Wanderlust

Do we all have that one thing that makes everything better? That heals all the gaping sores on your body and in your soul. For me its the sun and ocean. I work hard so I can play hard in the best spots. This year end break its the Whitsundays and taking my baby girl for a swim at Whitehaven beach. Paradise found. 

Good vibes

I'm sitting in bed at 7pm on who knows what day and date (who doesn't love that Christmas and New Year period where you have no idea what day or time it is) in a lovely B&B in Byron Bay with a gorgeous almost 4 year old sleeping next to me.  Yeah toddlers wake up at 5am on holidays ready to roll and crash out just when you're trying to decide what to have for dinner.

Alas... life is good.  After the mayhem of end of year it's nice to clean and declutter the house and head north to warmer weather for some rest and reflection.  I'm so fortunate that my life allows for that.  The ocean is my happy place.

In 2016 I wanted to thrive rather than just survive.  I wanted to develop personally and professionally and really take things to the next level.  I wanted to do the things that make me happy.  I wanted to travel.  I wanted to strengthen the bond with my daughter.  I wanted things to be great.  I worked really, really, really hard and played even harder.  I went to Italy for the first time and back home to Serbia which really refuelled my soul.  I learned to trust myself and back myself.  When you put yourself out there in a big way, things happen in a big way - sometimes good, sometimes back but always for a reason.  I wouldn't change a thing about 2016.  I seem to always be BUSY but amongst it all I've done my best to make time for the little things, like taking my daughter to ballet every week and WATCH her learn to dance.    To sacrifice a lot to enrol her in a wonderful kinder.  To show her amazing new places in Australia and around the world.  I've worked through many coffee breaks and lunch breaks to get out of the office at a reasonable hour and take her to the park or a picnic or for frozen yoghurt.  I don't do it enough but I don't beat myself up about it either.  Nobody is perfect.  Everybody does the best they can.

I also found time to start running.  Yeah, 3 months ago I was a "I can't run" person.  Now I'm training for a half marathon.  More like shuffling but I have another 5.5 months to go.

I don't make resolutions, but i do set goals so this year I want to keep kicking butt at work.  I want to get better at running and drink more water!  And spend less money on myself and more on those I love.

Seems fair!

The blog is back!

amateur home made acai bowl with blueberries and cacao nibs

After a long hiatus, the blog is back!  I'm feeling cheery and inspired again so watch out for some new content coming on a regular basis.  Woohoo!

la dolce vita

I am buried in over my head with a million safari tabs open (in fact my macbook crashed the other night because I had 72 open at once) researching my Italian sojourn.  I have an excel, word and paper diary itinerary going all at once.  I am at the pointy end with just over 2 months to go.  I am too scared to look at my credit card.

This has by far been the hardest trip to plan as it involves the consideration of interests, tolerance and comfort of a 3 year old.  I am a massive fan of art and history and I couldn't imagine anything to be less interesting to a 3 year old.  Italy seems like a lovely place to take children and even Caffe Florian has a children's menu so it may work out okay.

I am the type of person who sets the alarm for 6am and needs to see every corner of every place and I can't help but schedule every panini shop and hidden Gelateria I can find.

I am not a hotel person when it comes to sight seeing holidays but I have had to ensure the toddler is comfortable and has her own space and comforts.

I camped out on Wednesday night to get tickets for Da Vinci's The Last Supper as they were released for my date.  I can't wait to take in Florence from a rooftop bar and enter Venice in a water taxi.

I am also trying to decide on only 6 outfits for a 3 week trip.  Gulp.  I don't want to be dragging luggage on and off trains and would like to leave some room in my luggage for a trip to Space (the Prada outlet).

On my packing list so far are:

a large Le Pliage.. a no brainer really.  Is very light, fully zips (unlike my LV Neverfull) and can fit essentials for carry on as well as day trip necessities like a change of clothes for aforementioned toddler, water bottle, snacks and my SLR.  

Muji packing cubes.  Cheap and a lifesaver since I've begun travelling with a small person.  I use 4.  One of my clothes, one for my shoes and same for her.  That way I can unpack my suitcase and not unpack the cubes but still know where everything is.  And how easy is it then to pack?  Place 4 cubes plus toiletries into the suitcase and you're off.  

I discovered Bared shoes this past summer.  They are designed by a podiatrist so are actually "good" for your feet.  They absorb shock on the soles of the feet, support the heel and support your arches while not looking like daggy pharmacy sandals.  Win!  

Bassike jersey harem pants.  These are the most comfortable pants in the world, especially for plane travel and I swear you can dress them up and get away with wearing them as part of a smart outfit  

Don't judge an old mutton like me but I am SOOO in love with this romper.  Will be making it's debut at Villa d'Este.  I might run into George Clooney.... :P

On acceptance

I've been doing a lot of soul searching in recent years.  A lot of growing up.  A lot of reflection about self awareness and how I project the person that I am.  I figure that impression is so important in this world, whether we like it or not.

Another thing is acceptance.  Of who I am and what I do.  Of things I can't change and of accepting to challenge to actually influence what I can.  I think that's really important.  Voicing an opinion.  Trying to improve systems and methods.  Be more efficient.  Sharing wisdom and experience.  Trust.  Trusting the moment.  Trusting the situation and why you are going through it.  Trusting that you're strong enough to get through it.  Trusting the reason why you're going through it.

People often ask me how I cope with everything I have to do.  The answer is simple, I do it without overthinking it.  And I say no to the things that don't matter.

Ode to summer

I already miss summer.  We had a late stretch of warm weather yesterday and I think summer has officially set sail.  Do you ever wish you'd made more of the warmer days and longer nights?  I am the biggest summer lover on the planet and could spend days at the beach and hours in the ocean but for now my toddler hates the sight of the beach and ocean so I have had to adapt.  Hopefully she turns and changes her mind.  

I did decide to take a blog hiatus over summer, but I miss writing and hope to bring back some regular posts in the coming months.

Beach review

Banana, berries, coconut water, chia seeds.  REPEAT.

Burleigh Heads beach

Noosa beach

Zimmermann 'Lucia' embroidered playsuit, now on SALEEEE

Spinning on the balcony until she's dizzy 

I love that the new year break coincides with summer.  After the manic lead up it's nice to spend time with family, reflect on the year that was (for me it was a significant year in my career, that I've worked so hard towards).  2016 will demand even more of it.  It's lovely to regroup by the ocean, swim, hike, write lots of lists (including recipes and meal plans for the inevitable and dreaded return to work and reality), reassess my goals and development areas and soak in every second with my baby girl.

I'm hoping to do just a little bit more in 2016

• be a little bit more active.
• plan and in return eat better.
• visit some new places.
• learn and study. READ.
• I am also doing a major home refurbishment and declutter this year.  Replacing linen and some furniture.  I've been inspired after reading the KonMari decluttering book and have signed up to the Apartment Therapy January Cure project which I will begin when I get back home.  When all the corporate day job and parenting is done and Friday night arrives I collapse in a heap.  As KonMari says, the less stuff you have, the less you have to put away.  True!
• keep on top of my emails/unsubscribe from some MORE mailing lists.
• wake up a little earlier to tackle the menial tasks. I'm exhausted by nights end and things are often left to hang over my head and cause me to wake up at 3am in a panic
• be a bit more patient.  Holidaying in a small place when living in a big place shows me just how rushed I always am.  
• put away the phone, yeah!
• let go of the guilt that I am not enough.  Enough of a parent, friend, colleague, cook.  Nobody can be all things to all people.
• be present in the moment a little bit more.

Wishing you all a year filled with kindness, adventure and happy memories. 

All about the dress

Sometimes, all you need is one fab dress to steal the show.

Nicholas Fleur Lace Dress now on SALE!

What to wear where

I love this time to year.  Who doesn't?  Apart from work being chaotic, the weather is warming up, the days are long, there are so many catch ups planned with friends, work functions, client lunches.  And all the best events come to Melbourne.

I eBayed and donated most of my wardrobe in the spring so was excited to update my summer wardrobe which I haven't added anything to in a couple of years.  I've invested in some Bared sandals, Melinda Maria Jewellery and Zulu & Zephyr pieces.  Now hide the credit card and cyber Monday deals from me, please.

For Christmas Day, I can't go past Zimmermann this year with tan sandals and heaps of gold bangles.  The playsuit has pockets, a drawstring and can be worn for many different occasions over summer (and hopefully in Europe next June).

While I certainly won't be wearing a crop top, I know these shorts will be on high rotation this summer.  With bucketloads of fake tan.  

Oversized smock and sunscreen.  That's all! 

You never know what weather you'll get for a day or night at the tennis.  I love a crisp and oversized white shirt which protects from the sun but can also be layered under a knit if the weather is cool.  Flats are a must for covering the show court action, too and a tote bag fits a knit, bottle of water, sunscreen and other essentials.  

Party time

Surely finding a dress to wear to the myriad of events over the festive season is one of the most frustrating things?  Weddings, client lunches and Christmas parties, team celebrations?  Something nice AND occasion appropriate.  Phew.  I've got this little number coming my way to hopefully cover the gaps.  Gold accessories and a bright clutch??  Think my problem maybe solved.

By Johnny Yellow Window Dress

Working wardrobe

This photo was snapped after work last night (hooray for daylight past 6pm).  I haven't posted a photo of what I've been wearing in such a long time.  Seems pointless when there are thousands of photoshopped and whimsical outfit posts all over the internet.  I was too lazy to even erase the wrinkles on my skirt... keeping it real!

There may just be some life left in the old blog.  Stay tuned.

Top-Veronika Maine ....Skirt-Witchery.... Shoes-Seed (picked up on sale for $17!)

Christian Dior

Nobody does flowers like Dior.  Since watching the wonderful documentary on Raf's introduction to all things Dior I have really looked forward to see what he will do next and this week's literal mountain of flowers certainly didn't disappoint.  I love what he's doing.  

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Fall 15 Couture 

Christian Dior AW15/16

Christian Dior AW15/16

all images via vogue.com

Journal of me

I've been pretty quiet on here and online in general of late.  It's well documented that winter is not my favourite time of year.  I find nothing joyful about winter, except maybe a very early bed time under a bunch of blankets and a warm wheat bag at my feet.  I can't get warm, my body misses the sunshine, my immune system struggles and I lack motivation to do anything.  Some people love the coats and boots.  I don't.

I have been working hard on training myself to be in bed by 10 and to enjoy waking up at 6am, instead of craving a sleep in.  I am deep seated into a strong routine and finding time to do all the things that I want to do, outside of what I have to do.  I have been reading so much about the importance of morning and evening routines and scheduling.  As a parent, my number one tip is to get as much done the night before.  I know the feeling of just wanting to dive into bed once the child is finally asleep but even 45 minutes the night before saves a frantic start to the next day.

I also really value waking up before my child does in the morning.  I gather my thoughts and think about the day ahead.  I may read the news headlines and drink a glass of warm water with lemon and take a magnesium supplement, vitamin D and a probiotic.  I also prep breakfast.  Then I can enjoy some cuddles with the little person who's happy to start a day at 6am.  

I've also begun the Journal of Me to run through the summer and new year.  It's unrelenting and challenging but that's been my motto this year.  Life has really been pushing me out of my comfort zone, both personally and in particular professionally.  I'm mustering up the courage to do my masters now.  

There are so many wonderful reasons for us all to be happy with our lives, so lets remind ourselves of them.  You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it... 

Baby it's cold outside

Lululemon tights & Nike trainers

I really hate looking at photos of myself from last summer.  I look weak and bleak and unhappy.

I've never been a huge fitness freak, or so I thought.  I was a very regular gym goer since high school  yet my workouts were basic.  Some cardio and some weights.  Lots of stretching but nothing too strenuous.  It didn't realise just how strong and fit I was until I cancelled my gym membership and reflected on it about 18 months later.  Not only was I unhappy with how I looked but also how I felt.   So about 6 months ago I joined a cheap and basic 24 hour gym because I figured I would never have time to go.  I was raising a beautiful little girl, holding down the fort on the home front and working towards my new role at work.  What gym?

They say that you find the time for the things you want to do and I guess they're right.  I was tired and I longed for some extra sleep, quiet time to read, or catch up on a TV show so I decided to do that while on the bike at the gym a few times a week.  I started running again and doing box jumps and weights.  Even though I manage only 2-3 sessions a week I feel so much better and stronger.  It might be cold and dark but I somehow find the motivation to get a workout in and I feel so proud of myself for doing something just for me.  I love the amazing pilates class I splash out for once a week (if you've never tried clinical pilates, do yourself a favour and give it a go, you'll be hooked!).  I get to the gym when the toddler is at her swimming class or on a trip at Bunnings with dad and everything else works around that.

Bring on summer! 

The cat's pyjamas

Natural Supply Co Winter Pack $36.95

I would doubt that many of us grew up conscious of what we are cleaning our homes with, where the food we are eating came from and what we were putting on our skin and in our hair.  I know I didn't.  

Pregnancy started the research and questions for me.  Not only did I want to protect my child but I also wanted to look after myself and be around for my child.  These days, I try to choose organic as much as possible and I love the boxes I quickly order on Sunday night via Ceres, along with organic eggs and milk they supply.  Cleaning products were hard.  I was just not convinced that they could clean as well as the horrible, toxic chemicals I was used to using to scrub the shower and kitchen sink.  I kept reading about the links between household cleaning products and the well being of our children in particular.  But all the products I tried didn't seem to clean and polish to my exacting standards.  For the past few months I've been using Planet Luxe - in particular the household spray and I think I am satisfied.  I use it for the bathroom and kitchen along with a microfibre cloth and the results are fantastic.

Nourished Life and Natural Supply Co are great sources of information and products, in particular when it comes to skincare and make up.  I've recently switched to Aspect Skincare but make up is taking a while.  I'm working through the NSC winter pack (pictured above) at the moment.  Excited to try the soak on Saturday night.  

Do you have any non toxic favourites for me to try? There are so many options around that it's getting much easier to detoxify our lives.  

'What day is it? It's today, squeaked Piglet. My favorite day, said Pooh.'

I'm up way past my bedtime waiting for my new dry clean only dress to finish on the gentle cycle in the washing machine (taking it to the dry cleaner is far too inconvenient) because my toddler did something to it.  I'll spare you the details.  Her outfit had to be thrown out so I hope my pretty new dress doesn't suffer the same fate.  

I've been largely offline in every aspect of my life, again struck down by some ugly early winter virus and I'm hoping a second bout of antibiotics can kick it to the curb.  It's been a horrible 3.5 weeks of feeling like death and in turn being an angry, angry person to boot.  I can barely breathe, let alone eat and function.  

The past few months I've been doing a lot of soul searching and asking myself "what next"?  What next in every single aspect of my life.  I don't have an answer to any part just yet but one way I'm trying to figure it out is to watch plenty of Ted talks (ha!) and live in the moment.  Give each moment in my day and week and month its full undivided attention.  When I'm at work, I'm working.  I'm not on Twitter or browsing Shopbop or reading the news.  When I'm at the park I'm pushing the toddler on the swing and enjoying her expressions and excitement and trying really, really hard not to worry about my work email inbox imploding.  When I'm eating a chocolate I'm trying to enjoy the awesomeness that is cocoa and sugar instead of feeling guilty.  When I'm at the gym, even if I only have 45 minutes, I'm giving it my all.  

I must admit that I don't find parenthood "hard".  some aspects are REALLY difficult (enter the whinging and looking) but overall it's pretty darn good.  What I do find hard is everything else.  I find it hard to allocate time to washing my hair and often my friends and family must think I've been abducted by aliens because I never get around to returning a text or email.  Forget about seeing them.  I worry that I don't give enough at work because I have to leave at 5pm.  I worry that a toasted cheese sandwich isn't considered a decent enough dinner for a Monday night.

But then I snap out of it and try to live in the moment, because in 50 years time none of those things will matter.

I suffered a lot in the first year of parenthood and I recently came across this article that I implore all new parents to read.  To read and to be kind to themselves.  

Dirty hair calls for dry shampoo and curls.

Witchery coatigan, Country Road tee, J Brand jeans

Burger Tuesday at Ripponlea Food & Wine

Pancake Sunday at Drugstore Espresso 

Living life, not documenting it

Treating myself to pre-prepared breakfast.  At least it's healthy even if overpriced.

At the park with my babe.  She's growing so quickly, having recently turned two.  She's absolutely wonderful, affectionate, thoughtful and talkative.  I really enjoy every precious moment I have to spend with her.  I recently purchased these Stick & Sparrow Twiggy sunglasses which I am loving.  Sunglasses are essential mummy wear both to hide the tiredness and stop the glare at the park.  I was always a "designer glasses" kind of girl but the quality of these lenses is far superior to any of my other pairs.  May just have to add another pair to my collection.  Other mummy must haves are high waisted jeans and warm oversized knits.  Nike sneakers optional.  

When all else fails a dusting of mineral foundation and a new lipstick saves the day.  

Slip and slide

I wish it could be summer forever so I could get up in the morning and throw on a Bassike dress and get on with my day. 

Dîner en Blanc Melbourne 2015

I'd seen photos from various DEB's around the world on social media and was excited to learn that it was finally coming to Melbourne in 2015.  I registered for the ticket ballot and was invited to purchase a ticket last month.  The event sold out in mere minutes but I'd dare say that many people backed out when they realised how much effort needed to be put in.  Guests were to meet at a central point  before being bused to the exact location.  They were to be strictly dressed in white and had to bring their own tables and chairs, decorations, plates and cutlery.  Gorgeous picnic dinners and wine were available for prepurchase or guests could bring their own food.  The venue had to be left just as it was found.   Despite the effort required, it was one of the best nights out I've ever had.  I met some lovely people, enjoyed an amazing meal and danced the night away.  Find out if it's held in your city and go.  It's a wonderful concept!

Melbourne folk are famous for wearing black and we all had a laugh at the men who said they'd spent hours that morning trawling shops around Melbourne looking for white trousers.  Ha!

Guests meeting at Southern Cross Station

Getting to know our table friends

The napkin wave at 1930h signalling the start of the event 

The event was held along the Yarra in front of the Convention Centre.  So perfect.  We were also lucky that the weather was relatively mild, which is always a risk in Melbourne.

2100h sparkles 

Dancing the night away...

Wearing a Witchery top and Zara jeans