July's I Heart is going to be quite spectacular. Have a peek at the brochure for all the extended dates and times...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
California Here I Come
This little bird is about to fly the nest and has never felt more ready.
I’ve never been a person to let grass grow under my feet, and I have the combination of an adventurous spirit and a severe case of wanderlust to blame for this.
Last year I explored my freedom with two trips overseas, and now, in a few short months, lots of overweight luggage and I will be relocating to the USA. I have planned to live there for a year, but this newfound spontaneous attitude of mine may see me staying for quite a bit longer. Gosh, I’m sounding like a real gypsy, but I promise I’m not nomadic (Okay, maybe just a little.)
I’ve heard it been said by folks older and wiser than I who have already walked far down this path of life, that being young is a special thing. You are given a window of opportunity that doesn’t last forever, but if you seize enough of your moments you can make this time of life unforgettable and full of memories you’ll think back on when you sit knitting in your rocking chair one day.
The idea of a white-picket fence life has never tickled my fancy in the least. I could think of nothing worse than always colouring in between the lines of life, playing it safe and getting to the end of the road with pockets full on unfulfilled dreams and unlived adventures.
They say that you will always regret the things that you didn’t do, rather than the ones you did, and I am no fan of regrets, no sir.
So, I have decided to throw my caution to the wind and allow my heart to lead me into my future. I have mountains of dreams begging to be fulfilled and eyes that want to see the world.
My going to California is not just me acting on a whim, but has actually been a deep desire in my heart for over two years. In a country town called Redding, there is a church called Bethel where God is doing incredible things. There at Bethel they do a ‘School of Supernatural Ministry’ that has my name written all over it. When I first heard about the school, I prayed that one day the Lord would open a door for me to go and become a student. He’s a good listener, the best there is, and he heard every single prayer, even the ones I didn’t pray. A series of amazing God-ordained events has made it possible for me to go and live out possibly one of the biggest dreams that have ever had a home in this heart of mine. I feel like the luckiest girl alive.
Everyone has dreams but only a few will give up anything to chase them. I’ve always wanted to be among this minority, and here I am, weeks away from the greatest adventure of my life to date. I’ve had butterflies in my tummy for about a month. The excitement gets unbearable at times ; )
I am going to carry on blogging from America and will probably start a little ‘California Diaries’ section of this online journal to keep anyone who is interested up-to-date with my comings, goings and new experiences in the land of the famous, home of the beautiful.
I have got mountains of things to get done before I go. Think: Visas, accommodation organisation, health insurance, not to mention deciding what to pack (that is where my stress levels start to skyrocket), but its all part of the experience I guess. I am also in faith for more financial provision to make this dream a reality, but I don’t doubt for a split second that Jesus has got my back.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Herbed Hummus
I've decided to start a 'Recipes' section on my blog, mostly so that I can keep track of all the delish food findings I come across on the web, along with my own personal favourite conctions that are tried, tasted and adored. I am a bit of a 1950's housewife at heart, so cooking and baking need to be a featured on my blog me thinks.
Starting off with recipe number 1, we have a healthy, easy to make snack found on the 'Food Coma' blog via the Frankie Magazine Newsletter.
Recipe: Herbed Hummus
Starting off with recipe number 1, we have a healthy, easy to make snack found on the 'Food Coma' blog via the Frankie Magazine Newsletter.
Herbed Hummus, makes 3-5 cups
Ingredients: 2 cans drained chickpeas, 1/2 cup packed Italian parsley, 1/3 cup olive oil (plus more to serve), salt and pepper to taste.
In a food processor, blend together the drained chickpeas and roughly chopped parsley. In a steady stream, while your processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Remove to a serving bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. When you are ready to serve drizzle just a bit more olive oil over the top, for looks but it taste great too:) I served mine with toasted baguette slices, but fresh cut veggies are great too! Try it with cucumbers or carrot sticks.
iPhone Covers
As if I needed another reason to want an iPhone even more desperately than I already do, I found these amazing iPhone covers by SigniCASE. I am coveting these beauties, badly.
(Found via Here Comes The Sun)
(Found via Here Comes The Sun)
Dating do's and dont's by Dani Toscano
My friend Dani who is the pretty face and brilliant brain behind the blog 'Gypsy Traveller' has just done a post entitled "Guys - The dating tips you need (trust me)."
Dani sent out a group message to a bunch of our lady friends on Facebook last week asking us for our two cents worth regarding the do's and dont's of dating that every guy should know.
I thought the post was so flippin fantastic that I decided to repost in my online journal.
Enjoy...
Guys - the dating tips you need ( trust me)
I find males constantly moaning to me that girl's are so complicated and that they can't figure us out and blah blah blah...well guys, here is a list of exactly what we want and don't want. This should make your lives a little easier. Oh, and if you think its unfair that you don't get to compose a list for us to follow, then just remember that you're supposedly the uncomplicated gender and therefore you shouldn't need a list. Bam.
DO...
* Always open the car door for her or hold out her seat for her in a restaurant (proving thatchivalry has not completely died in our generation)
* Make effort with the small things - little memories and personal jokes etc. Generally girls are sentimental creatures
* Offer her your hoodie when she is cold, "nothing better than drowning in an oversized men's hoodie" - quote from Jessica Swart
*Make an effort to find out about her likes and dislikes, that's where the little things count. For example, if she likes music make her a mixed tape of her favourite songs ( side note: it would be even better if the songs held meaning for your relationship)
*If she's had a bad day or is feeling sick, make an effort to make her feel better..Phone her or go over to her house with popcorn and chocolate and a comedy to make her laugh (this is all depending on how far you are in the relationship of course), but the important thing is that you show you care
*Pick up on social cues - a girl will tell you if she's interested or uninterested just by the way she acts, or by her body language. If she's uninterested stop flirting, please save yourself and STOP . Otherwise you will force her to ignore the heck out of you and that just makes things awkward.
*Learn the love languages ( just google "love languages" ). Find out how she shows love and make effort in those areas - eg. if she likes giving surprise gifts to people, she'll like surprise gifts from you.
* Take initiative and make the first move - girls like guys who take the lead and make decisions. This also includes being man enough to tell her that you like her/love her/ want to pursue a relationship ( all depending if her social cues indicate that she feels the same ).
* Be open and honest. Don't leave the small issues in the dark because they will eventually become big issues. Talk to her about them,she will appreciate the honesty in the long run regardless of how much it may hurt to hear in the present.
*Go the extra mile. Most girls love the occasional big gesture because it makes them feel like they are appreciated and special to you. For example, drive a long distance just to see her or take her out to a place you can't really afford.
*Make sure that you notice and acknowledge if she got a new haircut, because it was probably to impress you. If she's dressed up for a night out, tell her that she looks beautiful . If she's just in her pyjamas, still tell her that she looks beautiful. Remember, girls have insecurities and its up to you to get rid of them.( side note: most girl's would rather be called beautiful than hot)
*Tell her things. Everything.Communication is key.Girls want to get inside your head. They want to know how your mind works. They want to know everything from the big stuff, to the little details about your day that another 'normal' person wouldn't care about. On the flip side of that, listen to her - this is a great way to get to know how she thinks and what she values.
* Pay the bill, or at least always offer to pay for it. This makes girls feel like they are with a man who can take care of them.
* Have fun with her. Girl's aren't only about deep meaningful conversations and emotions, they also love to have fun. Take her on adventures. Teach her a skill that she can boast to her friends about. Take her on dates in unusual beautiful places. Go the extra mile. Not just once in a blue moon, but every day.
*In public make sure she's accounted for.. Stand next to her in a social gathering, rub her back while you're talking to others. This is a great way to let a girl know that you're thinking about her even though your full attention is not on her.
* Connect with her family. It's important to most girl's that their boyfriends like their families and that their families like their boyfriends. So make the effort no matter how scary it may be. Man up.
* Get involved in some form of ministry together, share thoughts about God and your faith, pray together. This is the most binding part of a relationship
* Last but not least, pursue her .This is probably the most important point and links up to the one about taking initiative. If you like her, you need to do what it takes to win her over, and then even when you are dating, you need to continue to win her over. It's just how it works.
DON'T...
* Give mixed signals, if you're undecided on your feelings don't make any moves until you've decided whether you like the girl or not because remember, girls always overthink things and try to read between the lines.
* Play games. This links to the above point. Real relationships aren't about playing hard to get, being manipulative, or flirting with other girls to get her attention, leave that nonsense up to the cast of Bold and the Beautiful.
* Be immmature. Nobody likes a guy who is clingy, whiney and sulks a lot. This will just drive a girl away, and besides, you are not five years old.
*Talk about how hot other girls are.. even actresses. That may have been okay when you were single, but not when you are pursuing or in a relationship. A girl wants to feel beautiful around you... not second best, and you don't want to be causing any more insecurities for her.
* Control her. Nothing is worse than a boyfriend taking on the role of 'Dictator husband,' telling her who she can and can't be friends with and what she can and can't wear. Don't confuse being possessive with being protective - there is a huge difference.
* Use cheesy pick up lines or cliche's. It's not ideal and it won't work out in your favour. Trust me. Girl's like romance, but not mushy cliches.
* Get too intense too soon.Taking it slow never killed anybody. It will also show the girl that you are respectful of her and the relationship and will prevent premature emotional attachment which could end up in hurt.
* Be afraid to make a fool out of yourself. Girl's like a guy who is confident within himself without being arrogant. Laughter is the quickest way to someones heart.
* Use disrespectful language around her, even if all your friends are. Toilet humour is not okay. Remember, girls always like a gentleman.
* Pursue a relationship with several girl's at once. Take the time to figure out who you want to be with ( one person) and then pursue that girl only. side note. If you have a flirtatious nature, be very careful, because it may seem serious to the girl you are pursuing and can also be very hurtful, even if it is unintentional.
Well, I hope these tips proved to be helpful for all the men out there....I'm sure you all are or are going to be wonderful boyfriends/husbands, but a little advise from the inside never hurt anybody right?
Many thanks to the amazing input from Megan Carrie, Jessica Swart, Caitlin Johnston, Megan Pilditch, Julie Patrick, Pasqua Heard, Tam Ballard and Lucy Hobbs. You are all fantastic woman and you basically wrote half this post, so thank you!
Dani sent out a group message to a bunch of our lady friends on Facebook last week asking us for our two cents worth regarding the do's and dont's of dating that every guy should know.
I thought the post was so flippin fantastic that I decided to repost in my online journal.
Enjoy...
Guys - the dating tips you need ( trust me)
For this post I decided to do a little fieldwork and hit the streets, to ask the ladies for a few do's and dont's that they would like the guys to be aware of when it comes to them pursuing a relationship or being in one.
I find males constantly moaning to me that girl's are so complicated and that they can't figure us out and blah blah blah...well guys, here is a list of exactly what we want and don't want. This should make your lives a little easier. Oh, and if you think its unfair that you don't get to compose a list for us to follow, then just remember that you're supposedly the uncomplicated gender and therefore you shouldn't need a list. Bam.
DO...
* Always open the car door for her or hold out her seat for her in a restaurant (proving thatchivalry has not completely died in our generation)
* Make effort with the small things - little memories and personal jokes etc. Generally girls are sentimental creatures
* Offer her your hoodie when she is cold, "nothing better than drowning in an oversized men's hoodie" - quote from Jessica Swart
*Make an effort to find out about her likes and dislikes, that's where the little things count. For example, if she likes music make her a mixed tape of her favourite songs ( side note: it would be even better if the songs held meaning for your relationship)
*If she's had a bad day or is feeling sick, make an effort to make her feel better..Phone her or go over to her house with popcorn and chocolate and a comedy to make her laugh (this is all depending on how far you are in the relationship of course), but the important thing is that you show you care
*Pick up on social cues - a girl will tell you if she's interested or uninterested just by the way she acts, or by her body language. If she's uninterested stop flirting, please save yourself and STOP . Otherwise you will force her to ignore the heck out of you and that just makes things awkward.
*Learn the love languages ( just google "love languages" ). Find out how she shows love and make effort in those areas - eg. if she likes giving surprise gifts to people, she'll like surprise gifts from you.
* Take initiative and make the first move - girls like guys who take the lead and make decisions. This also includes being man enough to tell her that you like her/love her/ want to pursue a relationship ( all depending if her social cues indicate that she feels the same ).
* Be open and honest. Don't leave the small issues in the dark because they will eventually become big issues. Talk to her about them,she will appreciate the honesty in the long run regardless of how much it may hurt to hear in the present.
*Go the extra mile. Most girls love the occasional big gesture because it makes them feel like they are appreciated and special to you. For example, drive a long distance just to see her or take her out to a place you can't really afford.
*Make sure that you notice and acknowledge if she got a new haircut, because it was probably to impress you. If she's dressed up for a night out, tell her that she looks beautiful . If she's just in her pyjamas, still tell her that she looks beautiful. Remember, girls have insecurities and its up to you to get rid of them.( side note: most girl's would rather be called beautiful than hot)
*Tell her things. Everything.Communication is key.Girls want to get inside your head. They want to know how your mind works. They want to know everything from the big stuff, to the little details about your day that another 'normal' person wouldn't care about. On the flip side of that, listen to her - this is a great way to get to know how she thinks and what she values.
* Pay the bill, or at least always offer to pay for it. This makes girls feel like they are with a man who can take care of them.
* Have fun with her. Girl's aren't only about deep meaningful conversations and emotions, they also love to have fun. Take her on adventures. Teach her a skill that she can boast to her friends about. Take her on dates in unusual beautiful places. Go the extra mile. Not just once in a blue moon, but every day.
*In public make sure she's accounted for.. Stand next to her in a social gathering, rub her back while you're talking to others. This is a great way to let a girl know that you're thinking about her even though your full attention is not on her.
* Connect with her family. It's important to most girl's that their boyfriends like their families and that their families like their boyfriends. So make the effort no matter how scary it may be. Man up.
* Get involved in some form of ministry together, share thoughts about God and your faith, pray together. This is the most binding part of a relationship
* Last but not least, pursue her .This is probably the most important point and links up to the one about taking initiative. If you like her, you need to do what it takes to win her over, and then even when you are dating, you need to continue to win her over. It's just how it works.
DON'T...
* Give mixed signals, if you're undecided on your feelings don't make any moves until you've decided whether you like the girl or not because remember, girls always overthink things and try to read between the lines.
* Play games. This links to the above point. Real relationships aren't about playing hard to get, being manipulative, or flirting with other girls to get her attention, leave that nonsense up to the cast of Bold and the Beautiful.
* Be immmature. Nobody likes a guy who is clingy, whiney and sulks a lot. This will just drive a girl away, and besides, you are not five years old.
*Talk about how hot other girls are.. even actresses. That may have been okay when you were single, but not when you are pursuing or in a relationship. A girl wants to feel beautiful around you... not second best, and you don't want to be causing any more insecurities for her.
* Control her. Nothing is worse than a boyfriend taking on the role of 'Dictator husband,' telling her who she can and can't be friends with and what she can and can't wear. Don't confuse being possessive with being protective - there is a huge difference.
* Use cheesy pick up lines or cliche's. It's not ideal and it won't work out in your favour. Trust me. Girl's like romance, but not mushy cliches.
* Get too intense too soon.Taking it slow never killed anybody. It will also show the girl that you are respectful of her and the relationship and will prevent premature emotional attachment which could end up in hurt.
* Be afraid to make a fool out of yourself. Girl's like a guy who is confident within himself without being arrogant. Laughter is the quickest way to someones heart.
* Use disrespectful language around her, even if all your friends are. Toilet humour is not okay. Remember, girls always like a gentleman.
* Pursue a relationship with several girl's at once. Take the time to figure out who you want to be with ( one person) and then pursue that girl only. side note. If you have a flirtatious nature, be very careful, because it may seem serious to the girl you are pursuing and can also be very hurtful, even if it is unintentional.
Well, I hope these tips proved to be helpful for all the men out there....I'm sure you all are or are going to be wonderful boyfriends/husbands, but a little advise from the inside never hurt anybody right?
Many thanks to the amazing input from Megan Carrie, Jessica Swart, Caitlin Johnston, Megan Pilditch, Julie Patrick, Pasqua Heard, Tam Ballard and Lucy Hobbs. You are all fantastic woman and you basically wrote half this post, so thank you!
{Images: We Heart It}
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Litchi Orchard Market
I love my little home town of Salt Rock, and this time of year there is always something of interest on the go. This saturday is the Litchi Orchard market which is always such a wonderful vibe. Not to be missed if you're in the area, love good food and all things handmade.
Monday, June 13, 2011
You're Invited...
My aunt Cheryl and I spent a few evenings last week, hidden deep inside her craft room attempting to create 12 pretty invitations for my cousin Justine's vintage 18th birthday tea party.
I was in my absolute element, cutting, sticking, stamping and beautifying pieces of brown cardboard that turned out just as I had envisioned them.
We presented Justine with the 12 handmade birthday invitations last week and she was over-the-moon at how they turned out. It made all the nights of sticky glue fingers totally worthwhile.
We will be throwing her a pretty tea party to match the invitations, and I cannot wait to have my camera in hand to capture the day. Pictures soon to follow on my blog.
In the mean time, here are some pics of the invitations...
Craft Supplies used:
Thick brown cardboard hand folded into envelopes
Stripy blue and brown cardboard
Pages of an old book
Floral tissue paper
Blue and white polka-dot ribbon
Vintage print-outs
Authentic vintage postage stamps
Airmail stamps from Cavalini & Co
Birdcage stamp from Cutetape
White heart-shaped doily died pink
Cath Kidston masking tape
Tracing paper
Typewriter
Gold sealing wax
Metal sealing tool
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Head and the Heart
This morning I tweeted about needing a pick-me-up, so an indie-music-scavenger of a friend linked me to the most beautiful song by a band called The Head and the Heart, and pick me up it did. Their music is just a big dose of wonderful. Full stop.
I love their melodic sound and their use of the violin (I have a very soft spot for that instrument).
This Seattle folk-rock band has just scored a high ranking in my list of music I adore.
My favourite song of theirs is 'Down in the Valley'.
{click on images for source}
Free People Dot Com
Today I stumbled across an online clothing store called freepeople.com, and while I would by no means describe my dress sense as 'hippy' or 'free spirited,' I absolutely love the earth-child-meets-modern-day feel of the Free People clothing range. Their styling is gorgeous and alternative whilst still being trendy and happening. A brilliant miix of tastes and trends.
The pictures below are from their more whimsical, feminine vintage inspired ranges which I tend to prefer.
If you're a frequent online clothing shopper, head on down to Free People and see what you think of their interesting collections.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Kitted out in Knitwear
When it comes to winter, it doesn't get more cliche than knitwear, but one of my favourite things to do when it's a little chilly outside is to drown in a big 'ol jumper. Lucky for me, they're actually in fashion these days. Win/win scenario.
Check out these Lookbookers that wear knits best
Check out these Lookbookers that wear knits best
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
