A Whole Year

The older I get, the more life seems to speed up. Can you believe that it’s been a whole year since this happened? I remember lying on that air bed, watching all my savings exit my bank account, leaving my job, handing over the keys of our beloved car and rental home just like it was yesterday. I remember all the kind words of encouragement as self-doubt and fear began to creep in – and oh boy, did we need those words. It’s not been an easy road, this journey to settling in Aus. We’ve had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It’s been the toughest year of my life. And that’s totally to be expected. I wouldn’t change a single thing. Australia is an incredible country and every day, we feel so lucky to be able to call it home. As I sit and type this, I am surrounded by boxes as we begin another leg of our journey to a new home (hopefully for a bit longer this time as I am sooo DONE with moving), we have possible career changes, big travel plans and even bigger life plans on the horizon. Somewhere in between, life will settle down for us and I’m hoping I can find more time. More time to dedicate to this corner of the internet that I love so much. More time to enjoy this amazing country. More time to just be.

I had a really hard time narrowing down my favourite photos over the past year, but here is just a taster. Make yourself comfortable!

Images | Wishful Thinking

Wayfarers

We made it folks. Friday is here. It’s getting a bit crazy around the house with boxes piling up and the agency having an open house tomorrow (so freaked out about the prospect of strangers walking through our house) so we have no choice but to be out on the town. I’ve asked my ever-patient husband to take me to Ikea in the new ride so we can pick out furniture and bits and pieces for the new place. He has reluctantly agreed. And for the rest of the weekend, who knows? I’m in the mood to do some serious damage to my credit card. Top of my list is a pair of badass Wayfarers. I’ve got numerous knock-offs but you just can’t beat the real thing.

  Fact about me: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is my favourite movie

A Humble Retreat

Remember when we went glamping in a shepherd's hut in the middle of a llama field… in December… in the coldest UK winter for 20 odd years? It was a decision that had my coworkers and family completely baffled but nearly 2 years on, and it’s still one of the most memorable getaways we have ever had. The pipes froze so we had no hot water, we had to use a storm kettle to heat the water, llamas spat and farted at us, there was no electricity and we spent 3 days sliding in the mud. Doesn’t sound like bliss but it was cozy, quiet and an unbelievably fun weekend. If you are tempted to join the madness (perhaps in summer, like a normal person), check out The Shepherd’s Hut Retreat in South Somerset. I loved the look of it so much that I have bookmarked the site for our next trip to the UK.

Source | Remodelista – Images | The Shepherds Hut Retreat.

Every Little Thing

Phew. That week was a toughie. Packing and arguing and working, and working and then working some more. There were times where I just wanted to throw in the towel but on Friday evening (at the 11th hour) it all came through for us. Our present rental agency has agreed to release us from our lease early, we have signed the lease for our new apartment in Little Bay and on Sunday, we bought a car. Our lives are now firmly entrenched in Australia. We’ve still got some work to do yet but I can hardly believe we have been here for nearly a year! On Sunday, I took inspiration from Lauren by doing some serious de-cluttering (4 giant bin bags later). It felt good. Even if my back is a little twingey and my knees are a little bruised. Stay tuned for more change peoples.

| T-shirt weather (and of course a little bevvie or three)|

  | They look like they could survive my gardening skills? Does anyone have a name for them? |

| Because I have so many of them |

| A blank notebook. Nothing better. |

| I rearranged coloured pencils. Really. |

Spellbound

By co-incidence, this discovery also comes straight out of Byron Bay (all signs seem to point to this town for me at the moment). Meet Spell. A boho/gypsy clothing and accessories store started by Isabella and Elizabeth who say “for as long as they can remember, they have been enamoured by the feeling created when you combine feathers, leather and turquoise”. Being fairly tall and willowy, not to mention a child of 70s hippies, boho is a style that I am always drawn to. I have already got my eye on a few beautiful pieces. Now I just have to start saving some dollars!

P.S – if you like their style, be sure to check out their blog too. I’m already addicted.

Images | Spell