Workaholic?

Taken in a mystical, magical forest..

I like to achieve things, and I like to achieve things well. I'm a proud "list-lover", a "notebook hoarder" and a downright perfectionist. A lot of my life revolves around lists, which may sound like a prison for some, but I love to have everything neat and oh, that feeling of checking something off. Yes.

The above are all good things. But I worry that sometimes they can turn to jelly? As in: life can become all about the results, and the work.

So far, you might be nodding your head. Yeah, she sounds all right. Has a few thoughts in her noggin (*brain). Let me read you this from a book currently by my bedside: "The Artisan Soul" by Erwin Raphae McManus.

"Religion is our response to God from a perspective of coercion and compliance. We fear God, so we do his bidding and risk coming near him, all the while waiting to put distance between ourselves and our Creator. God is, however, profoundly misunderstood. Worship is not something we are called to so that God can reinforce his status. It is his way of calling us near. He asks us to grab the lighter and set the altar on fire - not because he could not do it himself, but because he wants us to come near. He wants us to realise that while we thought all he wanted form us was the work, it was actually an invitation to come near and know his love."

In the world of philosophical books, I make sure I have my head screwed on tight and I definitely do not believe everything I read. But this did make me think.

To summarize for those sleepy readers (I feel you): God doesn't love us for what we do, he loves us for who we are.

Yes, go ahead and write that somewhere on your wall or in iNote. You're welcome.

I have a few hundred dreams (not even exaggerating here), and you know what, the world is my oyster and the sky is the limit. But we gotta be careful that all this work doesn't become about having to earn Gods love. He loves us just as we are.

Whether you become the worlds best toenail cutter, or a snazzy salsa teacher, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).

I might need to leave you just now, my loved one awaits...... (HELLO DAY OLD PIZZA).

ha. xo

If we just keep dancing like we're 22

It is so satisfying to walk along and see your favourite number. Like, randomly. Not set up or anything. Just out of the blue. On a walk along a pretty little lane, I saw this crate in the bush and it kind of provoked me (in a good way) to write a post about why 22 is my favourite number.

Taylor Swift is an absolute legend - she may not have the greatest voice, but all sorts of artists have come and and gone in my life and she has still stood firmly on my "most played" list. You might be aware that she wrote a song called "22." It is one of my favourite songs of hers, it's just about having fun in life and not worrying about the cool kids.....and not being afraid to wear cat ears....or dance like crazy in public....about being happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time....gosh, I can't wait to be 22.

On the periodic table number 22 is Titanium. It means strong. Also, one of my favourite songs is "Titanium" by David Guetta. I was quite surprised at this revelation, but I never get sick of it and it's kind of, my jam. Be strong even when the world throws its worst at you - you're amazing.

My final reason is simple and sweet. Two 2's put together backwards make a heart. ♥

So that's why I love the number 22. What's your favourite number? Why?

X

12 Ways To Make Your Day Better | Winter Edition

I know it's coming into winter for some of you, and for us down under it's just finishing, let's be honest, in all seasons we have winter-y days so sit back and enjoy. All photos are my own :)

1. Fluffy socks. I usually have to buy at least 2 pairs per winter because I wear them down worryingly quickly.

2. Before bed, warm your pyjamas on the heater. I just love doing this. Love, love.

3. Snuggles with pets. I was just saying the other day, everyone should have pet. Pets are like little fans, that follow you around, will do anything for you (it depends on the pet of course), and have the special offer of unlimited snuggles.

4. Read before bed. Find books so good that you can't put them down. I like to use goodreads for finding new literature.

5. Go on an adventure. Visit a museum. I love doing this - I'll be honest, at least a third of the pleasure I contrive is using my special local card. Or an art gallery. Go see a movie.

6. Create art. Winter is very beautiful weather for all things artsy. Get out your pencils, paints or camera, and wonder away.

7. Find "that" pair of jeans and wear them to death. I think the importance of having a good pair of jeans is underrated so this is me telling you that it does matter, spend those dollars baby, it'll be worth it.

8. Candles. Just let them glow, and relaaaaxxxx.

9. Take the time to make yourself a really nice hot drink (chai tea latte = MY FAVE). It may seem like a waste of time to some (not to most I'm sure) but it is a very inexpensive happiness booster.

10. Wake up five minutes earlier and enjoy a luxury lie in in bed. I can see where the saying "time is money" came from - it really is precious.

11. Stay active. It's so important to keep moving, and oh, does it make you sleep better. I have noticed this myself, I'm not just quoting something out of a health magazine. Youtube has tons of exercise routines if you need. And dance. Don't forget to dance. 30 min of dancing like no one is watching does wonders.

12. Bath. I tend to be more of a shower person, but every now and then, I'll force myself to get in the tub, and I never regret it. If you are looking for some good bath bombs to use, recently I did a Lush haul. TOP TIP: have an ice cold beverage at your arms length when in the bath, it's refreshing. 

BONUS: Put on those boots, gurrrrl. It's truly amazing what fab footwear does for one's happiness level and self esteem. Invest in a good pair - I dare you.

What do you do in winter to make your day better?

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Supermarkets

No clue where these originally came from, sorry!

I hope it's not just me. I love supermarkets. I truly do. They are clean, fresh and everything is nicely packaged. People can come together and meet, drive round cart thingies called trollies, without having to talk except for the odd "Nice special on the apples eh??," "Do you know where the eggs are located?" I just love it.

What may influence my joy is that I love food too. Baking makes me happy, so does making lists, so you bang those two together and supermarket is a natural solution. Shopping for fresh supplies is always a good thing.

Also, there is nothing like a freshly stocked fridge or pantry. Opening up the door and letting out a happy little sigh knowing that you have more than one good option for breakfast. The pure, raw joy!

There is something relaxing about going round and stocking up on goods. Feeling like such a winner when you get rice crackers for 99 cents (bargain!). Oh do empathize with me, you know you secretly love it.

Just the other day I was in the pick n mix section, happened to turn my back, and saw an orange roll across the floor. All the way across. This little gesture of rebellion just made me so happy. How often does one get to see an orange roll across the floor without being yelled at by a mother or getting a stern look from an angry Chinese grocer?

But supermarkets aren't all smooth sailing (maybe to the average joe). Have you ever felt that panic when you JUST CAN'T FIND THE AISLE WITH THE CONDENSED MILK so you end up walking around staring at the billboards like an idiot and then sheepishly have to go back the way you came? Twice? And don't tell me you've never been told off by a shelf stocker about spraying the deodorants. How am I supposed to choose a spray without smelling it first? Blind choosing? Is that some sort of sport?

My dream is to one day ride an electric scooter down the smooth white aisles. If you have a similar dream, then let's all take a moment to appreciate this.

And can we talk about trolleys? It's like driving a car, but much safer, and more satisfying. I certainly have never seen a trolley crash before. Now that I'm older, the general public no longer have the right to tell me off when I lift my feet off the floor and cling to the trolley as it goes flying forward. They do feel obliged to give me disgusted looks, but am I going to just say "oh sorry you're right that horrified look on your face just totally changed mind so sorry"? Uh.....no.

I am happy about supermarkets today. So I kind just spat out a whole post on supermarkets. If you've made it to the end. Then well done. (and if you want bonus points, add in your comment "rhinos are purple" so I know ;)

What is your favourite thing about supermarkets? (unless you don't like them at all.... *chokes on orange juice*)

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20 Useless Facts You Will Never Need To Know

this photo was from a while ago, but so pretty :)

Today is very cold, very rainy, the kind of day where it is ridiculous to even think about going outside. I can't say I love days like this. I multitasked (I know, I surprised myself too) while watching a movie to make this list. So, if you have a minute to spare, then hey, I have supplied some useless knowledge.

1. There is a hotel in Sweden made entirely out of ice; it is rebuilt every year.

2. Certain frogs can be frozen solid then thawed, and continue living. I can't say I like frogs, but if I ever need to get one out of the way for a while (under what circumstance I'm not sure) I will just pop it in the ice box.

3. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. If you know why, please enlighten us all in the comments. I must try this. Not sure where I will find a willing subject though...

4. If you feed a seagull Alka-Seltzer, it's stomach will explode. Ok maybe I won't try this one.

5. Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand. Isn't God clever! I might've left that out (by accident!) if I'd created the world.

6. In Baltimore it is illegal to take a lion to the movies. Why anyone would take a lion to the movies I am not sure. What about an elephant?

7. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out. I find this funny/fascinating and I don't know why. What about alligators...

8. There are 450 types of cheese in the world. 240 come from France. I need to spend a whole year just tasting cheese: on the bucket list.

9. It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. 99.8% of the people who just read will have literally tried to. I'm sorry, I feel you. I can't do it either.

10. A hydrodaktulpsychicharmonica is a variety of musical glasses. I am bookmarking this for the next game of hangman.

11. Stewardesses is the longest word typed by the left hand. Again, 99.8% of people who read this will go through the motion (or actually) of typing it.

12. Ballroom dancing is a major at Brigham University. 

13. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up to the sky. I suddenly get the urge to go and find every pig and lift then up manually.

14. Dr. Seuss coined the word nerd in his 1950 book "If I Ran the Zoo."

15. It is illegal to frown at cows in Bladworth, Saskatchewman. I now will take such rebellious pleasure in frowning at cows.

16. There are 1,792 steps in the Eiffel Tower.

17. In space, astronauts cannot cry, because there is no gravity to let the tears flow. Ha!

18. You're born with 300 bones, but by the time you become an adult, you only have 206.

19. Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.

20. The average garden variety caterpillar has 248 muscles in its head.

You're welcome. What was your favourite?

X

Rainbow Fan

I practically laughed out loud the other day when I saw this fan (apologize for the dustiness - it's been in the garage for a while - you'll learn how). Why? Well, begrudgingly she says, I will relate, but you have to realise this was a ages ago (last year) and I can't say the embarrassment has quite worn off.

I was all excited. I had started my blog, and was searching around for fun DIYs to share. Pinterest, my trusty friend, provided ample inspiration. Project after project was tossed around in the air, and then my oh my, I saw this:

Goodness me, what a state I was in! I knew we had an old fan upstairs, and some primary coloured paint. It was one of those rare moments in life where I actually had everything I needed for a DIY. I allocated the whole of my saturday morning. Yup, dedication right there.

So I was taking photos to MAKE SURE I documented everything. First stroke of paint SNAP second stroke of paint SNAP holding my snack SNAP third stroke of paint SNAP.

Oh, and something no one ever tells you is that you shouldn't turn a fan on when it has wet paint on it. That's partly why the paint is slightly spotted - and why my grey t-shirt has tiny flecks of paint on it. Actually, that could be something that people TELL you to do! Because who doesn't want a cool rainbow spotted shirt? Genius (and in case you're wondering, it comes off hair and skin just fine).

My half sanding attempt was an absolute fail, so I did have to do several coats of paint. Finally (I believe it was a Tuesday) the time came to turn it on. What spectacular sight was I greeted with?

Brown. Poo brown. You know the colour poo? Well that was it. Where was that "fantastic rainbow," eh? POO BROWN. POOOOOO BROOOOOOOWWWN.

So shortly after this episode the fan returned to it's loyal spot in the garage, no questions asked.

Occasionally the poo fan comes out of hiding on a hot day, but mostly it likes to lie low where no one can see. I don't blame it.

Putting my pride behind me, I am really writing this a year later to warn other nieve diy-ers. Don't be fooled by some fancy-fancy-woo-lop on pinterest saying THE WORLD IS A GREAT PLACE LOOK AT ME WITH MY RAINBOW FAN. Well I give up - how? How did they not end up with a poo fan?!?!? It is beyond me.

You have been warned, my friends. I would love to hear about your adventures in the world of crafting - I promise I won't laugh - ok maybe a little - comment below :)

Yours truly.

X

The Social Etiquette of Perfume | Clarins Deodorant Review

I wonder what the world would think of me if they knew that this classy chick is actually wearing deodorant. As a perfume.

!!!!!!

Before you judge, let me explain: the Clarins perfume is my absolute favourite. A few christmases ago I got given a little bottle, and it has been sitting on my dresser table ever since. A couple of weeks ago I popped it into my bag thinking what a smart and clever organised woman I was to think ahead (I know what you're thinking - wow). As the evening wore on, one of my friends remarked "Something smells like lavender?" Another agreed "Yeah, where's it coming from??" I had completely forgotten my devious plan about the perfume, so I joined in too. We vigorously used our olfactory senses on anything and everything around us (except the bag) and still couldn't figure it out. As we were leaving, I picked up my bag only to find, to my dismay, the bottom of it being soaked. Cautiously I lifted it to my nose, and almost sneezed in fright at how strong the smell was. Gotcha.

I waited till it had died down a little, but I think people began to suspect something when the smell followed us into the car. We laughed it out, but no slick jokes could gloss over my annoyance. My favourite perfume. BOOM. Thankfully it was only a little bottle and it was (as aforementioned) a few years old.

My heartbreak only lasted till a few days later when my amazing mother came home with a bottle of "Clarins Doux Deodorant." Or deodorant if you're not french. Apparently they did not have the little bottle in stock, and this was the next best thing. My little fingers clasped the bottle, and went through the perfume-testing-procedure: easy to open lid. CHECK. Suitable sprayer. CHECK. Spraying amount. CHECK. Smell. CHECK.

If there was any shame in using a deodorant as a perfume, it was washed away with that first spray. Ooh, I'm rhyming? Cheeky. Seriously though, it smells very close to the actual perfume, and it's cheaper too. It has a slight deodorant smell (very slight) which is not bad at all, it must just be an ingredient used in deodorants.

My ramblings must come to an end, for one can only talk for perfume for so long. Can they? Don't answer that, I just wanted to sound philosophical.

Short story short: definitely shameless wearing and smells very very near amazing. Give it a go!

Comment below your favourite perfumes (and if you've ever had any mishaps - please tell me it's not just me?).

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A walk in the countryside

“I don’t think then of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains. This is one of the things that Mummy and I are so entirely different about. Her counsel when one feels melancholy is: ‘Think of all the misery in the world and be thankful that you are not sharing it!’ My advice is: ‘Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!’

     I don’t see how Mummy’s idea can be right, because then how are you supposed to behave if you are going through the misery yourself? Then you are lost. On the contrary, I’ve found that there is always some beauty left - in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you. Look at these things, then you find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.

     And whoever is happy, will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery!”

     ~The Diary of Anne Frank, pg 146

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Little Things

this is my little sis ♥

I love bubbles. I guess I'm not one of those people that are overly crazy about them, but when I see a kid bubbling away and cracking up with that giggle that comes all the way from the stomach, I can't help but smile.

Do you wanna know a secret?

Fine I'll tell you.

One of the keys to happiness is appreciating the little things. 

No, I’m not talking about that One Direction song, I’m talking about just being happy because this morning, you were the first one to use from the new tub of marmite (that’s always a good thing for me). Or your favourite pair of socks came out of the wash matching. Maybe you got to see a rainbow on your way to work.

Thanking God for all the small things in your life (as well as the big things). Just being truly grateful, I guess.

On pinterest they have these "little reasons to smile" pins, which I just get lost in for hours. Have a looky at this board. Or you can just search "little reasons to smile" in the search bar. You're welcome. Need I say more? Just click that link and you will know EXACTLY what I mean. 

So really that's all I wanted to say. This week has been better. I'm over that mid-year crisis (haha if that's such a thing) and trying to stress-less-ly get to 2015, successfully. 

X

I hate mice.

Warning: this photo has nothing to do the post. It actually is like the opposite of this post. I mean, if you wrote a post about nasty spiders, would you put a picture of a nasty spider? *shiver*

I hate mice. Maybe fear is a better word, but when a little 5 year old girl asked me “Why are you afraid of cute little mice?” I really didn’t have a satisfactory answer. “Uh, because they run fast..” Well done Madison that is a totally sensible reason to be afraid of something. NOT.

I have had to keep my door closed because otherwise my cat will bring mice in in the night.  Each night I will spend a good minute deliberating whether to let my cat stay in my room or close the door in her face. Most nights I let her stay, though this does mean getting up at 2am to let the spoilt cat out.

I was brushing my teeth when I heard my cat miaowing erratically. I turn the corner and I am confronted with a (speedy) mouse in my room – alive. Oh yeah, did I mention that? This cat brings them in alive. My cat then preceeds to get a snack because she thinks her work is done. She plays dumb but really she’s got tricks up her sleeve.

I scream uncontrollably (I would say I can be mostly fearless but this is a different level), and it is not long before someone comes to my rescue. Of course, I’m totally cool, but I did run downstairs to the safety of the foyer.

I turn around.

There is a mouse flying down towards me.

I scream.

And run.

It took me a good 5 minutes before I had the nerve to run back upstairs.

Apparently the mouse just ran and jumped without thinking that THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A HUMAN THERE.

I mean, what are the chances? Geesh. I want to find a really cool moral of the story but how can there be any moral to that, I mean really.

Hope your day went better than mine.

X

Lush Haul July

“Last entry: 3 weeks.”

*SHOCK HORROR*

I’m truly sorry. But, there is still some year left so I shall try redeem my New Years Resolution of blogging more. 

Today is exciting because I get to show you all the things I got from Lush. (this isn’t sponsored by the way) I kinda get blank looks when I tell people that I shop at Lush. “You spent how much on bath bombs??” Yes, I did. And it’s SOOOO worth it. 

First up, don’t be shy, is the space girl bath bomb! Sorry guys, I didn’t manage to take a photo of this one, I meant to, but then whoops, it ‘slipped’ into the bath tub.. It makes the bath go bright red, it’s not as sparkly as it looks, but it smells amazing and my skin was nice and soft afterwards. 

Next is the mermaid water bath bomb. It’s actually called big blue but it makes mermaid water when you mix it with the sunny side sparkly gold bath bomb. It has seaweed in it, and it smells really good, more of a refreshing scent.

Then I have my honey trap lip balm. I love this stuff. I use it everyday, and it has nice and natural ingredients. It even has white chocolate in it! Real, literal, white chocolate. I can’t over it. White chocolate?!

"Dorothy". The Wiz + lush = AMAZING BUBBLE BAR. 

This is the rose argan hair mask. It’s nice, and my hair is definitely soft and moisturised after I use it. I do have to use a lot, then again I have a lot of hair. Only thing is - I like to rinse this out instead of shampoo, because it feels like when I shampoo ALL of the goodness comes out. Make sure you put it on evenly otherwise some parts of your hair will come out smoother than others. Just a tip.

Floating island is the name of this little baby. It has to be one of my favourite scents, it smells so good, and looks like a cute little island too.

This one is called twilight (I think), and it has a candy smell. I can’t wait to see what colour the water turns. Bright pink? Purple?

Then is my ‘aqua mirabilis body butter’. It has a nice soapy smell and it “moisturises, scents and exfoliates your skin” according to the description (I haven’t tried it yet - can’t wait!).

This is a little bath melt (it was MELTing in my hand as I opened it haha) that says “dream time” on the front. So I’m guessing it’s called dream time? It smells indescribably good, kind of like walking into a Lush store (I'm sucking at describing the smells...I guess you'll just have to go and smell them yourself ;). 

This is imperialis, my facial moisturiser. It makes my skin so soft and moisturised. It is for combination skin, so it is perfect.  

This is the Comforter Bubble Bar, it smells like a black jelly bean even though it is pink. So nice :o

That's all. A thought....haha can you imagine working for Lush? Surrounded by nice smelling things all day. Lush, if you are reading this, and in need of an employee, HELLO TO YOU.

Hope you are having a fantastic day. I would love to hear what Lush things you have been enjoying lately so comment below with you faves. God bless and remember that He is always with you no matter where you are.  

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