Become Idea Prone

I often return to a book I read a few years ago called How to Get Ideas by Jack Foster. I have highlighted, dog-eared and marked many of its pages. One section that often calls out my name demands that you get out of your rut.

Although no one likes to admit it, it is easy to do the same things the same way. You know - eat the same thing for breakfast, dress the way you have always dressed, drive to work the same way listening to the same radio station, get your coffee from the same place at the same time, read the same sections of the newspaper...and on it goes.

"Because you're in a rut, every day your five senses are recording the same things they recorded yesterday - the same sights, the same feelings, the same smells, the same sounds, the same tastes...But please, today, do something. Something different, something that will get you off dead center, something that will start you in a different direction, something the will get you out of your rut," says Foster.

So today I did just that. Alfie and I took a different route on our morning walk to the shops and along the way we spied this:

This little piece of guerrilla knitting was a perfect reminder, if ever I needed it, that it always pays to take the road less traveled.

What will you do differently today?

Go Wash Your Hands!

The other day, my awfully lovely friend, Suzy, dropped by. She came baring gifts and her usual wicked sense of humour.

"Now, before you open this, let me explain," she said. "They're hand soaps."

I thought it was rather strange that she was ruining the reveal. But now I get it!

AU $18; currently out of stock, but usually available online from Third Draw Down.

Love it or Loathe It: Clogs

Images: College Fashion, Elle UK, Style Frizz

If clogs are good enough for Karl, are they good enough for the rest of us? Ever since they graced the Chanel runway late last year, it seems clogs are a shoe-in for this seasons It footwear.

I'm not so convinced though. They're remind me of merry milkmaids, aren't that practical if you need to run for a train and strike me as a full-brother to the revolting, gelatinous Croc.

What about you? Are you ready to get your clog on? Let me know what you think by taking part in this one-click vox pop.

Update: It seems I'm not the only one who isn't feeling clogs with 79% of you also giving this trend the thumbs down. Thanks for taking part!

Trend Spotter: Clogs
Love it Loathe it
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One Year On

27 March 2009

27 March 2010

Dear Alfie,

Happy first birthday darling boy!

Every day I feel so privileged to be your mumma. You are my best daytime friend who has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. You have shown me how to be truly patient. Slowed me down. Softened me. Little did I know that you would bring pure, sweet contentment.

Hand on my heart - this past year has been the best year of my life.

My love always,

x

No Words

Images: I Dreamt I Dream

A Visual Journal by Roberta Ridolfi

Ah. It feels good to be back in the land of the living!

A heinous bout of tonsillitis meant that most of this week has been spent flaked out in bed...on the couch...and back in bed again. It also meant that I haven't been able to talk, which has probably been a pleasant relief for those around me!

As an ode to the silent week that was, I thought I would share with you I Dreamt I Dream. This achingly beautiful visual journal by photographer, Roberta Ridolfi, is proof that sometimes there really is no need for words.

Under the Weather

Image: Neil Driver

I'm not feeling all that well so I'm creeping back into bed to rest up. I'll be offline for a few days, but back on board later in the week. Until then, take care...

x

Respect Your Elders

Images: Advanced Style

Advanced Style

While the voyeur in me loves them, I also think street style blogs have a lot to answer for. I needed no further proof of this than on a recent night out in Melbourne. Granted it is the middle of Melbourne Fashion Festival, but I was overwhelmed by the number of style wankers out there. You know, the type. Instead of looking nonchalantly hip, everything they wear looks considered and overly-put-together. They almost look like they're waiting for a cobble stone street to appear and for Scott Schuman to magically start snapping!

Having said that, one style blog that deserves some serious respect is Advanced Style. The wise and silver-haired set who are featured here, are proof that true personal style is genuine. It can't be faked. It is all about being you.

Meet Zach

Image: The New York Times

Let me share with you a story I heard the other day about a boy called Zach. It goes a little something like this...

Zach is 25. He lives in a 178 square foot studio apartment in downtown Brooklyn. Over the last three years, he has spent just $2,500 decking out his shoebox...sorry...apartment.

Images: The New York Times

In November 2008, Zach saw an ad on Craigslist by upscale architecture firm, Robert Couturier & Associates who were looking for a junior designer with three years' experience and expertise in using a computer drafting program. As a theatre major, who had been mainly waiting tables since graduating, he didn't meet either of these requirements.

But he did have pictures of his apartment. So Zach got the job! Sometimes I guess it pays to be innately stylish...

Changing Tack

Image: kirchnerbk

Last night, mum and I went to yoga. Usually the class is held in old stables, but since it was such a warm, mellow evening, we took our mats to the park outside and held our class there.

I'm a pretty late yoga convert because I always thought that if you don't get a serious sweat up, then it doesn't count as exercise. Little did I know though, these sessions would be just as much about exercising my soul. As we stretched in the soft dusk air, I felt my whole being lengthen and relax.

Gina, our Instructor, said two things that I'm going to carry with me today. The first, was to quieten your mind. I often find that busy days bring with them a flurry of anxious energy. But today I'm placing my feet firmly on the ground and claiming a calm quiet.

The other thing was to truly open your heart. I like to think I'm a loving person, but to be mindful of opening my heart to every person and every situation that comes my way is different - and something I am going to try and do.

Two little thoughts. One new approach to my day. Want to join me in changing tack?

x

Scared of Heights

Images: Creative Photography

Aerial Photography by Ricardo Mendonca Ferreira

Flying makes me feel physically ill.

I could think of nothing worse than going up-up-and-away in a hot air balloon.

You will never catch me on a balcony or up a ladder.

But for some strange reason, Ricardo Mendonca Ferreira's aerial photography takes my breath away - in a good way! Go figure.

The Wishing Chairs

Tea Towel and Tapestry Furniture by Suzie Stanford

Remember The Wishing Chair - Mollie and Peter's magical chair that grew wings and flew? Well I think I've found it. Seriously!

With a magpie-like obsessiveness, Melbourne-based designer, Suzie Stanford, collects vintage tapestries and tea towels from auction houses, curio shops and flea markets. She then retells their unique histories by creating vibrant patchworks for her one-off furniture pieces.

"I don’t think I really make anything new. I just make new connections. I put things together which are not supposed to be together and hope that by my works’ celebration of colour and the juxtaposing the old with the new my pieces make people smile," says Suzie.

You do more than that Suzie. You create tangible fantasies that look like they could grow wings and fly!

A Missed Momment

Images: Missed Connections

Missed Connections

I have many quirks. One is religiously reading the Introductions section. I'm definitely not looking for anyone - just curious as to who other people are looking for.

I always thought this oddity made me one of a kind. Not so it seems. On the other side of the globe, Sophie Blackall, a Brooklyn-Australian illustrator mines the 'Missed Connections' section of Craiglist for inspiration which she then transforms into playful prints that range from the lyrically poetic to the downright comical. You can even purchase your own slice of anonymous, forlorn love from Sophie's Etsy shop.

Imagine what Sophie could do with the gem I uncovered in this week's local rag:

Flashy woman 52, blonde, wants flashy businessman. Romantic. Educated. Nice.

US $40; available online from Etsy.