1. Stretch as you get up in the morning, at your desk or even in your car.
2. Free up some time by delegating a task.
3. Buy some bright flowers for your home.
4. Make a to-do list that is short and realistic, then set to accomplishing each task, one at a time.
5. Take a break. Stop whatever you are doing and go spend at least 10 minutes outside, just breathing!

Apologies for not posting properly the past two weeks, but I have been preoccupied with Nina’s first birthday. I still can’t believe my baby is 1 years old! As I constantly say here, ‘time flies’! She is such a stunning baby girl and has a wonderful nature. She truly is a free spirit and has a zest for life and taste for adventure. I recognize some of her traits, as some that I have myself and that scares me as I know what I am in for! I know my baby will oneday be an adrenalin junky and have no problem jumping out of planes or off bridges. Once school is finished I think she will most likely strap a backpack on her back and be off traveling the world. She will have a strong mind and will, and no-one will be able to stop her. And so it should be! But, as a mom, I really would like it if she’d stay home with me and do something safe like paint or bake cookies! Time will tell, but I think (and I do hope) there will be no holding that one back. The force is strong in her!

I made a bright pink/fuschia cake (Fuschia also known as oops, I added too much red food colouring) for her birthday, decorated with silver balls and tied with a lime green ribbon. It did look rather delightful, as did the table, decorated with my mom’s stunning tea set (an eclectic mix of different china cups and saucers that I just LOVE), and all the very tasty food my mom made. Nina shares her birthday with my gran, so all in all Wednesday was a wonderful family day of celebrating.

One thing that interested me was that when Amy turned 1, she received books, puzzles, dolls and crayons. Nina, who won’t sit still for a minute and who would rather eat a crayon than draw with it, received large outdoor-activity toys. We gave her a ‘jet ski’ rocker, she got a large seesaw rocker and paddling pool from her wonderful great aunts and a lovely tunnel and tent (along with a puzzle that she insists on eating) from her granny. Her uncle bought her a blow up donkey for bouncing on. She rocks like mad on her rocker and says ‘rock’ and ‘wow’ as she does so. My girls are just so different, it is amazing.

Ps: I will add some photos of her birthday and her Teddy Bear party soon.

xxx

When it comes to anything involving a needle and thread, I tend to be a bit dyslexic, but I found these really cute felt mobiles online which don’t look too difficult to make!

Here is some inspiration for all you scrapbooking and decopage fans. It is such a novel idea for Easter. They are adorable Vintage Easter boxes. These are done with wood, but I think you could do a type of expanding box in this style as well, which would be lovely.

Congratulations to…
- our friend’s Bjorn and Natasha on their marriage!
We went to their daytime wedding yesterday and it was stunning. What an amazing day, beautiful bride and divine setting. They thought about so many things and little personal touches to make the day special. I totally appreciate them including the kids and making it special for them too. I will put photos up soon.

- My brother, Richard and his fiance Sion on their engagement!
Yes, my brother proposed(with the help of his good friend Dale) by placing large river pebbles on the beach, that read ‘Will you marry me’. Ever so romantic! I wish you both so much happiness and love in the years ahead guys.

- The weather bureau
For getting the weather right for a change. But oh my word this heat is exhausting!

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
- Jack London

What inspires me?
- Great design.
I love attractive magazine layouts, stunning typography, illustrations and photography.

- Nature.
If you ever feel dull inside, just watch a sunset, or take a walk in the park or by the sea. There is nothing more creative or majestic as nature – the world is one large canvas!

- Skillful Words
You know the clever words and phrases you wish you had said. If I need a creative boost, the poetry of Rumi does the trick.

- Music
Aaah nothing stirs my soul, more than music.

- Other people who make things happen.
The world is full of people afraid to live and as a result they tend to waste their lives. It is also filled with people who overcome huge obstacles, chase their stars, embrace life with passion and zest and as a result make things happen. They inspire me!

- Signs from the Universe
Nothing makes my pulse race more than experiencing a good dose of synchronicity and divine intervention. It is like being plugged in to a powerful energy circuit and the epiphanies just flow.

- My daughters.
Children are amazing to watch as they experience the world with such wonder and delight. And they keep me on my toes!

A few other things that inspire me: Yoga, travel, interesting conversations, recipe books, organic markets, Oprah, the desire within me to help people realize their passion and then live it.

…….so, what inspires you??
Make a list in your journal, and feel free to share it here
xx

]]> http://www.rhymesandreasons.co.za/2010/03/02/what-inspires-you/feed/ 2 http://www.rhymesandreasons.co.za/2010/03/02/belated-inspiration-for-this-week/ http://www.rhymesandreasons.co.za/2010/03/02/belated-inspiration-for-this-week/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:14:54 +0000 Caroline http://www.rhymesandreasons.co.za/?p=1353

]]> http://www.rhymesandreasons.co.za/2010/03/02/belated-inspiration-for-this-week/feed/ 0