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ON BEING HAPPY

By: Lexi

02-06-2013

My significant other recently pointed me in the direction of an online article -”22 Things Happy People Do Differently. Have you come across those perennially happy people and wonder if their disposition is somehow inherent in their genetics or what secret they may possess?. As it turns out, happiness is a choice and while I’m sure it can’t be distilled neatly into 22 points, there are some items on this list that really resonate.
I decided to interpret this list more visually, but make sure you read the full article here

BAD BLOGGER APOLOGY

By: Lexi

21-04-2013

Uncategorized

Dear Blog,

I’m sorry I have neglected you so. A series of events including selling my unit, a very nasty virus and numerous birthday celebrations have got in the way of a lot of things including you.

52 lists is at least a month behind. The Archer sew-a-long has got as far as cutting out the fabric and my entry into Colette Laurel sewing competition has consisted of downloading the pattern.

I hang my stuffy sinus blocked head in shame.

MID WEEK MISCELLANY

By: Lexi

20-03-2013

Mid week miscellany

There is an unknown individual whom I have dubbed the “Phantom Stanmore Mattress Messenger”. There are sometimes old mattresses left out for collection in the area I live and a cheeky and some would say poetic individual has written messages on them that bring a smile to my face. Thought I would share these with you.

Make sure you enter the inaluxe giveaway - look at the fabulous print on offer – for a few kind words on their site or Facebook page.

Collette Patterns have just released a brand new pattern – the Laurel Dress. If you have read my previous posts, you’ll know I have been on the hunt for the perfect shift dress pattern and this looks like it will be a hot contender. To seal the deal they have announced an amazing contest to coincide with the launch of the pattern – clever marketing indeed. I know I’m off to buy the pattern this week.

Image of Laurel dress from Collette patterns blog

Just to keep myself busy, I’ll also be joining in the Archer sewalong over at Grainline Studio. Excited trepidation is how I would describe tackling my first button down shirt!

MID WEEK MISCELLANY

By: Lexi

13-03-2013

52 Lists, Mid week miscellany

Playing a bit of catch up on 52 lists. These are ‘Great things I’ve read lately’ and ‘Favorite words’. (click on the image above to enlarge)

My reading list is somewhat diminished right now – but hope to get my bookworm mojo back soon. I loved doing the favorite words list. My word geekery extends to having a ‘word of the day’ app on my iphone. I love what just one word can evoke or express.

One of the many things to love about the blogosphere is all the amazing and talented types out there generously sharing what they love.

My blog reader overfloweth.

Some recent finds:

Door Sixteen: Anna shares all sorts of lovely things – I adore her aesthetic and her blog post rhapsodising about the Pia Wallen cross blanket has made me want one - very very badly
Eat Drink Chic: Graphic Designer Amy has a gorgeous blog and I love her free iPhone wallpapers
Rebecca Delaney: This girl sews and writes, not necessarily in that order. Her photos and posts are hysterical and make me snort with laughter in a most unladylike fashion
What Donna Cooked: Move over Donna Hay. This lovely Donna expresses her passion for food and cooking in such an eloquent and beautiful way. My mouth waters every time I read her posts.

What blogs are inspiring you lately?

THE ALMOST NOT DOCUMENTED DRESS

By: Lexi

28-02-2013

Sewing

As I may have mentioned before, I am not the most prolific sewer. My ambitions are often thwarted by a busy life so I often sew to an occasion or deadline. This dress I made to wear to a friend’s wedding last year, and it has taken me forever to get some decent photos!

This is Simplicity 1873, view C, minus the little side tabs. No mods needed, just a straight size 12. The only change I made was to add an exposed zip (I may need intervention soon – I have an exposed zipper addiction!)

52 LISTS – SOME OF MY FAVORITE FLOWERS

By: Lexi

23-02-2013

52 Lists, Photography

This weeks 52 Lists was ‘some of my favorite flowers’. I took this opportunity to use one of the photos I took in Iceland last year. This is from a walk we did in Hellnar, West Iceland on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is a truly gorgeous little place.

I decided to play around with the image in Photoshop, and achieve a more retro effect. I used this tutorial for guidance. I think I may try this on some of my other photos as well, I liked the result so much.

THE TATE – MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE

By: Lexi

22-02-2013

Art, Design

Some lovely friends suggested we meet Wednesday evening for an exhibition opening at The Tate in Glebe. Who could resist a bit of mid-week art perving and only a five minute stroll from home. The Tate is a great little venue, situated upstairs in the Toxteth Hotel. Have your lager with a dose of culture!

The exhibition was “Meet Me in The Middle” – with collaborative work from three Melbourne artists – Cat Rabbit, Nior and The Seven Seas. Some really clever, quirky and whimsical pieces and such great synergy between their three unique styles. I hope they see lots of red dots next to their works before the exhibition ends on the weekend.

Love these dog heads READ MORE

52 LISTS: THINGS I DO EVERYDAY

By: Lexi

13-02-2013

52 Lists

In my last post I discussed the myriad of challenges available in the blogosphere. I do rather enjoy making lists so I am joining in on Meet Me at Mike’s “52 Lists“. I am a bit behind but better late than never! This week it’s “Things I do everyday” which could include many things – but I have edited it down somewhat and left off anything that could be filed under “too much information”.

How does your everyday look?

FEELING CHALLENGED

By: Lexi

02-02-2013

Design, Photography

This week I finished my first creative challenge for the year – Fat Mum Slims photo-a-day for January. I did this via Instagram, of which I am newly addicted. Many times I have been met with puzzled glances as I focus my iPhone over what I think is a particularly photo worthy crack in the pavement. Most people probably think I am slightly deranged.

I really enjoyed the challenge of FMS photo a day. It was the days I took quick unplanned images that produced the most interesting shots, like the day I was featured in the ‘fab four’ – a lovely surprise indeed!

Thanks Fat Mum Slim!

MCA – ANISH KAPOOR

By: Lexi

20-01-2013

Art

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Just thought I would share some images taken at the Anish Kapoor exhibition at the MCA. A really amazing collection of work that challenges and distorts your perception of space, depth and mass. Have you been to any exhibitions that have inspired you recently?