Polyvore

I adore creating mood boards, so how could I not love Polyvore. Below are a few sets that I have created.

Follow me on Polyvore here.

xxx

Goodbyes & Beginnings

Dear Friends,

A whole week has passed since I last posted on my beautiful blog…and a crazy week it was.

On Monday we were told about financial difficulty in our company, and that the many of our positions had been made redundant. Soon after our meeting we each received a letter detailing the positions that were redundant, and there I was.

The very next day I found out that an old friend of mine had died of a heroine over-dose, after many years battling addiction. Being Jewish, she was buried the next day, in a very emotional ceremony.

By Thursday I had received the official letter detailing my retrenchment, as well as confirmation that I would not be receiving any form of severance package.

Riches for Rags

It has not been all bad though. After hearing of my retrenchment, my sister-in-law suggested I fly to London for a month. I will get to see my brother, and my beautiful baby niece, as well as help my fabulous sister-in-law out with her businesses, Tabitha and Project D.

I have been on a mission trying to sort out my Visa, as well as cursing Mr. Makebelieve and his European Passport. The process was pretty simple, and if all goes well, I will be picking up my Visa by the end of this week, and on a plane to London on Friday night.

Ruche

During this time I intend keeping up with my New Years Resolutions, which are listed below, more as a reminder to me than anything.

1. Blog more (I will try not to let you down)
2. Take more photos (This should be easy, especially with a new niece)
3. Read more (Got my books ready to be packed)
4. Spend more time outdoors (Although it is cold, I know that there will be a lot of walking)
5. Gym at least three times a week (Could be tough, but will see if I can make a plan)
6. Be more disciplined with my eating plan (This shouldn't be a problem)
7. Pay off debt (Not gonna happen)
8. Save money (No job, therefore, no money..again, not gonna happen)
9. Be more creative (I hope the work I do will facilitate this one)
10. Make the most of life (This is as spontaneous as it gets)

I am sad to leave the people I have met at this job, even though I have only been here for a short while, I have made some great friends. I am worried about finding another job, and nervous about getting to know new people, and learn new processes. I am excited about the possibilities, and hopeful that the things to come are bigger and better than anything I have experienced so far. I am certain that the friends I have made will remain a part of my life.

It was terribly sad to have to say goodbye to a young, smart and incredibly talented friend. Although, I know she has finally found peace.

I will never forget her, and her smile.

"I want to be free.

Have that inner peace to just be.

To be chilled and not self-willed.

New things and new challenges can be exciting in life.

Unless I allow fear to stab me with a knife.

I look forward to change and to be in this game cause I came from the drain and don't want to go there again.

A new life awaits if I allow it to be

Just for today I want to be free.

I want to forgive and learn how to love.

The past is the past, so I won't let it bite me in the ass.

Let go and let God,

help me to be free cause active addiction took me to my knees."

Semara 30.03.1983 -24.01.2012

I am looking forward to seeing my family in London, and especially thrilled to meet my beautiful niece. I am so grateful to have such an amazing travel and working opportunity in a field I am so passionate about. I am sad to have to leave my wonderful Mr. Makebelieve, my precious mom (Nan) and my beautiful friends for this time, but look forward to fun times when I return.

Just be spLendid

It was a week filled with emotions, and I am glad that it is over. I am hopeful that going forward, the year will be filled with happiness, love, laughter, art and whimsy.

Love

xxx

I'm Trying...

FFFFOUND!

...So hard!

Cherry Gin & Tonic

The prefect refreshment for  a day in the sun from spoon fork bacon.

Sweet Cherry Gin in Tonic
Serves 4 to 5

Ingredients:
cherry-lime simple syrup:
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sweet cherry juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups gin (“Tanqueray Rangpur” is my favorite for this)
¼ cup fresh lime juice
8 cups tonic water
fresh lime wedges

Directions:
1. Place the cherry juice, lime juice and sugar into a small sauce pan and simmer until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
3. In a pitcher stir together the cherry-lime syrup, gin, and lime juice.
4. When ready to serve fill glasses with ice and pour ¼ cup of the gin mixture into each glass.
5. Fill the glasses with tonic water, stir and serve with lime wedges.

Cheers to a sunny weekend.

xxx

10 Ways to Sparkle More in 2012

This list of "10 Ways to Sparkle More in 2012" from Glitter Guide is something I intend to live by this year, and going forward...

1. Don’t save your favorite jewels for ‘a special occasion.’ Life is the special occasion! Treat every day like a party, and wear a tangle of your favorite necklaces, a cluster of your grandmother’s brooches, or your treasured rings each day.
2. Be kind to your body. Get enough sleep and sunshine, eat well, drink gallons of water, and move about. You’ll not only be overflowing with energy, but you’ll also look gorgeous and radiant.
3. Practice random acts of kindness. Tell a stranger in the street how great they look, leave a little note with a tip at your local cafe about how much you adore the cake, volunteer for a worthy local cause. It doesn’t really matter what it is, but doing lovely, selfless things often will make you smile on the inside.
4. Always buy yourself a bunch of flowers. They needn’t be expensive! The loveliness that they add to your home will belie their cost.
5. If you’re in a wardrobe rut, make an effort to do your hair and put on your cutest heels for no particular reason at all. You’ll spend the day feeling that little bit lovelier.
6. Don’t let grey skies get you down! Treat them as an excuse to wear a poppy pink lipstick, an adorable umbrella, and perhaps a shot of pastel or fuschia in your outfit (the same optimistic rules apply to bad days).
7. Tweak your everyday routines to make the rituals extra special. Can’t function without your morning tea or coffee? Have it in your prettiest china! You’ll feel as though you’re having a tea party every single morning!
8. One day every week (without fail), go on a date with someone you love. It doesn’t need to be grand or over-the-top. Why not go somewhere fabulous for a cocktail with your best friend on payday each month? Or get dressed up to see a musical you’ve been wanting to see for ages all by yourself? Or take a bike ride at sunset with your loved one? Whatever it is, make time for special moments with the people you love.
9. Add some sparkle to your home (literally!). Or, brush up on your DIY skills and make a garland of glittery bunting to string across your wall. You’ll smile every time you look at it!
10. If you’re feeling uninspired, broaden your horizons. Make plans to take a trip to a city you’ve always wanted to explore, visit a new museum in your area, or go to your favourite bookstore for something wonderful to read this week. Instant inspiration!

xxx

Bri Emery's Loft

Bri Emery, art director of Rue Magazine, graphic designer and blogger had her loft shot for Rue’s holiday issue.  I think her loft is just the right combination of strong colours, and girl-like sparkle.
It is filled with unique, eccentric pieces, which seem to reflect Bri's fun-loving personality.

The pictures were taken by photographer Bonnie Tsang, who also has her own blog called "b for bonnie".

All pictures for Bonnie Tsang's website.

What an eclectic inspirational space!

xxx

Happy Birthday Kate Moss

Today the fabulous Kate Moss turns 38. 

Below is a shoot she did in the October 2009 French Vogue.

Images courtesy of FUCK YEAH KATE MOSS!

Happy Birthday!

P.S. Previous post The Fabulous Kate...

Monday

Have a Happy Monday Friends!

xxx

Ganni

Ganni is driven by one simple idea; to create the favourites for your wardrobe. The range consists of simple, minimal silhouettes, while still maintaining a playful, girly look.
Vogue describes the Danish label as "...a mixture of four of fashion's most enduring style icons - Vanessa Paradis in Be My Baby, Jean Seberg in A Bout De Souffle, Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face and Kirsten Dunst inVirgin Suicide."

 “At Ganni we don’t believe in the idea of one single designer personifying entire collections again and again, we prefer exchanging ideas. We do that within the design team and together with other artists that inspire us. Together we blend past classics with the best of the present - to create collections that are sexy and vibrant.” - Ganni

All images from the Ganni Winter '11 Lookbook

Have a look at the Summer '12 range here.

xxx

Key to a Fascinating Life

The Glitter Guide

xxx

Baby B

My beautiful niece, born on the 5th November 2011

xxx

New Years Resolutions

As I have mentioned before, here and here, I am a firm believer in New Year's Resolutions. Below are 10 goals or resolutions I have set out for the year ahead...

Image courtesy ledansla

If you, like so many, do not believe in the tradition of making New Years resolutions, I challenge you to consider the process  as setting goals for your future.

Here’s hoping for a year of fulfilled resolutions.

xxx

Holiday in Pictures

xxx