Walk this way...

Something that I have never been a particular fan of has just recently started to take hold in my "happy place". My like for it (I won't say love just yet - don't get too crazy!) has not grown in leaps and bounds, but I enjoy it far more than I ever have. Walking. Yep, I said it. Can also come under the heading of "exercise" or "working out"... UGH. Dirty words.

My mindset in regards to exercise is not a good one. My siblings and I were never particularly encouraged to exercise as children, mainly because we lived on a large property with abundant space where we rode horses and motorbikes, and trekked down paddocks to make forts and cubby houses, so I suppose our parents decided this was enough in the way of physical activity. In all honesty, it probably was, I'm just giving you a glimpse of my "active" childhood. 

As a result of any form of exercise coming from doing things I enjoy that just happen to be active, whenever I "force" myself to do exercise, I find I CANNOT stand it. I hate sweating. I hate being out of breath. I hate how unfit I am. I hate how I look working out. So for a long time, my idea of exercise has been that it is something not to be enjoyed, rather endured, with the end goal being that I am far skinnier and fitter than before. And I always stop doing whatever exercise I've pushed myself into that week/month/year.

SCRAP THAT.

Lately, I have realised that if I am to enjoy exercise, I can't think of it as exercise. It has to be something that is active, but that I have enjoyed doing, even if I am a little puffed and "sticky" at the end of it. Among these things I've included dancing (in my own home, to my own music, my own way), horse riding (more on that in future posts), Pilates and Yoga (which I do enjoy, and also make me feel incredibly chic and "Gwyneth") and, funnily enough, walking. Anywhere. And not at a particularly fast pace; just somewhere lovely, soaking up atmosphere and view, and feeling good that I stepped out rather than drove out. 

Yesterday, I headed to Toowong Village for some very important and frustrating passport business. Instead of climbing into the car, I decided to put my earphones in and walk the not too far distance to get there. I have to tell you - even though I was sweaty and I hate walking right next to traffic, it was a really lovely way to spend half an hour. I switched my iPhone to shuffle, set a brisk pace and absorbed things around me that I would never normally take notice of when we drive. And can I just say, my music was so ON. I really have to leave things to chance a little more often. My random playlist of the Beatles, Florence, Madonna, Anthony Warlow (!), Queen and Abba, combined with the fresh air and people watching, put me in the best mood. I mouthed words to songs and didn't care who caught me, smiled at people I passed and pined for a delicious breakfast at The Corner Store Cafe as I wandered past its staple massive queue. Life was good, for that 30 minutes, thanks to music and walking. 

Moral of my story? I'm going to opt to walk a lot more. If it's within a fair distance, and time frame, I'm there - on foot. It's activity, but enjoyable, and my little outing made me appreciate life just a little more for a while. It's also a terrific time to think. About anything and everything. So do yourself a small favour: pull on some comfortable shoes and hit the pavement. You'll thank yourself (and me!). 

Footnote:...... I caught a cab home.... *smacks forehead* 

A rose by every name...

My current obsession? Actually, no, this is not a current obsession. This is a new found love. A true love. A love... for roses. How can you blame me... 

Blue Moon Hybrid Tea

Honey Dijon

 Karen Blixen

 Mister Lincoln

Mon Petit Chou 

Pat Austin 

Pierre de Ronsard

Olde Fragrance

On Pointe...

On another recommendation from one of my sisters, I have started watching "Breaking Pointe" on Sidereel (LOVE Sidereel!). My sisters and I have always loved anything to do with ballet. We all feel that, given the chance, we would have been terrific ballerinas.... Perhaps in our very vivid imaginations.  We love the grace and propriety of the institution that is professional ballet. This form of dance has long been known for it's high stature and exquisite, classic choreography. What it is also known for, is the determination and hard work it expects from the dancers who choose to become professional ballet dancers. 

The series "Breaking Pointe" follows a group of real ballet dancers at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, each at different levels in their dancing careers. The grit, heartache, pain and triumphs that is their lives in the world of ballet is on show. Ok so no, they are not actors and as such the "acting" is not great - a little flat actually. However, if you have a genuine love for ballet, this show is worth watching. If you love "Centre Stage"... this show is definitely worth watching. 

Find "Breaking Pointe" here on Sidereel, and enjoy some ballet inspiration. Also, check out my Pinterest board "I Always Wanted to be a Ballerina"...

French for a day...

Here's a saying that for us English speaking countries (boring!), while still lovely, doesn't have quite the same ring to it, as it does in say... oh, French? 

To say, "I miss you" is touching to hear, however translated into beautiful, melodic French tones, "I miss you" becomes, "Tu me manques". This actually translates a little closer to, "You are missing from me". 

To me, this is a most romantic and beautiful way of saying I miss you. It implies that I am less with you not near me; I am no longer a whole entity through your absence. I do not simply miss you... my being is incomplete without you... 

"Tu me manques"

"You are missing from me"

Tea party fit for a princess...

The following photos are a little old now, but I remembered them and had to write about them. By now, you will all be familiar with Bec Johnson, my amazing wedding photographer and very dear friend. These photos are from her angel daughter Scarlett's fourth birthday party from a couple of years ago. Bec styled the intimate princess party herself, and I could just die thinking about how badly I would have wanted this when I was a little girl. Heck, I want it now! Scarlett is such a sweet, peaches and cream little doll. Just one of the many reasons I covet Bec's beautiful life (Scarlett's hair is a big point of jealousy, for me and her mother!!). Bec is such a wonderful mother to Scarlett and Parker, and you can see how much time and effort goes into making her little ones have a delicious childhood.

Scarlett's guests wore tiaras, pearls and party dresses, ate cupcakes and sipped strawberry milk from antique tea cups and saucers. The little dressing table is antique and re-created by Bec as a birthday present. And do I even need to mention the Barbie birthday cake? I didn't think so. My mind is whirling with ideas for when I one day am lucky enough to have a little girl.

Aren't these perfect?

See the full post on Bec's blog here. 

Morning markets...

Lewis and I made an early Saturday morning trip to the Rocklea markets with my brother-in-law and his lovely girlfriend to pick up some fruit and vegetables, and, in my case, a rose bush as well! 

Here are some shots from our little trip. We just LOVE any form of markets, and these ones are very extensive, cheap and buzzing with activity! 

In case you can't tell, the colour of this stunning rose is a cool lilac. The fragrance is deep and sweet, and very pungent. 

All in all, a very successful trip to market, I would say!! 

She...

Would you like to see my most recent girl crush? ....Yes, you would! French actress Marion Cotillard - stunning, mysterious, intrinsically French. You can't help but subconsciously class her in the same category as Audrey, Grace and Jackie. 

I think she is just divine. Don't you?