It is what it is

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Life is one sweet ride.

A few magical days spent in Melbourne's wine-drenched countryside; stung with love and smothered in forehead-smooches from my guy. x

Winter Road Trip #2

The boy and I are taking off on another winter roadtrip. Rather than escape the gorgeous crisp air, we're more about embracing it. Last winter we spent a magical 10 days driving around the icy-cold coast of Tassie; this year, we've decided to keep travel time shorter and inject as much sweetness into a few days as possible. What better way than visiting some fine wine country? With winter hitting its peak, we're thrilled to bits about rugging up and wandering between cellar doors, cheese platters and sweet country side views. Back soon!

Rays of loveshine

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Sometimes you get those moments where your no-time-for-anything complaints get a kick in the guts with a sweet ol' reality check of "things are great, you fool. Shut it!" Although I do make a point of smiling about all my so-blessed-to-have-thems (daily), I do admit to getting caught up and missing the point; the point being, I should be aching from ear-to-ears every minute of every day. My most recent days have played host to just enough light bulb moments to knock some smiling-sense back into me. Want to know why?

1. A few moments filled me with arms-up-in-the-air-style thanks for the indescribably, brilliantly, glowing rays of sunshine (aka people) I have wrapped snugly in my life. Really. One of those moments was an unplanned phone link-up with a beautiful friend. A few minutes were layered with the simplest laughs and brief catch ups on happenings - we live in different states.

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2. Adelaide, known as this little "sleepy town" is shaking that tired, old name off its back. Finally. The young folk of town are setting up shop, determined to beat that crappiness to a pulp. And they're doing a pretty fine job. Minestra was my gold nugget find over the weekend - I spent the good part of daylight hours sipping and munching time away with my girlfriend. A touch Melbourne-inspired and a pinch of Sydney's style, these guys have filled the old corner store with charm, good coffee and organically home-grown produce...only!

3. A "turning point" handed me even rosier coloured specks to peep through. Last Sunday sunset, the boy and I got together and seated ourselves to yet another impressive Adelaide find - restaurant The Pot, just off the city's main bustle. That's not the only good thing. Aside from devouring the hands-down best food served to us in a long time, our dinner date for two went through a 'turning point.' You get those moments in every relationship. Things grow, sometimes they fall. Whatever they do, they do it with reason and purpose. Our thing (a 15 year old story), just got sweeter and I'm a giddy girl all over again.

4. Gotta love where you're at and that's what I'm living. Genuine passions my bones ache for are in my days - every second of them; beautiful winter sun makes me smile ridiculously; playing with colours and formatted font...and calling it my day job; surrounding myself with my wonderful friends and family that have proven their genuine selves by being there, always, through thick or thin - honest, loyal, brilliant people; good food, good health, piano tunes and ballet shoes - all the right ingredients. It feels good to rattle off your made-me-smile list once in a while. Try it.

Jitterbug

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We are all aware by now that I'm swooned by just about any dance-related-anything (ballet, more so). Old-time dance signs included. Happy (almost) mid-week, guys. I'm off to Masterclass in five. Hope you're enjoying whatever is making your days tick on. x

Oh, Odette

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Swan Lake is in town kids! I'm thrilled to bits to be able to see the Australian Ballet's show in Adelaide; my ticket to their closing night sits proudly on my dresser. The best bit is, last night I got news I'm in the Masterclass with Australian Ballet's Lisa Bolte; to put a few of us through our paces to this solo from SL Act 2 - Odette. Pinch me now and (try) pin me down.

Found

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If my day were to be a little brighter, it'd be because of a Tom Dixon candle, calf leather in my hand and Philip Lim carrying me. What do you think?

p.s. I know I've been missing from this blog (and visiting yours) the past little while (sorry about that). Things are sure to change...soon.

Surprise!

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Something new is coming. That's always pretty exciting, huh. Hope you like it. Hope you want to be a part of it. It might take a moment (or two, or three). Will keep you posted. Maria x