Beating the Blues..

This morning I woke up, had a bit of a snuggle with Brendan before he ran to cricket and then hit the gym. It sounds like a great start to the morning but for some reason I just felt a bit down (one of those days), and so I decided instead of climbing under the covers and wallowing about my life (which is the option I wanted to take), I would just do the things that make me happy and hopefully turn my day around.

I started by putting on one of my favourite dresses....

 and wearing my pretty new hairband from Gracie's etsy store.

 I slapped on some red lippy.....

and took the time to straighten my hair which I haven't had time to do properly of late.

 I went to one of my favourite cafes and had lunch and read my book....

then spent some time in my favourite second hand book store.

And finally treated myself to some new hair products that I have been wanting to try for awhile.

A day to myself just to do the things I enjoy has made me feel so much better, I think we should all impose a day a month to spend with ourselves and relax - what a perfect world.

On fulfilling our dreams..

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The other day a family friend congratulated me on achieving my dream and getting my law degree. Whilst I graciously accepted the compliment at the time I haven't been able to stop thinking about it - was becoming a lawyer always my dream? The answer was no, and I am not sure when it did become my dream or my goal or if it is but I am extremely happy that it is where have I ended up for now.
When I was in high school, even up until Year 12 I wanted to act, I guess you could say that was my dream. However doors weren't really opening in that area of my life and when I was accepted to university to study journalism I decided to pack my bags and start a new adventure. However a year into my degree I realised that journalism wasn't for me and fell back to square one. I had always tossed around the idea of studying law but too much negative self talk "I am not smart enough", "I won't be able to do all the work" had always stopped me from applying. After realising how unhappy I was doing something I thought I would be good at, I decided to take the risk and do something I wasn't sure I could do but knew that I would enjoy. And even though it was hard and at times I would cry on the phone to my mum wanting to quit I stuck with it because I loved it.
I look back now and see how different my life is too what I had planned when I was 18. And even though its not what I had planned, I am definitely not an actress, I am happy with the way things have worked out. I guess what I am saying is it is so important to have goals and dreams to keep us motivated and really living but it is also important to keep our eyes open to other opportunities that arise as you never know what else is out there for you too. And if you do accept another path don't beat yourself up there is so many dreams out there that finding your perfect match may just take a little while.

Obsession: Charms

Over the weekend I fell in love with the charm bracelets that Fossil sells. I think the charms are just gorgeous and have already constructed my perfect bracelet. The fact I haven't stopped thinking about it since I saw them might mean it could be my next purchase. Do you have a charm bracelet? I have a Pandora that is full now but I love that each charm has a different meaning or represents a different person or event in my life.

Lunch

Lunch is one of the hardest meals for me- trying to think of something yummy yet interest and healthy sometimes alludes me. So in an effort to diversify here is one of the meals that I am really enjoying at the moment for lunch.

+ Tandoori chicken

+Avocado

+Cucumber

+Cherry tomatoes

+Fetta

+A smidge of Greek Yoghurt

Highlights of the week thats been

Highlights of the week: finding a delcious new hamburger place; the package I won from the wonderful Iris; the pattern on Brendan's new shorts; the new place where I eat and read on my lunch break; getting to spend the day with my sister on her 20th Birthday.

Have a wonderful start to the new week!

Graduation

Today I received my official letter of completion from the University letting me know that I had successfully completed my Bachelor degree in Communication/ Law, woohoo! The actual Graduation ceremony isn't until late March but the letter got me thinking about what I am going to wear. The lining on my gown is going to be maroon, which is a little hard to work with so I think sticking with neutral colours will be best. This is just a little inspiration board I put together if I had infinite amounts of money to spend - don't worry I am not going to wear two different shoe colours I just couldn't decide between them.

Details: Dress: Witchery ($150), Shoes: Wittner ($160), Handbag: Mimco ($399), Bracelets: Mimco ($199 & $129), Earrings: Oroton ($35)Graphic: Source

Bookspiration

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I have been on the hunt for new books to read in 2011, I always like to have a long list of books to read so that I can just flip to my list at the bookstore or on Book Depository and grab something that I will hopefully enjoy. Even though I love Bookstores I sometimes get overwhelmed so I find it easiest to go prepared. This is just a quick post to share where I have been getting my inspiration from  in case you are also on the hunt for something good to read.

Lauren has just started a book recommendation section on her blog, that is a quick and easy reference guide to her favourite fiction novels.The comments section is also useful as readers have also noted their favourite books.

Books I have noted down from Lauren: The Road: Cormac McCarthy, Enders Game: Orson Scott Card, Clockwork Angel; Cassandra Clare and Matched: Ally Condie.

I always look forward to reading Zoe's book reviews on her blog 'In the Next Room' they have the right amount of detail and I find that her book interests are similar to mine so am likely to enjoy something she recommends. I also enjoy the honesty and frankness of her reviews. 

Books I have noted from Zoe: Water for Elephants: Sara Gruen, Zoli: Colum McCann; The Art of Disappearing: Ivy Pochoda; Left Neglected and Still Alice by Lisa Genova

I discovered Clare Marie after she commented on my blog and have been reading through her 'Sunday Reads' posts this morning. Interesting, personal and detailed reviews that I now look forward to visiting every Sunday.

Books I have noted from Claire Marie: The Gargoyle: Andrew Davidson, The Luminous Life of Lilly and Aphrodite: Beatrice Collin

I am currently reading Unsticky by Sarra Manning which is chick lit on steroids but I am actually enjoying it which is unusual, a good break from my usual book picks.

If only I had a head

I am so bored with my wardrobe, but am determined to stick to my three month clothes shopping ban. So today I decided to attempt to switch it up and this was the result...

Yup the only decent photo I dont have a head. I am usually scared to mix and match patterns but am actually very happy with the mix of stripes against the floral. And just in case you were concerned my head is still firmly attached...

...taking self timed photos is obviously not one of my strong points but it was a bit of fun in any case.

At times like this the lack of inspiration my wardrobe is giving me seems inconsequential in relation to what some Australians are going through. If you havent already heard there are massive floods occurring in QLD and 75% of the state has been declared a disaster area. Other states are also being affected by the immense rainfall we have received in the last 6 weeks after 10 years of severe drought. Please keep these people in your thoughts and if you are able to donate go here. The lovely Gracie is also donating all profits from sales in her etsy store to the flood relief effort so that is also another great way to support the cause.

Post

I came back to Canberra on Sunday to a bunch load of fabulous mail. It made coming home from a 3 week break very pleasent.

Lovely card from Sophie, how adorable are the emergency nail files?

Gorgeous little pressie from Alyssa, my love of Russian dolls must be obvious. Alyssa said this is to remind me to be confident, and that I am loved in my new year adventures. I think that is such a beautiful sentiment.

Speaking of Alyssa you should join her beat the christmas blues swap, its going to be fun.

A really nice christmas postcard from Lauren Nicole.

My ornaments arrived from Micaela's ornament swap. One is vintage and the other is handmade, a perfect combination, thankyou Erin.

A birthday package from Rhianne. Pretty sure its the cutest bday card I have ever got. And my first Kath Kidston products, it all made me smile.

I also sent out a bunch of letters this week, I didn't take individual photos as I didnt have time to spruce them up.

I hope you have had a happy mailbox this week.

The perfect pot

This little tea pot has became one of my most prized possessions. It is just perfect for one cup of tea in the mornings when I am too lazy to get the big pot out. To top it off it was only 50cents at an estate sale, it was hand blown in Italy and a gift from my mum. Mornings just got a little easier.

And I apologise for the late announcement but the winner of the giveaway was Meghan. Thanks to everyone for entering hopefully I will have another giveaway soon!

~ Book Review~ Room by Emma Donohue

I have been on  a bit of a bad run with books lately - not that they are necssarily bad but just not the kind of books you can't put down. I grabbed this on a whim the other day and absolutely loved it. A wonderful use of language and lovable, believable characters. It is a unique story told from the perspective of a five year old boy - something I didnt think I would like but it is done so well. Here is a little synopsis from the official website,

"To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world....

It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. There are endless wonders that let loose Jack's imagination-the snake under Bed that he constructs out of eggshells, the imaginary world projected through the TV, the coziness of Wardrobe beneath Ma's clothes, where she tucks him in safely at night, in case Old Nick comes."

This is a book full of courage, faith and hope, though sometimes a sad story one that was a good start to my 2011 reading list.
I would love to hear your thoughts if you have read it - or any books your planning on reading this year.

Coincidence

So on exactly the 8th of January 2010 I posted the above photo of my "new hair" for the New Year.... well its the 8th January 2011 and I just had my hair done....what a difference a year can make!

Change and consistency

I have loved watching my blog grow and develop over the last fourteen months and am really happy with the progress I have made from my original posts. I started this blog as a way of documenting all the different things in my life that make me happy, something I would be able to look at in fifty years to remember all the different things I had done and achieved. I have also used it as a platform to make new and amazing friends through out the world. However 2011 has started with a little bit of a blog identity crisis.

I want more consistency in what I am blogging about. Not only for people who read my blog but I feel it will make me a better blogger if I have weekly goals and am setting out to produce specific posts that run with the overall theme of my blog.

So what can you expect in 2011.....
From Sunday the 16th January I will be starting a weekly feature which in essence is 'a week in review'. I have attempted to introduce this a number of times but think I may finally have found a format that will allow me to make it a constant feature.

In late January early February I will be starting a series called "Celebrating friendship" which I am really excited for. The posts will be running on Wednesdays and a number of wonderful bloggers are already on board.

In the pipeline is a once a week fashion post this wont be starting until May/June and is a twist on the traditional fashion posts.

Other then that the same old thing will be happening on the blog- mail, book reviews, obsession posts, reflections, shopping, personal posts etc I just wanted to add some weekly posts that I can work on and develop.

Wow this has been a wordy post congrats if you made it to the end.. It is something I wanted to write more for myself to get my thoughts out and my goals written down. If you have any suggestions I would be happy to hear them.

A quick little giveaway

Gracie sent me these gorgeous measuring spoons for my birthday and when I saw them in store the other day I couldn't help but to buy some to giveaway, a good way to start the New Year on the blog I feel.


To enter; You must be a follower of this blog (its not to late to join :-)
For one entry-
Leave a comment on this post, telling me your new year resolution/goal if you have one.
Tweet about this giveaway - just make sure you have @timeaftertea in the tweet so I can see it.


The Giveaway is open internationally.


You must leave a separate comment for each entry otherwise they will be included as one entry. The giveaway will close on the 9th January 2011@ 5pm.

Acquisition

A few photos of my recent purchases from the Boxing day sales, I really cannot resist shopping during sale time. The jewelery is from Diva and only $5 a pop - I am especially fond of  Cinderella's pumpkin coach. The nail polish was also only $5 from Target and I was pretty sure it would be a dud but it is as long lasting as any of my more expensive polishes and dries pretty quickly. This one is called Mile High.

The bag is from Forever New which I am kind of in love with - I am a little late on the neutral colour bandwagon but better late then never.

Notice I didn't buy any new clothes? I am officially resisting buying any new clothes for the next three months except for work clothes for my new job. We will see how I go. 

Have you bought anything new recently?

A perfect start

We just got back from the Gold Coast and I am absolutely exhausted after travelling for eight hours.

I had such a really nice time with my family and loved being so close to the beach. There is just something so relaxing and refreshing about being surrounded by the ocean air and the sound of waves crashing.

It was a great way to start the New Year (even if I didn't make it too midnight) and I just have such a positive outlook for this year.

Highlights from our trip...

+ Shopping up a storm (post to follow)

+ Dreamworld especially the water park so much fun, not so much fun finding out my sister is much braver then me

+Watching Dexter at night time

+Chocolate and peanut butter ice cream

+Going to the beach on a very overcast day and having the best swim of the trip

+ Spa

+Fresh fish and chips

+New Years Fireworks

+Having wine on our balcony overlooking the beach
+Cuddling a koala

To resolute or not?

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I love making resolutions for the New Year, I am list and goal oriented, so New Years is perfect for me. Last year I did pretty well with my goals especially expanding the types of books and music I listen too- Book club has definitely helped. Unfortunately the getting healthy resolution did not go to plan and is definitely on the agenda this year. Apart from that though I am not sure what else I want to achieve this year in the form of resolutions - I have already shared this "to do list" but I feel resolutions are more broad then specific things I want to do. So for now all I want is to live in the moment more and make the most of every day. 2011 is going to be a big year for me and I just want to make sure I enjoy it. Have you got any resolutions?
P.S I am posting this from our holiday on the Gold Coast - cannot wait to tell you all about it!