Five things that inspire me

We are three weeks into 2012, now that a new year has started it always prompts me to think about what I want to achieve in the year and what inspires me.

I love inspiration and being inspired, because I really believe that inspiration is everywhere, we just have to allow ourselves to see it.

1. The beach - I love going down to the beach and just staring into the water, letting my mind run free. The crashing waves, the smell of the salty water and just being so far away from reality is so relaxing and a great way to unwind. I am usually refreshed and inspired by nature.

2. Books - I love reading! I always have, even as a teenager I use to read one novel per week. I am particularly inspired by biographies as I love to learn about others and be inspired by their lives. I also like adventure and drama books as well as magazines.

3. Anything beautiful - That pretty much covers everything, but anything that is beautiful like paintings, jewellery, pottery, pictures, beauty, fashion, homeware, colours the list goes on and on.....

4. Music - Music is so powerful that it can change a lot in the way we think or feel. I love that music is written by many musicians so that people can relate to it and it really does help you to think of things in a different perspective.

5. Life - Life in general inspires me. There are so many things that can bring us down in life, but it's always the good things in life that helps me to keep going and be inspired. My children inspire me as I watch them grow and help them to enjoy their lives, all the good things we have, our house, jobs, business, cars, holidays - help me feel inspired as I enjoy them with my family. I am thankful to god for being alive everyday and being inspired.

My blog is also a huge inspiration to me, knowing that you are reading this right now, makes me want to keep on blogging. Thanks to all my readers!

What inspires you?

Inspiration: Today is a new day!

Love this poem, everyday is a new day!

If your having a terrible day today, just know that tomorrow can be a better day.

Trust in yourself and do what you can to make things happen. Life is too short to think about what was or what could have been.

Think of today and tomorrow, the past is gone. Use your energy to fulfill your dreams, they can come true. If things aren't working out the way you hoped they would, it's okay it can still be achieved you might just have to change a few things. You can do it!

 What inspires you to have a better day?

How to feel good about yourself!

We can all feel good about ourselves if we want to, but sometimes it can be hard depending on what is happening in our lives. Feeling good about yourself should be top priority in life, as it will then most definitely help in other aspects of your life.

I am a huge believer in making the most out of life. We only live once, so let's enjoy it and do as much as we can to be happy.  I am not the ideal size and don't have perfect looks, but I don't let that stop me from following my goals, dreams and feeling good about myself.

Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, no matter who they are, what shape or size they are or what they look like. So if you haven't already started feeling good about yourself, now you can.

Here are five ways to feel good about yourself, that can be achieved:

1. Respect your body - This is the most important thing to do. Respecting your body means looking after your body. Remember to make healthier eating choices, take vitamins and exercise, even if it is only for 10-15 minutes. Look after your looks - get a regular haircut and look after your skin. It really does work to look after your body, it really makes me appreciate myself, for who I am. (which I guess is why I am beauty obsessed!)

2. Wear comforable clothing - Going through your wardrobe regularly and cleaning it out is liberating and great for your confidence. When you wear clothes that are comfortable and make you look good, you will feel good. Work out your body shape and wear clothes that are appropriate for you. If a piece of clothing doesn't feel right for example it is too tight or too big, then don't wear it. Comfortable clothing will make you feel good.

3. Take time out for you - Schedule some 'me' time for yourself. Even if it is 30 minutes or 60 minutes, that is your time and do something that you love. You could read a book, go shopping, go for a walk, watch a movie, listen to music or have a hobby. Doing something that is just for you, will help you feel good about yourself and you will look forward to that time, just for you! Doing things that you will enjoy and love will help you feel great, relaxed and rejuvenated.

4. Don't compare yourself to others -  Each and every one of us is unique in our own way. Don't compare yourself to someone else. You can aspire to learn things from others but don't think you have to be like them. You have many gifts and talents and that is what is important.  Accept yourself for who you are and grow in your strenghts. Don't listen to anyone that is going to put you down or say negative things to you, you are a great unique person that has a lot to offer.

5. Sleep - We all know that we need 8 hours of sleep but as life is hectic this is not always possible. Try to make a effort though to get 8 hours of sleep as many days as possible. It really will help you feel emotionally and physically better about yourself.

Being positive about things overall is also a great way to start feeling good about yourself. Here is a post I wrote on How to be positive. Being confident (A post on Be confident and be yourself) and accepting who you are, is definitely a step forward to feeling good about yourself.

Do you do any of these things? What do you do to feel good about yourself?

Do what you want - that's what makes you happy!

“A girl should be two things, who and what she wants.”

― Coco Chanel

I love this quote and believe it to be so true. Whatever your dreams and goals are, they are yours and no matter what anyone else thinks, you CAN achieve them. Be yourself and be who and what you, want to be.

Don't worry about what other's might think, especially if they discourage you. You can do it and if you don't do it right, you will only learn from that and be stronger.

I use to think way too much of what other's think. But I have learnt over the years not to, because it's all about who and what I want. I have to be happy with myself, to be able to progress and achieve my goals and dreams.

People will always have their own opinions and that's okay, not everyone is going to agree with you. Doing what makes you the happiest, is what matters!


Do you worry about what others think? Do you agree with this quote?

The Mum Who Roared by Christie Nicholas - Book Review

We all know that raising children is a beautiful gift and journey to take in life. There are so many joys and happy moments. At the same time though, it can be an overwhelming experience and changes your life from the day you bring your newborn home.

After attending an event, I got a copy of 'The Mum Who Roared' a book written by Christie Nicholas. I absolutely love this book. This book is my new best friend, literally it answers everything I would ask a best friend.

I cannot believe how much I related to this book. I was nodding and agreeing with everything I was reading and I was finding so many great practical tips. I was finding out so much, about things I had questioned or wanted to ask someone, but just didn't. This book is an excellent resource and guide to what you need to know after having a baby, to have control of your life and be true to yourself. This book reassured me that as a mother of two, I can still have a balanced life looking after my children and myself as a woman. The book left me feeling motivated, confident to pursue my passion in life and be a woman who has love and respect for my mind, body and attitude.

The author of The Mum Who Roared, Christie Nicholas, is a mum of two and entrepreneur who runs KidsBusiness a marketing and public relations business. I have briefly met Christie at the events she has organised and she truly is lovely and so inspiring which really comes out in her book as well. Here she is giving us a brief overview of her book.

The Mum Who Roared is definitely a great book for all mothers and mothers-to-be. This book would make a wonderful gift for any woman. You can check out and purchase the book on the, The Mum Who Roared website .

Do you know anyone who would benefit from this book? If your a mother, did you have support to help you when your children were young?

Do you light a candle? Yankee candles review

I absolutely love candles! I find them relaxing and calming. Recently I was invited to a Yankee Candles event that I couldn't attend as it was in a different state, so I was sent some Yankee candles to try from the Aromatherapy Spa range. I have never heard of Yankee candles before, they debuted in Australia last year. Yankee candles are made with fragrance extracts and real essential oils.

The first one I got is the Relax, lotus flower and sea salt scent which is sea-inspired with light floral notes, the scent evokes feelings of peace, tranquility, and balance. 

The second one is the True bliss, sage and white tea scent which create a blissful formula that clears away anxieties and lifts the spirits.

These candles are definitely a winner in the scent department! They are absolutely gorgeous and have a beautiful scent that fills the room. They are also very long lasting over forty hours which is great as I usually have a candle on every night so something that lasts really long is definitely needed.

Yankee candles have a huge range of candles and fantastic scents too. I often think of what type of scents I would love to smell in a candle.

Now that Yankee candles are in Australia ( available online or at selected retailers) they may be able to make the perfect Australian candle. What do you think would be a perfect Australian scent? I think maybe coconut, honey or the smell of spring.

What do you think would make the perfect candle scent for you?

Eight things I am enjoying at the moment

It is always great to reflect on what you are enjoying at the moment. Life goes by so fast that sometimes we forget to stop and think what are we enjoying? So I have put together a list of eight things that I am enjoying.

1. Flowers - love flowers, I usually buy myself some every week.

2. Jewellery  - I love shopping for jewellery - you can pick up some great pieces for a few dollars and they will compliment any outfit.

3. Nailpolish- I love nailpolish and usually will change my nail colour every week. It makes my hands look very feminine and classy ( if you know what I mean!)

4. Lipstick - I love being able to apply some lipstick in the morning, it makes me feel brighter and happier knowing that I have some colour on my face.

5. Stationary - I love all types of stationary, pens, notepads, diaries - anything I love collecting and using stationary.

6. Leather gloves - It has been freezing here, with winter in full swing - so I bought myself some leather gloves and love them.

7. Parks/Walks - my kids love going to the park, so lately I've been taking them lots and I really enjoy it too. Love the outdoors, fresh air and exercise.

8. Photo collage - Lately I have been really into making collages. I have been finding some old photos that I have been able to turn into a collage and also magazine collages. Before throwing out magazines I go through them and find interesting/inspirational pictures and turn them into collages.

What are you enjoying at the moment?

Don't take life for granted

Life is something I am really passionate about. I cherish my life, I thank god every morning that I am alive and I love living my life. My life is not perfect, there are many ups and downs but I am really happy to be able to live my life.

Watching the news hearing about accidents due to reckless driving or suicide bombers or murders or abuse the list goes on, makes me think 'how is it that people don't appreciate life?'.

Life is so precious. You are born into this world to have a chance at living the best possible life available to you. No its not easy, but there is always hope. We can make the choices in our lives to get the most out of life.

Don't take life for granted.

Even in the toughest times there is a brighter way. There is help you can get from family, friends, proffessionals - someone who can motivate, inspire and give you positive affirmations.

Life can be taken away from us so quickly. Enjoy every moment. Don't worry about little things in life as things will sort themselves out, think smartly.

Say I love you to your loved ones everyday. Enjoy your children and praise them everyday, tell them you love them and spend time with them.

No matter what you do in your life, enjoy it. Every walk you take, every shopping experience you have, every holiday.....treasure the moments.

Life is unpredictable in that one day everything could be perfect and the next day could be the worst ever. Whether its a financial problem, work problem, health problem whatever it may be it can crush your dreams and goals.

So don't take life for granted, cherish every moment, life is precious.

What would you say to someone that is having a hard time at the moment?

You can be happy, you have to choose happiness!

The one thing I'm sure you will all agree on with me is that we all want to be happy. Thats what life is about being happy, living a fulfilled life and getting the most out of life.

Yet with so many things that can happen in life, being happy can sometimes feel so far away. Whether its financial, career, or family problems these things can weigh us down. Life is not perfect and things will happen that are unexpected or not according to plan, but we need to find a way to be happy.

We need to focus on the positives and be grateful for what we have in life and be happy.

Here are a few tips that work for me to be happy:

1. Sleep - If you are constantly tired or fatigued this can affect our mood. Try and get as much sleep as you can even if it means taking a nap during the day. If you can't get a full eight hours sleep, power naps are great.
2. Music - A instant lift me up is music. Put on music you enjoy to listen to and you will see a instant change in your mood. Music is uplifting and a great way to make you happy and relaxed.
3. Clean - Literally cleaning your home, room, space - can create a happy environment. Knowing that everything is in its place where it should be will help you be more relaxed. Likewise cleaning your 'daily schedule' as such, can help to alleviate unneccessary appointments or committments that your not interested in. You can say no to certain activities or outings that you are not too keen on.
4. Be in the moment - Worrying or stressing about what may happen tomorrow is not going to help the situation. Instead try and live for this moment, enjoy your situation now.
5. Learn from your mistakes - We all make mistakes, so forgive yourself for the mistake you have done and keep on going. If you dwell on a mistake or wish it never happened, you will be stuck in that mindset and won't be able to move forward. Accept what you have done and know that you have learnt from it and will do it better next time.

Be kind to yourself - happiness is a beautiful thing to have in your life, but many times we let the negatives overtake the positives. Don't let that happen to you. There is always a way to work through things and be happy. Choose to be happy!

What do you do to be happy? What makes you happy?

Don't ever give up!

Everyone has at some point thought - 'I just want to give up'. You feel like everything is against you, nothing is working out right, you feel sick about things, and no one has anything nice to say to you. It seems the easiest to just quit, BUT DON'T. Never give up!

Quitting is not the answer. Its seems like an easy option now but it's not the smartest option. Life is full of surprises and not everything will be right all the time.

When I feel like 'giving up' I usually draw on the things that inspire me.

I take a break and sit back to reevaluate what is going on.

Why am I feeling like giving up? Do I need to change jobs? Do I need to reevaluate my finances? Do I need to ask for help? Do I need to replan things better?

Taking a few days away from day to day life is a good way to rejuvenate yourself. If you can't go away somewhere, take a break from the same routine you do everyday and do something relaxing. Like go for a walk twice a day, go to the beach, go to a park, read a book etc....

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. In fact if you have negative people around you, get rid of them. Sometimes its your closest family or friends that can be negative, you don't need them so don't associate with them. You need positive, happy people around you that will see the goodness in life and help you along too.

Writing is a great way to see on paper where you are at and to get your thoughts on to paper. Write a list of things you want to achieve and how you are going to achieve them.

Just never give up! Life is too short to give up your dreams. Rather lets keep on trying to achieve our dreams.

What do you do to help you keep on going? How do you motivate yourself?

Inspirational post: Keep on going!

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning how to dance in the rain

I really like this quote. Sometimes waiting means we can miss out on opportunities.

Instead we need to go after opportunities no matter what. Whether it be financially, work, school or business if its all getting too much, keep going.

Don't stop, otherwise you will waste time. Rather keep on learning and getting stronger to get through even the roughest of times.

You will get through it and always come out stronger and wiser. Set yourself small achievable goals and work to achieve them.

Do you usually wait? Or do you keep on going?

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How to be inspired?

The one question that a lot of us ask ourselves is How to be inspired?

When things are not looking so good, when it feels like there is no escape or it feels like its all too much, remember - there is always a way to make things right. When you hit rock bottom the only way is to get back up.

I love each and every morning. It is a new day - a day of possibilities and a day that will bring something new. Wake up each morning ready to face the day, ready to conquer whatever it is that the day will bring because each day is a new day!

Here a few things that help inspire me - some are easy to do and some require effort.

Read inspirational books

Watch inspirational movies

Watch the sunset or sunrise

Think about what you are grateful for in your life

Take a walk in beautiful nature surroundings

Watch your children play, they are so free and joyful living in the present

Surround yourself with inspirational people that will make you laugh and be happy

Listen to music and be free to dance

Surround yourself with photos of happy things/moments.

Find pictures from magazines that will lift your spirit and give you hope.

Go to the beach and watch the water, let it set your mind free

Light a scented candle and watch the fire light your room and create a beautiful smelling surrounding

Write down what you want to achieve your dreams, seeing them will inspire you to work towards them

Tell me what you do to feel inspired?

Join the Dermalogica FITE campaign today and make a difference

I was invited to a Dermalogica event a few weeks ago and learnt so much about the fantastic FITE campaign (FITE = Financial Independence Through Entrepreunership) a campaign that is helping women in developing countries start or grow a business.

Being a entrepeneur myself, I know how hard it is to start your own business. Money is definitely a significant part in helping a business grow. The FITE campaign is providing women access to micro loans that vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand and empowers women to achieve their goals, dreams and support their families. They have to pay the money back and it is then used to fund another loan for another woman and so on.

So the way it works is when you purchase a Dermalogica product - from the five chosen products that are Dermalogica's most popular, there will be a code attached to the box that needs to be redeemed on the FITE website. The code represents $1 of what you spent on the product that is going to go towards funding a loan for a woman. You will choose the country that you want the money to go to and the type of entrepeneur. Once the money is lent to a woman you get an email telling you who it went to and what she will use the money for. It truly is a fantastic campaign that really is touching so many great women.

What an exciting and life changing campaign to be a part of. The next time you buy a Dermalogica product look at the five selected products for the FITE campaign and if you make a purchase redeem your code and make a difference to women around the world.

Check out the FITE website for more information. Let's help women to achieve their dreams!

I will be reviewing some Dermalogica products I have tried soon.

Do you use Dermalogica products? Would you support a campaign like this?

Butterflies - I love them!

I love butterflies, they are so pretty and unique.

They start out as a caterpillar eating as much as they can until they get big enough to start a cocoon. They spin a web of silk to hide in and change into a butterfly.

They give me inspiration, to keep trying!

Is there an animal that inspires you?

Don't be afraid, take the first step.

Ever feel like you have so many dreams but you don't want to take the first step? It could be out of fear or feeling like you won't succeed?

Taking the first step in anything we do is always the hardest. Whether you are wanting to start studying or start a new job or start a business or change your career or anything else you are faced with in life, it can be daunting and can hold a lot of people back from achieving what they want.

But unless you take that first step you will always be wandering what if? or even missing out on the opportunity. Don't be afraid to take that first step!

There have been many times when I have wanted to do something but I was afraid. I didn't think anyone would want to give me a chance or hear what I have to say. I would see others who were given opportunities and think why isn't that me? you know why, because I didn't ask. If you don't try, you will never know. Don't pass up the opportunity because of fear. You deserve it, so do it.

To take that first step, believe in yourself, have courage and determination to make things happen. I love this quote and often will refer to it, if in doubt:

Inspire yourself and others will be inspired.

Motivate yourself and others will be motivated.

Develop yourself and others will start to develop themselves.

Be an example first and then the world changes around you

Author Unknown

You are the only one that knows what you truly want to do and what your dreams are. Don't let anything stop you, go for it!

Have you ever felt like you have missed out on a opportunity or dream? How do you stay focused?

Are you really happy?

I usually read the lastest news on line and it can be quite depressing. There are so many horrible things that happen in this world. I think it is really important to think about the things that make us happy. When your feeling down or sad, its nice to be able to read a list of the things that make you happy. It will put a smile on your face and help you look at the positives in life.

So here is my list of some of the things that make me happy.

Going on holidays or day trips

Mountain walking

Going to the movies

Listening and dancing to music ( yes I have some cool dance moves!)

Reading a great inspirational book
Going to the beach

Drinking a warm drink - hot chocolate or a cappacino

Chocolate ( of course!)

Shopping especially finding lots of bargains or sales

Spending time with hubby and kids

Getting a massage

Eating out at a nice restaurant

Hope you are inspired to think about what makes you happy. Life is too short, so lets focus on the positives and enjoy each day.

What are a few things that make you happy?

Ten things I love about winter

I love winter, it is my favourite season. As winter is fast approaching here in Australia, I wanted to reflect on ten things I like about winter.

I love winter accessories such as gloves, woollen scarfes, and beanies

My favourite winter fashion piece is jackets

Love fireplaces, so warm and watching the fire is a relaxing

Hot chocolates to keep me warm

Love my mocossans

Bring out the doonas and snuggle up

Wearing hoodies

Hot chips and gravy

Bring out the boots, so comfortable

Going to the snow, I love the mountain scenery

What do you love about winter?

Tips on how to achieve your goals

To achieve your goals it takes focus, drive and determination. So many times we can get frustrated when we are not achieving what we wanted and then give up. When this happens, don't give up, but rather step back and reassess your goals. Give yourself time to go over your goals and how you are going to acheive them. A goal can be big or small.

Here are some tips to achieving your goal:

1. Make sure you have a actual goal - When thinking of a goal, think what it is that YOU want to achieve? Is this what YOU are passionate about? Is this what YOU want and you are not influenced by anyone else?  For example your goal is to read a novel or write a article.

2. Be realistic -  Make sure the goal you are setting is realistic. You have to be able to achieve this goal, so don't set a goal that cannot be achieved. Think it through carefully. For example trying to read a novel in two days is not realistic, reading a novel in a month is realistic.

3. Can you keep track of how you are going? - When thinking of setting a goal you need to give yourself something to measure your progress by to be able to keep track of how you are going. Your goal needs to be really specific about what it is and how you are going to achieve it. For example I am going to eat well, is something you can't measure. I am going to have two fruits and one vegetable everyday is measurable.

4. Timeframe -  You need to have a timeframe of when you are going to achieve your goal. A timeframe allows you to see how you are progressing and you can stay motivated knowing exactly where you are at with your goal.

Setting goals can be a daunting experience because it means you have to change what you have been doing so far and be accountable to achieve your goals. Its easy to get sidetracked and then you think 'oh well there is always next year'. Don't let this happen, be determined to achieve what you want. YOU are the only person that can make things happen. Do it for you, do it because it makes you happy.

Remember anything is possible if YOU make it happen!

Do you set goals for yourself? What do you do, to get back on track?

How to cheer yourself up when your feeling sad?

We all have those days. Those days where you feel sad or like nothing is right. You have plans and dreams but they are not happening. You have ideas and thoughts of what you want to achieve but you don't know where to start or how to go about making things happen.

I usually take a break and give myself a few days to recharge. I refer to my list of things that cheer me up and give me the motivation to keep on going. There are many things but I have narrowed it down to five things for this list. So here is my list:

1. Planning to go on holidays - always brings a smile. I just think about previous holidays we've had or upcoming ones and how it will be a few days of relaxation. Searching holiday destinations and what we can do is always a great way to feel good.

2. Butterflies and Rainbows- I love butterflies, they are so pretty, colorful and peaceful. I have a book on butterflies and love reading it and flicking through the pictures. I also love rainbows, the colours are gorgeous and its nature at its best.

3. Shopping -  I usually set aside some retail therapy time because there is always something I need to buy or can buy to cheer me up, for example a book, flowers, candles, beauty products.

4. Music - Put on some music and dance. Try it, trust me it works. You will feel free and immersed in the music, and you may just find that you have great dancing moves.

5. Do something positive - how you think definitely affects how we feel, so thinking positive is definitely going to help. Do something positive, bake a cake, clean out a room, do some gardening, play with your children, read a book - whatever you do make sure it is done with positive thoughts.

Remember no matter how unhappy you feel, you have a choice to make the most of the situation and do something about cheering yourself up. Choose to get through the day happily. 

So tell me whats one thing that cheers you up?

A poem - Keep on going, don't quit !

This is a poem I found and love - so I wanted to share it with you all.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

 

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

What motivates you to keep on going? Do you have a favourite quote?