Letter to a friend

Dear Friend,

I am an imperfect person. That is for sure. I feel a lot and I think far too much than one really should. I worry a little too much (caused by the over-thinking), I take most things to heart, and I have few to little emotional borders that can protect the human spirit. I am stubborn and competitive. I am a talker, and when I do listen am a good listener, but need to remember to actually do it for it to be effective. I never quite feel good enough on my worst of worst days and on the best, still have an edge of self-doubt hanging around my shoulders. I see the flaws in my outer shell forgetting all too quickly that’s just my casing, not my soul or heart that equals what matters.

 I am all of these things and have a longer line than we have time for of all of my imperfections, but at the end of the line, my imperfections –like those that live within us all – make me up to be me, and for that reason I hereby wouldn't change a single one of them.

I'm learning that instead of ‘change’ being the operative word, growth with and interaction between these imperfections should indeed be the goal. Knowing when to let things go to my heart and when to kick their butt with my head, is one example. Knowing how to brush things off just a little more than I do to protect my tender heart is another. Looking at my outer shell and acknowledging it as a pretty good outer shell filled with health, clarity and working joints and systems is always a good place to start.

But see my dear friend it is through you I learn how to deal with the other imperfections. I realise it can hurt generally us both, but mostly it crashes into you, when I make another discovery, but through you and because of you I get the beautiful opportunity to learn and grow from it. To acknowledge it and move on from it, gaining your love and respect along the way and learning more about who I am within it. They say friends act as a mirror, and when I met you I knew it to be true. Whilst we are so different you show me the different sides I need in my life and need for my well-being. You show me who I want to be, and where I'm currently at, and I see life as it really is.

I see me, through you. Because of you.  And thanks to you. My hope as always will be, my dear friend, that I be of similar value to you in your journey of life.

Human Family By: Maya Angelou

I note the obvious differences

in the human family.

Some of us are serious,

some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived

as true profundity,

and others claim they really live

the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones

can confuse, bemuse, delight,

brown and pink and beige and purple,

tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas

and stopped in every land,

I've seen the wonders of the world

not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women

called Jane and Mary Jane,

but I've not seen any two

who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different

although their features jibe,

and lovers think quite different thoughts

while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,

we weep on England's moors,

and laugh and moan in Guinea,

and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,

are born and die in Maine.

In minor ways we differ,

in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences

between each sort and type,

but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike. 

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

A little slice of home

Home really is where the heart is, and whilst I'm adamant that London won't be my permanent home, a little piece of a heavenly home is what we're beginning to create here.

It's taken us almost 10 months to put pictures on the wall, but as I say you really need to live in a place to get a feel for where things belong (even if new-build style homes don't have an overtly unique presence or feel), before you can just start hammering away (Also, life has been really busy, so creative neglect are the words that come to mind, sad but true).

But creativity for my home, here I come! I even said to Filip the other day, I'd gladly pass up a holiday to buy some new furniture instead. Because home is really where the heart is, and I'm in the beginnings of sinking my teeth into my new home ;)

Here's a few of my favourite pieces I've stumbled across days of late, so stay tuned and I'll be sure to post some pics when it's looking a little more considered :)

P.S The major challenge also we've faced has been that London's apartments aren't overly spacious. So finding pieces to complete the home without cramping it's style, has been trickier than I thought. But I'm always up for a challenge, so I hope it turns out A OK!

For the wishlist - the fonteyn series is fab-o from Made.com 

(Sadly for us our place is too small for this media unit)

Made.com £549

Loving the red and blue infusion of colour here!
Made.com £269.

Cannot wait to buy this gem of a chair - I love that it doesn't restrict you with arm rests.
Cant wait to curl up in this divine little piece.
Made.com £169

      

     Made.com £249

                                   

                       

A good old Ikea favourite for the bedside.
I kinda wish it had more space for another drawer but I love the
rustic feel and the placement of things underneath.
Ikea £40

Ikea £90

My other favourite piece from Ikea - needing to change our coffee table from rectangular to round. I think this solves the problem :)

Not sure this will entirely work for this home, but love the storage
space infused with a bookshelf.
Habitat £200

And lastly - the media unit I think will solve the issue of wall sockets being placed in the wrong spot. 

                     

Habitat £150

Resilience

re·sil·ient  

/riˈzilyənt/

Adjective (of a substance or object) Able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. (of a person or animal) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

In the past use of this word, I've noted it to be used mainly in contexts of great hardships, or to describe survival of events that were extremely tough. But it was a word floating around my mind this morning and seems to sum up how I'm feeling, or perhaps how I'm not feeling.

I've felt a little lonely days of late, and even when I've been around people, I've felt a slightly emptier version of myself than usual. I've had a few events become cancelled or postponed, and I guess it's made me feel....(trying to think of the best word)...I guess let down and unimportant. I know life gets in the way at the best of times, but it's just left me feeling a little more down than usual.

So back to the resilience topic - I guess I'm trying to bounce myself back to 'usual' Shae - not that I would describe myself commonly as resilient, or even to describe myself as that in this context. But I think the message is still clear in that, whatever tough time we face, we should empower ourselves to have a resilient spirit, to not doubt ourselves and to not give up.

I'm also trying to not hold the grudge and let it all go. I'm trying to really hold onto the belief, that it's not that I'm uncared for or that I'm unimportant. But whether that is the case or not, no one likes to feel let down or less of a priority....so a work in progress. Resilience. What I do know with all my heart of this word and it's meaning - it empowers, it strengthens and it makes me want to fight harder the next time, as I know in getting back up, we learn more about ourselves every time. Food for thought :)

A Veronese state of mind

I swear that I am Italian. There must be some kind of Italian blood in me – surely – somewhere…
There’s not – I’m genetically told there’s not – but I really swear that somehow something in me – spirit, soul or mind – is truly 100% Italian.

“First of all, let's get one thing straight. Your Italy and our Italia are not the same thing. Italy is a soft drug peddled in predictable packages, such as hills in the sunset, olive groves, lemon trees, white wine, and raven-haired girls. Italia, on the other hand, is a maze. It's alluring, but complicated. It's the kind of place that can have you fuming and then purring in the space of a hundred meters, or in the course of ten minutes. Italy is the only workshop in the world that can turn out both Botticelli and Berlusconi.”Beppe Severgnini, La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind

I feel 100% myself when I am in Italy – I feel at home when I am in Italy – and I feel happiness and peace when I am in Italy. When I travel abroad – be it for a weekend, a week or a month, I aim to go when there will be sunshine, warmth, health and a fab time.  This weekend we travelled without my ususal requirements.
It was a bit chilly, rainy as heck (I thought the river would sweep me away if I fell – that’s how much rain Verona had) and the weekend held two semi-jet-lagged-still-exhausted travellers in Filip and I – not to mention he got a migraine on the Saturday night, mid-way through our weekend adventure (I didn’t mind as I was shattered anyway and was nice to take care of him) BUT – through it all, did we care? – No, not one bit. Why? Because it was Italy.

I’m sure you’ve read my posts before about my affair with Italy – Florence, Pisa, Rome, Rome, Rome. This time was Verona – meant to be Venice – but Verona and a day trip to Padua instead, and as always it delivered in true style. The food – the culture, the people, the architecture, the landscape, the boutiques, the wine and the absolute style it just oozes. Like I said for me Italy is "me" through and through.

Verona’s left me with some resonating thoughts though. When I arrived I wondered if I felt at peace purely because life felt simpler here. It's not unknown that Verona’s a relatively small town. You don’t travel to Verona if you’re looking to work in fashion (Milan) or in business (Rome) or even for Art per se (Florence). For the career moves you’d travel elsewhere – instead for Verona you travel in search of discovering love the way Juliet did in Romeo, or listening to the Opera in the outdoor arena, or strolling down the streets admiring the boutiques without being too trampled on by all of the tourists. Life here is simpler.

Simpler. Simple. The word that I left Verona pondering over.  I really feel like life in London amongst Londoners has shattered my understanding, at the best of times, of what a simple life is. And what it feels like. I remember knowing I wanted to have a career, and I wanted to dream big dreams, and live life to the fullest – but also to have life be relatively simple at some stage, so I would have time to really enjoy the moments life treats us so kindly with. In London simple kind of goes out of the window (which in part makes London hold its "coolness"), and instead structure comes in filled with appointments in the calendar and diaries filled to the brim - and "simple" isn’t really defined clearly, if at all.I think there’s a fear of simplicity in that we won’t be viewed as successful or as achieving much if anything. But I really believe simple (for me at least) is the key to my heart. It unlocks my mind in capturing the images of life, and cuts me the slack I don’t seem to do in general. It relieves me of the day-to-day pressure I place on my own shoulders, and lets me get back to just living.

Verona held this key on a platter for me. I strolled and felt more relaxed than I have in quite some time. I felt calm. Maybe it helped having wine at lunchtime too – but the general calmness of this town just really suited my whole being. I really urge you to travel through to Verona and spend some time. Hop on a train as we did and head to Padua – explore and just consume the sights – it’s exactly how its meant to be and whilst you’re mulling over how this country can possibly produce Botticelli and in the same country produce Berlusconi– take a sip of the wine and have hope the culture will remain, their politics will one day be restored and they’ll be led by one who values the simplicity and the amazing country it truly is and all she has to offer.

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy” Guiseppe Verdi

NB:
I usually fill my blog with the places I've been that I recommend. So not to fear, please see below two restaurants, a pizzeria, the cafe for espressos and the clothing if you fancy :)We literally stumbled across this place 12 Apostoli- and it was amazing. We met a new friend Gina here, who translated all of the history we learnt about when the owner took us down to the basement to see the old Roman Roads. Fab fab fab!

When Filip wasn't 100% we just wanted local, simple and good dinner. We asked a local in the neighbourhood where to get easy pizza from and he recommended Il Cappero to us - which was again Amazing. Just nice to be amongst the local life and down to earth nature with fab food.

A restaurant our new friends Monica and Luca suggested we visit (a famous place amongst Italians) was 4 Cuochi  (4 Chefs) will be on our to do list when we return, as we missed out on this one. Note: Make sure you book via their email or phone reservations team.

Fab coffee at the bar like the real Italians do it - head here. Simple, easy and good good espressos :)

Simplicity

It is the most perfect day in London today – clear blue skies and a cool breeze, the sun shining as brightly as ever and the warmth of her rays hitting everyone in their way ;) Amazing.

I was looking through my clothes this morning and wondering what to wear – the dilemma of every morning – and I realised it seems spring’s been slightly missed. The coats/jackets I always keep for the autumn chill and spring breeze – seem to have been placed aside, as the 20degree weather is finally upon us and the coats are really just not needed at this time. Oh well – they’ll just have to wait for Autumn ;)

London in the sunshine is just such a different city – the landmarks look different, the tube feels brighter and airier (we’re not in summer just yet – so air is still available!) and the people finally bring their best fashion accessory available – they smile! They joke, they laugh – they come alive again after the grey clouds have suffocated their presence for all of those dark and cold wintery days. (Don’t get me wrong – winter has its own charm too – it has an ambiance of mysteriousness and mystique amongst it – and brings about a hurried zone to get inside to the warmth where you can enjoy your glass of red by the heater or fire in the local pub) The city’s different – it’s London in the summer –and there is really nothing quite like it.

So even in all of this amazing sunshine I’ve been struggling to catch my thoughts these past few weeks. What I mean by catching my thoughts is like having the calmness and clarity and assurance all is ok. I’ve felt like things have been floating around instead of being secure and my thoughts as a result have led me to feel a bit unsure of myself and lacking in confidence. Not dramatically – just slightly off balance and not my usual self. I’ve just kind of lost my footing, but within even constructive criticisms I’m trying to keep on and stay self-assured, as insecurity should never win on each of ourselves. There’s always got to be acceptance for the good opinions and for the bad, but overall – we must adhere to our own maintenance of self-appreciation.

It’s cool in Yotopia’s yoga sessions – the teachers always ask you to thank yourself for coming to class and giving yourself time and energy – so simple yet so true and so effective. My beautiful soulful friend Julia and I just chatted (all too briefly) on this last night. We focus so much on what we ‘should’ have done with our time (I honestly believe there are never enough hours in the day for any of us) instead of acknowledging actually what we have done – it’s so cruel sometimes how much we pressure ourselves, and I said to Ju – everyone struggles with not letting themselves off the hook for the things in their day they haven’t gotten around to – everyone. So she should feel pleased with her productivity on what she had done and stop pressuring herself on the other items she hadn’t gotten around to.

Speaking of productivity – I’m starting ballet again this week for the first time in maybe 5years – OMG! Am super excited though and looking forward to getting back to the technique and having my body move again in a dance studio. Cannot wait! I feel it’s so important to spend time doing things you enjoy, things that are good for your mind, body and soul and considering I’ve felt a bit shaken – getting back to the basic roots of what I love and what makes me happy (even though my heart is wrapped up in contemporary dance, ballet will be ok for now) is key for this week. It’s a time to just zone out of the hectic nature of life and zone into my own little happy area. In speaking of Julia – she reminds me of this person every time I spend time with her – she is the epitome of happiness, goodness, generosity of spirit and kindness through and through – anytime with her is always such a fab time – so Ju if you’re reading – thank you super muchly for reminding me this week! You’re a star!

So enjoy the spring if you’re in London – If you’re in Aus or NZ you’ve got sunshine still also I believe so enjoy it there too! And try and find some quiet moments this week to check in for yourself and chill out. As My beautiful Mama emailed me another reminder and food for thought today:
Keep strong, keep faith, keep loving

:)

Back to Basics in Berlin

Coming Soon!

Totally rested!

I feel rested.
You’d think so at least after a 4day weekend over Easter! But I feel genuinely rested in myself too.
It’s been personally a bit strenuous days of late, and I finally feel that I’ve caught my breath the last couple of days. I made the heart wrenching decision not to go to Sweden and spend Easter with our family, due to just really needing some ‘Shae’ time, and I feel so glad, that not only did I get that time, but I got the support to have that time too.
In the daily grind, we get so get up with the ‘I should’ self-guilt, that the support of my family meant I could just really catch my breath.  I’ve had the time to reflect and realise I sometimes strive for perfection – in a draining way and I’ve felt depleted because of that expectation. Imperfection is far easier to achieve, and in actuality the flaws we host within ourselves, give us the character and the lessons learned we reflect upon. So I’m grateful for the few days in London where I could see the imperfect flaws within myself and my life lined up to give me peace, rather than pressure – such a renewed feeling. I guess in the spiritual terminology – that is exactly what Easter is about! Anyway…..

So through pictures, you can see all of my mini adventures over the weekend. Not having anywhere set to be, other than where I chose. This included a lot of just relaxing and strolling, a fab lunch with my adopted London sister and her beautiful family, a jazz concert adventure with a great friend from school, and each day consisting of a much needed sleep in. Total London goodies - the trick is to just have your eyes open and available to take the sights in....I even stumbled across a fort, near London Wall - a true fort totally unbeknown to me

Nothing like good good music :)

 

    

A sign of Spring!

It even led me to today – heading out in the blue clear sky to sit in Regents Park. I ate lunch, read my book and just took the time out, allowing me to hear the park sounds of birds, and squirrels and the wind air blowing in the trees. Sounds cheesy – most likely – but once you get that balance back in life, and remove the hustle and bustle – life stills for short moments, which I’m currently aiming to find on a more constant basis. Today transported me back to NZ with memories of school lunches sitting under the trees with the sun shining and hearing that same park noise. Made me miss home, giving me such a clear reminder, and similar feeling of stillness.
Just perfection really. Perfection in its natural form J

Thought of the week

So I’ve joined a book club! I know I know…Swedish lessons, Wedding planning, Weekly yoga, Meeting friends, Making time with my fiancé and family, working and soon to be dancing again hopefully too etc. etc. I’m living a busy busy life, but (and whilst I’m not crashing or burning out) I love being busy and having things to do. Always have and I suppose always will. I love relaxing on holidays and relaxing in general, but I love life to be full and rich with things done when really living.

Now for the second I know I know….A book club you ask…really? Hell yes is what  I say! Before my wonderful friend Amber left to head back to Australia, she monthly would give me her hand me down books, from a book club she was a part of. I love reading but I really loved, when she would give me books I’d never really pick up in a book store. I loved the not knowing what types of books would appear for me when we had catch ups and in return I would give her some she too would never in a million years expect to read, let alone enjoy. So I’d asked Amber if I could join her book club, not just for the books, but for the monthly catch ups with others where you can share the joy of some fab literature and interesting plots, or equally ask the bemusing questions in the cases where ‘you just didn’t get what was going on’. I always think differences in conversation = really interesting conversations and broaden our knowledge and understandings for one another. Unfortunately there were no spaces when I asked, until last week! Anna had received my details from Amber and wondered if I was still keen. So here I am now – reading my first book in a new book club. I’m super excited (busy busy still in life but full of joy and happiness).

I must however mention, and apologise to those I have already informed, but in all of my excitement for joining the book club, I had a colleague who sits near me say the following “Well that’s a bit loser-ish isn’t it.” Firstly: 'Did you seriously just say that?' I thought and Secondly: How utterly judgemental and closed-minded.
I understand books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but are we really living in 2013 where the stigma is that books are loser-ish and uncool. I know in school being overtly academic was seen as the no-no in the books for coolness (no pun intended), but a strong and steady intellectual interest in expanding your mind and outlook I think is so awesomely cool! It led me to really question though – how judgemental today’s society can still be. How we’re still trapped by stigmatism and closed minded ideologies I had assumed we’d grown out of.

I really want to just flag it and raise that open-mindedness is not easy but really should be exercised. As Beyonce (yes I’m quoting the famous Bey in all her superstardom) was recently quoted in discussion of life after her baby saying that we really need to appreciate ourselves for all of ourselves and all of the quirks and differences that make us, us. It resonated with me, that it’s just so damn easy to judge (same ways we do with books in the store) at first glance, and get trapped by that. I really urge you to find peace in the differences of the human race, and see these differences as beauty instead of loser-isms, as was presented to me. It took all of my might, to realise that generally (and I’m truly culprit of this) judgement comes when one is insecure. I really have found with hindsight, when I’m being overtly judgemental it’s an insecurity within myself over something – Like I wished I had this, or how can this person act this or that way. Instead of holding my head up high and moving beyond, I judge…..but that’s the easier way out, and in fact leads us to more damage within than we think. SO food for thought this week, think before you speak, think before you act, and really think before you internalise that judgement you’re just about to make.

Wishing you a fab week J

A Well Oiled Machine...BalletBoyz!

So last night was really overwhelming and totally cool! Filip and I went to see BalletBoyz, a show consisting of two pieces presented with 10 amazing male dancers. The first choreographed by Liam Scarlett entitled Serpent opened the show, for me in a beautifully classic contemporary way. It allowed newbie contemporary viewers to ease in, and perhaps allowed Liam (who's first venture it was choreographing on contemporary dancers) the same chance for an un-adhered approach to start the show. For me it was a simple welcome back to live performance. The lights rose, the score began, an arm appeared, and tears fell down my cheeks. It really had been too long since I saw movement - let alone movement as rich as this.

I had forgotten how dance provides a sound score, especially contemporary dance. It's like, the movement contains a musicality unlike any other. Every sound you hear is what you're meant to hear, and Serpent reminded me of that. Every jump and land - whether it be in silence and falling into the ground or trembling with sudden force, created an ambiance set amongst the sound score already created with physical music. It was a great reminder to really listen to all of the sounds. I was also reminded (maybe this is just a reaction from a dancer's eye) of how each movement creates its own breath. Or maybe the breath required per sequence/movement appeared to be noticeable again for me. Just nice to be reminded and to note it. Scarlett had explained in his video montage, he had wanted to experience movement in an elegant way without the dependency of women in his work. Or more so without women dominating, as generally when it comes (I say generally here, as I realise the political stance of sexism being apparent) to women dancing - expressionisms of soft and elegant movement can feel inevitable, ditto for men expressing raw, physical movement. Serpent showed a unified and rich expression into movement in it's pure form. It contained total continuation - the movement never finished, they elongated into the next one, and each part of the movement felt explored. It really gave me a visceral feeling. I could feel the stretch or the reach it seemed within my own body.The gaze into the audience from the dancer's eye established the relationship of performer meeting audience. It felt powerful and unique - an unspoken language. It was really beautiful to see the movement and not be focused on the relationship of the performers - instead having a focus of performer and audience member. Exquisite work.

Serpent by Liam Scarlett

Enter Russell Maliphant with Fallen. The stage was stripped back - there were lighting decks only - no wings, and the bare stage laid bare hosting only the ten men we had just seen in such an elegant piece. But they weren't the same men...or that's what it appeared like. This piece transformed them into a well oiled machine, and interestingly enough enabled Maliphant's goal (explained in his video montage) to succeed. The goal being to introduce the dancers, each with their own skill set, to the other dancers and form a new set, whilst keeping their own. It would form a new language and a new learning for both choreographer and dancer (Maliphant had explained he generally had worked within many duets/trios and not a whole group previously). The sound score and staging transformed us to a factory or workshop. Raw metallic sounds filled the stage, and the movement eased into a physical attack and showcased jagged-edged movement in its finest form. The partner work and group relationship highlighted this new skill set and the vocabulary really spoke for itself - nothing else was needed and nothing less. It showed that there wasn't a need for independent identities - even though it kind of juxtaposed in that, they lost their identities and became a part of this 'machine like feel' yet still highlighting their unique independent voice. Similarly in that the movement didn't feel romanticised but then it's power resembled an era of romancing the movement instead of the relationship perhaps. All in all - a stellar show, and stellar performances.

Fallen by Russell Maliphant

And from an ex-dancer still holding nothing but passion for the craft and art - What an amazing show to reel me back in!

:)

A little bit of.....Culture Fever

So life has been busy busy busy...... After an intense December/January period of studying and working really hard (Prince 2 Project Management course and gaining my Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK - this entailed studying for an exam that is all about life in the UK, and a trip up Sheffield with a wait of 4-5hours!), I finally really feel free. Free to enjoy life again and explore and really do the things I love and want to do, rather than have to do - February I spent recovering I think...well kind of......

I enrolled into Swedish lessons officially to really truly and finally grasp Swedish! After learning Swedish from my friend Caroline, way back in 2008, I then met Filip at the end of 2009 and could mumble a few sentences....it must have impressed him enough cos we've made it this far :) But a few sentences doesn’t feel satisfying enough...especially when one day we plan to have some mini Swedes running around! So I leapt out of January's study time straight into Swedish lessons once a week at London's Kings College. It's been really good - I still don’t feel that I’m much better than I was before, and the late nights are kicking my butt, but I'm in the process and for me that is a good enough start. So officially Jag lär mig...I'm learning!

I'm also doing yoga again which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! I stumbled across Yotopia when Filip and I lived in Leicester Square. I used to be taught by the amazing and beautiful Eunice Laurel at Pineapple Studios but when she went on Maternity Leave I knew I needed to find something/someone to fill her shoes...and boy was that to be a challenge! But Yotopia did more than fill the gap. It's changed the way I do yoga in that, I breathe far more out of yoga than I ever used to, and the focus for me is really carried out of class now in a way it wasnt before. Maybe it's just me who's changed and grown a bit, but it feels (as I say to Filip all the time when I'm trying to nag him to come along too) that I can breathe true fresh air. Like its new oxygen in my body...odd maybe...but it really is an amzing feeling whatever it is! I've managed to drag a number of friends along, and have really just found the piece to the puzzle for now...Katie, my fave teacher at Yotopia is also soon to be on maternity leave, so whilst I'm so excited for her to be on an amzing journey ahead, am selfishly sad I'm to lose another amazing and inspirational teacher....I think I'll just absorb as much yoga as I possibly can until she heads off for the next journey in her life.

So with all of that said, that's taking up some time in my week, and making me although tired - feel good i'm so active and able to get out into London and find these gems in my life....It makes me appreicate the time I spend at home a whole lot more, and then also the time i spend with Filip too...I miss him the most but am just finding so much value in London, far more than before. With that kind of feeling circling my life at the moemnt, I've also booked Filip and I tickets to see BalletBoyz at Sadlers Wells nmext week, and I am SO excited to see some DANCE again. It ahs been way too long, and I'm just so hoping this show re-ignites a passion for live and good preformance, as Im thinking it will!

So what next.....or what more....I've still a llong list of goals to achieve, and classes to take, and sights to see. And of course, I'll be sure to update you all on that soon.

Have a wonderful week!
P.S Stay tuned to see what I get Filip for his birthday this year...I love birthdays so much and I love the art of being creative in gifts, so definitely stay tuned for this one!
x

Fashion Statement - Segment of the week

So to kickstart the ending of Winter and the beginning of Spring (March arrives tomorrow woo hoo!) I've placed a few more of my faves, for the wind down of the warm-wear outfits, and the introduction of showing our shoulders the sunlight again. Enjoy!


Clothing:
(Always loving Zara - so do forgive me for the amount that store will appear on Fashion Statement's segment)



Boyfriend jeans are just oh so comfy!
Zara £29.99

Love love loving the brightness and cosy sweatshirt style
Zara £19.99



.

ssssssssssssssss

Rain dress...a little out of my price range, but I still love to window shop :)
French Connection £250.00

Hello Spring!
Cos £89.00

 

I actually bought these (On Sale) and am thinking they'll be perfect with Heels and Converse!
French Connection $70.00

Not sure if I have the flair for wearing this, but I def like :)

River Island always has the riskier but oh so fun looks!
River Island  £55.00

Very 2013 Spring I say
River Island  £55.00




Now for Accessories:  

a

If Dreams were Free!
Topshop £300.00

 

Such a cutie pie for Spring
River Island £35.00

 

A def must I think :)
Cos £25.00

And that will do me for another week...Loving the items I've window shopped this week, wondering which one I may make the latest addition to my wardrobe.....like I said if Dreams were free :)

Until next time......

A Brand New Year

So firstly: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Secondly: I am truly sorry for being completely MIA - I think it's been over 4months since I've placed pen to the paper, and boy has it been a missing link in my life recently.

I've had a really trying couple of months shall I say. But I'm back to write and explore London and the world again and document it piece by piece if I can.

I've been following a few blogs recently - maybe since Filip and I got engaged, I wanted to explore different ways and ideas, and so I really started following other artists around via the Internet, and whilst no disrespect intended...after viewing a number of blogs, many many of them can be fuelled by this constant bubble of their own lives, and whilst interesting to read - you become so engrossed forgetting your initial ideas and concepts, and forget what you'd set out to do in the first place. It, for me, verges on the realm of narcissism, and I really want to avoid that ambiance on Eye Spy, so I've decided to utilise 2013's events differently...if I can.

I'd like to base the blog around more than just travel - whilst that will remain a huge part, I'd like to really place the focus back out to YOU and what you're looking for, and explore different ways and new events via the blog. Whilst I don't want it to be an 'advertising blog' in its primary form, I want to highlight what goes on around us, in the city of London and share the events along the way. So I'm going to try and feature posts within areas of Editorial ideas and reading material, Cultural aspects happening around (specifically in London, but I'll look to develop this depending on how events turn out), Fashion and the Arts, and artistic Creative ideas.

I'm so far hopeful, but of course nervous I'll babble and bore you instead of trying to highlight some great things in the busy lives we all lead....So stay tuned and here's to a wonderful 2013 ahead!

Speaking of the road ahead, we've so far planned: Venice/Verona, Rome, Berlin, Cork, Dublin, Vancouver and of course Sydney for the wedding and Thailand for the honeymoon....so should make for a fab year :)

xx