laying bare // a reminder

"sometimes you can't see yourself clearly, until you see yourself through the eyes of others" 

- Ellen DeGenerous 

I have received several rather honest, heartfelt and deeply humbling emails lately. 

Their authors, from across land and sea, took precious time to write of their own life. They shared their highs and lows with me, and somewhere in each of their sentiments they had very kind (and very humbling) words to share about me. I guess I never realized my words, my images and my 'story' had an impact on others. 

Honestly, much of sharing my life online comes from a pretty self-satisfying (read: mildly narcissistic) place. I enjoy the creativity, the community and the never-ending inspiration. I guess I never really imagined that what I shared could actually be that inspiration for others. 
Simply put, I now see myself in a new light. Rather than taking, taking, taking from this community, I hope to give a little hope and happiness back. No matter your circumstances, your lifestyle - your past present or future - your story and your words mean so much to me. 

I captured this image of myself last night; after work, just before I jumped in the shower. Covered in coffee grounds and sweat, with smeared makeup and a nice new pimple forming on my cheek. I am reminded that external beauty isn't what's most important in my life, nor is it what those people recognised in their words to me. This image is a reminder to myself to continue to lay it all bare. 

A beautiful mind and soul will always be more desirable than external beauty alone.


This image and my words were originally posted via my instagram account - I want to share it here also, as this is were it all originated. You, my readers, the beautiful souls that come here, to share in life with me, are the reason for this revelation. Thank you for your blessed words and sincere companionship. It truly means the world. xx 

Farewell, Autumn

Autumn, it is foreign for me to admit, I adored thee.

I have wholeheartedly embraced you for what you are; gold & ruby hued, with blue-grey light & a still, fresh air. I have boiled a pot of tea in your early morn, lit a candle upon your dusk.
You have blessed us with your pressence.

I can honestly say, I will miss you, Autumn.



More Autumnal Reading
Seasonal Treasures  
Autumnal Inspirations  
So, is this how it's going to be, Autumn?

The Week That Was...26//5//13

1,2&3. Eucalyptus and daisies from our Mothers Day brunch, still going strong 2 weeks on! It's beautiful to see this spectacle each day & to burn tealights around it at night. 

4. Sam picked up these 'rag rugs' from Spotlight for $1.50ea & carpeted our kitchen tiles. Our toes have thanked us ever since!

5. My current evening ritual looks like this - Redwin Organics Orange & Bergamot Sensitive Skin Moisturiser for my face & neck, The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector on my gnarly dry hands (combined with the most attractive accessory: moisturising gloves!) , Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomogranate Oil. Beautifully-moisturised-fingers-crossed my skin makes it through this Winter!

6. Sunday's are for chocolate pancakes with orange-brandy compote. Sunday is my favourite day.

7. Busy writing whilst watching Greys Anatomy - she's an ace multitasker.

8,9&10. Charming little details at Ground Up. We enjoyed playing with the bubble wrap whilst waiting for our coffee fix.

11. The light has definitely changed this week - it makes it almost impossible to leave the bedroom when it bathes everything in soft grey shades & cast long shadows across the room.

12. Finally wrapping up handmade packages for some sweet newborns & their beautiful mamas - off on their journey this week.

13&14. Tig soaking in the vitamin D during our only above 20°C day all week. 

15. Hand-crafting journals for aforementioned beautiful mamas & a couple of birthday girls! Can't wait to show you the finished products!

*Linking in with Em for Stills: A Weekly Collection. 

Comfort Food - Cinnamon Scrolls

 When leaves turn to gold & the mercury begins to drop my craving for hot from the oven, spiced cinnamon scrolls comes alive, & is rather insatiable until I have those doughy delights in my hands...& growling stomach.
Luckily for me, this occurred right around Mothers Day.

Brunch wouldn't have been complete without these spicy, buttery scrolls - nor will your next high tea, morning tea or cuppa-tea, so take note for the best cinnamon scrolls you'll ever taste!*

Cinnamon Scrolls

Dough
2 cups self raising flour, sifted 
90g butter, cubed
160ml milk
a pinch of salt 

Filling
120g butter, room temperature
4tbs soft brown sugar
2tsp ground cinnamon 
1/4tsp ground nutmeg

Icing
1/2 cup icing sugar
1tbs boiling water

1. preheat oven to 210 degress C. grease/line a round cake tin or on baking tray.
2. combine the flour & salt in a medium bowl, rub the butter into the flour using finger tips. make a well in the centre, add milk & lightly mix until just combined.
3. turn out dough onto floured surface, knead gently until smooth. roll to 5mm thick, 20x30cm rectangle.
4. mix butter, sugar & spices together in small bowl, spread mixture over dough. roll up from longest side of dough, cut into 8-10 pieces.
5. arrange scrolls in cake tin or baking tray, bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden. transfer to plate.
6. combine boiling water & icing sugar in small bowl to a honey consistency. drizzles over hot scrolls. & ENJOY!

xx
* narcissism at its finest!

Seasonal Treasures

The days are noticeably cooler now. Frost, still lingers on the ground as I dress in my layers & gumboots, only beginning to melt as the sun rises over the rooftops. My breath is visible before me as I walk through the park & the crunch of leave underfoot is all I hear in this sleepy neighbourhood. I watch fruit-bats fly back to their roost - their silhouettes are mesmerising against the pastel sky. 

I arrive at the gardens - a garden for remembrance - I can't help but smile as I walk through the rose garden, locking eyes with an elderly woman with her dog, standing before a bush with a single yellow rose. Along the winding path, past lawns scattered with headstones & the prayer chapel, around a bend, to the rock shaped like Queensland. 

There, under the shade of a Jacaranda tree, I rest. 

After a few silent moments, I gather foliage & a few lingering blossoms dropped from nearby bushes to place beside her plaque. I produce a cup of water to wash away the dirt & droppings, until her name shines in gold. Then I sit, I pause - just long enough to feel a wave of emotion wash over me, not long enough for it to overcome me. 

As I walk home, I collect pieces of nature from this peaceful place. Pine cones freshly fallen, still holding tight to its few last seeds; ruby, crimson & ochre coloured leaves beginning to curl & fall; & the last lime green leaves of a geranium. 

As I arrive, I place them, thoughtfully throughout our abode - pine cones by the entryway, the leaves in a test tube hanging in the kitchen window & the geranium joins with hyacinth leaves on my night stand. Each in sight throughout my day.

Each day, I gaze upon these seasonal treasures.  Each day, I smile to myself in remembrance.

* Linking with the delightful Lou  at her Little Green Shed . Won't you join us?

Autumnal Inspirations - The Closet

Well, May is here, & finally the cool weather has begun to sink in. The past week has seen frost on the grass & a thick blanket of fog as the sun rises upon the mountain, the days are still warm & sunny yet as dusk falls, a chilly breeze has set in & we are tucked up in bed with the animals keeping our toes toasty.

It's about now that my bright & sunshiny attitude begins to fade...it has skipped town (or perhaps continents) following wherever the warm weather goes. I am a lover of the warm weather. Summer & I get on like a house on fire. Golden days spent at the beach & balmy evening dining al fresco on homemade pizza & sangria. Summer calls for cotton sundresses & comfy sandals, shorts & breezy blouses - it's easy. It's my idea of perfection.
These days you can find me standing in our closet starring blankly at rows & shelves of clothes declaring, "I have nothing to wear!", to which Sam replies, "Yes, you do!" as she picks out something for me - often it's my only transeasonal outfit - a forest green, 3/4 sleeve, jersey-knit dress with opaque tights & a scarf. This has been my 'go-to' Autumn outfit for the past 3 years*, & as much as I love this dress, it's looking a little...tired.

//This is probably the choice moment to mention that I am not at all 'fashionable' or 'on-trend' - my closet consists of thrifted, department store, artisan & the occasional 'label' buy, I dress 80% comfort/10% whatever is clean/10% style, & I still own the sweatpants I wore after my first surgery...4 years ago.//

In an attempt to love this naturally beautiful season, I have pulled together an inspiring collection of gorgeous threads to coax me into appreciating & embracing this in-between season. A combo of colour & neutrals, in natural fibres & luxe materials, I could fit any of these lovely pieces into my currently drab & overly summery repertoire.

1//2//3 //4//5//6//7//8//9

In my books, the perfect transeasonal wardrobe includes classic styles, plenty of options for mixing it up & use beyond this season. My current closet is a monochrome base with pops of colour & texture from unique, eclectic pieces - so I've chosen pieces that could fit in with what I already own yet bring their own individual flare, & brighten up my closet over the coming months.

Layering is key in Autumnal-weather dressing, making this Sportscraft Rosaline Cable Knit sweater the perfect colour-blocking partner for the beautiful artisan handiwork of the Alegre Skirt from Little Tienda -which would get its fair share of wear (unintended rhyming, I swear!) as its style & fabric will see me right through to Spring & Summer - pair it all with a blouse, leggings & The Horse Rosey Boot & I'm ready for a day at the markets or coffee with Sam.

For the sake of my sanity, I'm injecting a little extra colour with these ASOS Peg Leg Pants

combined with OCRF Tab Detail Shirt in luxurious silk from Witchery - not only will I look lovely, I'll feel it too as 100% of the proceeds go to Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (check out this generous cause here). To top it off, I cannot resist including my favourite bag - the beautiful Bohemian Living Deep Red Leather Satchel (I already own one in Absinthe, so a second would be a bit special!)

Lastly, I couldn't resist a little splurge on this Contrast Insert Dress by Cue. It appeals to my love of black clothing, plus every lady deserves a gorgeous little black dress. 
Team it with this delicate Scout & Catalogue Aztec Storm scarf & a hand-knitted Slouchy Beanie by MacBeanie & you've got the perfect urban-meets-uptown outfit to cover you from a warm day in the Autumn sun to late afternoon drinks with the girls.

Now, to save my pennies to afford these beautiful threads! *sigh*


What do you wear during the transeasonal months? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated! xx
* not constantly, though at times it feels like it!
 

Brownies & Buskers, Burgers & Beer

A golden Autumn day begged for adventure, the perfect day for a date with a beauty.

Stepping off a busy city street into the graffiti-lined alley way, we were greeted by raspy-voiced buskers with metal-stringed guitars & homemade digeridoos, the mellow scent of coffee & the hustle of a makeshift flea market. The row of shiny sports bicycles & a line out the door of this intimate coffee bar could only mean one thing - we were in for a good time.
A tall cap with one for her & a soy latte for me, plus a brownie bite each - of course!
We pulled up a milk crate in the shade between two buildings, taking in the scene around us whilst waking our bodies with a superb brew. Strangers sitting side-by-side - artists, business men, mothers with their wee ones & 'the ladies who lunch' - all enjoying the eclectic atmosphere. Tapping our feet & sipping our coffees, we chatted about life & love, journeys & adventure, we made plans with friends to jam soon & made our way back onto the bustling streets.

We walked through the CBD taking in the changing scenery as Autumn makes her mark on the stark land. Leaves turning rouge & amber almost ready to flutter & fall to the pavement, shop fronts filling with wintery-scenes, & cafes displaying "Come in, it's warm!" signs. Families with their toddlers in tow make the most of the warm afternoon sunshine as our days begin to shorten & the crisp air settles in.
Not long now, takeaway coffee will be a faithful accessory, as well as the resurgence of leather boots & knitted scarves.

As the sun began her downward journey, we pulled up a stool to share a beer & burger. The perfect vantage for people watching. A young European family nearby relishing in the moment of their daughters first bite of burger. A man on crutches nimbly manoeuvring through the mall. Our waiters wearing hot-pants & bandanna's singing in the kitchen whilst creating our meal. We quietly enjoyed each others company, no words were uttered for quiet a while. A simple moment.


I crave these 'date days' with Sam. She's the best company - funny, talented & undeniably attractive.I adore documenting these moments with her. To share them here with you.
To reminisce them together in the future. 

Healthy Life - Avocado Smoothies

With the very last of the seasons mangos, a few spoons of passionfruit pulp & a ripe avocado, we have been whipping up one hell of a smoothie! All thanks to this smoothie genius, I have been experimenting with my favourite fruit, the avocado, in place of banana or yoghurt in my morning starter - mixing in a little LSA here or a spoon of Manuka honey there.


Mango, Passionfruit & Avocado Smoothie

1 ripe mango
1 ripe avocado
 pulp of 2 passionfruits
1 teaspoon of agave nectar, manuka honey or maple syrup (the real stuff!)
a splash of almond milk (or your choice of milk/substitute)
a handful of icecubes
a sprinkle of LSA, bee-pollen, vitamin C powder, etc (optional)
(those last few measurements sound like something from a Julie Andrews movie...)

1. Peel & slice the mango & avocado, scoop the pulp from the passionfruits & place in blender or jug along with ice, sweetener of choice
2. blend until bright green, silky smooth & speckled with passionfruit seeds
3. add almond milk a splash at a time until the consistency you desire 
4. pour & enjoy whilst watching the sunrise, listening to sweet bird-songs...or if you're like me, as you dash out the door still buttoning your blouse & with sleep in your eyes!


I'm completely hooked on avo in my smoothies - next up I think I'll try a lemon & avocado smoothie or perhaps this chocolate & avocado version to satisfy my evening sweet-tooth!
In the meantime, you'll find me drooling over these smoothies. 

For now, I'll let you be the judge -  you will be surprised at how moreish it is! Definitely my favourite way to start the day!

Only Time Will Tell

Oh, time. I am both lacking & swimming in it.

I find myself running behind, mostly due to poor time-management, yet at the same time I feel as if I'm living a life beyond my years.

Life is changing at the moment - a new job has welcomed a change in the way I use my time. Where I used to have multiple opportunities in a day to read & write, I now find myself grasping for a single opportunity to lose myself in your worlds & reminisce upon my own.

We live simply & quietly here, though our lives are chaotic.
I rise with the sun, slowly waking my body, in the calm of those early hours. I enjoy my morning coffee, slowly, take my time dressing & mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. I leave my home, & am instantly bombarded by an overwhelming feeling of haste in the world. The pressure to be on time, deliver on time, make time to do, & somehow magically create extra time is intense.
I often feel as though I am struggling to keep my head above water as I fight my way through this insanely demanding world.
I do not choose this chaos, in fact I try wholeheartedly to cultivate peace in our home & lives.

It is at home where I find myself thinking the most about time. The time I spend at home is treasured, as I spend much of my day either at work or sleeping. I am utterly exhausted by the time I knock off work, & am often found lazing on the couch or curled up in bed winding down from the days events. I know this is only a temporary situation & I am in the midst of researching my way out of this insane schedule - a way for Sam & I to work collaboratively & creatively.
For now, I will work long & hard to give my family everything they need - a roof over our heads, wholesome food in our bellies & an abundance of love in our hearts - it's the love that really motivates me to make the best use of my time.

When I'm not working or sleeping or enjoying life's simple pleasures, I am thinking toward the future. An abundance of time which awaits our presence. I often daydream of what our futures will bring us - a growing family, an comfortable lifestyle with plenty of laughter & joy - a beautiful existence, I hope.
I adore my youth, as it brings with it an expansive future. I cannot comprehend what time has in store, yet I am excited & curious for what awaits me - for what awaits all of us, really.
Life is an incredible adventure - one which I am both terrified of & eagerly anticipate!

This has taken many hours to write, over many days. Time which could have been spent cleaning or painting or baking, perhaps just enjoying a moment with my love. Yet I enjoy the time I have taken to weave these words & express my feelings. It is worth my while...

Just now, I have spilt a full glass of water on the floor beside me - shattered glass & pool of liquid need attending to. Just another task which requires my time, I guess. I could have spent the next 5 minutes exploring your world or tending to Appa's persistent itch.
This is just another one of those moments that reminds me to be thankful & live purposefully in the time I have. In the words of J.Mason; "As every thread of gold is valuable, so is every moment of time."

See those beautiful proteas up there - my exceptionally beautiful love took the time to buy them for me. She knows exactly which stall to get them from at the markets (believe me, there's a difference!) & the perfect spot to display them (right outside our bedroom door, so I can enjoy their beauty as I wake & fall asleep.)
She is the best.
* Linking with the delightful Lou  at her Little Green Shed . Won't you join us?
 

 

The Week That Was...7//4//13

1. well, it says it all really.
2. we made organic beeswax candles in vintage teacups this week - a sweet little gift
3. oh, how I adore these blushing pink proteas
4. Quinn...up my skirt... Now that the collar is off, she's been back to her usual rambunctious self!
 
*Linking in with Em for Stills: A Weekly Collection. 

So Is This How It's Going To Be, Autumn?

Well, Autumn has certainly made herself known here, upon the mountain.

With her she brought howling winds, thick fog and chilly rain, she prompted us to layer our cardigans with scarves, and throw an extra blanket on the bed. Pancakes with cinnamon-spiked apples and yogurt for breakfast, chai tea in steaming hot almond milk for lunch, and a pot of pumpkin soup for supper. The animals are revelling in our constant company, enjoying the warm interior and nothing on the agenda but sleep.

I promised myself I would give each season the welcome she deserved - lighting sweet beeswax candles and picking out my favourite 'seasonal' reads - my way of learning to love each for her unique ways.
Autumn has prompted fresh crusty loaves and baked sweets daily, an early dinner followed by an equally early retire. The closet has been rearranged to feature ankle boots and hooded coats, and the gumboots stand proudly by the door, awaiting our next adventure.

What I didn't expect for my appreciation was a throbbing head and scratchy throat, and I'm anticipating the runny nose is just round the corner. It's trying for me, a Summer-loving lass, to find joy in a season that has gifted me the dreaded lurgy.

So, as the sun sets on the second day of Autumn, I'm tucked up in bed with a hot cuppa and a good book, surrounded by my dear family.

Tomorrow is a new Autumn day, and I promise to give her all the appreciation I can muster - all I ask in return, is for a little more sunshine and a little less...well, snot.