My Xmas Gift Guide

Mr M and I have loved more than ever this year buying all of our gifts for our loved ones for Christmas but it has been on my mind more so than ever how lucky I am to live in this blessed country Australia, and how I have the gift of health, food, shelter and opportunity. I think there are at least one or two people each year I struggle to buy for simply because they really do 'have everything' or because they are just much too hard to find the perfect gift. I have adored going through all the blog gift ideas this year and in fact got some fantastic Christmas present hints myself, but thought I would do my own gift guide with a twist as I bought those 'they have everything' people something a little different this year that I hope they'll appreciate. So, please, if you are struggling to find the gift for someone because they have everything, or are about to just buy a bottle of wine or chocolates for the sake of it - give it a miss and buy them something they'll hopefully love (hints below) as it gives back so much more.

UNICEF do each year, as many big charity organisations do - gifts for those less fortunate than us that can cost minimal but change lives & communities. Below, are just some of the gift ideas you can purchase from there website here. You can print off what you've gotten the person and have it under the tree the same night whilst changing lives overseas - and all only 3 sleeps out from Christmas.

$10 GIFT - PENCILS - Sharpen up with 500 pencils and watch a lifelong learning journey unfold. So incredibly simple, pencils will help to unlock imagination and creativity, and are a vital tool for learning. For a child, it's a creative opening and an inspirational new possession. For just $10 you can buy 50 boxes of 10 pencils

$29 GIFT - POLIO VACCINES - Your gift gives 200 children the certainty of a life without polio, a major injection of goodwill. Causing kids serious paralysis, the aftermath of Polio will last a lifetime. 

$31 GIFT - MEASLES VACCINES - These fab jabs will protect 100 kids from measles. Every day 600 kids around the world suffer needlessly from measles. 

$32 GIFT - ANTI MALARIAL DRUGS - Mozzies meet their match with drug treatment to beat malaria. This gift can supply 30 doses of this life-saving course of anti-malarial treatment. 

$63 GIFT - MOSQUITO NETS - A mozzie-free sleep is what mums and babies need to stay safe from malaria. In Africa, Malaria claims a child's life every 30 seconds, but with the use of something as simple as an insecticide-treated mosquito net, infection rates can be reduced by half. 

$74 GIFT - THERAPEUTIC FOOD - Peanutty Plumpy'Nut is the super food that gets a malnourished baby back to health fast. Plumpy'Nut is a high protein, peanut-based paste that can be given to children without being mixed in water. 

$75 GIFT - THERAPEUTIC MILK - When minus a mother's milk, this gift keeps baby fed. When children are separated from their mothers, or when mum isn't in good health herself, this milk-based powder formula has added vegetable fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and boosts the chances of a malnourished child getting better. This gift is vital in emergency feeding centres in times of crisis.

Art Find - Leigh Viner love

[Leigh Viner - 'Well Read']

There is nothing quite like finding a talented artist who's art feels like it was made for you and your walls. It's not often that I do find said artist, and not only that, find said artist within an acceptable price range. As fate would have it, I recently found an artist on etsy of all places, who fit the description of creating art that felt like it was drawn for me and my walls. The talented artists name is Leigh Viner and she hails from Denver in the U.S. I am wanting to buy a few of her pieces to hang in my study and I have been drawn to the idea of having 3 in a row. So far it's been much to hard to chose just 3 but I believe I have whittled it down to my favourites below. Check out her stuff here and support an amazing girl who obviously loves what she does.

[Leigh Viner - 'Orange Velvet']

[Leigh Viner - 'Fused']

[Leigh Viner - 'Scarlet']

5 tips for getting over your ex

We're only 9 days away from Christmas and in true silly season form, life has been incredibly hectic this past week - with days and nights only getting busier in the days to come. I share with you again today my weekly Dating Advice and hope you enjoy this particular post or that it comes to you at a relevant time. Everybody has an ex, so everybody understands the hard work and emotional roller coasters you go through to get through the breakup. Everybody has their own way of dealing with things which makes us all .. us, but here are just some of my little reminders, and as always, come from me to you with love and light xx


Getting over your Ex

So why is it that we allow ex’s to affect new relationships long after our relationship with them has ended? I believe there is a number of reasons for it. One reason could be you that you forgot the reasons why you broke up in the first place and always second guess the break up (which by everyones standards should be a big no no). A second reason is the fact that there really are no ground rules for a breakup and so you just don’t know how to cut that contact completely. Both are viable reasons, but when it comes down to it, Ex’s are ex’s for a reason and to allow that relationship to affect any part of your life going forward is, well it just doesn’t add up.

So, although there are no rules to break up’s or those dreaded relationship with a past boyfriend or girlfriend, what can we do as a generation to improve our standards when it comes to our ex’s? Below are some tips my girlfriends & I have learnt over the years:

1. GET CLOSURE

It’s easy to say that this is the hardest step, but it’s the one that will give you the most peace if you do it properly. If you look up closure in the dictionary you will find: “a bringing to an end; conclusion” - & this is exactly what you must do with your relationship. You have to fully accept that there’s no chance of a reconciliation between you and your ex, if your holding on to even a glimmer of hope, you won’t get the closure you need & can’t properly work on moving on. Do what you have too to close that chapter of your life off & focus on what’s ahead – not what you’ve left behind.

2. STAY AWAY FROM THEIR FACEBOOK, WHERE THEY HANG OUT & THEIR FRIENDS.

Sounds easy, but I guarantee almost all of you at some stage in a breakup have tried to find out what your ex is doing, who they’re talking to and so on. I ask you this though. WHO CARES? They’re not in your life anymore, probably for a good reason. Accept that, stop trying to run in to them or find out what they’re doing....and move on.

3. GIVE YOURSELF TIME

In a fantasy world, we’d all love to be super human and get over ex’s with lightening speed & minimal emotions – but realistically – that will not happen. So give yourself time. As little or as much time as you need, there is no right or wrong amount. So get a new hobby, find some new hot little coffee spot or re connect with old friends. You’re going to have more time already without that other person in your life so make sure you use that to really give yourself closure.

4. HAVE FUN!

Sure we’re all allowed those dark moments where you stay in your pyjama’s all day eating junk food and listening to sad music (guys don’t write this off as a girl thing – you’re have been found just as guilty!) but don’t let that be all you do as a getting over your ex mechanism. Round up your friends, find a place your comfortable with and get out there. You may not even need to do this however – it could be as easy to you starting to say YES to invitations to go out with your friends that you’ve been saying no to. You’ll soon discover life does go on outside the confines of your room or house.

5. FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Easier said than done I’m sure. But people forget how amazing they still are when there’s a break up. Make sure that the focus is on re discovering what makes you happy, what brings fun in to your life and go out there and do it. It could be visiting new restaurants, taking a walk by the ocean, reading books, anything! Sometimes people stop focusing on what made them happy when they’re in a relationship that’s coming to an end, so ensuring you re discover those things will keep you focused on being the best person for yourself.

psst - I saw this little quote and thought it was perfect for today's post. It's only a small picture but it's words spoke loudly to me.

Sneak Peak .. our love story

Some of my lovely readers will be familiar with my better other half, Mr M who has featured enough to make him some what of a regular on my blog, and today I wanted to share with you a sneak peak of a photo shoot we got to do last weekend to help out a photographer friend of mine - really the favour and pleasure was all ours as we had such a great afternoon.  Belinda, the photographer wanted to capture our 'love' and practice doing couple shoots and we were the lucky candidates. Here are just 2 of the photos from the day that I loved. I will share more with you in weeks to come but couldn't help giving you a sneak peak. I think it's lovely at Christmas time to reflect on the things and people who you love and appreciate and although my family & friends are my all, Mr M has my heart and it's he who I get to appreciate daily. I hope you're reflecting on who you love and appreciate having in your life during this lovely holiday season. xx

Cupcakes & Disney - life's neccessites

[ The result - Cupcakes that we iced/decorated in all different varieties ]

Sometimes, no matter what age, we all have to revert back to our inner child and re live some memories that we hold dear from our innocent childhood. It was with this in mind that my sister B and I decided to have a baking and Disney movie day at my house this Sunday just past with the newest darling addition to our family, her daughter and my niece - Delilah. I was so excited as an Auntie to be the first to introduce Delilah to the classic Disney movies, and even though she was taking much more delight in eating her hands and blanket, the thought was there, the memory created and the moments captured. B & I ended up baking some delicious (and I mean delicious) cupcakes and then sat down to watch the Little Mermaid. Mr Mr slunk off to his man cave as we belted out all the movies songs together and gasped as dear Ariel made the deal with Queen Ursula. It was a perfect day and I encourage you, when your feeling like a little break from the world, enlist the help of a friend, mum or sister, bake something delicious and slap on some of your old favourite Disney's.

[ The little miss - 5 months old, watching -well almost watching- her first Disney Movie ]

[ The delicious cupcakes ]

What's on Monday's Mind

• The Human spirit.
• That extraordinary spark within everyone that I always think about.
• People amaze me with what they can achieve and the fights they fight through life.
• Is human spirit taught?
• Or is it something you were born with.
• I see little kids every Thursday night who are sicker than sick.  Their little bodies riddled with cancer who squeal with delight when we arrive to play with them, who’s smiles are the biggest I’ve ever seen and who’s laughter can be heard for miles down the hall.
• Their courage inspires me impossibly and spark burns brightest of all.
• They are my very definition of an incredible human spirit.
• Little angels.
• I’m learning about strength of character at the moment.
• Everyone on this earth, no matter race, religion, age or issues they have, we are all remarkable.
• We all have our fights to fight.
• We all have our stories wanting to be told.
• We all have a voice that just wants to be heard.
• So fight for the life you know you deserve
• Share your stories that are yearning to be told
• and yell if it means you feel heard.
• I think in life, some things can be taught and some things are just innate within us.
• It is up to you to develop your strength of character and live well.
• Take care of your body and mind, you only have one life to live.
• Think positively, speak positively and live the best life you can.
• We all have a spark inside us that I define as human spirit.
• How brightly do you let yours burn?

What's on my Wednesday's mind

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• Christmas
• That impossible excitement that I get about time off, family, and general Christmas spirit.
• Gosh I’d love to have a white Christmas just one year.
• Hot hot hot days on the 25^th December are completely the norm for me but I do have some inner craving to wake up rugged up in warm pyjama’s with snow falling outside.
• I could have a warm cup of coffee.
• Or maybe Eggnog. I've never tried Eggnog. Wait, I really need to try Eggnog.
• Anyway, I'd sit by the window.
• Smile quietly to myself as I think of the day ahead that will be full of family and eating.
• Open some presents, steal some kisses from all my loved ones.
• Rush outside to play in the snow.
• You’re never too old for that right?
• Gosh I hope not. I picture me in my thirties before I live my white Christmas dream.
• I’ll always be the richest girl in the world if I have my dreams and my loved ones.
• So here's to dreams.
• And Christmas cheer

xx

My list: 25 things before 25

[My 25 before 25 list hanging in my office - great addition to my inspiration board]

I can't tell you what it was or is about the age 25 that I always had a good feeling about, but since I cared about birthdays, so forever, the age 25 and I have always had a connection. I can't predict what will happen, & who knows, the year might come and go with nothing spectacular, but I just have an excitement and anticipation about the age. Looking back a few weeks now, I believe it is that fact that led me to come up with the idea of wanting to compile a list of 25 things I want to do before I'm 25. I had first thought of doing a similar thing for 24, but realised that is merely 3 months away. So when I said I would then do the list of 25 before 25, I realised, this in fact coincided what I've always believed to be 'my year'. I have had so much fun thinking of things I've always said I'd love to do but never put them as a goal or worked at achieving them and I want to share with you the journey! I'm only at 14 things so far as I don't want to rush the list and put things on there for the sake of it so am slowly finishing it as things I love come to me. If you've ever wanted to do something but never thought you could or had time or just not thought to write it down - DO IT! We're all in control of our dreams and the fun we can have with life.

Here is my list so fare compiled: (in no particular order)

1. Have a trip of a lifetime to Europe
2. Swim with Dolphins
3. Do something incredible for Mr M
4. Ride in a hot air balloon
5. Sky dive
6. Ride a camel
7. Holiday to Melbourne with Mr M
8. Start my book on "......." (good business people never share ideas until they're started!)
9. Write a letter to everyone I love about why they're so amazing
10. Start my 2nd business
11. Run a half a marathon
12. Obtain another certificate in education (Training & Assessment or equivalent)
13. Sponsor a child in Africa
14. Be earning $100,000+

& that's where I am up too. Your turn though! What are some things you've always wanted to do but just not gotten around to doing them. I want to hear your ideas and who knows, they might make it on to my list!

p.s After posting on my Facebook the other day about the plan I had with this 25 before 25 thing, I awoke on Saturday morning after Mr M's best friend Master R had crashed at ours Friday night to find a little present he'd left me on the bench - "50 things to do once in your lifetime". I just love it and loved the thoughtfulness of it. Some good ideas in there too!

[ Some of the 50 things that are suggested "Stage dive, Skinny dip, Go for a midnight picnic"

Relationship Advice on Change

I am so passionate about this particular subject I'm sharing with you today that I know everyone of any race, religion or age can relate too. Change. My mum brought me up to believe that you can never change anyone, but more importantly you shouldn't ever want to change anyone. You have your life's destiny, I have mine, as long as you're living true to yourself, and not hurting anyone then you have the key ingredients for a healthy happy life. In honour of my weekly Friday dating advice post though this particular dating advice is relative to change in people you're involved with. I hope you've all had an amazing week - it was particularly perfect for me xx

Change - It's not always for the best

Change. That 6 letter word that people are either afraid of or embrace. And with good reason too. The problem with change though is in relationships or dating – it really isn’t always for the best.

Of course, change in general can be a good thing. In fact, I'm a big believer in embracing change when it comes to personal growth, what I am against however is trying to change a person, within a relationship.

What people forget in relationships & love is that you have to love and be solely committed to who that person is, not who you want them to be. Never get in to a relationship thinking that you can change someone, as chances are – you can’t and even if you can, the person you’re trying to change may resent you for it. Even if it is for the best, that choice however is not up to you, and nor should you want to change the person you love.

It’s up to an individual to assess their own flaws and work at changing them, IF they want to. It’s not up to us as the other person in the relationship to point out their flaws and try to change them ourselves. It’s like most things in life – people have to want to help themselves before real change can happen.

So before you decide to date someone next, and feel that“they’d be perfect if I could just change that habit” (or size or hobby) ... then DON’T date them. You’re doing both yourself and the other person a favour as you’re both going to find people who love everything about you – flaws and all!


p.s besides, why waste you're time changing others when you can change the world with acts of love & kindness ... think about it xo

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