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.

Learning to Respect a Body That Doesn’t Always Feel Lovable

There are days my body feels like a battlefield.Days when getting out of bed is a full-contact sport.Days when nothing fits right, nothing looks right, and my reflection feels like it belongs to someone else — someone heavier, sicker, older, and more broken than the...

“You Don’t Look Disabled”: The Reality of Living with an Invisible Illness

Today, I had a horrible experience in town — and sadly, it’s one that many people with invisible disabilities know all too well. I parked in a disabled bay. I’m allowed to. I live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, degenerative illness that affects me every...

Movement That Heals: The Benefits of Walking in Nature

Some mornings, everything feels heavy. My body aches. My mind spins. The noise of the world — the pressure, the pain, the never-ending to-do lists — builds up. And then I take my dog, Bugsy, and we walk along the river. It’s nothing dramatic. No intense cardio. No...

Nutrition for Real People – The Braai Edition

You haven’t really tasted life until you’ve eaten something that’s been kissed by flame and flipped by someone who calls everyone "dude"—even their dog. That, dear reader, is the essence of the braai. I’ve been standing by a fire for over 30 years, tongs in one hand,...

What Is Spoon Theory? A Simple Way to Understand Chronic Illness and Fatigue

Spoon Theory is a powerful metaphor that helps explain the hidden challenges of chronic illness and fatigue. Here’s what it means — and why it matters to those you love.

What No One Tells You About Being Chronically Ill (That You Need to Hear)

Chronic illness isn’t just fatigue and flare-ups — it’s emotional, invisible, and isolating. Here’s what no one tells you about being chronically ill every day.