What I… Jacqui from One Messy Mama

This week we meet One Messy Mama… aka Jacqui. She is a mom to 4 kids aged 5, 4, 3 and 1!!! And a few months ago their family emigrated from South Africa to the USA.

Read on to find out more about her and her journey…

What I…

Know

I know that I am loved. I have an amazing, thoughtful and supporting husband, and 4 wonderful, energetic and ultimately cool kids! Yes, I often say this, but this is one of the surest things in my life. I am incredibly grateful for my family! I know that the world needs a little more kindness. It sounds so cliché. But I was once shown a real kindness, and it truly changed my life. I try to live a life where I reciprocate that kindness wherever and whenever I can. I know that life is short and we need to take every opportunity to enjoy it, be grateful for it, and sometimes take those risks we feel tugging at our hearts. Who knows… It might lead to somewhere great! I know that parenting is hard, hence the reason I started my blog. I have loved every moment along this new journey!

Love

Besides my family (which I totally just gushed about above) I love trying out new restaurants and different flavours. I’m such a foody! I love a good Pinotage! Particularly Diemersfontein. My husband and I sit down every evening as soon as the house is quiet. We pour ourselves a “sundowner” and chat about our days. Sometimes we try solve the world’s problems, sometimes we just try solve our own… not sure which we’re better at:) I love running, and I always try to fit at least a short run into my day. Even though it does sometimes take a back seat to swimming in the creek, popsicle licking, and other summer fun. I love South Africa! And I miss it terribly! Nothing beats a lamb chop on the braai, accompanied by an ice cold Savanna, and much more.

Read

I’m a little obsessed with Psychological thrillers (perhaps obsessed is not the best choice of words to describe an affinity for Psych thrillers, but hey, true is true). I suppose this stems from my studies in Criminology and Behavioural Science. I’m also a hopeless romantic and thoroughly enjoy a good Historical Romance. Some of my favourite authors are Kathy Reichs (from the Bones TV series), Stephen King (insert evil laugh), Dean Koontz, and ­ on the lighter side ­Tracie Peterson, Lesley Pearce, and Lauraine Snelling. I’m a bit of a book hoarder I suppose;)

Want

World Peace and a crown… Ok, now you know I’m kidding… Although that would be great! Every parent wants a positive environment for their children. That’s what I want. That and also that my children will have every opportunity to achieve whatever dreams they have. Teaching them that kindness is a choice, and that it should be made everyday! I hope I parent well enough that my children will always choose good! I want to one day be back in South Africa, with my family and friends, sitting around the braai laughing like we always do.

Wear

I’m a super casual person. I’m normally in jeans and sneakers or sandals. Maybe yoga pants! Although on occasion I do get dressed up. Being a stay at home mom of 4, it’s just easier. Especially with all the domestic responsibilities and chores that come with a household of 6… You won’t see me dusting and scrubbing toilets in Louis Vuittton!!

Need

A romantic island holiday, coconuts and all… for my husband and I. Any givers:)

Images: Jacqui Bester

Kathryn Rossiter

Kathryn is a South African lifestyle blogger and mom of 2 who has been blogging daily for almost 7 years! She writes about travel, health, beauty, fashion, decor and family... but not food (unless it's food she's eaten made by someone else) as she is a hopeless cook. She only wakes up early for 2 things... a red-eye flight to somewhere exotic and early morning game drives. She has just finished an extensive home renovation and would prefer to never see another box again. She's never met a chocolate or glass of bubbles that she didn't like!