’s dishy rugby player, Ashwin Willemse walk past the store without being dragged in for the final pic of our Bobbi Brown experience.
I’m also grinning from ear to ear because my new friend and an inspiration for every person who has a dream, Tazz Nginda finally got his cute ass onto Twitter. Don’t worry, Mr Unexpected knows all about my admiration of this sexy actor, model and role model.
For a meeting that was supposed to be quick few minutes to do a few adjustments to Tazz’s social media presence, we ended up talking for hours. It’s definitely one of the reasons I snapped my attitude back into shape. Listening to the story a boy who had a dream and is living it despite all the odds … that’s project me. Just like I share my story with others and hope it inspires people to do one little thing that could get them that little bit closer to their dreams … I need that too.
Between Bobbi Brown, Tazz Nginda, a loving best friend, a treasure boyfriend and the most rocking friends a girl could ask for and a kleenex girl’s night out … I’m BACK!
As always … a big thank you to Instant Grass and The Venus Networks for making my Bobbi Brown Experience a reality!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
When I was little I would have a list of all the things I wished for on my birthday.
I’ve always been a big birthday girl because it’s the day I was put on this pretty planet and I love celebrating it. For years it was about how I could celebrate it with everyone around me and the older I am getting the more it seems to be about my gifts to myself.
The gifts I want to give me are things that money just can’t buy … I have a very special blog to do about my adventures of yesterday and today but all I want to do is crawl into bed.
A friend of mine told me the other day that I should consider stopping the daily blog because I seem tired of it. I’m not! I’m just tired! I still find such importance in this blogging time and giving it up would be letting a very special relationship I have build with myself. But ..
All I want is one day where I don’t have to blog! Mr Unexpected and I are leaving early on the morning of my birthday … 24 September for anyone who missed it! We’ll be driving to the Magaliesburg and settling into the blissful escapism of the Mount Grace Country House and Spa for an entire day. It’s what keeping me going at the moment. Knowing that bliss, beauty and luxurious accommodation and service are calling my name. Knowing that I’m not taking my laptop and that Mr Unexpected and myself are going to be far from the everyday distractions that have us talking about work for hours on end.
And my gift to me … NO BLOGGING! I know that on Monday I will have so much to tell you about my very special birthday gift from the Mount Grace but as for Saturday and Sunday … I’m breaking routine! It’s true that some things are just priceless and no money can buy the gift of a well deserved escape!
9 days …
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
I’m having an interesting day! There is a social media event going on in town and I’m not there. There are a few reasons why I’m not and some of them are because I finally put my foot down and said I needed to be paid for my time.
On the other hand, I had a meeting today and one person said that he knew of a woman who did 200 free talks before she got paid.
It left me questioning myself and my choices. Then my man got asked to do a photo shoot through me and I had a glimmer of hope that I need to stick to my guns.
But then I scanned in an article about my very own initiative #FollowSA from the local Caxton paper …
Some of the greatest reasons why people don’t succeed is because they don’t trust their own formula enough and change it the moment they hear someone else’s success story.
This morning I woke up happier than I can remember in a very very long time. I know there is stress all around both myself, my mom and my man’s lives but at the same time, it’s all perfect.
Today I decided to focus on all the things money just can’t buy and I realised that I might be at someone else’ event for just a moment, but with the plans I have for #FollowSA and my beautiful career I have nothing to change, regret or envy!
It’s now time for me to take 8 of my special friends to have my Bobbi Brown Experience … also another moment that money just can’t buy!
I hope that whatever you are doing, you remember the things that are priceless!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
If I weren’t emotional there would be something seriously wrong with me.
I can honestly say that today I had the sexiest, prettiest day of my life.
Sometimes it’s good to look back just to truly savour the gratitude and the truth is that you won’t find pictures of me further back than about 4 years. I even used to hide away from school photo shoots and today it was all about me.
Now I’m on a mission! I’m determined to get every woman to have this incredible moment with herself. No one is too big or too small to find the sexiness within and allow it to burst out for a moment. And when that moment is captivated in time I know it will be burned into our memories and be a place where we go to whenever we forget just how we were carved from the image of goddesses!
Here are a few more pics to captivate my incredible day. The ‘money shots’, as I heard the team repeating every so often … well they will be in the October issue of Curvy SA!
It was me with my ever changing body, thanks to my personal project body journey and one very brave adventure with Curvy SA magazine.
If anything is inspiring, it’s finding the bravery to bare as much as you dare to make you feel like a million bucks.
If anything makes you do it, it’s the friends and support you choose to have around you.
The shoot, for the second issue of Curvy SA magazine was taken at my sister’s home and it was great to feel so comfortable in familiar surrounding so a big thanks to my big sis.
To Khanyisa from Karisa Wellness Spa … my resident makeup artist who has a magical eye and knows how to keep me sitting still for as long as it takes to get the lipstick on.
Ofra Cosmetics have been the most incredible support and I couldn’t believe how LV stood right by my side the entire shoot … and made me a little more daring with each shot. Your makeup is incredible and I’m honoured to have your support.
Michele Smith, I’m beyond proud to be a part of the Curvy SA journey. Thank you for the stunning clothes from Captivate and for believing in me enough to allow me to share my journey with your readers.

To my incredible man and brilliant photographer, Pat Sloane Photography. If it weren’t for that phone call that day when you said I should do a boudoir shoot, I wouldn’t be where I am today … with my body or my life. I might not be a stranger to the man behind the camera, but your nature would make any woman, curvy or not, feel completely at easy and beautiful.
Now I’m on a mission …
I want to inspire every woman of the world to give themselves the gift of this kind of photo shoot. Grab your friends, make pretty, feel sexy and captivate yourself in ways you never dreamed possible. We always feel too thin, too fat, too old, too sick but there is this magical part of all of us that is busting to be captured in time and space. I’m sticking mine on my fridge, in my wallet and the sun visor of my car … I’m putting one on my alter and in a frame next to my bed. We all need that reminder that we are sexy … each one of us for a different reason but all of us to be reminded that we are limitless possibility.
Here are a few more pics captivating the magical day I had:

If you are in the Joburg area and would like a boudoir shoot please tweet Pat Sloane or myself!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
I can’t believe it’s 13 weeks.
I must be honest, I’m so grateful that I’m purposeful and not completely goal orientated because 13 weeks is a long time and I don’t have a fortune of weight loss to show for it. I do have a much better relationship with my body and that’s worth more than an feeling of standing on the scale and seeing the kilos drop.
Well, let’s not get into too much detail on that because it’s the topic for the second article in the Curvy SA magazine. It’s one thing to blog for the world to see the journey I have with my body, but it’s another to put it in print and have photo shoots to put the journey on display. If I were doing with the old energy, before my new project body attitude, I would have been mortified that I wasn’t losing a certain amount by a certain time.
I’ve had a rough time with my back and it’s the journey of getting started all over again. The return of the fears the I’m going to injure myself again … but that’s also for the upcoming article that I will be writing this week.
The photo shoot happens this Tuesday and it’s Khanyi from Karisa Spa doing my makeup, which is sponsored by Ofra Cosmetics. I’m being dressed and still waiting to find out the exciting location all with the support of Michele Smith, of Curvy SA magazine. It’s no secret that Mr Unexpected (AKA Pat Sloane Photography) started this journey as my project me partner and resident photographer … and then one night, well we all know the rest. So my boyfriend, who is so supportive of my journey even though he swears he doesn’t know what I do for a living, is taking the pics.
Weigh-in will be done by the deadline of the 21st of September and I get a feeling that the regular articles are going to be very inspiring. Just like project body, it took time for Curvy SA mag to fall into place and in that time, I’ve had a chance to take a breath and settle into what I chose to do by sharing my story with the world. I can already feel the energy of the mag, that is rubbing off one me and getting me all excited to watch my progress from month to month.
In the meantime, I’m so excited at the outcome of the mag and would like to congratulate Michele and her team for all their efforts to make the first issue the success that it is. Of course, the social influencer in me is thrilled the magazine is available online for my everyone who didn’t get their hands on it or who is around the world … here’s your chance to read it: Curvy SA Issue One
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour

























