Complete

The month is over. On one hand I can't believe how quickly it went and on the other, it seemed to take a long time at some points.

Looking back at my intentions:

I intend to blog everyday. And I did, some were scheduled but such is life.

I intend to not drink soda everyday. I didn't. And it was hard, very hard.

I intend to take a self-portrait everyday. I did. They are above in all their glory.

I learnt that time goes quickly and there is a lot of stuff that I try and pack into that time. Its not necessarily a bad thing, but I don't leave myself much time for doing nothing. I learnt that I really like soda. I'm not going to be diving back into my habit full-tilt but I'll be happy to indulge when I want to. And I remembered to be kind to myself again. Taking photos and really seeing yourself is hard, and doesn't need to be made harder with criticism and self-loathing.

Thanks Blogtober, and all the lovely people who visited me throughout. Its been a blast and I can't wait for next year!

Simple Pleasures

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

E. E. Cummings

 

I love the bright orange flowers that glow like neon pompoms on our deck, the wind in my face as I drive with the windows down, laughing out loud by myself as I remember something funny, helping out friends (knowing they would do the same for you), falling into bed tired and content.

How about you? What are the little things that make you feel good?

Pick and Mix :: Sunshine

This wedding is filled with so many cute and crafty ideas, my mind is in over-drive!

It was pretty hard to decide which Son of a Sailor bracelet is my favourite, but this one comes out on top I think. They do look nice in a little bunch though... via sfgirlbybay

These truffles look so delicious and SO easy, I can't wait to try them!

My love for all things typographic remains strong, as indicated by my need for this necklace from Rare Indeed. via Design is Mine.

I love how graphic this kitchen make-over is, and how they reused some of the old kitchen to keep costs down.

More of myself

Brave

The concept of being brave feels hard, overwhelming. Like to be brave I should be jumping out of planes or moving to a foreign country. I forget that I can be brave everyday, even if it is in very small ways ...

It is brave to tell the truth even when it might not make you popular.
It is brave to try something you've always wanted to even if you're afraid of looking foolish.
It is brave to start making your dreams happen even if you might fail.
It is brave to open up to someone even if it makes you vulnerable.
It is brave to be yourself even if people might judge you.
It is brave to wear your favourite colour even if it isn't fashionable.

Instant Self

I love my Mini Instax camera and its been a fun challenge to find interesting backdrops this week.

Simple Pleasures

If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.

Meister Eckhart

 

Today I am thankful for a warm fire on a cold night, a snuggly puppy on my knee, beautiful music bringing back happy memories and a family that, despite time and distance, takes care of each other in times of struggle. I am thankful for strength and kindness and comfort.

What are you thankful for today?

Patience

Patience. It is one thing I am learning (the hard way usually) with having our own house. There are so many things I want to do but time and finances usually limit me to one or two things at a time.

So I am learning to look for and appreciate the small things I can do that make a big difference, with not much time or money spent.

So until I find the time (and dry weather) to paint all the hallway doors, I am happy to make this little improvement with a left over roll of chalkboard contact paper.

Glow

Nothing makes me feel better than a bit of alone time with some warm hot chocolate, a good DVD and every candle in the house burning. 

The candle light and my heart glows.

Finished

After several weeks of squeezing in a little painting time whenever I can, I finally finished this piece this morning.

It felt good to start something big and just play and get messy and to not rush through it just to say it is finished. But this morning I came in to work on it and that was exactly what it was. Finished.

Of course I have already rushed into the next project but I'm going to try and enjoy the process again this time.

Sunday Snippets #01

I'm joining in with Sunday Snippets: a collection of photos from your week. No need for words. Let the pictures tell your story.  Visit {tinniegirl} if you'd like to join in.

More of me

I'm still keeping up with a self-portrait a day. Some days are easier than others. Some days are simply the truth, not glossed over or fancied up. Hard and real.

Pick & Mix :: turning

I love this easy DIY coffee table from Brick House, now if only I could get my hands on a knarly old piece of wood...

I still love paper cuts and this one from Mr Yenn is the perfect mix of art and sarcasm. Via Design*Sponge.

I love the creative use of materials in the outdoor space of this house. The slices of wood and stones are genius. Via DesignLoveFest.

These ceramic pieces are so tiny and fragile, each one is like a little treasure. I especially love this one. Via Design*Sponge.

The desert buffet from this inspiration shoot looks just about perfect and totally do-able from my perspective.

Simple Pleasures

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

Khalil Gibran

 

For me, today, the little things are the scent of rose buds when I entered the room, hot tea from a pretty teacup, clean sheets and thoughts of a new project.

How about you? What are the little things that make you feel good?

Before & After :: Garden

After a lot of blood, sweat and tears, the garden is finally done. Well, it still has a lot of growing to do but the hard work is over. I'm so happy with it, now all I need is a bit of sunshine and a couple of chairs so I can enjoy the fruits of my labour!

Recipe No's. 3, 4 and 5

In between all the gardening I managed to make three new recipes too, Orange Lightning Cake, Birdseed Bars and Chocolate and Caramel Meringues. All were a delicious break from the hard work and driving rain!

Today was hard but I managed to put up my new blackboard wall and write a little inspiration for this weary soul.

Before

Today is the start. We are going to build a garden.

I have plants...

And mulch...

And this to start with...

I also have 3 days of forecast torrential rain and gail-force winds. But with any luck, I'll be back with after photos in a few days!

Pick & Mix :: Visitors

My mum is coming to stay for a few days to help me totally landscape our backyard. Hopefully on Wednesday I'll be able to show some before and after pics, or I might be too tired to even type!

In the meantime, here are a few things I'm crushing on this week...

This home is perfect, I could move in straight away. I mean, there is butterfly wallpaper!

These scarves are SO beautiful, but in reality I would have to swirl it around like this, rather than wear it. Via SFgirlbyBay.

Wit & Whistle have a super tutorial for making these cute little terrarium mushrooms. I think I might have to have a terrarium first, but it would only be so I could have these little guys.

Ashley got the most amazing gift from Lori Danelle who makes the most amazing papercuts. I love the fingerprint ones.

This looks like a really fun dinner. I love the lights and the super long table filled with interesting people. This looks like it might have made the list for possible reception ideas!