Toot your horn

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Nothing like a positive affirmation to get your ego set to a**hole on a Tuesday.  While I'm at it, I thought I'd hop on the Whole30 wagon...again. You know what this means? Whole30 Wednesdays are on - you can't wait, I know.

ps. Krystal from Village is a WholeBunch of Whole30 (clever, right) inspiration. If you're reading this, Krystal, you're a champ.

Hey you!

There's been a lot of the "leave it and move on" thinking in my world this past little while. Do you ever get that pinch from a been-and-gone-thing you realise you've accidentally held within you? Damn things take up too much space, huh! I've been circling these (very few) been-and-gones and finally decided they're getting the flick to make room for a whole lotta wonderful waiting at my doorstep!

There's nothing worse than realising you could be holding yourself back from so much more. Following my 2013 rule#2, I'm doing something about it - eliminating and simplifying. Genius, really.

It's black and white

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The talent that screams through Lina Arvidsson's lens had me stuck in my tracks when I came across collection after collection of her brilliant photography. I thought this image was by far the best to reflect a little of the giddiness I'm feeling and finding in the things that fill my days. Sometimes all that's needed to plant my feet firmly on this ground and centre every sense of my being is to don the old black and white approach. Finding that simplicity and calm gravitates my energy to the treasures that fuel me - my love, my family, my friends.

Friday's Finds

via 73 Letterpress

Bring on the weekend! Here's a sneaky three links to help us through the last few work-day-hours...

1. As part of a 'homemade instruments' submission, this smarty pants has taken things to a new level. Sit back and enjoy...Fast Food in C Major.

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2. Having stumbled his way across the globe, this whisky pro presents us with the 101 WorldWhiskies to Try Before You Die. I'm not supporting any drunken silliness...in fact, I'm just a tad swooned by the catalog design!

3. If your lost with nothing to do, I suggest you click your way over to 73 Letterpress and flick through a set of time-passers! Brilliant.

I'll see you on the other side of this wonderful weekend! Welcome to my lovely new followers too. x

27cm rule

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As a joke (funny to me) I had this imaginary "27cm rule-thing" going in my mind. A few years ago after moving to Melbourne, this randomly plucked number became my imaginary ruler that would measure the distance I'd hold myself back from all things wonderful but challenging. Subconsciously (mainly out of fear of falling flat on my backside) I'd be standing just "27cm away" from kickin' a few goals in my achievement-department; I'd be holding myself back those "27cm" from digging my digits into something I really, madly wanted. Fear, hesitation, all that energy-wasting-stuff would make up those 27cm's. Pathetic really.

These 27cm have recently crept up on me again and placed themselves between me and my ability to tap away at this blog. I'm not sure how other bloggers feel, but occasionally I feel I can’t quite get a grip of my ability to post something half-interesting. I've kept this up long enough to place a firm 27cm distancing me until I find the exit from hesitation and get a rejuvenated blogging confidence. Posts might be a little less frequent for the moment but I do hope to see you all when I’ve kicked my 27cm ruler in the butt for good.

Isn't it a great feeling when you free yourself from all that doubt-driven-rubbish and just go for 'it'.

1 picture/1000 words

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I've been sharing an awful lot of "me, me, me" posts lately - sorry to hog the spotlight. I have one more "me moment" for you, though. I found the pic above this morning and cracked myself up - this is exactly how I pictured myself in last night's class! Some of you might not know that after (way too long ago) thinking I'd hung up my ribbons and tights for good, I got sick of procrastination and stomped my foot down in the decision to complete my ballet quals. With 3 exams set for next year and no time for muckin' about, I've got right into things - last night I found myself (for the first time in years) 'articulating my feet' and springing back up to the tips of my less-blistered-more-pampered toes. As much as I'm revelling in getting back into the greatest thing I've known, my feet aren't exactly expressing that same joy this morning thanks to last night's less than subtle reminder of the salt baths, methylated-spirit-blister-soaking sessions, and band-aid-strapped toes to come. Funny thing is, that's surprisingly all part of the fun! All pain aside, with ballet ready to re-consume 92% of my life again, I'm finding it pretty easy floating through the day to the words below...

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Enjoy your day, lovely people. Thanks for stopping by and to those that leave a message or two. x

A date for one.

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Yesterday's day trip wasn't the only interstate-er I've embarked on solo but it was the only one out of many that I've taken a moment to break the cycle I deem essential - of keeping up with busy thoughts and lists to be done.

I spent the little time I had wandering (at a rare snails pace) the streets and kicking back over brewed tea leaves. I met with a friend or two, we chatted over our happenings, laughed over nothings and delved into the deeper of life's details. Until the time came for one - me. Amongst the coffee machine clangs and surrounding chats, I sat alone with a whirl of my emotions stirring, ready for the taking. When I look beyond my mind's quick response to distraction, I can reach them. I overcame that self-imposed awkwardness solo-tea-drinking can be paired with and slipped away into the sweetest moments of some kind of relative alertness. I was miles away from thoughts of tomorrow's commitments. I focused on the sunlight dancing through the trees, I opened a book, even took pen to paper and jotted thought. These are the little things that if I take time for, guide me to a simple quiet within me.

I rested in this moment for the little while I spent on my date-for-one. I reminisced on my days spent pursuing life in another city, solo; a memory now flooding its gorgeously bright light in every direction I set my dreams towards.

I figured there must be a light bulb moment in everyone's days. Mine was then; only at that time, completely alone, was it possible to ponder my dreams and directions to shape an unshakable bond with every ounce of who I am.

source to come.

I read a contributor's brilliant few words from the mag (Kinfolk) I held in my company - "solitude fortifies me. It cultivates me, someone worth sharing." Yestarday, spent in my own simple quiet, I couldn't have put it any better. I restored an energy of possibility into my being, refined my thinking and nurtured someone I too find worth sharing. It’s something I promise myself to take part in, if only for a moment. Daily.

Wednesday anyone?

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Why is every other day of the week somehow capable of serving itself sunny-side up, except for Wednesday?  The wise words of positivity have stepped in to pick up the pieces telling me "anything is possible, even on a Wednesday with just a tick or two left before midday." Carpe diem-ing the hell out of this tragically slumped midweek-er is no exception. Best get started. Enjoy your day.

'Ello Sunshine!

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'Round my neck of the woods these days have been served less like those sun drenched getaway pics and more like a bed of ice. It's the middle of winter after all. Don't know about you but when someone drags their heels about a grey skied, misty winter morning, my patience wears thin. It's not that I don't feel the chills and bone-shakes these months bring. I just think, why wake up a miserable mess because the sky shines a little more grey than usual? Spring on up into the crisp morning air and check out what beauty the day has in store.  Extra bonus is the morning's iced air is sure to kick your sleep deprived eyes into action, no caffeine needed...initially, at least. Ramble over with, here's to some chilly puddle-jumping days to come!
Do you think you can often tell a lot about a person by the way they deal with a drizzly day?

On a Friday...

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With a reminder like this on your wall how could a day ever go wrong!

Typo

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It's been a while since a good 'type' post has graced this blog's pages. Just as well, I came across this beauty. Bariol regular comes in all shades 'rounded'. Nice huh?

p.s. Apologies for going AWOL lately. Life's twists and turns in all wonderful directions has seen me fight with the 24hour clock to spend a few minutes tapping away in blog-world.  Thank you for your comments most recently, though, and I promise to get back into the swing of things and checking my list of favourite blogs again soon!

Bring on the glittery goods

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It's Friday and this blog has seen it's 50th follower jump on board for all the fun. I'll admit I haven't been the most serious and proactive of bloggers since starting (but always had the right intentions to be). Recently,  though, seems some kind of blog-bug bit me. It's sent me giddy in picking up my pace and getting caught up in all the fun of meeting a whole new bunch of wonderfully inspiring blogging ladies and taking part in a few contributions here and there. Great thing (for me) is there's plenty more of the good stuff to come. Must also send out a little note of thanks to my modestly numbered little gang of followers. Thanks to all those who stop by to take a sec and read about my random finds and rambles. Here's to that and these next few links to get us skating to the weekend a tad quicker.

1. Talking all things Celebration, now is the perfect time to introduce you to a great find Meimei paperie. This US based company uses their stationary and paper good powers to take a wedding or celebration to another level with some more-ish design. No, it's not edible but might as well be!

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2. I have a growing wish-list of prints from the artists at Society6 and now they've got me again with their art for the wee ones. These are the cutest of prints and something that the bambino bearers can be proud to hang too!

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3. My weekend will be all about some me-time and painting my way through a few hours inspired by the  freedom of colour use from street artist Nuria Mora.

You crazy diamond, you

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Tell me who's uphill battle with a Thursday morning alarm clock couldn't do with a sneaky little boost like this?

Crumplin' city

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Now that a few days are confirmed to get myself back to Melbourne-town, my focus has well and truly fixed itself to all things travel related. Like these crumpled pieces of indestructible, fabulous design. Bonus is, they're actually useful too! Totally waterproof, fool-proof, lightweight, tear resistant and highlighting a few extra special 'soul sights' to see you navigate your way 'round the globe...GPS free. See my write up...

"Whelmed"

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I swung by a favourite blog of mine, hearted girl, the other day to find myself settling back in thought, contemplating my path in life, my dreams and wondering "if it all came tumbling, what would I do?"

Lynn, this inspiring, beautiful, happiness-injecting woman wrote an open, honest note to us all reflecting on her "trip-tastrophe." Without saying too much, I think it's worth the few minutes it will take you to head on over to Hearted Girl and have a little read of this honest account of needing to focus on oneself fully to heal most sincerely (as Lynn puts it).

I reckon we could all do with a little bit more of this too. Danielle LaPorte, as Lynn makes note of, packs a punch with her take on how we view ourselves, our life, our world...

As Danielle LaPorte writes:
Ban "overwhelmed" from your vocabulary. Refuse it entry to your psyche. You're bigger than that. Just be, you know, whelmed (this is best said with a Jewish, Brooklyn accent.) Whelmed. Not at full capacity, rather, full of capacity. Whelmed. Sounds full of potential, doesn't it?

Welcome to Monday

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No kidding. This is just what Mondays call for. So, cheer up, perk up...do what you've gotta do to give yourself a brilliant start to the week!

Follow your heart

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Swiss Legacy

by Demian Comrad Design

Copenhagen based creative fashion agency, Designunit

A 20 page tabloid style designed by Jennifer Lee. See More!

I'm not kidding when I say these few links have just the right ingredients to make Mr Boss Man think you're all-things-focused and on the ball this hump day! No need to thank me. Thank Swiss Legacy, the initiative of Art Director Xavior Encinas. Focusing on typography, Swiss graphic design and inspirational happenings, this collaborative blog oozes all that epitomises Swiss design and typographic style. Cleanliness and objectivity shine through with use of sans-serif, grid and the hallmark of flush-left and ragged right text. Enjoy.

45 grams of Silence

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FLOWmarket is the one-of-a-kind store that recognises our immaterial needs whilst designing each product to make us consumers think a little harder about how we consume, think and live.  Since 2004, Mads Hagstrom (the brains behind the design and creation of these beauties) has managed to get the noggins of consumers across Copenhagen, Zurich, New York, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Seoul working in overdrive. Successfully crossing cultural boundaries, Mads has spread the FLOWmarket word and addressed the imbalance of personal, collective and environmental flows through physical product. Smarty pants.

Poetry in motion

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In between legit work tasks (I promise I'm not just blog-cruising), I am gawkin' stupidly over three of my top-of-the-listers - clever design, typography and dance. Allow me to introduce you to Melbourne Dance Co's 2012 Brand id and poster design by Josip Kelava. Pinch me now. 'Appy weekend all!