Grown-up stuff is tough

I've had a knot in my stomach over the past few weeks.

The usual "grown-up" stuff is getting me flustered: jobs and finances. Don't tell me you don't think about this stuff too.

I threw it out there into the Twitter-sphere last week and had a good chat with some of my "tweeps" about how unaffordable it is to live in the big smoke we call Sydney.

I have only been living in Sydney for about 8 months now and I am understanding completely why it is considered one of the most expensive cities to live in, in the world!

Now, I can't really comment on how much money it costs to live right in the CBD or in the closer metro suburbs because at the moment with my income I can only afford to live in the outer west but still I am noticing the cost of living is ridic!

So many of the girls I chatted to on Twitter agreed. It is impossible for young people to hang on to the dream of owning their own home in this ever-growing city as property prices continue to boom!

I heard recently  the average property price in Sydney has risen again but roughly $100,000! Holy smokes!

If I were single and wanted to get some Independence for myself and obtain the "Australian-dream" of purchasing my own home it would be impossible. Simple as that.

Luckily, when it does come time for me to buy, my partner and I can join income-forces and have a better chance of purchasing a home larger than a dog kennel.

Image source:admablog.com 

How does a young person save in this day an age without moving in with Mum and Dad and working 24/7? Renting prices are almost as high (if not higher in some areas as one Twitter friend acknowledged) than paying a mortgage! Grocery bills are up, electricity bills are high, not to mention the cost of fuel! Small luxuries like holidays are a thing of the past if you're planning on knuckling down and saving for that house deposit. In fact, there goes my social life completely if I plan to save $10K before 2015.

I know I may sound whingy, but this is not the case at all. I am more interested to know just how people manage to save these days. Is it putting those holiday trips and nights out with friends on hold? Or taking public transport as often as possible? Or is eating two-minute noodles for lunch and dinner saving you dimes?

I'm curious and deadly keen to know how you do it as I feel like I am saving as much as I can and still moving at snails pace towards a large sum in ye'old bank account!

Spread the savings love in a comment below :)

Everyday grateful

Last year was a big year for me in so many ways. Moving to a new city, starting a new job, moving in with my boyfriend... just to name a few big events. I have been on a mission for some time now to become a more positive person as I have previously been known to be a pessimist and being negative is no fun!

Don't get me wrong, trying to be super happy and smile about things when all you want to do is cry or sloth around with the grumps is hard. Making a conscious effort to wake up everyday and not groan about going to work is challenging, but I've found just focusing on the positive and good things in my day can make facing each day that little bit easier.

I think it is so important to try and be as positive and happy as we can be because we are constantly reminded everyday that life is too short to be anything but happy.

A friendly reader of my blog contacted me about compiling a post about what I have been grateful for over the holiday period and to share a little bit about her inspiring story.

Heather Von St. James was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma at age 36, only three months after giving birth to her daughter. Pleural mesothelioma is a disease which affects the lung's protective lining in the chest cavity and is a life-changing condition. She was given 15 months to live!

Heather with her husband Cameron and daughter Lily Rose.
Photo courtesy of Heather's Facebook page.

Heather and her husband set out to find the best doctor possible to help her fight this condition and she found Dr David Sugarbaker whom is a renowned mesothelioma surgeon. Heather agreed to have a new surgical procedure with Dr Sugarbaker that would bring hope to her and her family.

Now, seven years on, Heather is a mesothelioma survivor hoping to spread word about this disease and her story of courageously beating it.

Heather has a wonderful website which you can view here and you can read more about her story and mesothelioma.

Now, for my 'grateful' today...

At the risk of sounding corny and all mushy, I wanted to mention how thankful I am to have my boyfriend, Travis.

Trav has been my biggest support and rock for the past two years. He has come to know me very well and knows when I am  sad, anxious or stressed and why. He and I started our relationship as a long distance one (as most might know if you follow me on Twitter and/or have read my blog before) and it was super hard.

As anybody who has been in a long distance relationship will know, we really had to focus on getting to know each other over the phone. Building a relationship mostly on conversation is hard. Travis is not a big talker either so that proved to be even more difficult! (Luckily I can talk ALOT! hehe)

Despite the distance and the tears and tantrums (mostly from me) about being apart, he stood by me and we pushed through it. I am more happy than ever to be in my relationship and I know we can talk about anything together. He is my biggest support and I am so grateful to have him in my life.

I would love any readers to post something they are grateful for in the comments if you feel you want to share! It may be something small, or something a little 'corny' like mine, but it's nice to reflect on something or someone that makes us happy.

Thank you Heather for contacting me and reminding me that life is so precious and we should be grateful everyday for our health and happiness.

E, x

Weekend

This weekend I had BIG plans to visit the beach and checkout some more markets (I was thinking Manly markets) but my plans changed.

The boyfriend and I decided that this weekend was going to be one of relaxation. Plus I read my horoscope in the Sunday papers this week and even the stars are telling me to take a chill pill and de-stress.

Ok. I'm listening universe.

We had tickets to see the American comedian Arj Barker on Friday night at the State Theatre in the city. It was an AWESOME show. I highly recommend it. We even got to meet Arj and get a signature! I was a little star struck even though he isn't technically "big time" in Hollywood or anything.

The weather was horrific (storms and flash flooding) on our way into the city, as was the traffic and not to mention the wait time to get a damn taxi. Dear God. This is city living I guess, and we are still getting used to it!

We had dinner down at Darling Harbour and because it was raining we ran into the closest restaurant (since we were also running late as the weather/traffic/taxis were terrible). We ate a quick meal at Cyren. It was super fast and pretty tasty although I had eaten there before. Trav had some sword fish and it was devine!

Yesterday was Christmas tree shopping day! Super exciting since Christmas is my favourite time of year. I was itching to put the tree up as soon as we got home but the boyfriend says not until December 1st. Damn. Next week it is!

We got the cheapest tree I've ever seen but next year I will lash out for a bigger and nicer one, maybe even after the boxing day sales. I just couldn't justify the big bucks at the moment with my budget. I'll post about the tree when it's up in all its cheap glory.

Right now the boyfriend has parked himself comfortably on the couch watching the darn cricket.

Is anyone else's other half moulding themselves to the couch to watch the cricket??

Meanwhile, I am dreaming of these cute flats from Asos. I think they're perfect for this summer and within the budget too. Hmmm a purchase may be on the cards!

Stay happy peeps and have a lovely new start to the week tomorrow!
E, x

Happenings

Hey folks,

Sorry for the post-lag. Life always seems to get in the way for me. My to-do list is miles long and I always have tonnes of great ideas rolling around in my head but time just keeps on ticking on.

But hey, thats life right?

Anyhow, on to the 'happenings'. Like I just mentioned, I have been SUPER busy lately but not too busy to realise how good I am currently feeling about my current situation.

I mean, (as corny as this will sound), I have been feeling lately that I am both happy and content with my life as it is in this moment.

I don't know if it's the clean eating (for most of the week *wink*) and increased exercise that has helped rid my body of negative, yucky toxins and thoughts, or I am just going through a phase (that I hope sticks around for a while thank you!) but I am happier than I have been in a long time.

A few things have happened that may also be contributing factors:

1. My long-distance relationship is finally becoming a "normal" relationship. When I say normal I mean the boyfriend has now been offered a new job which will mean he can move to the city and live with me finally!  I say finally because for the almost two years that we have been dating we have lived apart.

Long distance has been tough on both of us emotionally and I have found that the stress of being apart and wanting to see each other and not being able to, caused my body and mind to go a little hay-wire.

2. I have joined 2 local sports teams and have ramped up my fitness! I love a good physical game of netball and I have registered to play in both a ladies only and mixed indoor comp two nights a week. Verdict, feeling AMAZE!

3. I've had a week off from univerisity studies. Those that havent read my previous posts wont know, but I have been studying to become a graphic designer for a few years now. I have only FOUR subjects left and I can graduate! Due to relocating to take up my new job here in the city means I have to finish my studies via distance education (i.e online) so this time next year I will be finished! *cheers*.

I have just finished a semester of study so the time off from juggling uni study and full time work has been a blessing.

All in all, I am feeling FAB!

I have also just finished reading the always inspirational Lorna Jane Clarkson's recently released book MORE which gave me a massive boost to start looking at life in a more positive light which has also been a key to my recent positivity glow. (I recommend this and Lorna's first book Move Nourish Believe to anyone interested in the Lorna Jane brand or looking for a good dose of happy, healthy inspiration!)

I have chosen to wake up everyday being thankful that I am happy, healthy and alive! What more could you ask for really? 

Love and happy-vibes to you all x

Spending and saving, I need a plan

Ever since I started studying full time again last year I had to learn how to live on a tight budget pretty quickly since now real income was coming in.

Now that I am working full time again, I have this sweet little thing called a 'salary' coming in to my bank account every week that makes me feel happy, and burns a hole in my pocket.

The thing is, we all like to think that if we were earning more money we would be saving more right? WRONG! Sooo wrong! I find that the more money I earn, the more my 'wish list' of awesome clothes and accessories and cute housey stuff grows.

I need to learn how to save again, without making myself feel like I'm earning peanuts and can't afford a few luxuries here and there.

To be honest, with the amount of rent that I am paying I'm not exactly on a 'fabulous' wicket if you get what I mean, so saving is high on the priority list, I just need to get that message across to the shop-aholic diva inside of me!

Today I sat down and wrote out everything I had spent my money on in the past week. I had another bill come in last night, so the thought of doing a spot of online shopping this afternoon was crushed pretty quickly.

I decided that if I sat down and wrote out all of my expenses and could actually see where I had gone wrong on the spending front, I would be more likely to watch this for next weeks pay.

Do you do this?

The biggest thing I have found that has taken a few pennies from my pockets over the last week was buying my lunch and buying coffees. (That's right, I have hopped on the coffee drinking band wagon and I'm feeling a little low about it. I have always been against drinking coffee but now and then I don't mind a caramel latte of a morning.)

There is no reason why I should be buying my lunch more than once a week. Preparation is key and I notice that the days that I do end up buying my lunch is due to the fact that I was running late for work that morning and had no other choice but to buy. Not this week! I am going to make a conscious effort to pack my lunch every day! This way I'll most likely eat healthier too!

As for the coffees, at anywhere from $5-$8 a pop its way too expensive to keep buying them! I can by a whole packet of sachet lattes for roughly $6 that will last me for more than a week! Thinking smart people!

In light of all of this 'organisational' money-speak, I have found some cute stuff online (to buy... doh) that can help keep everything in order if you're like me and need a good boot in the bum.

1. 'My Bills' organiser by Kikki K 

2. Expense tracker, instant down loadable PDF by Printable Wisdom on Etsy

3. 2014 Diary by Handmade Books on Etsy

4. 'Budget book' by Kikki K

Tell me your saving secrets! I want to know how you save, and any tips and tricks if you have them!

E, x

When life gets in the way + recent buys

Hiya!

I cannot believe that it has been over a month since I last blogged. I think it has almost been two months!! A lot has changed since I last blogged. And I mean A L O T.

For starters, I got offered a full time job as a sub editor with Fairfax Media at The Land newspaper! (For all of you 'city' folk out there, The Land is the rural peeps go-to weekly newspaper about all things... well... rural).

{N.B Sub-editing involves laying out the design on the newspaper pages, spell checking, grammar checking, fact checking etc etc.}

I was insanely excited when I found out! I had a spare-of-the-moment decision to first apply for the job when a good friend text me about the position, and since she knows me so well and knows that reporting about rural things is right up my alley being the country-bumpkin that I am, I had to apply!

After the interview my mind went into melt down and the 'what if's' started.

'What if I get the job?' 'What if they thought I was a complete looney?!' 'What if they want me to move right away?'

And so on. Until I got that call that they wanted me to relocate to western Sydney in two weeks. I had a mad rush to sort out my life, starting with moving out of my rental in Wagga Wagga, locating a new rental in Sydney and sorting out my uni enrolment to now be studying by distance education for the remainder of my degree.

Ok, take a breath!

This all happened about a month a go and I am now blogging from my new apartment in Western Sydney suburbia and LOVING IT.

Learning a new job whilst in the midst of a chaotic relocation and juggle of university work has proved to be HECTIC to say the least, and I will be honest and say there have been days where the good old tears have come out, but today I can report that I am happy, settling into my new job and life (so to speak).

Things seem to be finally slowing down, and I am slowly getting into this new routine!

Besides all of this hulla-bulloo, I haven't been doing a great deal so there isn't a lot to report on. So I thought I'd put together a quick 'recent purchases' post inspired by starting a new office job.

Since we don't have an official uniform at The Land, I have been trying to gradually buy office inspired pieces for work in the attempt that I'll stop wearing my good outfits to work. Slowly happening, still a WIP.

Here are a few office-attire purchases I have nabbed up lately:

1. Witchery shirt (bought on sale - colour is currently not available online but style still is)

2. Witchery hammered tear-drop earrings (current) 

3. Cue side panel pant (current)

4. Cue pleat front shirt (purchased on sale in store, also available online)

5. Witchery scarf (current)

I'm still working on getting a few more pieces because even though I work in an office, it doesn't mean I need to look boring!! Although, with the season changing I am holding off a bit on purchases so as to not 'stock up' on winter items when the heat will be here soon enough!!

Anyhow, I promise more blogging will be happening soon!
Take care,

E, x

P for POSITIVE

Source: inspirationalpicturequotes.blogspot.cz via I AM Enlightened Nutrition on Pinterest

I'm a pessimist. Its a horrible trait and if I am honest, I haven't been trying hard enough to shake it. I always think of the worst possible outcome and then I get myself knotted up in a negative ball feeling glum and not wanting to face the world.

Last night this happened when I was in bed talking to my bf on the phone. I keep thinking that things in my life haven't turned out at all how I had imagined when I was back in high school. I envy those that leave school and fall straight into a career that they love and everything seems to fall into place.

It has taken me YEARS to figure out what I want to do with my life, and this year I am confused all over again?!

Do we ever really work out what we want to be or how we want to live our lives if we are one of those 'unfortunate' ones that didn't strike it lucky the first time around?

Anyhow, I'm getting a bit gloomy again.

Today's word for me is positivity. I am making a conscious effort today to think of happy, positive thoughts to boot my negativity.

So what if I am confused with what I want to do after this degree is over at the end of the year. Who cares if I end up working an average job for a while? At this rate, if it makes me happy - I DON'T CARE!

Do you ever feel like this? 

E, x

Brighten Up

There is nothing more beautiful than putting fresh flowers in my home. I feel instantly more happy and love looking across my living room and seeing these gorgeous orchards in a vase.

I purchased these flowers (and the funky jar vase) from Scooter Flowers in Wagga. Unfortunately they haven't got a website or FB page but the store is one of the most GORGEOUS florist stores I've ever been in to. I just want to live in there!!

Its designed really nicely, its rustic with restored timber tables and vintage looking vases, cute rolls of twine and the odd handmade product, plus all of the beautiful flowers displayed throughout! I love it there!

I had my eye on some 'strawberry' flowers they had on display in the front window, but unfortunately these weren't for sale as they were older stock. They may have some more in store next week for purchase so I'll be sure to pop in!

Also on my trip to town this morning I was a little naughty and purchased a new outfit. I felt that post-shopping guilt but reassured myself that the dress I purchased looked fantastic and will be a perfect outfit for my hometowns' local race meet in May which I am really excited about!

I managed to get the bargain of the century (for me anyway) and snag these cute leather patent heels for $39.96 reduced from $149.95!!!!!!! Thank you Witchery and your mid season sale + extra 20% discount on all sale items! (Get onto this band wagon while it still lasts! There are some great bargains!)

Anyhow, that was pretty much my Friday, besides slumping around feeling yucky with this cold. I am trying to flush it out by chugging a lot of H20!!!!

Have a happy weekend peeps! :)

I'm in Cosmo peeps!!!!

Yep, you heard me right! I am in the latest Cosmopolitan Magazine issue in the 'Beauty Hunter' section!

I was lucky enough to complete a week of for experience at Cosmo earlier this year (2012 that is!) and they asked me if I would mind being in their Beauty Hunter section of the mag for the February 2013 issue.

Would I mind?? Of course not!! What an awesome experience!!

I was soooo freakin' nervous as I am no model by any means and the whole "smile, but don't smile" thing was a bit daunting when it came down to shooting the pictures on the busy Sydney streets.

I was really nervous when I knew the issue was coming on sale this month, I was so worried the picture would look bad or I'd be pulling a terrible face or something horrific, but now that its out and on sale I'm feeling pretty OK about the final product!

Check out the latest issue, I'm on page 161!

Oc-Sober!

Hey Bloggy friends! Just a quick-y today about the cause I am supporting next month called "Ocssober".

Yes that means no alcohol for 31 days! I am soooo keen to do this, everyone needs a break from alcohol every now and then and its the perfect time (just before the weather gets really hot) to do a mini detox and raise funds and awareness about an awesome cause!

I'm sure you have all heard of "Healthy Harold" (or he was also known as Happy Harold when I was a kid!). He is the little giraffe mascot of the Life Education foundation that teaches children about a healthy lifestyle and gives them info on drugs and alcohol. I used to love when Healthy Harold would come to our school and we would learn heaps of cool stuff about food and health.

Here is a little statement from Ocsober explaining what it is all about:

"Ocsober supports Life Education and their iconic mascot Healthy Harold who, for 30 years, have been empowering Aussie Kids to make smart, healthy life choices free from the harms associated with drug misuse."

"As Australia’s largest non government provider of drug and health education to children, Life Education alongside Healthy Harold works in partnership with more than 3,500 schools and reaches 600,000 children each year with important messages to help keep them safe."

I have my own fundraising page which I am hoping to get some support on and raise some funds (big or small, it doesn't matter - everything counts!)

Here is the link to my fund-raising page:

http://fundraise.ocsober.com.au/ellie_russell

I would love ANY support at all! So if you are feeling generous please pop over and donate!

Thank you friends!!!!! :)

App-less...

I have been getting nagged by my 10 year old cousin Jack to update my iPhone 4 to the new 5.1.1 software (or whatever its called) for over a month now so he can "i-chat" me? He has an iPod and apparently these days iPods aren't just good for music, you can chat on them too?! (Who would have thought)

So I updated my phone this morning with a few panic attacks!! I thought I'd lost all of my photos (all 1000+ of them), then I thought I'd lost all of my contacts but thank God for back-up (which I did three times mind you! lol)

Anyhow, in amongst the three back-ups I still managed to lose all of my apps *tears*

But it's OK. I remembered about four apps that I use regularly (i.e Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Runkeeper) but I can't think of any others!

Help me! I need to know what apps I should download, or which ones YOU can't live without that I might realise I can't live without it either! :)

Let me know below! xx

Oh, btw - how cool is that iPhone cover ^^ ?! I found it on Pinterest, here.

One lucky girl!

This week I am feeling SO lucky and very blessed!

I was in class earlier this week talking to a friend about what she plans to do once she graduates from our graphic design degree next year. She told me that she has a few things in mind but doesn't feel that confident about getting work in the industry as a friend of hers graduated last year and has spent the entirety of this year searching for a job in our field and has been unsuccessful!

This got me freaked out. My biggest fear is going though all of this study time and money spent at uni to come out with a degree (bonus) and not be able to get a job (horrible)!

I raced home and thought about some stuff. My dream after I graduate would be to work with a magazine. I have always wanted to do this for as long as I can remember. My little sister and I used to play at home and make up our own magazines and cut out stuff from Barbie mags, or Girlfriend magazine and make our own versions! (Remember this Jess???) But I have always had the thought that getting a job in a magazine is out of reach because it is very competitive to get in to.

Anyhow, I hopped onto my laptop and googled how to apply for work experience with Cosmopolitan Magazine. I figure work experience is the best way to find out how exactly everything works in a real life situation and would give me the best insight into this field that I feel I would love on a real life job basis.

(current August issue)

I sent off a cover letter and my resume (which by the way lists absolutely no work history to do with magazines or graphic design) and hoped for the best.

I thought it was the biggest long shot ever but hey, if you don't try you'll never know!

And guess what? I got a reply email back the very next day and was offered a week of work experience  with the Editorial team at Cosmo in October!!!!!!

I am beyond excited and can't believe how lucky I am to get this opportunity! I always thought getting work experience at Cosmo (or any popular female magazine for that matter) would be next to impossible!!

I can't wait, I am so stoked! This is such a big dream of mine, I get an up-close glimpse at my dream job! How cool is that?!!

One thing (on top of a million things racing in my head right now) that came to mind is that I need to do some major shopping before October to get some office appropriate/currently trendy outfits in order for the week at the office!!!! lol I've been told the dress code is "smart casual".

What do you think I should wear? Do you follow Cosmo mag on Instagram? They show some of the employees outfits that they wear to the office on Fridays! Check it out!

I am so excited!

Cutting the CRAP

Its an all new term at uni starting next monday and that means a few new things around here.

One. New subjects to study, new classes, new assignments and new people to meet.

Two. New "kick-start" into a healthier lifestyle.

I'm cutting the crap from my life and by crap I mean CRAP - Caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods.

Some of you may have heard of the "Clean and Lean" diet or eating plan. Well its kind of new to me but I am diving right into it and enriching myself with new, healthy knowledge on how to change my life and become a healthier and better version of myself.

Clean and Lean is a book written by James Duigan and you can purchase it here.

Ever since I started reading through this book it got me thinking more consciously about what stuff I have been putting into my body and the damage some of the junk could actually be causing. Of course, for me some of the "changes" mentioned in the book that need to be made are pretty drastic and I am going to attempt to attack this in the most sensible and realistic way possible but most importantly, I am going to try and stick to it for a long time.

This "diet" isn't really a diet, its about a lifestyle change and its an exciting one!

Have any of you attempted the 14 day kickstart program by James? I am thinking its time to tackle this one and see if I can get results and ultimately a healthier and leaner body!

I'll be updating more info soon, stay tuned, or join me! Grab a copy of the book from a store, online or from your local library and we can cut the "crap" together!

It seems boring but it has been hectic!

I know I apologise ALL the time for being MIA from my blog and I'm going to have to say it again!

Life has been busy. My blog seems boring, but life has been hectic!

I kind of thought that once my uni holidays started I'd be kicking back and cruising through my holidays but no. I have been working my original full time job in real estate to earn some much needed moolah to go back to uni with and I've never felt more busy!

I have been spending time with family and friends and my bf and time has just flown by.

I'm hitting the road (or the skies to be more exact *wink*) this Friday for a mini vacay to visit my little sister in the Sunny state of QLD! I'm excited!

I'm hoping that I will have some more interesting bloggy feedback for you to get into!

On another note: I am always chilling and snapping everyday life on my Instagram account! Find me on @elliemaree12 !! Join in too, life in piccies is so much fun!

The simple things

Sometimes I forget (or feel like I don't have the time) to take notice of the simple, beautiful, and sometimes ordinary things that life has to offer.

I get so caught up planning and working and studying and worrying and socialising that sometimes the pretty, nice moments just pass me by.

This past weekend was a HUGE one. I was so overtired on Sunday night after many km's travelled and late nights had that I was delirious and all over the place.

Come Monday, despite still be ridiculously tired and a little sluggish, I wanted to make sure I made the most of my long weekend and tried to get outside, do some jobs and enjoy what the gorgeous sunny day had to offer.

I took my camera along with me because I've been lacking photography inspiration lately and just shot pictures of ordinary things around my house and our yard. It surprised me how simple things can make the most beautiful things and can make me smile.

What pretty things are you missing out on during your busy day?

6am

(image)

I've learnt a few things about my "early start experiment" last week.

Its mighty dark and pretty chilly at 6am.
On the first early morning rise I had to go back to sleep until 7am because I couldn't hack how early it was. (Shameful, yes.)

It feels like no one else in the world is awake at this hour, except for the trucks on the highway.

I finished an entire assignment by 830am on day 2. Pretty productive I would say.
I manage to catch all of my morning show TV time (I've recently become addicted to The Circle, anyone with me?) and still get ready to leave the house before class.

I've had to nap twice this week around 2pm. (Im not sure if its because I'm early-rising or because I have been diseased with another winter cold. cough.)

Having a nice warm cup of green tea in hand helps a lot.

The verdict; I think Im converted. After day one I was feeling a little sooky but once I embraced the idea and started getting more work done and feeling more motivated to get things done I really kind of enjoyed the early rising. The only thing I may change is letting myself sleep in on a sunday.... I mean, seriously, it's Sunday! 

To be a morning person

I was chatting with some friends over dinner the other night about being more productive in the mornings. "Oh the things I would get done if I was a morning person!" Sometimes I'm whinging (generally around the time I have uni assignments due) that there aren't enough hours in the day and it got me thinking.

When I was a boarding school kid in high school, any time I went home on the holidays or for a boarders weekend I cherished every minute I could spend in my own home and with my family. I was up at the crack of dawn because I had this urge to make sure i wasn't "wasting" any time at home or any parts of the day. This was mostly due to the fact that I was one of those big homesick kids but it kind of made sense all the same.

(image)

These days I am lucky enough, and have the luxury to sleep in until 830 - 9am mostly every day of the week because my uni class schedule is quite relaxed. I have to admit, I have completely enjoyed the sleep ins but I think it might be time for a change, or at least an experiment.

(image)

I want to test myself everyday this week (not including today, I'm sadly still in bed writing this!! ha!) by rising bright and early at 6am. I want to see what I can get done before the usual time I get up and also see if I am more productive with uni work having it all done before bed rather than crawling into be around midnight!

My Dad (the Farmer) would be so proud! Who knows, I might like it (after the first few cold mornings right???)

Are you an early riser? What time do you get up in the morning? Do you feel you get more done by getting up earlier?

It's Race Day!!!!!

Hey bloggy friends, how has your weekend been? Mine has been fabulous!!

For starters, I managed to finish my Friday uni classes early so I could hit the road and start the 500km trek to my home town for my favourite day on the "social calendar" .... the Races!!!

I love the races and a great country race day, I've been going to our local races since we were young kids and my Dad has been one of the major sponsors of the day for as long as I can remember so we all make a big effort to get "dolled up" and hit the track.

This year was extra special however, I was coaxed by my sister and cousin to enter the "Fashions on the Field" ladies competition even though I was planning to stay kind of low key this year. We entered along with about 70 other dressy local ladies with our paddle-pop numbers in hand. It was a little intimidating staring into the sun waiting for the judges to scrutinize our outfits but it turns out that I must scrub up pretty nicely because I won!!!!

(My cousin Callie and Sister Kate as they dragged me into the comp!! lol)

I was so shocked and very surprised and feel SO lucky! I won 4 return tickets to fly to Sydney from my home town (which is quite a long drive and can be very pricey to fly!) I am stoked!!!!

The whole day turned out to be a great one, the weather was perfect (a little breezy but nice and sunny) and we had lots of friends and family around to celebrate such an awesome day out!

Today I am spending some quality time with my mum for Mothers Day before I hit the road once again to head back down South for uni.

(My Aunty, My Mum, Me and My Sister Kate - family love!!)

How has your weekend been? Have you spoilt your Mum yet?

Happy weekend friends, and happy Mothers day to all of the beautiful mothers out there! We couldn't be who we are without you!!!!

Motivation, where art thou?

I'm in a rut. I admit it. They say that the way to fix a problem is to first acknowledge that there is a problem. Okay, I've admitted it.... go away now?

I've been in a horrible, sluggish, no-motivation mode for over a week now. I don't know what the heck is wrong but it won't bug off!

I had a great weekend with my first set of visitors coming to stay with me here in the Riverina but the moment they all left, I slumped into a sad, sooky mood once again. I curled up on my couch, wrapped myself in a warm blanket and sulked the afternoon away. Usually I can shake this slump but not this week!

I'm in desperate need of some motivation. Some pick-me-up moods and some get-off-your-arse action!

I've been scrolling through Pinterest in search of some catchy motivationals in the hope to reef myself out of my slump (I'm starting to blame the cold weather the more I think about it. The word "denial" comes to mind :/ lol)

Here is what I found.

What is happening in your neck of the woods?

I'm hoping to post about my current crochet project tomorrow. Here's hoping I find my motivation to do so ;)