AT PLAY

For the home enhancers, the foodies, the wanderers

Consider vibrant colors

As those who have been in my home will attest, I adore an orange fuchsia combination. I chose cushions in these colors to ‘extend’ the vibrancy of a dramatic abstract photographic print in similar hues. If your looking to make an otherwise neutral palette ‘pop’ here are a few gorgeous examples of these colours in action. Joy!

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Arrivederci! Au Revoir! See ya soon!

Been taking mental ‘snapshots’ of late, small yet ever so special treasures to draw on whilst squirreled away in Europe. Perhaps my little treasures will inspire you to lift your eyes from the mobile and commit to memory your very own special moments. Enjoy and I will see you in six months!

Friends’ features, characteristics, mannerisms, gestures and laughs, the colours of their eyes.

Fellow commuters staring at phones with weary ‘another day, another dollar’ facial expressions.

Candidate’s grins as they learn how to develop strength proving achievements.

The sun’s dying rays reflecting on the city’s skyscrapers, RiverCat rides with the autumn sun’s warmth on my face, a nippy breeze on my cheek.

The smell of ozone after a rain shower, wet grass, market conversations, vendor repartee, fresh ground coffee, excited dogs straining on their leashes.

Yes, similar pleasures beckon in the European countries I’m about to settle in…new languages, culture steeped in an incredible history compared to this ‘young’ country…yet it’s the things right under my nose that will ensure my return. Friendships I cherish, local sensations yet to be savored, city secrets yet to be explored…can’t wait to go, can’t wait to return!

Off today to follow that dream my lovely followers, do come along via the blog and I will see you in November.

Kisses!

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DeClutter and Desist!


Need a Crock Pot? What about a juice extractor, popcorn maker, slightly broken blender? Size 8? Need a few shirts n’ skirts? My friends are nervous. Why the cull? You are coming back aren’t you?

I confess. A christmas read – Gretchen Ruben’s ‘The Happiness Project’ – started this. Gretchen documented her strategy to improve her already satisfying life with a new concept per month. Her mission for January – to ‘Boost Energy’. How? Go to sleep earlier; exercise better; toss, restore and organise…now that I could do. Added it to the 2013 Resolution list along with ‘spend less’, ‘give more’.

Which led me to another read – ‘Miss Minimalist – Inspiration to Downsize, De-clutter and Simplify’ by Francine Jay, this author’s intent being to inform us of just how much stuff we really don’t need cluttering our nests.

Minimalist indeed! According to Francine I could live without that TV, therefore wouldn’t need the console it sits on and heck, since we no longer watch a telly, why clutter the room with a lounge suite when two chairs would do – seriously? Did glean many excellent nuggets though, the basic premise being – if you rarely use it, get rid of it. A fabulous de-clutter exercise, count me in and add that to the list, along with ‘be charitable’, ‘give generously’.

Which led to the sabbatical plan requiring I pack and store everything except the basics my prospective tenants would expect from a fully furnished lease. Pack all that stuff then unpack it all again in 6 months? No, just the clothing items that fit and flatter, the electricals that have earned their keep, the signature items that make my abode my home, my haven, my nest.

Colleagues, friends and family…if you would use or wear it, it’s yours. Charities…stand by. Oh! And would someone please claim that damn fondue set?

My beloved friends, I am coming back…to clean lines, clutter free cupboards and elegant, minimalist living. Wonderful things those resolutions! Thank you for caring.

 

Books available at Amazon.com

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