Journal #15
With the year starting with so much uncertainty, and with no end in sight, I am feeling pulled to the things that make me feel grounded, bring joy and keep me on the straight and narrow. So much is out of my control, so I am focusing on the things I can. Here is a list of my go-to’s for this January. A combination of things I have purchased, things that have intrigued me, new habits I want to set, and things I have adored. I hope you enjoy this carefully curated selection, I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Bx
Fluidform @ Home - Rise and Restore Challenge.
I am a big fan of Fluidform Pilates at Home and have been a member since Kirsten first launched. Her programs definitely kept me sane, fit, and strong through the last lockdown, and so I am always keen to jump to the new challenges as they launch. However, this silly season has seen me be less consistent with my pilates, so I am really keen to get back on my mat. The Rise and Restore Challenge goes for 21 days, 20 minutes, 7 days a week. It is the perfect program to create a new healthy routine for yourself. Kirsten has also put together a 21-day meal plan, which I am keen to try this time. Hopefully, she will inspire me to cook new and healthy options to break a couple of bad habits I have picked up these holidays. I like taking on these challenges with a buddy by my side to keep me motivated and accountable. With my new Apple Watch, I can also track my pilates workout. Win-win. I promise you will become obsessed with Fluidform after this.
An Organised Life, A4 Weekly Planner.
In my years of being a graphic designer, specialising in print design, beautiful stationery has always been my jam. So when it comes to planning, I like to always treat myself to an analogue diary or weekly planner and use iCal/Google Calendar. I am a visual person, that memorises things when written down physically. So having a tangible diary has always worked well for me, especially when planning my work week. Last year, I experimented with the Magic of I’s Astrological Planner, which worked wonders when tracking the Lunar Cycles. A diary I would highly recommend for the Reflectors out there.
This year I am trying something different. I have always been a big fan of An Organised Life. I love how Beck Wandsworth, owner, and designer, lays out her planners. Plus they are really stylish and can be customised. I have gone with her A4 Weekly Diary in black vegan leather with gold foil, monogrammed with my logo. I have a lot going on work-wise over the coming months, so I need to get serious with my planning. Hopefully, this diary will be the perfect option.
Apple Series 7 Watch.
I have been averse to getting the Apple Watch for quite some time. I think it would make me more connected to my phone than I want to be. After being in lockdown for half the year and welcoming our family pooch, Gizmo, I found myself walking a lot. It was my time to retreat from home responsibility and do something for my health and well being. I love listening to music but hate taking my phone with me. I also got heavily into tracking my walks but didn’t find the phone data accurate. After chatting with friends, I finally decided it was time to jump on the Apple Watch bandwagon and, boy, I am so glad I did! It has been the best purchase ever. It really has answered my brief, allowing me to leave my phone alone for most of the day. Yes, I receive notifications when emails, messages and the rest come through. Still, by not having my phone nearby, I can decide at the moment what is urgent and what is not. It also stops the mindless scrolling and flipping between apps. Since embracing the watch, I have discovered the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature. I now have set it up, so my watch and the phone gets put into sleep mode between 9.30pm and 5.30am, so I don’t get the pings, vibrations etc., while I sleep. It is fabulous!! I am also tracking my sleep and have noticed a massive improvement. So if you have been sitting on the fence with this one, I highly recommend it. I got the cellular option to avoid needing my phone when I am out.
Station Eleven, HBO Series on Stan.
If you are stuck in isolation at the moment, or are looking for a new show, then I highly recommend HBO’s new series, Station Eleven on Stan. Based on the best-selling post-apocalyptic novel of the same title, this limited series follows a travelling Shakespeare theatre group that is established in the aftermath of a global pandemic that wiped out 99% of the world’s population. This beautiful series is less about action-adventure when it comes to survival, but more explores what makes our lives more meaningful, what we’d choose to save when losing everything. It is such a great show and I suppose very fitting considering the current time, but be warned it may be triggering for some. I give it 5 out of 5.
Soul Purpose Flower Essence Remedy by Alexis Smart.
I recently came across a recent post by flower essence and homeopath, @alexissmartflowerremedies. Alexis talked about the notion of ‘maintaining the cause’ in response to when her flower remedies don’t work. As Alexis explains, a remedy doesn’t take effect due to a negative influence that stops the treatment from working no matter what remedy is created to treat the issue. The Maintaining Cause creates a stronger or equal vibration to the curative vibration of the remedy, therefore creating a standstill. A toxic dynamic that the person cannot break out of or may not even recognise as unhealthy. This could be a bad relationship, stressful job, or environmental issue out of your control. Whatever it may be, it requires a shift from you for the remedy to work. Alexis has two powerful remedies up her sleeve that can assist with this shift to assist with this. One is called Love, which is to help with relationships, but the one that caught my attention was her Soul Purpose remedy. It is a remedy here to help with many different kinds of issues. Especially those that leave you stuck in repeated patterns or feeling frustrated, bitter or confused. According to Alexis’ guidelines, the Soul Purpose remedy is an excellent clarifier for those who need to change things up or have a clean slate. I felt this is the perfect accompaniment when starting the year and dabbling with Human Design. I have ordered a bottle, so I will be the test guinea pig. I will let you know how I go.
2022 Moon Planting Astrological Calendar.
I came across this A2 2022 Moon Planting Astrological Calendar by Thomas Zimmer last year when I attended a retreat at Gwinganna. I joined one of the activities, Planting by the Moon, by the resident gardener, Shelly. She took me through this unique chart, showing me when and what to plant based on the different phases of the Moon. I found this fascinating and would like to experiment with it this year.
The BB Short - By Billie.
With fitness being at the forefront of my mind at the moment, I felt it was about time to update my gear. How could I go past something that my very own namesake designs. I am a big fan of bike shorts at the moment so I couldn’t help myself. These also come in a great mustard colour. Unfortunately, this particular design is sold out but should be back in stock soon. This brand makes beautiful kids clothes too. Worth checking out.
The Harmonic.
While we touch on fashion, this online store first came to my attention on Instagram just before Xmas. Thank you, algorithm. What grabbed my attention was not only the beautiful brands they sell but their store’s ethos. This online store is 100% dedicated to sourcing and selling quality once-loved garments as a way to transcend fast fashion. Each piece is handpicked from ethical Australian and NZ-owned labels, all with sustainable practices. I love all their brands but rarely go past the ‘add to cart section due to their high price points. Over at The Harmonic, you can purchase the latest season items with a significant discount whilst feeling good about the ethics of it all. It is a win-win in my mind. Too good not to share. The team at The Harmonic do regular drops every month and promote it on their Instagram feed, so best to keep an eye on it.
I Didn’t Do The Thing Today by Madeleine Dore.
This is a book that I have not read (yet), but is definitely on my radar. Madeleine Dore is creator of the Extraordinary Routines Blog and Routines and Ruts Podcast. She is someone I have followed for a while. Her insight into the trials and tribulations of what makes the perfect routine (if one) is second to none. Madeleine has amazing insight, even if she can’t always come up with the perfect solution to her line of questioning. I especially love when she interviews other creatives about their routines and challenges. When I heard she had written a book about letting go of productivity guilt, I knew this book needed to be bumped up the priority list of things to read. A topic we all grapple with, especially now as we enter our third year of a pandemic. It looks like a great read, plus it is beautifully designed. I will definitely report back once it gets delivered, but if you cannot wait, you can purchase a copy using the link above.
Taste, My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci.
This book was the number 1 book to gift people this Xmas. And I can understand why, because not only is actor/writer/food enthusiast Stanley Tucci such a lovable person, the stories and recipes he shares within the pages of this book pull on my heartstrings. Like him, food is my life. My passion for eating and sourcing good wholesome food runs deep and is something that my father (and mother) instilled in me from a very early age. Sadly I did not come from a beautiful Italian background like Stanley did, but I am blessed with a father who loves to cook Italian food, as do I. Stanley's book is one I have wanted to buy for a while. But one I held off buying till I had the space and time to devour it. The craziness of last year left me feeling a bit ho-hum when it came to cooking, and after reading this book, it has ignited my fire for it once again. So I thank you, Stanley!! If you are a food enthusiast like me and love a good memoir, I highly recommend this book.
Higher Ground Visionary Amplifier by Intuitive Hypnotherapist, Rachel Crethar.
I had the pleasure of joining the first round of Rachel Crethar's Higher Ground Visionary Amplifier. A group for entrepreneurs, healers and creatives all looking to upgrade their businesses. Using the various tools in Rachel's kit, including hypnotherapy, was one of the best things I did last year. Not only was I able to look at my business from a different perspective, but I was also able to let go of blocks that were limiting me from taking it to the next level. The bonus was the inspiring women I have met and gone on to work with. Each of us brought something unique to the table. All with different gripes and grapples, we needed to confront. But surprisingly, with a common thread tying us all together, creating fantastic support for each other. What was meant to be a 6-week course developed into building a community of like-minded women that will continue to be friends and confidants for the years to come. Rachel has recently launched her waitlist for the next round starting this February. I cannot sing her praises enough, so do sign up to the waitlist if this piques your interest. You won't regret it.
