Candy and Gloss https://candyandgloss.com Explore my thoughts, experiences, and insights on life, travel, and personal growth. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and inspiration. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:37:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Meet the Creative Lead https://candyandgloss.com/03/2026/meet-the-creative-lead/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:36:55 +0000 https://candyandgloss.com/?p=1195

In today’s fast-paced online environment, where information floods in like a barrage of chatter and clatter, KANDYSLAYS is a quarterly editorial publication that features carefully crafted articles. I have a strong desire for my voice to have a platform, and I’m convinced that online moments should feel consciously refined.

The mission is to deliver content that builds credibility and community. Crafted in-house based on first hand experiences, it goes beyond simple story writing. We present thought-provoking articles, engaging profiles, and insightful commentary addressing social issues with sincerity. Our platform will be highlighting personal narratives and future insights conversations from a range of voices, including guest writers and thought leaders from licensed third party articles. Aside from entertainment, we strive to inform and cultivate connections through lived exposure.

Value lies in vocabulary.

Venture is the vision.

Voice has vibration.

Is it view or vanity?

The cadence answers the question.

Say no to gloomy vibes, KANDYSLAYS has dropped!

Q: How did I become who I am today?

Losing my parents at a young age has shaped the events of my life, and as I’ve grown, my lived experiences have made me the person I am today. Growing up,  I didn’t have the luxury of a typical childhood or a safe platform to explore who I was. I stand as not only my own foundation, support system, and advocate, but also a professional skilled in performing arts, creative direction, pastry making, and digital marketing.”

Despite all changes and challenges, one thing stays constant: my ability to make a lasting impression. What carried me through was a quiet but persistent knowing that my voice mattered. Even when everything else felt uncertain, I felt a pull toward being seen, heard, and understood. That instinct became my compass. Over time, it expressed itself through imagination, performance, and aesthetics, long before I had a language for what I was doing. I desire to be remembered not only for what people see online but also for inspiring new thoughts and feelings in others.

Q: What sets me apart?

I believe in rewriting the rules, pushing boundaries, and thinking outside the box. I am exceptionally multi-talented, with a combination of skills that includes critical thinking, problem solving, communication, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. These skills go beyond my natural abilities, making me versatile. Having exceptional talent allows me to use my strengths to make a meaningful contribution in any setting, whether it’s personal, professional, or artistic.

For a while, creative writing stayed in the background. Then, it suddenly came back. It’s a gift I put aside many years ago, not because I lost interest, but because I was growing and changing. I needed time to explore other things and learn more about myself beyond just writing. As a Maisha Film Lab alumni, I have hands-on experience in creative writing and direction. I also bring professional skills in performance arts, including film, theater, and digital marketing. Returning to creative writing feels like reconnecting with an old part of myself.

This new branding is rooted in that return.

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YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS.
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Ya’ll – The Art of Discernment https://candyandgloss.com/03/2026/the-art-of-discernment/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:08:03 +0000 https://candyandgloss.com/?p=903

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘discernment’ as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” In simpler terms, it refers to the ability to see, understand, and judge situations or information clearly, moving beyond the obvious to make informed decisions. This skill involves distinguishing truth from falsehood and differentiating between what is good and what is best. It often requires insight, perceptiveness, and mental sharpness to evaluate motives and context effectively.

At a personal level, discernment is wisdom in practice. It means knowing the difference between intuition and impulse. This wisdom stems from insight, life experiences, and learned knowledge. As individuals and as a collective, discernment grows when we seek God’s guidance and will clearly.

Discernment is about making sound judgments in a complex world. It is a balanced approach that rejects suspicion and blind optimism. It also involves recognizing  that your perceptive is just one of many truths. This skill is valuable yet often underrated during awakening.

The Relationship Between Self-awareness and Psychosis?

Eyes will not see when the heart wishes them to be blind.” – Seneca. Each of us holds a deep well of spirit. Spirit is the non-physical part of us. It’s our inner life force, linking us to connecting to something greater. It includes our emotions, character, and sense of meaning. These elements guide us on our journey, whether we see it or not. When our spiritual senses come alive, we form a stronger bond with the Almighty.

Psychosis is marked by a disconnection from reality. It often feels tormenting, like being aware during a painful surgery. In contrast, awakening is enlightening. It brings a sense of resurrection, positivity, and change. These two experiences can be confused because they share some symptoms.

It is important to tell the two apart, as they may appear similar on the surface but can lead to entirely different outcomes. Both experiences embody contrasting yet often intertwined stages of personal growth, which collectively shape the transformative journey of an individual. If anything, each path ultimately bring us back to ourselves. The ability to distinguish between these two experiences shapes a soul’s journey.

It is important to tell the two apart, as they may appear similar on the surface but can lead to entirely different outcomes. Both experiences embody contrasting yet often intertwined stages of personal growth, which collectively shape the transformative journey of an individual. If anything, each path ultimately bring us back to ourselves. Unresolved traumas and the ability to distinguish between these experiences sharp a person’s journey.

Why it matters?

Discernment is crucial as it serves as a foundational virtue at the heart of the sanctity of divine creation. It embodies the belief that all human life is inherently sacred and deserving of deep respect, as it is created in the image and likeness of God. Discernment allows us to move beyond distorted thinking, such as “I’m right, you’re wrong” or “I’m good, you’re bad.” It is a cognitive skill that can be learned and developed, closely linked to critical thinking and careful evaluation. Improving our judgment is essential for effectively navigating everyday life.

Increasingly, we are encouraged to see judgment as a negative behavior to be avoided. This viewpoint fosters a narrative where people consider themselves ‘righteous’ and others as ‘wrongful.’ Judgment often fails when we can’t view situations objectively, typically due to emotional ties that make it challenging to maintain a healthy distance. Genuine discernment does not require condemnation. Discernment is essential because it helps us understand that people often fear what they cannot explain. Ultimately, it’s all for the benefit of others. However, we have the power to choose who gets access to your light.

At the beginning of the journey, we often encounter a vast amount of misinformation. In this openness, our minds can quickly become overwhelmed by new influences and material that have the potential to shape new perceptions and behaviors. Not everyone who talks about holiness or claims to have deep spiritual insight really lives it. Out of curiosity, we might look for people who seem connected to their spirit or religion, but some use their awareness to manipulate others, and we might feel like we need to adopt their beliefs and practices. When making important big decisions, discernment invites us to pause and ask ourselves: “Is this a good door? Is this an open door? Is this a wise door? Is this a door I want?” – Four doors of discernment from Intentional Catholic Parenting.

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Absence of discernment, collapse of foresight.

Have you ever wondered why everything starts feeling a bit too real once your third eye opens? The issue isn’t with the eye being open; it’s that you haven’t established terms or boundaries for your energy. Here’s the truth that many people don’t realize: once your third eye is activated, you can’t just turn it off, no matter how much you might want to. It can be overwhelming at first, but over time, it gets easier. Keep in mind that resisting this experience may lead to feelings of psychosis.

Genuine transformation relies on self-knowledge and practical wisdom. This journey invites us to look inward, connect with our inner selves and level up the mindset. It reminds us that growth requires new perspectives, and our understanding deepens with each step we take. The path demands the courage to recognize and embrace its cynical nature, offering us boundless opportunities for renewal and choice. While many paths are available, it is crucial to listen to the one that resonates the most with you. As we progress, the skill of discernment becomes imperative.

For most of life, a quiet and special part of that light remained hidden, present all along but never fully seen. It was always there, gentle and timid, but I’m becoming more confident about sharing it. I don’t remember much of my childhood – it’s mostly a blur. I’m surprised when people can recall their primary school classmates in such detail. Now days, things are different, and I can honestly say I’m closer than ever to being who I’m meant to be. What started as small, intimate moments of self-awareness has grown into purposeful work. As I move forward, every space I occupy and every story I share will come from this awareness. The present feels earned, real, and deeply alive.

In conclusion;

When discernment is present, the journey becomes less about arriving at a singular truth and more about learning how to see through our own blindness. In that clarity, we understand that awareness is ever-expanding, representing a continuous process of growth and discovery. This lived experience has instilled in me a quiet determination and a profound understanding that presence is not given; it is earned.

The work is complete; now, the tale-telling begins, ignited by curiosity.

We all know someone who is trying to make sense of things.

Tap on link & Do share with them.

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Rob Rausch; Housewife Slayer! https://candyandgloss.com/03/2026/rob-rausch-the-housewife-slayer/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:51:45 +0000 https://candyandgloss.com/?p=901

All images in this article remain the property of their original owners, including The TraitorsUS and GQ Instagram platforms. They are used here strictly for editorial commentary purposes only, with no intention of copyright infringement.

Robert Rausch is a 27-year-old reality-TV star known for winning The Traitors (U.S., Season 4) and for his appearances on Love Island USA Season 6. In The Traitors contestants split into two secret groups: Faithfuls and Traitors. Only the Traitors know each another, while everyone else has to guess. Each day the group debates on who they think is a traitor and votes to banish someone. Each night, the Traitors secretly “murder” a Faithful, Taking them out of the game.

The game heavily relies on perception, behavior and persuasion. Rob Rausch and others engage in a tense social cheese match, competing for a prize pot of $220,800.

Rob Rausch is known for his unique mix of charm and restraint. He goes by the nickname “Rob the Snake Charmer,” a nod to his work as a snake wrangler in Alabama, U.S. He is one of the Four original Traitors, along with Lisa Rinna, Candiace Dillard Basset, and Donna Kelce, the show’s first-ever “secret traitor.” His calm demeanor set him apart as a key strategist. Now, he is seen as one of the most compelling Traitors in the show’s history.

In shows like The Real Housewives, dominance comes from charisma and confrontation. The housewives know how to use emotional leverage. They shine and in confessionals and escalates conflict easily. They turn emotion into airtime.

On The Traitors, though, those strengths can actually work against you. Being visible makes people suspicious, coming on too strong emotionally can seem like you’re trying to manipulate them, and saying too much can give away your plan. Rob took a different approach. He kept his cool under pressure, gave short and thoughtful answers without clamming up. While traitors Lisa and Candiace played strong and expressive games, it was Rob’s strategy that drew attention to them. This led to their banishment by the faithfuls.

From a viewer’s POV, this twist is intriguing. It feels subversive to see Rob stay emotionally detached all season. His gameplay seemed nearly flawless, making him deserving of the win. Lisa Rinna, usually vibrant, raised suspicion among the faithfuls by being unusually quiet, although Rob didn’t need to attack her strongly at the round table because she was already on a sinking ship. Candiace, in contrast, played confidently but lacked discernment. This hurt her strategic foresight. If she had voted more decisively instead of casting a “throwaway vote,” she might have stayed in control long enough to defeat Rob.

At the key round table that led to Lisa’s banishment, Candiace had a chance to change her strategy. On an episode of The Traitors podcast, she said Rob’s actions revealed his true character. Earlier, Rob had voted to banish Lisa, but she remained, forcing him to apologize. When he voted for Lisa again, his intentions became clear. In that moment, Candiace saw Rob as not just a Traitor, but also an untrustworthy snake. With this new insight, she could have voted for Natalie Anderson, who seemed like the obvious choice. Instead, Candiace took it personally and voted for Rob. As a traitor herself, she knew how naïve the Season 4 Faithfuls were. Angering Rob was not a smart move at that moment.

Let’s think back to that night in the turret. Candiace had the chance to recruit an ally instead of killing Colton Underwood. This choice was swayed by Rob’s manipulation. Big mistake! Instead, she could have recruited a new team member like Kristen Kish, who might be less likely to fall for Rob’s charm. With a reliable partner, Candiace could have plotted to banish Rob. Naturally, Colton would follow, as he was Rob’s right-hand man. She could have done all this without raising suspicion. The finale was within reach. However, poor judgment and rash choices led to missed chances, and the snake wrangler slithered through.

The rest of the episodes felt different without Lisa or Candiace. Rob truly robbed us of a satisfying game ending.

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The Finale: Looking back

Mark Ballas (Dancer & choreographer) – Not great at being faithful, but very entertaining on social media.

Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski (Olympic figure skaters) – Came across as the seasons’ personality hires rather than strategic drivers. To their credit, they did eventually identify the two remaining Traitors, but it took the entire season to get there, and even then fell short to the final.

Eric Nam ( K-pop singer-songwriter) – Loud and wrong all season. In the end, Rob and Maura banished him.

Maura Higgins (TV personality). Maura hosted the Aftersun show on Love Island. She observed Rob act emotionally intelligently but also be emotionally unavailable. Still, she didn’t stop to think that she was being played at any given moment. It’s very much giving “I feel like you’re just here for the zipline.”

If nothing else, 1. she came in second place. 2. her glam and outfits “ate”. 3. she secured a Birkin bag.

Rob Rausch (TV personality). Rob won the entire prize pot solo because he was playing the game. I don’t know what anyone else was doing, but he did his big one up there and he sent three home in his overalls, and that was pretty ironic.

Tap on link & share in the group chat if you want! Or don’t, we won’t judge.

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Meet Kandy – Goals in Motion https://candyandgloss.com/03/2026/goals-in-motion-introducing-kandy/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:47:40 +0000 https://candyandgloss.com/?p=899 Anitah Kahunde

Hey, How do you do?

The name is Anitah Kahunde, also known as “Kandy”, which is similar to the word “Candy” but with a “K”, and is short for “Kahunde”. Kahunde is a traditional female name among the Tooro and Bunyoro Kingdoms of Uganda. It comes from the word “hunda,” which is commonly associated with producing or bringing forth, and is sometimes linked to the phrase “Kahunde kókuhunda,” referring to a woman who brings beauty and makes things shine.

Every frame is a glimpse of goals in motion and ambition that speaks for itself. Long before crafting captivating stories, she honed her baking skills, she effortlessly secured student visas, and yes, she relies on her killer instincts.

Kandy slays!

Countless people dream of a perfect life free from responsibilities as a way to escape harsh realities. Kandy is no longer one of them. She chose a different path. Instead of dreaming, she began setting clear goals in place. After all, anybody can say “I want,” but only successful goal-setters understand that it takes more than an imaginary mind to turn dreams into a subjective reality.

Kandyslays.com is a creative entertainment hub for bold self-expression through engaging editorial content. The vision is to create a vibrant canvas for wearable stories and a relatable lifestyle that is thoughtful and strong enough to leave a lasting impression. Whimsical in blush.

Kandy shines!

Innovation thrives when bold moves, fresh ideas, and open minds come together. When courageous souls explore new possibilities, creativity is unleashed. For her, influence without depth simply isn’t enough. As a visionary with an adventurous spirit, she take pride in sharing her insights to empower others.

Kandy found her footing, but it took her a while to see and appreciate what made her unique. Since then, she’s come to understand that her growth can’t be confined to a single lane, and her personality is far too bold to be stay quiet.

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Kandy stands out!

This transition shows up both in visibility and responsibility. The work now has weight and inspires others to express themselves confidently. It encourages breaking free from expectations instead of just conforming to them. Beauty, charisma, and skill – subtle yet valuable are found in the details.

Kandy has moved from smalls experiments to building a bigger and more visible platform. What started as a quiet exploration has grown into content creation that feels real.

Fun Fact: What’s The Audition?

Did you know there’s a little-known, never widely released short film titled The Audition (2015), directed by Martin Scorsese? With a runtime of just 16 minutes, it stars Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio as fictionalized versions of themselves, traveling through Asia and playfully competing for a role in Scorsese’s next film. Brad Pitt also appears in a brief cameo.

What makes it even more intriguing is its reported budget of around $70 million, despite generating no traditional box office revenue. While details remain somewhat unclear, it’s widely believed to have been produced as a promotional piece for luxury casino resorts in Asia.

This is really fascinating. However, I wish the first edition of kandyslays, also called “The Audition,” had a budget that matched its vision. Despite the limitations, there’s something honest and beautiful about what was created with the available resources. I hope the future editions get the support and funding they need to reach their full potential. It’s exciting to think about what could be achieved.

Kandy has the potential to thrive and achieve greatness. Let’s support her journey to success!

Kandy soars!

Stay tuned.

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International Education – where do you see yourself in the world? https://candyandgloss.com/03/2026/international-education-where-do-you-see-yourself-in-the-world/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:47:07 +0000 https://candyandgloss.com/?p=860 Q: For someone just starting to think about studying abroad, where does it all begin?

It begins with clarity. Not just whereyou want to go, but why. The destination matters, but your intention matters more. Once that’s clear, everything else, country, course, and institution, starts to align more naturally.

Choosing the right country and institution is vital from the start. You require honest insights into what each path truly requires. It goes beyond just paperwork; it’s about grasping what the student experience will entail. This is what stands between a smooth transition and a poor investment.

Q: What do most people get wrong about the process?

It’s not about pushing applications through, it’s about making sure the path you’re choosing actually fits your long-term vision. International education isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for someone else may not work for you. The process requires a good amount of support, not just ambition. The experience has to be an expert guided one from start to finish in a way that actually makes sense. There’s also support with submitting applications, GS & personal statements, English test preparations beyond the paperwork.

Readiness is key. Studying abroad is not just an academic decision, it’s a life shift. You’re stepping into a new environment, new systems, and new ways of thinking. Being mentally and emotionally prepared is just as important as meeting the requirements.

Q: Beyond logistics, what do you think people should consider before taking this step?

For anyone reading this and feeling unsure, you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a starting point and the right guidance. The rest can be built, step by step. It’s easy to get lost in documents and deadlines, but when you understand what’s required and why, it becomes manageable. Focus on making it feel effortless and making sure nothing is left to chance.

Introducing the Private Consultant Pathway.

Anitah wears many hats, but one of her most impactful roles is guiding students through the journey of studying abroad. I studied and graduated in my home country, but totally advocates for international education if you have the means – it’s a quality investment. With over five years in the study abroad industry, I have helped several applicants secure student visas and start new academic journeys. My expertise comes from a strong problem-solving mindset, particularly from navigating the intricate Australian Genuine Student Assessment and DHA student visa guidelines, even though they are complex compared to the UK which has a relatively simpler visa system. My reach is both local and regional, having worked closely with students across West and East Africa, including Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, each with their own stories, goals, and starting points. My consistent high visa success rate speaks to more than experience, it reflects precision, dedication, and a deep commitment to international education.

Looking to move with swift informed execution? I provide a personalized private, personalized one -on-one consultation that will guide you through the complexities by simplifying the challenges one step at a time. Let’s turn the overwhelming into the manageable. Your unique needs are our priority and we ensure transparency in every session.

Think of it as having a third middle hand, someone who absorbs the pressure and eliminates the uncertainty. Let’s streamline entire process so you can focus on the bigger picture. Guidance that feels exclusive and ensures transparency in every session from decision making.

To maintain this level of excellence, intake is intentionally limited to only 9 clients per study cycle. This is a VIP, paid service, selective by design to ensure every client receives top-tier, dedicated support from start to finish.

Tap to register for Sept Intake
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When asked about my best experience so far working in this industry, I would say it was the opportunity I got to attend ICEF Cape Town 2023. I first learned about it through a colleague who described the experience as an exciting and fun adventure. And jeez, it indeed was worth exploring. ICEF is an organisation that brings education institutions, agencies, and sector stakeholders together through structured events and forums.

I met many brilliant people, but three of them made my experience even more special.

A big thank you to Matt Hird for inviting us to dine with him at the Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia – the experience was worth every dime. . Matt is the Chief International Officer at Abbotsholme School.

Another big thank you to Tom Collin who is the regional director of James Cook University, Brisbane campus for Africa & Pacific. I have had the absolute pleasure working with Tom Collin since 2021. Tom is known for his strong work ethic plus we never had to pay for anything in his presence. It really meant a lot to me and my wallet too!

Lastly, I want to mention the wonderful Ms. Eugenia Odame Yeboah, the Business Development Manager for PTE Africa. Our meeting was very productive, especially because the PTE partner test centre in Kigali had closed, which was impacting the market in that region. For some reason, I felt more nervous speaking to her than to anyone else there. Fortunately, everything turned out well and thanks to her efforts, the PTE test centres in Kampala and Kigali were restored.

PS: In the same way the UK offers a relatively simpler visa system, PTE provides a more streamlined approach to formal English testing and preparation.

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