How to stay motivated (Part 1)

With the new year around the corner, its only normal to have a list of crazy NYRs (New Year Resolutions). The christmas holiday is always a good time to meet up with friends and families, throw or attend several parties, and reflect upon the past year. There's something about the end of the year that prompts us like clockwork to question "What have I achieved this year?" Most times the answer is 'nothing' and other times it's 'barely anything'. For those lucky few who can say 'everything', I salute you and I aspire to be you when I grow up. I find that the reason that most of us barely get anything done is due to lack of a certain ingredient motivation.

The key to getting from 'nothing' to 'everything' with NYRs is to keep yourself motivated. Being motivated is easy. However staying motivated is another case all together. So with a little research and study on motivation 'the how to get it and how to keep it', I’ve learned that there is no guarantee that one tip works for everyone. Be that as it may, I have compiled a little list to help us out this coming year, so do yourself a favour and jot this down.

Step #1: Make a list

A list = focus. Now I'm no scientist, but it's as simple as that. Lists allow you to focus and reduce distractions in order for you to organise the tasks ahead of you. They allow you to visualise the bigger picture, the details and the priority. A good list can keep you going when you lack motivation. Striving to cross off a list can certainly keep you motivated through the year. I find that the best lists are not those that are written and shoved in a deep dark corner of your desk, but those that are in full display, hung or pinned up on the wall as a constant reminder of what your are working towards. You need to see your goals each morning for fresh motivation.

Step #2: Eat the biggest frog

Now before you gag, hear me out. This is one of the best pieces of advice you will ever have if you are a procrastinator like myself. Its from the author of 'Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time' by Brian Tracy. Below is an excerpt. 

An old saying is that "If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long!" Your "FROG" is the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don't do something about it now! It is also the one task that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and results at the moment.

Step #3: Step and Track

Once you have your list written and prioritised according to the biggest and most difficult task, to the smaller and easiest task, it is time to take action. Though most Goals may not be achieved in one foul swoop or even in a day, it is important that each day begins with a step toward the right direction. Think about your tasks/goals and review them daily. Everyday take a step towards your goal. I guarantee that your steps will lead to your accomplishing of those goals in a shorter amount of time than if you left them for later. If you're waiting for the 'perfect time', that time may never come. The time is now and today. Once you start moving and keeping track each day, it would be difficult to lose motivation.

Once you start moving, keep moving! Don't stop. This decision, this discipline alone, can make you one of the most productive and successful people of your generation! - Brian Tracy

There's so much about keeping yourself motivated through the year. Keep an eye out for 'How to stay motivated' parts 2 and 3. Remember, the first step is usually the hardest, however, go on, go out there and do it anyway! Happy New Year!

Christina

RESET

Dear readers and subscribers,

 It's been over a year since I have posted a single thing on my page and for that I apologise. I, like most people went ahead and got a job in an architecture firm and forgot that I had a life outside work... oops... I forgot all about why I loved writing and all the things that make me smile about art and design. Very often as artists or creative minds, we are stuck in the ruts of life. All the while knowing that we are not meant to fit neatly in a box, or be a perfect cog among other cogs. And at this particular moment in time, I feel like a cog in a machine and I want to reset. Or rather I need to reset. I refuse to cry over spilt milk and instead push myself to remember just why I do what I do and why I love it. I choose to be positive, patient and persistent in the pursuit of great design. So, this serves as a reminder to those creative minds out there, who love what they do but sometimes get lost in the machine that is life. It's time to press RESET. Start over, not for the spirit of 'New Year' where most resolutions are made; but sincerely for yourself. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Maya Angelou quote

Finally, a quote from my heroine Dr. Maya Angelou that I shall never forget, and that you should remember: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated."  


Sincerely,

Christina.

Adorable Mothers Day Ideas

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Happy Mothers day! Today we celebrate those fantastic women who gave life to us, taught us the meaning of family and continue to be the motivational cheerleaders of our lives. Here's a little post dedicated to all those wonderful women on this special day. The great thing about these little but creative ideas are that they can keep going well after mother's day into the rest of the month or year, making everyday an exciting occasion. A real treat for moms out there! 

1. Nothing says I love you mom like an adorable berries and juice platter. 

Replace the juice with some wine the next day and have a romantic dessert. 

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2. Why not brighten up the morning with neon stencil gift boxes? 

Change up the lettering on the boxes to suit any occasion. 

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3. How about some indulgence in a little care package for moms who like a bit of dining? 

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4. When have delicious cupcakes never been a good idea? Bake a few cupcakes making sure to do the icing when they are cool. Display them on a cake stand and decorate them with little flags / labels with personalised messages for dear mom.

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5. Miniature gardening gift anyone? Carve out the center of a wine cork using a small knife. Fill the hole with cactus soil and plant a succulent cutting. A magnet strip glued to the cork back would easily allow it to be attached to the fridge or any metallic surface! Neat little project!

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6. Flowers! Flowers! Flowers! Get a fresh bunch of them. Get a glass jar and cut the stems of the flowers to the right length. For more of a color pop, wrap some differently coloured ribbons around the glass jar and secure neatly with glue. Custom jar done!

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7. No one can say no to a relaxing bath especially with these bath accessories and salts. 

Get three little jars create a stencil with the letters M and O. Place the stencil over the jars and paint over with white acrylic paint. Take of the stencil and let it dry. Pour a different scent into its own jar and you're done. 

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8. A little herb gardening in the kitchen will go a long way. Mom will definitely appreciate it and so will you at dinnertime. Follow the source below to learn how to go about it.

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9. For those of you who like full-on DIY projects, this one's for you. Create an applique pillow such as this one by Anna Joyce. Follow the source for the instructions on how to make this lovely home accessory for your mom.

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10. I certainly know just how messy ones jewellery can get when not properly organised. Here's a more practical yet decorative solution for that problem. Your mom will thank you for years. First select a picture frame suited to mom's taste and attach lengths of chain from one end of the back of the frame to the other. Secure them as tightly or as loosely as you would like. Hang your jewellery in whatever way seems pleasing and voila!

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Happy mothers day!

Indulge, appreciate life and those around you. This one's for you Mom!

Christina.

MOOD.BOARD - OMBRE

OMBRE

Here's an ombre mood.board that draws inspiration from the dip dye season. Here's how it would work: Just like nature's ombre effet in the sunset, choose warm tones for the room's overhead lighting, curtains and pillows. Ground these with a darker charcoal grey furniture and a light hardwood floor. Keep your walls light for an open and airy feel or darker for a more sensual feel. Bounce off the light and color in the room through silver accessories and finishes, just as the water reflects the light in the photograph.  

Christina.

World Class - Africa!

Kicking off the 'World Class' series is Africa; my favourite continent and a source of inspirational interiors or myself and many others. From the calming shores of Lamu in East Africa to the rich souks (markets) of Morocco in North Africa comes all sorts of colour, vibrance, texture and variety. We embark on our exciting journey around this rich continent beginning with Morocco, then onto Lamu and last but certainly not least to the Cape in South Africa. Looking for a sense of adventure in your home? Go on and bring the inspiration of the African interior into your space. Happy travels!

MOROCCO

Morrocan Living room

Two toned wall with Ornamental mirror and cabinets

Decorative lantern

Quick tips for a moroccan style: 

1. Light but warm coloured walls... like soft pinks with brown... corals etc.

2. Accent colour with shades of (green and red) or (pink and gold) or hues of blue.

3. Metallic ornaments such as trays and tea sets, mirror frames, lanterns.

4. Intricate textures and patterns.

For more on the Moroccan style see my previous post 'Take me to Morocco' here.

EAST AFRICA: LAMU

Wall niche and stair details of a Swahili home

Stone detail and ornaments

Bedroom in a Lamu house.

Quick tips for a coastal Lamu style:

1. Off-white plastered and textured walls to keep the house cool.

2. Warm browns and rusty red accents.

3. Flowing and/or sheer white fabrics draped casually over bedposts or as room dividers. 

4. Intricately carved wood and stone features, and patterned ornaments.

SOUTH AFRICA

Sectioned-off reading area

Living room with a fireplace

Indoor-outdoor fireplace

Quick tips for a South African safari style:

1. Neutral or ochre coloured walls with a bit of texture.

2. Rich and warm colour accents.

3. Dark wooden furniture and decorative elements.

4. Soft lighting through table lamps and fireplaces

Must haves: A must have for an African inspired interior is pattern. From intricate and delicate to bold and graphic, patterns are the consistent element in African decor. Select an inspiring pattern, see which of the above styles it compliments and transform your space instantly. Explore your sense of adventure!   

Christina

NEW MOOD.BOARD RETRO

RETRO 

I did the post on RETRO decor a while back and realized that I hadn't done a mood.board for it. So, here it is finally. Enjoy.

xx christina xx

QUOTE OF THE DAY 12.01.12

image by Ethan Schoonover

"I am not what I am, I am what I do with my hands." 

                                                                                                         Louise Bourgeois

Air of Romance

With each new year we all make resolutions that we swear to see through. There's always that thing we want to do or that thing we want to get or something we want to change. We make promises to eat healthier, sign up for that gym membership, quit smoking, get our lives organised...the list is endless. This year I realized that life needs, well, more life! More laughter, inspiration, spontaneity, purity, sensuality and last but not least more romance. 

Romance I fear has been somewhat lost to our generation, only to be found in books that hardly anyone reads. Furthermore, romance has become associated to many teenagers' delight with fictional characters in Vampire movies and series. Anyway, that's besides the point. Whatever your idea of romance is, pursue it... Consequently, In my pursuit, I have compiled some images of inspiration of the 'air of romance'.

romantic style bedroom in soft cream

The key to a romantic setting is light. Soft light seeping through light and sheer curtains that billow in the slight breeze.

gold gilded dining room

The second key to romance is in the details and embellishments. Hand-carved, hand-painted, hand-stitched and hand-drawn artifacts give the impression of time and care put into them. Additionally, they imply that each one of them is unique to its owner, its time and place. 

embellished bedroom

Sometimes romance is simplistic.

white and silver bedroom

Other times elaborate. 

fairy tale inspired cradle by Giusti Portos

Romantic bathroom designed by Servio Firmino

Other times mysterious.

romantic canopy bed

Sometimes innocent and playful.

countryside romance

softly draped yellow curtains

There's so much more to romance than we can possibly imagine or put together. Our idea of it varies from one person to the other. I hope however that we all seek it... after all, what harm could come of it? Thus with these few words I bid you all good wishes for the new year and a year full of romance.

Disclaimer: I do not own these images and I have not referenced some because I collected them a while back. I have referenced those I could. 

2012

Welcome to the year 2012 lovelies! Hope the champagne flowed and the lights dazzled as you ventured into this glorious new year. As I looked back on my life in order to determine what this year's resolutions were going to be, I came to the conclusion that I need to figure out who I am... One quote spoke to me LOUD and clear... and I share it with you... 

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." 

                                                                                                                                 George Bernard Shaw

Everyday is a new chance to re-invent yourself.
Happy new year Lovelies!!

At the seaside...coastal decor

coastal hallway decor

Sunny days, cool breezes, soothing waves and light fabrics floating softly in the air... memories of summer by the coast. Is there truly anything more relaxing or romantic than the sea side? As winter fast approaches we can't help but remember the wonderful days spent on the beach daydreaming in the romantic wisps of the summer breeze. It is only natural to want this memory as part of our daily lives. Coastal decor could not only provide you with the impression of sunny days but bring the cool and carefree romance of the seaside into your home...

nautical rope decor and rope decor detail

The use of white and blue give an air of lightness and tranquility. The use of wood and rope gives the impression of nature and sailing. These are best for details and accessories. Stripes are very nautical and  accents of red make it more so. Some flowers of pastel shades would add more romance to your decor.

I stumbled upon these amazing images of nautical style on stylecarrot.com. Click here to see more of their images. 

Some amazing detail work with strategically placed oars and rope. (below)

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For a nautical/coastal look try a combination of the pieces in the mood board  below. Stick to the simple color pallet and the woven texture and it will be plain sailing.

You will find that this is a very strong look for one's home and therefore not for the fainthearted or the seasick. Begin with light airy colors and be inspired by the romance and adventure of the seaside. 

Happy sailing,

xx christina xx