Kate + Ginger

I’m sick. And I’m Tired of Pretending It’s Okay.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis isn’t just hard, t’s invisible, misunderstood, and too often dismissed. A raw, emotional look at the reality of MS, how stress impacts it, and what we wish you knew.

Healthwashed: When “Wellness” Drinks Aren’t What They Seem

Thought I was drinking something healthy… turns out I was basically sipping sugar in a silk dress.

My Nervous System Is Not for Public Debate

Yes, I’m venting. But also? I’m done pretending chronic illness is a polite little inconvenience. And you shouldn’t downplay your pain either.

Sudden Shutdowns & Strange Snapbacks

MS and sudden sleepiness? I’m opening up about my strange new episodes, what they might mean, how they’re affecting my life, and how I’m (eventually) navigating another round of scans, fears, and frustrating medical limbo.

I’ve Run Out of F*cks: A Listicle of Petty Grievances

TOWANDA!
I’ve entered my IDGAFEra™. Powered by hormones, chronic pain, and an utter lack of patience, I’ve made peace with the fact that some things (and people) just don’t deserve my energy anymore.

This listicle is my middle finger to loud chewers, unsolicited health advice, and every beige Instagram mom who pretends her toddler doesn’t throw forks.

Kathy Bates rammed a car in a parking lot once, and I’ve never felt more spiritually seen. My time has come.

Rust-en-Vrede Is Under Threat. And So Is Everything It Stands For.

The City of Cape Town is cutting support for Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville. Learn what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can help save this historic cultural landmark.

How I Turned Into a Pot Plant and Suffered My Own Neglect

How I turned into a pot plant and suffered my own neglect™ 🌿
This month’s mood: blanket burrito. This month’s sponsor: definitely not SheWee™ (but it should be).
Bugsy ate something he shouldn’t have. I avoided the dishes and my soul is on a hunger strike.
But hey, the plants are thriving.

Popcorn: Your Low-Key Weight-Loss Weapon?

Discover how plain air‑popped popcorn is a sneaky weight-loss ally; low in calories, high in fiber and antioxidants, with tips on healthy home prep and flavour ideas.

Ubuntu: The Village House

A personal adoption story becomes a parable for South Africa’s unfinished rainbow, spiced with an Ubuntu stew anyone can share.

Why Do We Keep Needing Permission to Rest?

We live in a culture where burnout is a badge of honour. Where busy-ness is virtue, exhaustion is currency, and rest is treated like dessert, a sugary reward after you’ve swallowed the meat and bones of your suffering.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: rest is not a reward. It’s a right.

Kate

I’ve spent two decades navigating chronic illness, mental health, and self-recovery. This blog is where I share what’s real—no perfection, just honesty, growth, and community. You’re not alone here.

Dreams, IUDs, and a Digital Aunty: Notes From a Tired Brain

Call me old-fashioned, but I want to hug the people I love. Not just double-tap their faces on a screen.

Weight Isn’t the Enemy. Silence Is.

We’ve avoided the weight convo because it’s messy, painful, and loaded with shame. But not talking about it hasn’t helped. So let’s start telling the truth and stop treating our bodies like a problem to solve.

Fatigue, Bugs, and a Midday Nap I’ll Never Get

A doctor once explained it like this: if someone without a chronic illness wants to understand what MS fatigue feels like, they’d need to stay awake and upright for three days straight. Then try to function like a normal human. That’s the starting line.

The Soft Life Isn’t Lazy: Why Rest Guilt Is a Lie We Need to Unlearn

Feel guilty for resting? You’re not broken. Here’s why choosing the soft life isn’t lazy, it’s a revolutionary act of healing and resistance.

Aging Like a Woman: The Invisibility Spell They Cast at 40

A raw, honest take on how the anti-aging industry and societal beauty standards conspire to make women over 40 feel invisible, and why it’s time we burn the spellbook.

The Quiet Feels Different Without Bugs

My dog, Bugsy, is at my mum’s this weekend. He’s being absolutely spoiled, no doubt about that. She’s probably made him scrambled eggs and is reading him bedtime stories while feeding him snacks off a Royal Doulton plate. He’s living the high life. I know he’s happy. I know she adores having him. And he loves her too.