Tale Furniture Pop Up Store

More than just a furniture concept store, Tale uncovers the unique story behind each of its vintage and antique pieces.

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Trying to Understand Japan's Quake Disaster

Images: The Australian

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan have really knocked the wind out of my sails. It's even affected me physically with a sense of sadness and unease remaining in the pit of my stomach ever since the first images flashed on our television screen on Friday night.

So, I thought I would share a few things I've found in my search to try and understand Japan's biggest national crisis since World War II:

• Brace yourself and take a look at these phenomenal aerial photos which show the full scale of devastation. Hover over the each image to compare before and after.
• Geology often brings with it mind-boggling violence. This fascinating article looks at how Friday's earthquake moved the coastline and changed the balance of the planet.
• If ever there was a time for generosity - this is it. Unfortunately the recent run of natural disasters in the region means that goodwill is stretched and charities like the Red Cross and World Vision are struggling.
• With the shadow of Chernobyl looming, this interesting piece breaks down the use and threat of nuclear energy in Japan.
• And finally, here's a very worthwhile opinion piece, that poses the question - as we sit here and watch, what would we change?

Be Genki

Image: We Heart It

I like brands that take the road less travelled - like Be Genki. With most beauty products there is a lot of fluff and not much substance. Be Genki on the other hand takes a holistic view and advocates wellness on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. After all, 'genki' is Japanese for being happy, healthy, positive and in harmony.

What initially piqued my interested was that their products are made from GM-free natural ingredients and contain no synthetic colours, fillers, fragrances, parabens, mineral oils or petrochemicals.Hallelujah! It's their attitude though that has held my curiosity.

Image: Be Genki

In fact, all summer I have been using the Be Genki Face Mist. Every time I pick it up and see the label it makes me think about what actually makes me happy. For me, it's all about love. It's being with the people I love. It's spending time doing the things I love. And it's my love of newness - new ideas, new people, new opinions, new experiences.

Interestingly, Dr Timothy Sharp from The Happiness Institute suggests there are some general principles for being happy, including:

• being clear about your goals
• living healthy
• being positive but realistic
• fostering key relationships
• using your strengths
• enjoying the moment

So, my friends - the million dollar question is, what makes you genki?

Miranda Kerr and Motherhood as a Competitive Sport

Image: Kora Organics

To announce the birth of her son, Miranda Kerr took to Facebook and posted:

We have a beautiful little boy named Flynn. He was born on the 6th of Jan and I gave birth to him naturally; without any pain medication...

While the dawn of any new life is a time of undeniable joy, I found Miranda's statement deflating. When did motherhood become such a competitive sport?

"Oh, you were in labour for 8 hours and wussed out with an epidural?"

"Well, I laboured for 5 days...AND did it drug free....AND had a 10 pound heffer at the end of it!"

From your experiences in labour, it only escalates and becomes a whirlwind of smug one-up-manship as your performance as a mother is critiqued.

"Oh, you make junior's spag bol with a premade sauce?"

"Surely you know organic is best? The only ingredients I ever use are grown in our garden without the use of nasty chemicals and in sync with lunar patterns. And as for my pasta recipe - well, it was created by one of the worlds best Michelin chefs. Might I also add, I always perform triple back flips while preparing it to keep the rugrat entertained."

The way mums talk to each other and the loaded comments (like Miranda's) that ping-pong so freely about is doing nothing for 'the sisterhood'. We ought to measure our worth by our own accomplishments - not against others.

What are your experiences of motherhood as a competitive sport?

Let It Go

Image: 3 times 1

So, today is day 11 of 2011. How are your new year's resolutions, goals and intentions going?

Last year, I carefully planned five big and ambitious 'things' I wanted to achieve. This year though, I'm taking a different approach. I just have one attitude that I want to underpin each moment of every day.

My focus for 2001 is to - let it go.

Let go of the nervous energy...the need to keep all the balls perfectly in the air...the desire for control...and wasted time worrying about things that haven't happened yet.

By letting go, my days have a better flow. I find these words center and ground me. They keep me in the moment and are already making a difference.

In fact, this is one new year's resolution that I'll be sticking like glue to!

Have you given 2011 a focus? What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?

These Are The Days

Image: Garance Dore

Well, hello there! After the most delicious of interludes I'm back...

The boys and I filled our days with:

• Nectarines and plums.
• A few blissful days at the farm for table tennis tournaments in the shearing shed, pavlova and swinging in the hammock on the veranda.
• Devouring Portia de Rossi's candid book, The Unbearable Lightness.
• Mornings spent splashing at the beach or losing ourselves in the magic of the Children's Garden.
• Being reminded that all that glitters isn't gold, after a bitterly disappointing meal at The Newmarket.
• Discovering new finds - like Capocchi - to add to our roll call of stores that deliver the unexpected and eclectic as we embark on the mother of all renovations!
• Dancing to this.

So, what have you been up to? Did you manage to have a break and a moment to regroup? Did you go away or just indulge in the sweetness of doing nothing?

We're Really Doing It

Image: We're Really Doing It

Jeff and Heath are two mates who have just spent 53 days riding their bicycles from LA to New York City.

Funnily enough, they don't even really like riding a bike but decided to embark on this adventure simply to "do something really random and new."

"For some people their biggest fear is leading a boring life (including me and lots of others I know), so they end up making certain decisions based solely on the fact that they don't want to miss out. There will always be a part of me that just wants to say yes to anything that sounds crazy, so that what I did," explains Jeff.

While their cross-country trip has now finished, it's worth spending a bit of time looking through their blog. Not only is it a damn good read, it's also a reminder that there are two types of people in this world - doers and watchers.

Float On

Images: Maia Flore

These dreamy images by Maia Flore made me stop in my tracks. They also reminded me of this quote:

When the tides of life turn against you

And the current upsets your boat,

Don't waste those tears on what might have been,

Just lie on your back and float.

I hope you float on through your Thursday...

Where to Eat, Shop and Drink in Bali

While you weren't looking, the husband and I snuck off to Bali for a sweet moment together. The shopping and eating destinations that I've written about previously are still firing. But this trip I found a few more gems to add to the list...

Sip

Cocoon Beach Club is a relative newcomer that is already making ripples. Chic. Sophisticated. Exotic. Cocoon is everything it's iconically seedy neighbour - Double Six - is not! It's also the perfect spot to relax on one of the lounges, lychee martini in hand, and watch the lapping Indian Ocean. Heaven! (No. 66, Jl Double Six, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 731 266)

Nosh

While it's a high-class problem to have, one frustrating part of our trip was not having enough time to eat at all the spots we wanted to! Here are two new, and very worthwhile, places that we did visit:

Sea Circus - With one of the quirkiest and original fit-outs I've seen in a long time, Sea Circus has casual fine dining nailed. In fact, with Chef, Stuart Marsden (ex Cecconi's and Longrain, Melbourne) as your ringmaster, you know you're in good hands. (22 Jl Laksmana, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 738 667 )

The Beach House - If you're in Bali for a Sunday night, you'd be mad not to make the effort to head down to The Beach House at Echo Beach (Canggu). It's a 30 minute cab ride from Seminyak, but once you get there you'll feel like you've walked into this ad. Make sure you get there for sunset and then stick around for live music and a hot coal barbecue. The best spot to sit is outside, looking out to the ocean, so make sure you arrive early to grab a spot - or better yet, call ahead and book a table. (Jalan Pura Batu Mejan, Canggu . Tel: +62 361 7474 604)

Shopping

This trip I didn't spend much time shopping. Instead I hit up a few choice spots for multiple purchases:

I went a little bit crazy in Lulu Yasmine and picked up quite a few pretty, floaty frocks for the coming season of weddings, parties...anything! (No. 100x Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 736 763)

Biasa Bali is a mecca of colour blocking that stays just the right side of edgy yet relaxed 'holiday wear'. I bought some great basics here and also a few bags for good measure! (No. 36 Jl Raya, Seminyak. Te: +62 361 730 308)

Known for its simple yet impeccably embellished pieces, Magali Pascal, is as iconic in Bali as it is in Paris. While it isn't all that cheap compared to other shops in Bali, I did pick up one item that I never thought I'd own - a jumpsuit! (No. 65B Jl. Raya, Seminyak. Tel: +62 361 732 132)

It's Easy Being Green: How to Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Products

Two things happened recently that led me down a path I haven't ventured before:

1. I'm certainly no domestic goddess, but our house pleaded with me for a spring clean - the type that's seen me fossicking in every cupboard and cleaning every nook and cranny.
2. I've become passionate about reducing my family's exposure to unnecessary and harmful chemicals.

So, with a bee in my bonnet about changing the way I've always done things, I began reading about making my own green cleaning products. Here are three that have been working overtime in our household:

All-Purpose Surface Spray

Since we met, this little baby and I have been joint at the hip! Simply combine 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of bi-carb soda, 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil (or any other citrus Essential Oil you have handy) and put into a clean spray bottle. Shake well and away you go!

Glass Cleaner

For squeaky clean windows mix together 1/3 cup vinegar with 2/3 cup water and put into a spray bottle.

Oven Cleaner

Take one whiff of a traditional oven cleaner, and if you're still conscious, it's pretty obvious that it does you no good! For a non-toxic version, sprinkle bi-carb soda on the greasy spots in your oven, spray with vinegar and wipe. Too easy!

What do you use to clean your place? Any green or natural tips you can share?

Perez Hilton Turns Over a New Leaf

Video: YouTube

There's no doubting it, Perez Hilton has built his celeb gossip brand on snarky commentary and bullying. But, if his latest YouTube video is anything to go by, he is changing his name-calling ways and taking a more friendly approach.

While Perez certainly looks sincere in his desire to 'be the change he hopes to see in the world', I have a niggling feeling that this change will also be good for business. Keeping the sass but making it more vanilla, will increase opportunities to monetise his content. In fact, historically big brands have been wary of advertising on his site due to the unpredictable and caustic content.

What's your take on Perez's new chapter?

I did it! How to Set Goals so You Achieve Them

Image: look life in the eyes

Do you remember in April I said I was taking up running even though I couldn't make it around the block? Well, I persisted and yesterday I completed a half marathon...and didn't go into cardiac arrest! Hooray!

There were two things that got me over the line. Listening to Miami Horror's new album and pretending I was sipping on a Lychee Martini at Ku De Ta rather than sweating it out! And setting and writing down my goal. It seems like such a small thing to do, but writing a goal is a powerful statement in comparison with half-formulated thoughts at the back of your mind. It's a conscious promise to yourself.

When writing down a goal, I've learnt it's not what you write, it's how you write it. Writing out an action plan and timeline makes your goal even more powerful. A friend gave me a few brilliant goal writing tips and I believe they made all the difference - so I thought I'd share them with you.

Step One:

• Always write your goal in the present tense.
• Define a timeframe by which you will have achieved your goal.
• Paint a vivid picture of achieving your goal. The more detail the better!
• Attach an emotion(s) to achieving your goal.

For example: It's now.......and I have just..........and I feel.....

What I wrote: It's now 10 October 2010, and I have just run the Melbourne Half Marathon in two hours and without stopping, and I feel elated, strong and fit.

Step Two:

Establish a plan for the first step you will take towards achieving your goal and when you will do this by.

For example: The first step I must take is.........and I will do this by.......

What I wrote: The first step I must take is to start the first day of the Couch to 5km running program and I will do this by 1 April 2010.

Step Three:

It's so important to celebrate, reward and recognise the achievement of all goals - even the small ones!

For example: I will celebrate by....

What I wrote: I will celebrate by going out for dinner with my two boys.

Once you have written your goal out, share it with people who are important to you as this will make you even more accountable. Also make sure you review it daily. Don't hide it in the back of a notebook, put your goal somewhere that is visible to you as the disciple of daily review is another powerful goal accomplishment tool.

Now, over to you...what are your tips for setting and achieving goals? What's worked for you? What hasn't worked?

Goodgod Small Club's Second Coming

Go on admit it - discovering a hidden gem before everyone else does leads to a satisfying twinge of smugness! So, consider yourself dripping in first-in-the-kn0w-self-love with this tip off...

Last Sunday, Goodgod Small Club, Sydney's little big club that could, called first drinks in their new front bar. Part social club, part subterranean speak-easy, part late-night drinking haven, the new supper club is set to redefine the midnight hours.

With a bar laid with pebbles that glow like jubes, whitewashed booth seating rippling under cave lighting and lush ferns, a boutique list of cocktail carafes and moorish tastes menu, this is the perfect spot to indulge in life's small - and decadent - pleasures.

With Mr Luva Luva himself - Shaggy - having his 42nd birthday at Goodgod next week, you won't be the first in the know for long. You've been warned!

Goodgod Small Club, 55 Liverpool Street, Sydney

Open Wednesday 5pm - 1 am, Thursday 5pm - 2 am, Friday 5pm - 5am and Saturday 8pm - 5am.

Pat & Stick's Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Image: Goth Gourmande

The St Kilda and Collingwood Grand Final wasn't the only draw that had me talking this weekend. In fact, it was a dead even taste bud tie for two of Pat and Stick's homemade, all-natural ice cream sandwiches - Vanilla Choc and Espresso Lace.

I've been eyeing off these delectable morsels at our local grocer for the last couple of weeks and finally caved on Saturday. Unfortunately I lasted less than 24 hours before backing up for seconds. Uh oh. I can see that this is going to be my summer downfall!

Have you had the good fortune of crossing paths with Pat and Stick's homemade ice creams yet? What's your fave flavour?

$5; available across Melbourne and Sydney - see stockist list here.

Love Like Blood

Photograph by Mark Borthwick. Found via.

Nobody ever tells you the full truth about pregnancy: that it drops a stone into the stillness of whatever love made it and some of the ripples can be fierce.

- Joseph O'Connor in Elle UK October 2010

I'm not exaggerating when I say that being a mum is the greatest thing. But it certainly isn't always roses 'round the door. Maybe this is why I can feel Joseph's words vibrating with truth and honesty.

What do you wish you'd been told about the birth of a parent?

A Reminder to Slow it Down

Image: Hollis Bennett

Ever get the feeling that someone's trying to tell you something?

Monday was one of those days. I had too many balls in the air and too many things went wrong for it to be a coincidence. Then to top it all off, I ended the day with a speeding fine.

As I crashed into bed, I thought that maybe there was a message in all this madness. Maybe I needed to slow it down. Let go of the details. Allow things to flow.

Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project says it perfectly, "Take your time. Especially when you're in a hurry."

It seems my day from hell was reminder that I need to stop rushing through life. I need to cram fewer things into my day; stop multi-tasking and eat, drive and walk slower if I'm to ever have a chance at truly living in the moment.

Maybe receiving the speeding fine wasn't so bad after all....