Monday, August 20, 2012

These are a few of my favourite things



Thought I would take a moment to reflect on some things I enjoy ..............

Music & singing loudly in the car (even better when the kids join in)
Photos (although sometimes I am so in the moment, I forget to pull the camera out..I'm working on this one)
Beautiful cookbooks or rather books of any kind. Actual paper, texture, photography, fonts - words
new kitchenware of any kind (recent purchases are a new mix master and some lovely bowls)
fresh flowers
Architecture & design
D&M conversations - I love heart to hearts, take these any day over small talk, yes!
Gift buying - I love to be savvy, stick to a budget and purchase gifts for my loved ones that I know they will enjoy. I don't like to buy if I feel I am obligated to.
Chunky silver jewellery
Fresh clean foods
Wearing perfume daily
Watching movies or TV shows that inspire  - true test, Do I get goosebumps? 
A view and a breeze
stationary
Exercising.. learning what my body is capable of and testing it that little bit more each time
Brown paper packages tied up with string (yes, I adore packaging)

 - these are a few of my favourite things

Of course I realise that a lot of these things are of material value, I relish in the attention to detail and the appreciation of surrounding myself with things that I love and the pure enjoyment of learning what you like and dislike. We have so many choices flashed before our eyes and ears daily -it is up to us to filter all of this, and learn what we really like - all in the discovery of knowing who we really are, giving ourselves permission to change and evolve and doing what we love.

When we truly identify these details, we start to become our self.

Drink in your details and enjoy

 x



Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Winter Wonderland

Life is busy, yes?
Even when times are quiet (a version quite different from my single days)  and in transition, life is busy with four kids and a hubby at home and all that that involves.

Lately I have been feeling a little unsettled. This usually happens around this time of year and usually I find there are changes that come around my birthday in September.  I'm not sure exactly why, but my history shows this is the way. Time for tweaking and seeing what fruit will blossom.

Soccer season is drawing to an end, so with three boys, three training sessions and three games that are nearing the end of season,  this will free up a substantial block of time and I am looking forward to the next chapter and having our weekends back for a while.

I have been making a conscious effort lately to really play with the kids. Really play and be present. Not an easy task when there are so many distractions. So simple and so rewarding. Hide and seek - the look on Miss Lulu's face when she finds me is just priceless and chasey is the best exercise and often leaves me breathless. All our kids really want is US and shared time together. A good thing for me to remember.

It has been quite chilly in our neck of the woods lately,  down to -1!!!  The days have been full of clear blue skies and quite magnificent and once the morning warms up, it has been delightful to soak up some sun. Perfect weather to take a day road trip on a Sunday or enjoy a picnic. We've been spending a lot of time at various skate parks, bmxing and scooter trails.

I love lapping up the seasons. We have a garden of trees and I love the deciduous ones that really capture Winter and allow the sun to peak through.

Although there is no snow to be seen, and I can often be seen in thongs, I love jumpers, scarves, stockings and boots, throw rugs on the couch, stews and casseroles for dinner. It definitely is a season of comfort.

One thing that hubby and I have been indulging in of late is eBay. Yes, I know, we are extremely slow at starting this buying and selling market. I've looked before but have never been inspired to purchase until now. This week we have vintage suitcases and vintage scout belts being delivered. There's is something wonderful about purchases on line and receiving the parcels by post. I have been a long time customer of on-line stores, especially groceries and madeit.com.au. The convenience for busy lives and the joy of mail other than bills - Win/Win!!!   Long live Australia Post!

I am loving all things vintage.  This month I have purchased some funky cutlery, some 1920's style heels and a typewriter.  I was thrilled to learn you can still buy the ribbons for them. This is something that truly inspires my love of print, my love of fonts and my love of words. I'm thinking homemade cards and gift tags.

Currently we are facing hospitals.  My Mum has just come out of hospital after a three week stay and my Mother in-law is currently in with back surgery taking place and my Father in-law recovering from major surgery.  I am constantly being reminded on our health, our fitness and looking after ourselves. Never to be underestimated in my books or taken for granted, EVER!!

Today I am thankful for the days of sunshine, my little girl's constant conversation and budding personality, 12month leases, lemon water, vitamins, my boys enthusiasm for their soccer, being Australian, inspired watching the Olympics, London 2012, my husband's health slowly improving and medical services in our lucky country -

YES, we are blessed.