Pencils of Promise

Mar 27, 2014


OK. This blog has always been about things that inspire me.
People. Objects. Products. Thoughts. Anything.

This week I watched a video about one of the most
incredible people-Adam Braun.

I watched an interview with him and Jonathan Fields
(posted below if you have 30+ minutes for the
longer version) and I was dumb-founded.

I watched it twice each time feeling more selfish,
self-absorbed and humbled.


How could someone SO young have such an incredible
and self-less vision?
What was I thinking about when I was in my early 20's
(nothing as profound and life-changing as Adam-for sure.
I don't think that even changed much in my 30's!)




In the longer interview you get more or a sense of the kind of
family background and ethics Adam was brought up with
(he has 2 African adopted brothers).

His Grandmother who was carted off to
Auschwitz with all her family (who perished)
survived, and became his main inspiration.

Nothing has inspired me like this for a long time.
It really made me think about, what am I here for?
What will be my legacy? (especially as I don't 
have children).
I don't have any answers yet ( and 
I may never have them)  but I am hoping by having that 
question at the forefront of my mind as I go about my
daily life, something will be ignited.

It also made me realize just how self-absorbed 
I have recently been with my own obstacles
(some of which I have written about here).

It doesn't mean my obstacles didn't exist.
It just made me realize I had no real perspective.
If I did have perspective, they would not have
taken up so much head space.

Sometimes you need to come across
a story like this to just get you back
on track.

PLEASE, if you have just 30 minutes, grab your favorite
drink, make yourself comfy and watch the full story.

If you have children that moan about doing their homework
or going to school, get them to watch the short version ;-)





I would love to hear about anything that has recently inspired
you. It doesn't have to be on a big scale or hugely profound. But just
the fact that you felt inspired, means our minds and hearts are still
open.



I would also love to know your thoughts on the above.

xxxxx

Reflections+ Irrational Fears

Mar 19, 2014

So this week was my birthday.
No big milestone birthday, but quite an emotional
one for me. You see I finally reached the age that
was to be the age that my young Mum died.

I know this is totally irrational.
But it's been a mental milestone
that I have been dreading for as long
as I can remember.



It drives my loved ones mad.
But I can't get past it.

It finally arrived on Monday,
and everything is still the same. 
There was no big
clap of thunder. The sky did not
turn black. I didn't hear
Charlton Heston's voice booming
at me through the clouds.
No, everything just ticked
along as normal.

Was that what was "supposed" to happen?
Did I miss the memo?


So I tried not to think about or
mention "the number"out loud.

Instead I tried to reflect on what
I have learnt during my
forty-something years on this planet
(admittedly this was a struggle ;-)

I've learnt that:

* most fears are totally irrational
and that I still haven't mastered how to
not let what hasn't happened affect me as
if it has ;-)

*at all times I am where I am supposed
to be. So stop bloody fighting it ;-)

*it might take a day, a week or 
a year, but what we want will find us

*you should be able to count your
very closest friends on just one hand



*that there are still so many women
around the world who will never reach my age
as either their national life expectancy or circumstances
will dictate that

*every morning I am credited with 86,400 seconds.
It's for me to use every second wisely because
every night the slate is wiped clean and any
time I did not use is just written off.

*there is usually very little a good lipstick, heels and
chocolate won't solve



*and to…………..




NEW: Perfect for Spring. 
Available here



NEW: Is it only me that wants 
to channel her inner J-Lo?
Available here


So what has age taught you?
How do you deal with
irrational fears?

As always I love hearing your
views and thoughts.
xx

Missing In Action + Leopard Lust

Mar 7, 2014


OK, so where do I begin?
It seems I have been away from blogging a long time 
(and I have certainly missed my wonderful
blogging friends).

So what happened?
LIFE!

Some good; new website, new blog (still in
progress as not 100% in love with it yet), 
lots of new products, re-connecting
with some old friends, being a support for
others and a "general"
feeling of gratitude and well-being.

Also some stressful things happening
(which I am learning is inevitable when
you are caring for an elderly parent
who is determined to hang onto his 
independence, and can be as 
stubborn as  a mule).

The last few weeks have been challenging,
rewarding, exciting, frustrating, overwhelming,
scary………..you name it, I've been there.
I've run the gamut of emotions, but managed
to come out the other side-lipstick in tact!


 I am STILL here trying my best to march
along, head held high, heels clicking with attitude,
waterproof mascara on tap
and still lusting after "leopard" .

What is it about animal print that makes
me go ga-ga?

leopard print, leopard design, leopard shoes, leopard print heels

Is it just me?

Does that feeling wane as the months get hotter?

Great styling

Is it just an addiction that grips one during the
cold months?


leopard print, leopard design, leopard design bag , Jimmy Choo
I so need this bag in my life right now. I am sure it will solve all my problems ;-)

I'm thinking not as I see more and more wonderful
interiors using animal print.

leopard print, leopard design, leopard design interiors, leopard print runner, leopard rug


leopard print, leopard design, leopard design interiors





And then there are of course our wonderful
new rings out this week.

leopard print, leopard design jewelry, leopard rings, leopard jewellery

These gorgeous pieces are designed by a wonderful
Spanish designer from Madrid (Belén Bajos),
and I can't wait to show you even more of her
gorgeous pieces in the coming months.

But first, shall we just lust after these together?

For my blogging friends only, I am offering a 15%
discount on any of the above rings.
Your discount code is: BLOG15
And the offer expires on 17 March
(St Paddy's Day + my birthday).
If  you any queries just
drop me an email.

I would love to know your thoughts
on my new pieces, on my new website and of course
on animal prints in general.


Happy weekend you little "tigers" ;-)
xxx