movement

The latest Lorna Jane bootcamp, I believe is one of the most positive actions to come of the Move Nourish Believe campaign yet. In checking my emails this evening I came across the Believe Bootcamp. It's all about self-love and quelling the incessant, insistent destructive voice of the ego that is more than often, ever present in young women today. We are consumed by comparison, stress and self-loathing, and it is truly about time we put that to rest. Realistically, this can be a little easier said than done. But if it's something that you know is about time you conquered - here is a great place to start.

Thoughts become things. This is also a little something I like to have sent to my inbox every weekday. Sometimes a little unbiased perspective and a pick-me-up is all you need to centre yourself.

{image courtesy of Lorna Jane}

in the summertime

... when the weather is fine, you can reach right up and touch the sky - or straight for the peppermint oil.

This little bottle of liquid gold is essential to the hot summer days we're experiencing here in Brisbane right now. A dab on the nape of your neck and temples and you are instantly one cool cucumber. 

Refreshing, and all natural.

{young living}

i am grateful

I've thought it's about time to share some of my photos taken for the I am grateful challenge. It's funny (and a little cliche perhaps) how the simplest things really do bring you the most happiness. From the blessing of embarking on a brand new day, to picking veggies of an evening - for these simple pleasures you have to be grateful.

Morning : Waking to a Brand New Day #iamgrateful

Purchase : a box of mystery goodies from The Fancy #iamgrateful

Food : These delicious lo-carb protein bars. The perfect office snack! #iamgrateful

Routine : Picking up the BF, admiring the subtle festivities of Riparian Plaza #iamgrateful

Warmth : amazing phonecalls from my cousin Casey Staar #iamgrateful

Food : Sweet sister time. Priceless. #iamgrateful

Quiet time : Finishing The Book Thief #iamgrateful

Routine : Our first 'big'harvest #iamgrateful

Gift : Sunshine yellow lillies, from the Boyf. #iamgrateful

Weakness : Movember lasted a little longer than expected. Loves it. #iamgrateful

Excitement : Receiving more snail mail from the North Pole. #iamgrateful

Experience : My workspace. Flowers, art & design. #iamgrateful

Counting blessings.

Next instalment to come soon.

Happy Friday

X

stepping it up

Life is good. Life is busy, and the momentum is increasing.

Creative wise, life wise.

This Lady's gotta keep in shape.

Vintage anatomical love.

{sourced via google}

delicious

March 21 : Photo-A-Day

Delicious

read this

It's not an eating-disorder feeding brainwash - it's a no-B.S. reality check on the world around you. There is SO much we don't know... about everything really, but what you put into that body of yours deserves a voice, a warrant and the all-clear.

You don't have to go crazy-veganesque if you don't think you can - baby steps, and hopefully you'll be more conscious of what you and your consumer dollar supports.

long time, too long

It is true, I shan't deny - it has been too long between posts. And an interesting one at that. Well, in my opinion, a little bit of depth never goes astray right?

Life has been a whirlwind for the last couple of months, full of positives, negatives and the inevitable maybe. There's that defiant saying that 'maybe means no', and unfortunately I'm unable to determine which way this maybe of mine is leaning.

My body's going crazy and my mind refuses to get a full, rested nights sleep six nights out of seven. Joyous. But I can't say all is bad. It simply isn't.

I have reunited with old girlfriends, made wonderful new like-minded friends (where the company is so easy, I love it) and partied a little like it's 1999... or there was never going to be a tomorrow. One of those recovery slash 'moving right-along' phases I think!

I have a great little sister and our friendship has blossomed - we are so similar... yet so very different.

And of course there's my wonderful Ya-Ya's - Jess, Janelle, Wendy, Riham and Casey (my gorgeous cousin). These lovely ladies are my stone. My Hard ROCK café... ready at anytime for a coffee, or a drink - but most importantly a never wavering friendship.

I think I'm at a crossroads where life is poking me in the back... not with a gun, but a particularly sharp fingernail, urging me to make some radical and exciting (or scary) changes. My sea legs have sprouted and the rest of the world is calling, and for the quill and ink yearns to take-off. I have much to do!

Cull the crap, clean out that friend closet (until it's sparkling... ooh a lovely spit shine finish) and take on the things that excite me.

There's a way to go. But I have to persevere.

You, my lovely readers, are probably sitting there going - we've all heard the same speech be-it inside your own head or from someone who cares - my aim is to sort it out. 24 isn't terribly young now is it? Well, it is - but I believe I'm having a mid-20's  semi-crisis.

Time to get a move on.

I guess that's enough depth for you?

I'll leave you with a gorgeous picture of my cousin, Casey (Ya-Ya love) when she was a wee one... before she learnt how to torture me as a child ;) Haha, ahhh.

There's nothing like positive people in your life, with wisdom and understanding. Thankyou for being there cousin. Love.

{image stolen from her twitter}

heart on sleeve

I'm one of those people that wear their heart on their sleeve. It's true, not many moments in my life could deny it. Beit it good or trying times my emotions are tucked in an easy to find pocket, ready at all times.

The last little while has been up and down, and even though my composure comes and goes in waves I know that I've got the heart to turn it around. Finding the balance is my main goal for now. Getting out of bed when the alarm goes off, turning that exhausted grumble into a 'let's take on the day', and learning to make myself happy in most situations. AND more than anything - enjoy life's precious moments with the ones I love. I owe that to myself, and them.

You're probably thinking... where is she going with this post? But what I wanted to do is share these inspiring pictures with you. Ones that have resonated with me today and fit into the picture of  my life right now. I've fallen inlove with the site weheartit, thus these gorgeous images come from here.

It's amazing what little things make you smile and inspire you to be better... in whatever way.

One thing to always remember - whatever your ailment or complex - to keep things in perspective is, you're only human.

But there is always room for improvement. I intend to embark on that improvement journey. Come with?

Here's to waking up happy.

something to remember

and even when they don't want to talk - a hug, a cup of tea or a spot next to them on the couch might be just the tonic.

An organisation that helped me (along with the support and help of immediate others) was Bulimia Help. I understand everyone is unique and your qualms could be incredibly different to mine, but even the smallest effort can make a big difference.

Cue: r u ok?

grounding

It's nice to have a read of something that settles your heart every now and then. I found this on Naturally Nina's blog between saving map artwork corrections this morning.

Five rules for life:

1. Ask for what you want.

Whether it's an upgrade to first class on an airplane or a compliment you are dying to hear, you will be continually surprised at the wonderful things that come from merely asking.

2. Don't ever get a brazilian bikini wax.

Even though you may feel sexier (for about a week), it is not worth the torture.

3. Remember that everyone poops, even Barack Obama and Oprah.

Think about it, and you'll start to view everyone as human - just like you. and realize that you, too, are capable of incredible achievement.

4. Loving someone fully and wholly means loving them exactly as they are today.

You can't change someone because you wouldn't want someone to change you - right?

5. Dancing (no matter what you look like) will almost always make you feel better.

I highly recommend "the robot" because you won't be able to stop yourself from laughing.

Isn't this photo gorgeous?
Do you have rules you live by?

{photo by Patricia Stuever, found here}

another late night

The reason for my late and restless nights of recent have been due to my flu I 'miraculously' caught (Pah!), however, it has given me plenty of time to think when I simply haven't had the energy to do much else. So I'm contemplating on sharing some of my old illustrations with you... should I? I'm not sure. I mean one of the reasons to have an artistically inspired blog would be to promote oneself would you not think? Silly question. Anyway. My aim is to share a few pieces of me with you lovely folk over the next short while. I've also been inspired by the lovely Meet Me At Mike's craft book and may take on a Julie/Julia project in the not too distant futures with craft projects... it's in the pipeline anyway.

Love, like, or otherwise - let me know your thoughts - I've got a thick skin (I think) and would love to know anyway.

Bonsoir X

c'est avril

A late Happy Easter to you all.

Unfortunately during the course of the weekend I managed to pick up a flu bug and so have been quite ill since I've been back. Boo, I know.

Today I'm at home working on a few home projects and must-do things, whilst watching Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with the wee sis and my friend Kirsten. Trying not to pass on my illness all the while.

Above is the new desktop wallpaper I downloaded from Design*Sponge for the month of April. Although the weather has been quite warm here in Brisbane today, the bouts of chilliness prove that autumn has definitely arrived... I can't wait for the real winter wooliness to begin.

Have a happy, healthy Thursday.

I'm off to finish my piping hot tea.

X

comfort craving

At the moment, I am craving the comforts of home.

This time last year, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life, and I found sanctuary at my parents home in Inverell - the house I grew up in. I spent my time with my family - Mum, Dad, Amy and Spitfire (Michael was off and flying with the RAAF), read books, marvelled at the new synthetic hockey field (I only wish it was there when I grew up) and enjoyed the crisp mornings outside conjuring concepts for my university assignments. Afternoon walks with Spitfire and helping Mum around the house, movies with Amy and hanging with Dad at night - always with a topical conversation.

My childhood best friend, Jasmine, made the time at home much more special aswell, with chats that seemed to go forever and never run out of steam, coffees and lunch dates, dinners at our family homes, books, books and more books - The Dust Jacket and Out The Back being our favourite haunts. We hadn't lived in Inverell together since we were 12 and 13 years old. Back then, we 'lived in each other's pockets' (as our Mother's would say), and it felt like we just picked up where we left off. I am so grateful for her friendship and to have her as a significant part of my life again.

I'm in a different place right now, and have been for some time. Each day taking steps for a brighter tomorrow. Living with my little sister Amy (fresh out of school), here in Brisbane, by the river in a cute and cosy two bedroom unit. Full of all the comforts that make this my new home. I am so lucky for all I have - a fabulous flatmate and gorgeous little sister, friends that have proven to stand the test of time and a Boyfriend that puts the icing on my cake - keeping me laughing, even when I want to be angry because he's thrown my cushions all over the room. Grinning from ear to ear with a frown seems to erupt into laughter, even at the most serious of times.

Feeling rather sentimental today. Definitely ready to curl up with the rain pitter-pattering on my window, a good book and a glass of Shiraz Cabernet. This is very possible once home from work. Follwed by a cup of Earl Grey.

Today, I have decided to pick up Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. This novel reminds me of school (my Year 12 Extension English studies), home and the movie I bought in Inverell, The Jane Austen Book Club. This movie may be responsible for starting The Book Club Janelle and I established in 2009, and so I think it's about time I read a 'classic'.

The image below is a book I came across in my googling today, The Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Great Writers On Why We Read Jane Austen by Susannah Carson, and one I'm quite interested in with contributions from the likes of Virginia Woolf and many more. The model in the image seems completely absorbed in the book and the pastel colours along with the traditional vintage cover design, plucks a few of my heart strings this afternoon - and I simply had to include it.

I am waffling, and I best get back to work. I have much to do, followed by a therapeutic late afternoon of cake decorating, baking and Austen, Boyfriend and Sister.

Love, if only for your patience in reading my waffles.

X

worth your time

Something to remember. You can always help, be an ear, a helping hand, a shoulder or just a good chat. A movie-goer, a cupcake maker, a Sunday jogging buddy.

http://www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/how_to_support