There is something truly powerful about believing in a life that you cannot yet see. For me, the journey of manifesting started at a very young age. Even as a child, I knew I wanted a life that was different. I couldn't always explain it, but I carried a deep feeling that there was more waiting for me beyond what I could see in front of me.

As many of you know, behind every Skinny Makoti recipe, foodie adventure, and late-night content brainstorm is my number one cheerleader, chief taste tester, personal chef, and partner in crime the one and only Skinny Chef. Today, I thought it would be fun to switch things up and put him in the hot seat! From his love language served on a plate to the little moments that make our relationship so special, we're diving into the world of the man who keeps me well-fed, well-loved

But while I was curled up sipping warm remedies and trying to recover, I found myself doing something else too… observing people. Really observing them. The conversations. The energy. The behaviour. The attitudes. And honestly Skinny Mamas… I caught myself shaking my head up, down, left, right and centre thinking: “WHAT THE HECK GURRRLS?!”

Lately, I’ve also been listening to my body a lot more carefully. Paying attention to the little aches and pains that were never there before. The tiredness. The tension. The heaviness. Naturally, I started doing a bit of research, trying to understand where all of this was coming from… and honestly Skinny Mama’s, it made me realize that some habits are simply not meant to follow us into the next chapter of our lives.

This week reminded me that if you want the bonsai to keep growing, you cannot forget to water it. You have to shape it, nurture it, protect its beauty and continue showing up for it intentionally. Love is exactly the same.

my life. My moment. My forever beginning. And just like that… I said yes. 💍Hey Hey ,Skinnies, today I have something special for all of you! I am sharing a piece of my heart, a piece of my happiness. Something called true love. He popped the question on the 28th of March 2026… and honestly, I had no clue. It still feels like a dream I’m slowly waking up from one of those moments you replay over and over because it feels too perfect to be real.

Skinny Makoti Method. So grab your dumbbells… and let’s get started. “Skinny” is what people see. But strength, discipline, and energy that’s what I live. I was born in the Klein Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet a place known for its beauty, simplicity, and deep cultural roots. Growing up, our meals were built on staples: bread, maize, and heavy starch-based dishes. It was what we knew. It was what we were fed.

Hey Skinnies, let me formally introduce myself! I go by the name SHADRE LEONARD . I hail from the Eastern Cape — born in Graaf-Reinet , bred in Uitenhage (also known as The Hage ), better known to you all today as Kariega . AKA — I am The Skinny Makoti . Let’s just say the journey has begun! I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t have a finish line. It’s a lifestyle. A mindset. A quiet rebellion against stagnation. My journey hasn’t been linear, and it definitely hasn’t