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.

What to Do After a Life-Changing Diagnosis: A Letter From Someone Who Gets It

You’ve just heard the words. Maybe you were in a sterile office with a doctor who looked serious. Maybe you were alone. Maybe someone was sitting next to you, holding your hand—but the moment still felt isolating.

How to Pause Before Reacting — Especially in Arguments or Stressful Moments

Let’s be real: when someone pushes your buttons, mindfulness is usually the last thing on your mind. You want to lash out, shut down, defend yourself, or run for cover. I know that feeling very well. For years, my reactions ran the show — and let me tell you, it...

Real Self-Care: The Stuff That Actually Makes a Difference

Let’s talk about self-care. It’s a buzzword we hear all the time—usually alongside pictures of candles, fancy bath bombs, and someone blissfully sipping tea while wrapped in an overpriced weighted blanket. And while all of those things can be part of self-care (no...

The Wonders of Ginger: A Small Root with Big Benefits

Ginger—it’s that fiery little root that’s been spicing up dishes and soothing ailments for centuries. Whether you’re tossing it into a stir-fry, steeping it in tea, or blending it into a smoothie, this powerhouse of a plant is as versatile as it is beneficial. If...

Self-Care That Actually Works: No Candles or Bubble Baths Required

Yes—self-care has become a buzzword, often reduced to bubble baths, expensive skincare, and perfectly curated “wellness” routines on social media. But self-care isn’t just about face masks and herbal tea. It’s about taking care of yourself in ways that actually make a...