Digging myself out of a hole

Some days I feel like I get into a rut and I just can’t seem to get myself out of it.

Ruts suck. 

Whether it be writer’s block at work, a fight with my husband, anxiousness caused by a whole myriad of things – it’s very easy for me to get myself into a position where I am struggling to keep my head above water.

For instance this week has been one of those weeks where each day has been an uphill battle.

We had a massive weekend and as a result, I feel as though I’ve had a five-day hangover. In reality I actually have had a five-day hangover. It’s made me feel sick, tired, agitated, regretful and in pain (literally) which has just turned my mood to shit. It has affected my work, my relationships and changed my current view on life from cheery and optimistic to dull and crappy.

I find that when I am in a rut, old things I used to dwell on resurface and things I wish I’d never done seem to haunt me over and over.

So I’ve resolved to do a few things to help myself (to be precise, my mind and body) function a bit better and help enhance my mental state:

a)      flush out my system with green tea and chlorophyll extract

b)      eat as healthily as possible

c)      get tonnes of sleep

d)     start attending Pilates classes / exercise every day if I can manage it

e)      stop nit-picking over minor things other people do that piss me off

f)       breathe more deeply and calmingly

            g)      do things for others

I am hoping that, by this weekend, I will be back to my old self and out of the trenches.

Also, I love this Hemingway quote, which I think will help me on the straight and narrow: 

Can-do, will pash

You’ve got to love the article on the Courier Mail website this morning.

Can-do Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman has spoken out regarding his public displays of affection if he becomes Queensland’s next premier.

If you’re like me, you’re already sick to death of hearing the political crap on TV and radio with each respective party slagging each other. One thing I have noticed is that Newman’s wife Lisa features prominently in these campaigns (both good and bad).

The article said that Mr Newman hit commercial radio stations in Townsville on Wednesday, where he was asked about the affection he shows his wife Lisa when they are out in public.

He told voters to expect to see more of the same if he wins this month’s election.

 "Well, I love her," he told Mix FM.

"I only have eyes for her. I think there will be plenty of pashing.

"The fact that she likes to kiss me and I kiss her back, I don't think that is the problem.

"I think the problem has been that I've got a hand that tends to go below the waist and that has sort of attracted some interest, far too much interest."

BLAHHHHHH! TMI!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, let’s be a bit professional here Can-do. You are asking people to vote for you as premier of our fine state – no one wants to SEE you or HEAR you talking about groping your wife’s nether regions.  

I tend to think also, that when I see images of Lisa (although I am sure she’s a lovely lady) she comes across as a bit cray-cray, so god knows what they get up to behind closed doors…

All I can say to Can-do is this: as the daughter of a man who has worked on many a political campaign, I believe that this kind of PR is not necessarily a good thing for your political aspirations. Keep your hands by your side and keep the kisses to pecks, not pashes. 

What do you think?

You can read the article in full here: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/quizzed-about-public-shows-of-affection-with-his-wife-campbell-newman-admits-to-being-all-hands/story-fnbt5t29-1226291735428

Crystal-crusted Chanel - Paris Fashion Week

I can't help but wonder if the crystal eyebrows that the models at Chanel's autumn/winter show at Paris Fashion Week wore yesterday are comfortable or not... Miranda Kerr really doesn't look all that thrilled about them! Featuring gem tones, heavy embellishments and multi-coloured accents, Mr Karl Lagerfeld has pushed boundaries yet again.

 Coloured panelling and shades of grey were used on several of the pieces shown.

Models walked down the icy crystal-themed runway that was inspired by an art exhibition Mr Lagerfeld recently attended.

Karl Lagerfeld - what a cool cat!

Miranda looked much more comfy after she changed into her usual gorgeous attire and returned to her Paris hotel after the show.



Girl crush: Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis gives me girly goosebumps

Ever since I saw the hilarious Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I have loved Mila Kunis. I found her really annoying on That 70s Show, but now, I can’t get enough of her. Yes, I even love her as the voice of Meg in Family Guy…

Being the ex-ballerina, I really enjoyed Black Swan – I know it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and I thought Mila did a great job of embracing the dark, competitive side of the dance industry.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar US (their Fabulous at Every Age edition), Mila said her preparation for Black Swan involved her shedding 9 kgs and since then, her body has not been the same.

‘My shape is different. When I got down to 95 pounds, I was muscles, like a little brick house, but skin and bones. When I gained it back, it went to completely different areas. I’d be happy if my arse got bigger. All the weight that left my chest went to my side hip, my stomach,’ she said.

She goes on to say that she would have to think pretty hard if another role came up that would require her to transform her body in such a drastic way. Even so, she’d be up for the challenge.

'I’m not going to say I’d look forward to it, but if an offer came along, I’d do it,’ she said.

When it comes to plastic surgery, the 28-year-old says she is currently adverse to cosmetic procedures, but wouldn’t rule them out in the future.

‘I will not put a needle in my body unless I have a medical reason. But ask me in ten years. Right now, I’m like, “I’m going to embrace it,” but … I’m probably going to want to have something done. I have no doubt,’ she said. 

Apart from her blossoming movie career (her recent movie Friends with Benefits with Justin Timberlake was a hit in theatres and she is has also recently competed the Wizard of Oz prequel, Oz: The Great and Powerful with Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and James Franco) she has just been named the new face of fashion house Dior, and shot a campaign for the brand in Paris last week.

I am glad we are seeing more of her in gutsy roles (like Black Swan) and I for one count myself devoted fan. 

Mooloolaba trip

We love visiting Mooloolaba and usually go up a couple of times a year. Here are a few snaps from our most recent five-day trip in Feb. I can't wait to start planning our next getaway!

At home - yard

So last weekend we finally got around to starting our landscaping. We ended up getting a whole side done, which is more than what I thought we would achieve!

For both sides of the house, we've decided to put down stepping stones and pebbles to cut back on the amount of mowing etc we have to do. Also I just think it looks prettier!

We've gone with a mixed pebble called "Fruit Salad" which has white, charcoal, beige and brown tones. The stepping stones are a charcoal colour with a matte finish (see below). They are 40cm x 40cm.

 

Once these were laid, the pebbles went down over the top. The pics of these show very dirty pebbles (they look more like a rusty brown colour) and don't show the true tones yet (I think we need a downpour of rain to give them a good clean).

The pebbles were put down in and around the stepping stones

Our neighbour's pool is on the other side of that fence, so to avoid sloshy muddy grass down the side, I think using stone down this side especially, is a much better option and it gives it a clean finish.

We really only go down this side to access the bins (they are sitting on a slab of 3 x 3 stepping stones) but we might get some potten plants to sit between the fence posts down the track to liven it up a bit.

 

The finished product!

I am excited to start the other side (clothesline side) next weekend where we will be featuring the same pebbles/pavers but in a different juxtapositon.

having a shocker. repeating this mantra in my head.