I headed to my local library yesterday. I was in search of Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, I figured it was about time I read it for myself after having it recommended by numerous people. Unfortunately it was checked out so I browsed the entire non-fiction section instead and came away with four books.
Last night, when all was finally quiet, I started in on the first. A design book called Decorating with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. I know you’re not meant to judge a book by it’s cover but this time around that’s exactly why I got the book! The collage of bright colours and furniture immediately caught my eye and I knew there was no way I’d be leaving the book behind.
The book teaches you to be your own interior designer and the advice offered up from Laurence right at the beginning (because that’s how far though I am so far!) is great. He guides you through:
how to create a design scheme – with a cold glass of chardonnay in hand
how to mentally envision the space you want to create (right up my alley!)
how to create a mood board to inspire new ideas
how to shop for furniture, fittings and furnishings
what should be on your to-do list
what to remember about positioning furniture and fittings
listing all the details in a design presentation
budgeting
spacial awareness
And that’s just scratching the surface of what’s shared in this book!
Of course today, I jumped on Google to find this ever inspiring interior designer. You can find him here.
It’s well worth the read for all of it’s practical advice and the photo’s are visually delectable. I can’t wait to read more.
If you’re interested in purchasing your own copy you can find it on Fishpond, just click on the image above.
It’s obvious we’re all different. Through upbringings in different countries, even cities; our incomes, shoe sizes, hair colour, dress sense; all sorts of different reasons attribute to our differences. However, there’s something every single human being on this planet has to do in life. Some do it more than others, sometimes we have to do it for others and some will encounter much harder ones than I can even begin to understand.
We have to make decisions.
As a parent, one of my main teachings to my children is that life is all about choices, so right from the start I have been trying to allow them to gain experience and understanding on how the choices we make will impact our lives for the good or bad. In fact this has been our main focus the past month as one of our children is struggling with this quite a bit. Sometimes what feels like a good decision turns out to be a terrible choice, for whatever reason and sometimes that extremely hard choice turns out to be the best darn decision we make for years to come.
Either way, it’s something we have to do.
If we were to sit down and calculate just how many decisions one has to make in a day I bet we would end up in the thousands, probably tens-hundreds of thousands; from what time we wake up, to which position we fall asleep in, in bed.
The hard thing is though, making a decision that will impact on our ever convenient day-to-day routines.
You know what I mean. The ones that make us sweat and make us extremely uncomfortable, sometimes causing extreme stress, making our entire demeanor change overnight.
There comes a point in life, usually somewhere in our teens or early twenties where we step up and make that first adult decision. For some that may be whether to go to University, move across country, go on an OE, get married, take that job offer etc. The great thing about stepping up is that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It’s absolutely terrifying at first but there’s a sickening rush you get from knowing that whether right or wrong, you made the choice and everything that comes from it is because you made a decision.
I love the quote taken from 1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Making good decisions really is the trait of any inspiring adult.
My adult decision making kicked in quite early, I had a very short childhood. Making the right choices came easy for most of my life but there was a short while where this wasn’t the case. Maybe it is because my time came so early, my mind was still very young in it’s way of thinking.
Nowadays though, I’m the kind of person that thrives on a tough decision. I love the challenge it brings and get very excited that something new could be coming my way.
What keeps my life interesting is that my husband and I are totally different when it comes to making decisions. Well, at first we were…
It’s no secret that I’m the creative type I’ve always been very in touch with feelings (even if I don’t cry!) and answers for difficult choices have often been dreamed about. If something was right, my body would get so completely overwhelmed it would shake almost uncontrollably. It sounds a bit weird but it’s never steered me wrong.
My husband on the other hand is all logic. If numbers and time lines, paperwork, facts and studies all make sense, then he’ll consider that something could be a good decision.
Over the years we’ve blended well together, I’ve mellowed him out and taught him about gut instinct and he’s made me much more analytical. Maybe too much because some days it feels as though I’m doing all the logical thinking and filling him in with all the details hehe. He’s definitely been a good influence.
So how do we make our decisions? I say we because remember, I’m one in a partnership of two. Every big decision I make impacts five other people.
We bring up whatever it is we’re contemplating.
We thrash the topic.
We both share our views, whether we agree with each other or not, everything is openly talked about, no feelings are hurt.
We come to a conclusion on what it is we want based on what is best for the particular circumstance.
We pause and wait for the instinctual feeling that this decision is right.
We create a new goal.
We break up the goal into simple little steps.
We get to work on the steps.
We then review every week/fortnight/month/year. Whatever is necessary.
We alter steps if need be.
We continue as before until goal is reached.
Now, although this sounds as though it’s only used on lifestyle/financial decisions, we do similar things when it comes to parenting decisions. Although the parenting sessions are much more relaxed because we’re usually on the exact same page.
This method has helped us many times. It’s how we made $30,000 in one weekend. It’s how we close to doubled our income in one year without me leaving home. It’s how we got noticed by one of the major banks in NZ and got our budgeting scheme taken nationwide.
What was one of your biggest decisions in life so far? How did it work out?
How do you make your decisions? Are you practical, emotional or a great combination of the both?
Do you have a big decision weighing on your mind right now?
This is my current project. I was going to make it extremely artistic but now I’m not sure if I want to anymore! I’m thinking I’ll change my mind and go a completely different direction.
Purchase price: $15.00
This is the lampshade I purchased in Dunedin. I loved it’s colour and lantern-like shape. I bought it the day after I visited the most kick-@$$ Chinese restaurant and was feeling inspired by the restaurants interior design. I’m considering adding some bling to this.
Purchase price $10.00
This was purchased from the dump. It looks to be part of a mid century Scandinavian design set. I love the little curves in the bars and at the front of the seat. It almost seems like sacrilege to take to it the way I want to but alas, I’m still going to do it my way.
Purchase price: $5.00
I’m not a huge fan of cane furniture but there are some pieces that I see potential in. This is one of them. Right now it has a rustic feel to it and is in need of a good spray and wipe. I’m sure it will come up a treat when I’m done.
Purchase price: $2.00
How cute is this stool?! My husband saw it first and told me he knew I’d buy it as soon as I saw it. He knows me well.
The seat is more of an olive green colour. It’s cute enough as it is but does need some TLC to bring it to it’s full potential.
Purchase price: $6.50
I looove how sexy the base of this table is. It’s REAL wood, extremely heavy. This is the project I really want to get started on BUT my rule for myself is I have to finish one thing first before I move on. So I’d better get back to it now
Purchase price: $20.00
Do you have any current projects on the go? Feel free to leave your link! I’d love to see.
It’s been quiet around here this week. My husband has been on holiday and my in-laws were in town so I’ve been off having family time. I had planned on having posts all ready for the blog so no one got lonely but alas, my capabilities didn’t quite stretch as far as my mind this time.
So here’s what’s new:
The NZ Art Guild Collaborative Project is now up for auction!! Please take a look at the auction here. Remember, all proceeds are donated to The Mental Health Foundation of NZ.
My solo show is still on at Invercargill airport’s Koru Lounge. I think I’ve forgotten what my paintings look like lol.
Yesterday I received an invitation to take part in Dunkley’s Great NZ Craft Show. This event is huge but the price tag to be a stall holder is just as big. I think I will have to give it a miss this year but will look into it next year. I know pretty much everyone in my region attends ours.
I’m currently working on a new painting for a fundraiser. Still a long way to go but I can’t wait to do the next step! Pic below:
My daughter had artwork selected to be exhibited at the Polyfest they’re having for the region. I forgot because she told me the news months ago but a friend mentioned today that she took photo’s of the artwork for a slideshow for the museum. So happy for my daughter
Also, this one’s a biggie, I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned it already! Creating My Reality is one of five finalists in The AusMumpreneur Awards – Best Blog 2010 category. The awards ceremony is being held in Brisbane on July 31 during a conference for Mumpreneurs. I really wish I could be there to attend the kick-a$$ conference and celebrate with all my fellow Mum’s (and Dad’s)!
One more thank you, this time to Cadbury NZ for taking the time to comment on my blog post about the Chocolate Carnival! Don’t know how you found me but it was cool to see your comment. I’ll pop by your FB Page and share some photo’s. We seriously had so much fun last week.
And last but not least, Boston turned ONE on Monday. He got to celebrate with his Gran and Papa in town. Very cool I still can’t believe it’s been a year. So much has happened. He’s huge now, bigger than most kids his age but that’s no surprise right? LOL. When he was born we were told he’d either lose a lot of weight and become a regular sized kid or he’d just grow up to be a giant. We’re on the giant path it seems. He’s clingy and a massive screamer but I still love him to bits. You can’t beat his cheeky grin! Melts my heart every time I see it. I can’t wait to see him grow even more.
Oh yeah, look what I bought myself today. LOVE. Might wear them to the ILT Art Awards tomorrow night.
My family and I have been out and about in Dunedin enjoying the sights and experiencing some of what the Cadbury Chocolate Festival had to offer the locals and tourists during their annual celebration. We headed up Thursday morning and I wrote briefly about the day in this post here. It was fun, we went to a…. hold your breath people…. MALL. Then after a brief shopping stint we chilled back at our rooms and had dinner with my lovely in-laws. Soo good to have family around!
Friday came around and we all ventured into town to catch the free bus to Baldwin Street to watch the annual Jaffa race. Jaffa’s are a marble shaped, candy coated chocolate made here in New Zealand. Baldwin Street is, according to the Guiness Book of World Records, the steepest street in the world. There was a huge crowd and an odd amount of super tall guys, which made viewing things pretty difficult but we stuck it out and enjoyed ourselves. Every Jaffa in the race was numbered to coincide with a ticket that could be purchased for $1. All money collected went to charity.This year they did two rolls, one with the regular red/orange coated jaffa’s and another with purple jaffa’s. We’re all in agreeance that the purple jaffa’s rolled faster! You can be the judge by watching the video’s:
By the end of the walk back to the bus stop, carrying a stroppy baby most of the day, the bus rides and the massive crowds of people, we were all pretty tired so we headed back to our flat for a rest. Not before we picked up lunch and 1/2 price hot chocolates at Ra Bar and Cafe at the octagon though. Great service thanks Ra staff
This bus was full so we waited for the next one.
A bit about Baldwin Street.
Radio people and a band. I think it was More FM?
Girl in a tux handing out lollies.
Face painting fairies.
Kids eating Jaffa’s from the girl in the tux photo.
Baldwin Street. Doesn’t look too steep but it really is!
Caught this shot as the stilt people walked past us.
The stilt people walked all the way up the hill and back down again. Insane!
These people won ‘The best seat’. A cherry picker at the side of the road hehe. True kiwi style.
The aftermath.
This guy got his car stuck between two others so they lifted it out lol. I love NZ.
Colouring in at Ra Bar & Cafe. FYI: They have a thing called ‘Outrageous Tuesday’s’ where they play Outrageous Fortune on the big screen for everyone to watch.
Nas lovingly putting his marshmallow into his hot chocolate hehe.
They came with Jaffa’s. Cute.
One of the amazing churches in Dunedin. It started pouring the second after I took this photo.
Later in the evening Andrew’s Mum came to our room and watched Boston so we could take the older kids out to Toy Story 3 3D. I almost cried! Multiple times! I’m a huge Disney/Pixar fan and we’ve been watching the Toy Story movies on TV with the kids the past few weekends. We loved it and I highly recommend it to all you Toy Story fans out there. After the movie we walked down to a place called Time Out (kind of like a small spacies parlour). Then it was all on. It looks like Andrew and I breed a bunch of competitors. Not hard to see where they get it from if you were ever to watch Andrew and I go head to head in any game situation…We never give up! It’s a battle right to the end lol. Good thing we don’t argue like that.
It really makes me wish we had somewhere like that to go down here, it was fun to be out doing something the kids loved. I’m really laid back with my kids, I let them be kids but I don’t let them play a lot of video games. I don’t have too many hang ups as a Mother but kids and too many video games is one of them. It’s just one of those things with me. So they had an extra good time playing the games.
Sorry if this photo is offensive to some. In our family we’re ok with gun’s and teaching the children about safely using them. Both Andrew and I were raised around them.
The oldest two fighting it out playing basketball games.
Not too shabby. Must take after their Dad.
This was a pretty fun game.
Davis did really well.
He shot all the teeth and beat us all.
Andrew and I went head to head. Most of my shots bounced out of the hoop! I got wasted lol.
At it again. Sibling rivalry at it’s finest.
We won enough tickets for them all to get prizes.
Davis got a sticky hand.
Before we headed home we took the kids out to dinner at the most pimped out Chinese restaurant. It was awesome! I seriously felt like we were in a scene of a Kung Fu movie and we were expecting a fight scene to start any moment. The decor reminded me just how much I love all things Asian! Thankfully Andrew does too so he indulges my desire to own a lot of Asian stuff around the home. The kids are learning just how much we both love Asian collectibles, people, food, movies and cartoons and are getting in on the act. They’re begging to learn how to use chopsticks properly so I’d better step it up.
This photo doesn’t do the place justice. Loved that window insert and those imported chairs.
Hand sewn silk pictures and cool room dividers that double as plant holders.
Awesome lampshade. Plush bench seats. The owners were watching us so I had to pretend I was taking photo’s of my family…lol.
Saturday we headed out to Larnach Castle. New Zealand’s only castle. The weather was pretty miserable but I still managed to find myself inspired by the restoration done to the place, the gorgeous stained glass windows, intricate ceiling details and absolutely stunning furniture throughout the home. It’s a lot smaller than I thought it would be but it was still beautiful. You aren’t allowed to take any photo’s inside the castle sorry.
The front of Larnach castle.
Running up the stairs.
Coming back down.
Fun times.
People staring at us from the top.
Some of the garden.
The ballroom. It’s used as a restaurant and hired out as a ballroom still.
The entire castle and my little lady.
Now it was my turn to make a request. I wanted to stop at some 2nd hand stores. I remembered one from about 11 years ago and stopped in there first. It had a lot of art there, one that really caught my eye, I should have bought it but I didn’t. I ended up purchasing a gorgeous green lampshade that reminded me of the lanterns I’d just seen the night before at the Chinese restaurant.
My lampshade.
Then we headed to a place I’d actually spotted in the middle of the night as we were hunting for somewhere to dine for dinner on Friday night. I knew it looked to be like THE store for me. I was so right! Can I pick em or what?! The place’s name is Arkwright’s and it has the coolest collection of unique things. I really wish it were closer! I’m thinking trips to Dunedin may have to be a regular occurrence for us now, just so I can shop at Arkwright’s. Dunedinites, you are lucky
Best 2nd hand store!
Then it was back to the mall for lunch and some last minute shopping for the kids to spend their money. A hula hoop, a soccer ball and some bouncy balls later we were done. I took the kids to the bathroom before the drive home and was gifted with a single red rose when we returned to Andrew. Yay! I love good surprises.
My rose.
It was a great trip, we’ve been to Dunedin close to a million times now but each time we discover something new to love. The architecture is top of the list. We didn’t want to leave but are glad to be back home again.
We’re having a bit of family time right now. Today we explored a store called Smiggle, it was the one place my daughter really wanted to go. Smiggle is a totally cute stationery shop on George Street in Dunedin. I suggest you take a look. I love the colours and the quirky gear like massively [...]
‘Nick nacks I Want’ is the name of a folder I keep. Yeah I know, back in the day it was originally spelled knick knacks. I try to bookmark all the things I like so I can go back to them and slowly check things off my list as I gather them. See, sometimes I actually [...]
My name is Chavah. They say for a relationship to work you need a dreamer and a realist. I am the dreamer. My dreams are what I MAKE my reality. I am passionately curious, sometimes awkward and I have a somewhat ridiculous but infectious laugh. I live in the deep south of New Zealand, married to my realist husband. I need him, he keeps it real... like realists do. I spend my days raising four out-going children, it's as exhausting as one would imagine. Currently I live and breathe transforming my body into a powerful weapon. It's my new found love, so if you need me - find me at the gym. Actually don't, I dislike talking while I'm training. I've been described as eccentric, I quite like that. The definition of eccentric is 'deviating from the recognized or customary character, practice'; that sounds about right. I'm the crazy creative type, well actually I'm not that crazy. I know exactly what's up but I am creative. I'm an Artist that's exhibited extensively throughout NZ and sold pieces internationally but right now I'm busy raising children so instead my creative tendencies have been refocused on up-cycling furniture, redecorating my home, event planning and writing.
I love my Canon too!
