My Yoga Story featured on Filter Free Yoga

I came home yesterday from a fun day of childcare work involving introducing yoga to a group of toddlers to find Filter Free Yoga has featured my yoga story :)

 

Part 1 of My Yoga Story feature

Part 2 of My Yoga Story feature

 

My Sticky9 Fridge Magnet Designs

 

My second Sticky9 fridge magnet designs. These magnets just arrived in the mail and they look awesome!

To replicate, choose a colour scheme, visit www.sticky9.com, choose the best of your photos and voila!

 

For the Love of Beautiful Things - Part 2

 

I collect beautiful things! From here, there and everywhere...

 

Drink bottles from ISHKA

              

 Drink coasters from ISHKA

 

Wallet from markets in Chile

Blanket from La Fortuna, Costa Rica

 

Envision Yoga Mat from Vagabond Goods (photo from website)

 

 

Mi casa es su casa print from Etsy

 

     Mandala Blanket from Vessos                          Phone case from Inspired Cases



                                 (photo from website)

 

Outdoor chair (part of set) from Bed Bath 'n' Table 

 

His 'n' Hers Dotted Egg Cups

 

Hand-painted egg cups inspired by painter Elspeth Mclean's work, following on from my previous write-up...

 

http://emsprettyinspired.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/dotted-potted.html

Time to Wander and Time to Ponder

Travel gives you time. The time to try new things you otherwise wouldn't. The time to ponder life on an 8 hour bus ride. The time to miss your loved ones and appreciate the special relationships you have back home. The time to learn a new skill (at this moment I'm sitting at the airport as my flight is delayed, filling time by learning how to juggle). The time to practice said new skills.

The time to practice patience. The time to question why in our culture we do things the way we do. The time to question why other cultures may not do things the same way. Time to discover ways of living other than your own.

The time to recognise your behaviours, good and bad. The time to make new friends. The time to reconsider your career path or confirm with yourself that you're on the tight track. Time to 'waste' lying in a hammock. Time to get inspired. Time to plan what you want to do 'when you get home...'

Travel gives you time - time to wander and time to ponder.

My Vision board: Updated!

Run For Your Lifeline - Supporting The Charity That Supported Me

The selfless Lifeline volunteers do a great service to the community. They have been there in my hour of need time and time again. When friends and family were at work, asleep, or when I didn't want to 'burden' them, Lifeline volunteers are always there to answer the phone, 24 hours of the day. I will never know who the person on the other end of the phone is. Their name, hair colour, skin colour etc. remain a mystery, but their kind voices will never be forgotten.

I can't ever thank Lifeline enough. They supported me when I wasn't well, and now that I am I'm choosing to support them by running in the Run For Your Lifeline Fun Run/Walk on Saturday 5th November. All proceeds go to Lifeline Canberra. I've signed up for the 10km but there is also a 5km or 21km half- marathon. For more details visit the event website.

'Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. For 45 years, our highly skilled volunteers have provided 24/7 support via our 13 11 14 crisis support service. Lifeline Canberra telephone crisis supporters listen with care and acceptance, whatever the circumstance, and provide support and information to people in need. As an integral part of the Canberra landscape, we continue to promote community and individual resilience. Each day our staff and volunteers fight to save the next life.'

If you are reading this and feel you need support, you are never alone. FOR SUPPORT IN A CRISIS, CALL LIFELINE'S 24-HOUR CRISIS SUPPORT LINE 13 11 14.

Orchidaholics Anonymous

I have a problem... I'm an orchid addict!

 

...but I can stop whenever I want...

 

My Yoga Story

I started doing yoga through complimentary community classes organised by lululemon each Sunday morning outdoors at Glebe Park, Canberra. The beautiful feeling of the warmth of the sun on my back while moving through poses and the calm that ensued after each class made it a new weekly pleasure of mine. 

At the time, work wise I was burnt out and quite frankly over working in Childcare. I no longer felt passionate about it like I once had, and something needed to change. I had a 3 month overseas trip to South and Central America booked and I told myself that once I got back home I could reassess whether or not to stay working in Childcare or focus my energy elsewhere. However in the weeks leading up to my trip, I spontaneously started doing yoga with the kids at work. I found the benefits worked both ways – my stress levels lowered as I could do yoga whenever I felt the urge throughout the day, and the kids in turn were more engaged, focused and having fun!

During a visit to the travel doctor to get my injections for the upcoming trip, in passing she mentioned a book called ‘Yoga for Travellers’ by Jennifer J. Ellinghaus. I made a mental note and later ordered the book, and absolutely fell in love with it! With sequences for all different travel occasions, it inspired me to continue my yoga practice throughout my travels. The highlight of my yoga adventures overseas was leading yoga sessions at ancient ruins with my hiking buddies at the end of each day along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

When I got back home to Australia I signed up to do the Rainbow Yoga for Kids Teacher Training, and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be! Over the 3 days of hands-on learning (literally!) through yoga games, massage, partner poses, guided imagery, lots of laughter and even a few happy tears, I learnt so much about how to make yoga for kids fun and engaging. Their motto is ‘Yoga is more fun together’ and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree!

It opened my eyes to see yoga in a different way and I’m now putting what I learnt into practice at work (I decided to go back to Childcare after all). I actually want to go to work again. Yoga has given me my passion for working with kids back, and helps me to stay sane, calm and happy throughout the day! I’m now also chasing my new-found dream of becoming a Kids Yoga Teacher.

I’m so excited for this new and unexpected path yoga has lead me to! 

I absolutely love using my new pretty patterned Envision yoga mat from Vagabond goods! 

Blogging for LBWT - THIS Is Rockin' Rica

My third and final post writing for the Life Before Work Travel Blog is up!

Check out the post THIS Is Rockin' Rica along with accompanying travel photos.

Blogging for LBWT - Pura Vida: Life on the Coasting Costa Tour

My second installment writing for Life Before Work Travel about our adventures on tour in Central America is up on their travel blog! Check out the post Pura Vida: Life on the Coasting Costa Tour. I've been absolutely loving the experience of writing for them. The third and final post is in the works!

Torn

My Entry into the World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship

World Nomands have teamed up with Lonely Planet  for their 2016 Travel Writing Scholarship competition. They're sending 3 talented aspiring writers on an Australian road trip, and I want to be one of them!

I chose to enter under the story theme 'A local encounter I'll never forget.' View my entry Breaking down barriers through the universal language! and wish me luck.

 

Bonding and breaking down barriers through dance - the universal language!

 

Before leaving for a recent three month travel adventure I decided I really wanted to attend a Zumba class while in South America - after all, it is the birthplace of the dance!

 

After a failed attempt the previous night (a class at another place simply wasn't on as scheduled), I was dropped off by my taxi driver in a dodgy looking part of town. Feeling unsure as I paid the fare, I walked down the street for a minute until I saw flashing lights coming from a corner studio with a bunch of women chatting outside and the Zumba logo displayed clearly. I felt so relieved, I was finally at a class!

 

Although the instructor spoke only a little English, he asked me where I was from. When I told him Australia, he gave me a huge hug and a lolly. The class was amazing and exactly what I wanted - high energy, big moves, enthusiasm and lots of fun! Afterwards a few of the local girls I did the class with took photos with me and wished me well. As I sat in the taxi on my way back, I almost cried from happiness because of how good the experience was and just how welcomed I felt. Dance - the universal language!

Dead or Alive

I was recently asked to answer the age-old question, 'If you were to meet any three people dead or alive, who would they be and why?' My answers...

Photographer and mentor to many Jasmine Star - to pick her brain all things photography related! I would love to meet this incredible woman who has guided my practice so much through her open online advice and inspired me to never give up no matter how hard things get.

Zumba creator Beto Perez - to practice the moves of my favourite dance style with the one and only!

World of Wanderlust travel blogger Brooke Saward - to exchange travel stories with one of the most well traveled people in the world! She mentions in one of her posts that writing about her experiences gave purpose to her travelling, which inspired me to write about my own travel experiences (stay tuned for more!).

Blogging for Life Before Work Travel

I've signed on as a blogger for our Life Before Work tour of Central America, YAY! Read my intro post and my first post Surfing 9 to 5: Part One of My Central Adventure Tour, published on their website. 

Burning Bright

 The fire's still burning,

The flame is still bright

Feeling so content

As we sit under moonlight

 

Tapas, bread,

Fruit and dips too

The olives and blue cheese

I'll leave just for you!

 

There's no place else

I'd rather be

Than sitting right here,

Just you and me

 

Sipping wine and beer

We're doing life right

Caught up in the moment,

Oh look, it's midnight!

 

Couldn't be happier

As we go up to bed

Nothing but good thoughts

Going on in my head

 

Holiday Hair

 

They say a change is as good as a holiday, but hey, why not have both?!

Holiday hair inspired by the galaxy!

  

 

 

...and more from the hair files:

 

 

There once was a boy named Robbie

  

There once was a boy named Robbie
Bonsai is his favourite hobby

We met at a music festival
It wasn't long after I realised he was special
Ricardo's was the café for our very first date
We kissed before that though, just couldn't wait!

We talked and we may have flirted a little
I felt so nervous, but he made me giggle
He was down to earth and genuine
I really wanted to see him again

A bit of time passed and he was still there
Taking me out and showing he cared
I told him I loved him one night, I had to confess
I thought my heart would beat out of my chest!

This boy is like no other
I smiled and told my mother
He's calm and quietly confident,
He's kind and gives me compliments

Life is just better with him by my side
Always there with me on this ride we call life

 

Dotted & Potted

 

Artist Elspeth McLean's dot painted mandala stones went viral in early 2015. Like thousands of others, I LOVE her work. When I see a new painting of hers, I smile. How could you not?

 

Elspeth McLean is an award winning artist whose innate love of colour and detail evolved into a unique style of painting she describes as “Dotillism”. She creates her intensely colourful and intricate artworks entirely out of dots created with acrylic paint and a paintbrush. Her refined technique has grown and expanded into the vibrant, precise and soul engaging artworks she creates today. For Elspeth, painting dots is a meditative and grounding experience which is so enjoyable she has dedicated her life to it. Through her art she hopes to connect people with their inner child and to bring some vibrancy and joy to their lives. 
 

My favourite of Elspeth's artworks: Kauai, Hawaii Sunset. I have this piece as a large wall tapestry hanging in my living room, brightening up the otherwise plain white walls.

Like Elspeth I have always loved bright colours, they lift my spirit and connect me with my inner child, as she mentioned above. When I read her Artist Statement, I felt that I was reading my own (if I were to have one that is!). I distinctly remember years ago speaking about my body of work at the time (paintings of nude fairies) to my Art class in College, and telling my fellow students and teacher that I just wanted to create vibrant, pretty artwork that is enjoyable to look at - nothing dark or disturbing. To me, creating and viewing art should be a joyful experience, and  good for the soul. 

 

I recently gave colourful dot painting a try, and have quickly become hooked. I'm not big on traditional meditation, but I've found dot painting calms me more than I ever expected. Elspeth uses it to find her happy place, and I can really see why. I now look forward to just sitting down and dot painting, it brings me calm in an otherwise hectic day. The TV might be on, but it won't be my focus. I become oblivious to the paint on my hands, my to do list and the world outside of painting. To be in the moment is so rare, so difficult to obtain. I'm grateful to have found this unique and productive form of meditation.

Purple 'Privileged' plant - the result of my first dot painting project.

I've started painting glazed pots using Glossies Acrylic Paint from Eckersley's, it takes to the surface well and is easy to wipe off when you make a mistake. Cotton buds are my dotting tool of choice. To keep it simple to begin with, I've been choosing one colour per pot and creating a gradient pattern. Practice makes better with dot painting, it takes a short while but I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of it now by slowly improving my dotting consistency, one dot at a time!

Of course, it is important to find inspiration from another artist without copying their work completely. I will not copy her artworks and claim them as my own, I only want to use the colourful dot painting technique as inspiration to add more colour and vibrancy to my own household items such as pots, frames and mirrors. I don't plan to make profit from her idea, that would be bad karma!

 I've nicknamed this plant Shakira, because of it's wild and beautiful untameable mane!

 

 My super cute dotted mini bonsai pot.

 

My current pot in progress. I can't wait to show you when it's fully dotted and potted!

 

Bon Appétit! Let's Eat!

 

About a year ago I started collecting recipes in this folder, because I'm a disgustingly organised individual and it brings me joy to see my favourites all neatly in their colour coded sections.

 

I'm no Nigella Lawson, it has been established. But after a few years living out of home I have finally realised that it's worth putting in that little extra effort to make your meals actually enjoyable to eat, not just to make sure you are eating. Frozen fish sure can get old, as I've discovered. It's been found that on average, most households rotate 9 meals for dinner. In my search for better taste, I've found at least that many!

So here are some of the yummy, simple dishes I've tried, tested and loved so far:

- Spicy Pork Mince & Coriander Noodles.
- Lamb Cutlets with Sweet Potato and Potato Bake
- Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto with Zucchini Slice
- Super Tasty Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
- Roast Vegetable Couscous with Moroccan Lamb 
- Chorizo and Zucchini Quesadillas
- Chicken, Pesto, Mushroom and Spinach Pizzas
- Tuna Mornay
- Mushroom Beef Stroganoff
- BBQ Chicken Bruschetta with Spinach, Tomato, Danish Feta Cheese and Basil
- Feta, Cucumber, Cherry Tomato, Lettuce, Coriander and BBQ Chicken Salad
- Feta, Spinach, Semi Dried Tomatoes and Sweet Potato and BBQ Chicken Salad
- Marinated Haloumi Cheese and Chorizo Open Sandwiches on Sourdough Bread
- Potato Rosti with Smoked Salmon


- No Bake Reese's Cheesecake
- Pikelets with Whipped Cream and Blueberries 
- Milk Rice Pudding with Raspberries (pictured)

 For Christmas treats I made:
- Chocolate Nut Bark (see below for the recipe!)

Em's Chocolate Nut Bark

 

Ingredients:

Large handful of nuts of your preference (I used pistachios, macadamias, cashews and almonds)
1 bar of cooking chocolate

Method:

1.      Break up chocolate bar into squares and place in heatproof bowl.

2.      Melt in microwave using 30 second stints. Stir if necessary.

3.      Pour melted chocolate into shallow medium sized tray lined with baking paper, tilting to cover whole tray.

4.      Sprinkle nuts (whole or cut in half) over chocolate.

5.      Set by refrigerating for 20-30 minutes.

6.      Cut into squares or leave as chocolate bar. 

For a layered effect, repeat steps 1-4 using dark, white and then milk chocolate. 

 

 

  

The next recipe I'm keen to try is Jamie Oliver's Sweet Potato Breakfast Muffins!  

Hungry for more? Want one of the recipes sent straight to your inbox? Email me at em-davidson@mail.com 

My Space, My Escape

 

For the past year I have been lucky enough to call this place my space, my escape. With a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite, balcony and large window with a gorgeous view, I really felt I'd hit the jackpot when I found this Master Bedroom for rent.

 

Note: I usually have an artists bedroom (aka messy), so don't feel bad if yours doesn't look like this!

Soon though I will be packing up and going overseas for 3 months, therefore leaving this place behind. Before then I wanted to capture it at its best; afternoon sun pouring through the large windows, inviting me for a nap on my colourful bedspread.

I recently picked up The Art Of Travel by Alain de Botton, given to my boyfriend by my brother for Christmas. I opened the book to a random page and read this paragraph only:

'At the end of hours of train-dreaming, we may feel we have been returned to ourselves - that is, brought back into contact with emotions and ideas of importance to us. It is not necessarily at home that we best encounter our true selves. The furniture insists that we cannot change because it does not; the domestic setting keeps us tethered to the person we are in ordinary life, but who may not be who we essentially are.'

I then closed the book. I felt it unnecessary to continue reading at that point, content in the power these words had given me.

So as much as I love this bedroom, and as hard as it will be to leave, I know it will be worth the adventures that lie ahead.