Good Morning Sunshine!

One of my priorities this year is to actively cultivate happiness- it's something I am passionate about. You make the good life, glass half full and all that jazz.

The quote that goes along the lines of "every sunrise is an invitation to brighten someones day" got me thinking; then it got me planning; then before I knew it was 5:00am and I had a car full of some of my favourite girlfriends. We were sunrise viewing bound!

These are salt of the earth kind of girls and I absolutely love them. Added bonus, they know how to pack some delicious snacks (every girl needs friends like these).

In Adelaide, you need to head up to the hills to watch the sunrise. We decided to stop at Mt Lofty House and enjoyed each others company while watching the sunrise. It was so magnificent watching the colours change over the valleys and hills in front of us. The weather was warm with a soft breeze and we could hear the kookaburras laugh. In my book that's pretty much a perfect start to the day.

There is something very grounding about watching nature do it's thing. I'm in awe of this beautiful world in which we live. Watching the sunrise has been on my bucket list for a while now, I'm so glad we made the effort to do it! I don't think it will be the last time I do.

Golden Milk Smoothie

I am currently three weeks into a serious health kick which has mostly involved cutting out all added sugars and a new work out regime that I absolutely love. Initially I thought that I would be really struggling cutting out sugars, I mean I don't drink, I don't do drugs, I don't do caffeine... so sugar was my vice- and I felt pretty justified in that way of thinking. "I've got to have something!"

But take on the challenge, I did. I am surprised to report that I am feeling good. I am feeling happy. I am feeling grounded and clear.

The most notable changes are that I am sleeping soundly and deeply (I have also adopted a new meditation practice that is helping so much with that too- more on that later. Stay tuned my fellow insomniacs). I have only had one headache over the last few weeks that I needed to pop a pill for, previously they were an every-other-day occurrence. My endometriosis symptoms are so much easier to handle and my energy levels are the best they have been in a long time.

Here's the thing that I have discovered. You need to have something to replace the sugar with, otherwise it just seems like a pointless depravation exercise. This is where my love and appreciation for whole foods has grown phenomenally over the last few weeks. The mind body connection is something that I am really beginning to understand. What I put into my body deeply affects my mood. Being aware of the amount of sugar I consume is one of my top priorities for 2017.

Now, I am not saying that there is never going to be another sugary recipe on this blog, because I am 100% certain that there will be. But for right now I am cutting it out and letting my body do what it needs to. It feels completely restorative in so many ways.

So... that was a very long winded introduction into the very simple morning smoothie. It's a whole food champion and one of my new favourite ways to start the day. When it comes to replacing and crowding out the sugar with other things- this smoothie is at the top of my list. It's Christmas in a cup.

Ingredients:
2 bananas
1/2 cup almond butter
1 Tbs. chia seeds
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. ginger
1 vanilla bean (seeds only, or 1 tsp. vanilla extract)
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups almond milk
3 ice cubes

Instructions:
Put all those lovely ingredients into a blender, blend them all together and enjoy.

Nutty Bruce is my favourite brand for both almond milk and coconut milk. I usually come across it at IGA super markets or specialty health food shops. 

This Months Read

My parents gifted me an Audible subscription for Christmas and it has honestly been the best thing ever! I am a very hard person to buy for because I don't like "stuff". This gift was thoughtful and on point, all my "books" are stored on my electronic devices, and I can access them at any time. I get one free book every month, hola! But here is the BEST part- I can have a book playing in my ears while I am running around doing all-of-the-things. This means that while I am at the gym trying to shed a few, I am also reading. While my son takes a nap and I am folding laundry, or I'm doing one of the million things on my "to do" list... I AM READING. You get the picture, its convenient in so many ways and I'm loving it.

I started off this year with a fantastic book that has deeply changed the way that I want to do life.

Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I've actually read the book twice this month. The first time I just listened. The second time I took notes and I have referred to them almost daily since. It's been the perfect book for the start of the year and I can't recommend it enough. Shauna narrates her work on the audible edition that I listened to and hearing her voice putting emphasis where she meant it to be was magic. This book resonated with me on every level and I feel like it's going to be one that I keep on coming back to.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes from the book:

"When I am rushed I always say "yes". When I take my time I can say to myself "go back to being loved. Go back to your purpose.""

"You weren't made only for contentment, that's only half of the puzzle. The other half is for meaning, calling and love."

"I am not building a castle or a monument. I am building a soul and a family."

"Let's live lightly, freely, courageously. Surrounded only by what brings you joy, simplicity and beauty."

"...What I can do it offer myself, wholehearted and present to walk with the people I love through fear and mess. That's all any of us can do. That's what we're here for."

If you are interested in finding a simpler and more soulful way of living, this book is a fantastic reference. Let me know if you read it, I'd love to have a discussion around it.

Monday Mantra

Happy Monday, everyone!

I hope that you're week shares in the sentiment quoted above. Don't waste any time being worried- just get out there, be happy and have some adventures. This is my vibe for the week.

The man about our house is away on business until Friday. Without any wi-fi. Old school business trip style. We are going to miss him a LOT. Particularly because he and I are darned good at this team work thing. If I forget where I left my brain, my husband usually knows exactly where to find it. That being said, I have every intention of rocking this week with my little man. I'm going to do my best to keep things super simple and all kinds of zen around here, with a healthy dose of adventures so we have some epic stories to tell Daddy.

Because life is worth living to the full.

We've got this.

*please feel free to use the graphic I created above xx

Today

Last night was rough as guts around these parts. Parenting is at times, tough. I'm a first timer, so I'm forging my way over here. I'm far from perfect, but I can honestly say that I try my best every single day. Sleep was an issue last night, a big one. The level of frustration I felt was a new one for me, and surprised me considerably. Nothing I tried worked and I felt so out of my depth. completely and utterly overwhelmed and it was all kinds of awful. I know my son was feeling exactly the same way, we were both struggling to meet each other in that safe place that we function in so easily on a daily basis. I was so upset that I couldn't sooth him and was trying my hardest to keep it together, he was frightened because he had some pretty big feelings that he was trying to figure out. It was not our favourite

So, today...

Today I am focusing only on the things that nourish me. I am taking the time to reconnect. I'm going to actively do the things that make me and my little boy happy. I'm writing here because it frees my soul and let me tell you, my soul needs freeing this morning. Today I will smile. Because today is not last night. Today is new. Today can be good. Today,  I can make it happen.

Whatever it is that nourishes your soul, do that.

Monday Mantra

I always get myself excited at the start of a new week. It's fresh and it's new and anything is possible! I've set myself some very specific goals that I am really wanting to achieve.

So here is to a new week, new goals and new intentions!

Wishing you all a wonderful week wherever you are. May all your dreams come true, let's make it happen.

Setting Intentions

I've suddenly found myself in the month of June, and not only that- but we have a mere 24 days left living in the U.K! How did that happen? I feel like we only just arrived. Interesting things come to mind when I think about heading "home". I'm all kinds of excited about getting back to my country and the people that I left behind, but my heart is breaking having to leave this place I have grown to love with people that I absolutely adore! The phrase "home is where the heart is" means a whole lot more to me now, because I honestly feel that my home expands across continents (it's a big house, okay? The kind kind you can throw international parties in). 

With that being said- heading back to our motherland feels a little like a new beginning for us. We've learnt some things since we arrived here- and they are things I want to keep with me and implement in our little family forever. 

I'm an advocate for setting clear intentions that one can follow through on. For me, when I take the time to be really focused on where I am heading a sense of security about "life" comes to me. I am the kind of girl who likes to feel secure. 

When I am setting my intentions I usually follow these 4 steps and thought I would share them here.

1. Make the intention clear. Find what it is that you want to achieve and focus on it. This may be through prayer, meditation or just taking some quiet time to figure out what it is that you want. You'll know what feels right to you and can run with it.

2. Write it down. Once you know what that intention of yours is, write it down and put it somewhere that you will see if often. You want to remember it and visualise it every chance you get. 

3. Tell your higher power. For me that is my Heavenly Father, I may not understand exactly how everything works and why certain things happen that throw life a curve ball- but I do know that He is in the details and I do know that He loves us enough to listen to our intentions.

4. Go and do. Breathe. Good things happen to those who hustle.

Please feel free to print this little poster for personal use. 

Thoughts on Collecting Moments, Not Things

It snowed here two weeks ago, for a whole two minutes. In those two minutes I managed to throw boots and coats on both myself and my son, find my keys, run downstairs and grab a few pictures of us "in the snow". We stood in the snow for 20 seconds before it stopped and we laughed and laughed and laughed. It was a moment in time and this is what I collected from it: my sons utter delight and high pitched laughter, my wonder and awe at the beautiful world that we live in, the fact that standing in falling snow in the U.K. was a first for the two of us, that a simple moment lasts forever and a deep sense of gratitude that we didn't miss out on making that memory.

We twirled and we put some on our tongues. We hugged each other and I remembered that "this" is what it is all about.

Upon moving to England my husband and I had a lengthy discussion about the things that we wanted to achieve while we were here. We are planners (and if you are reading between the lines, we are worriers) and find a lot of security in discussions that are goal oriented. When all was said and done we realised that there was a theme running through these goals, and it was beautifully simple. We discovered that we are in the U.K. to collect moments, not things. A subconscious yearning that we were both enthusiastic about bringing into our daily lives.

While the sentiment is simple, I have discovered that it takes a bit of effort. By this I mean it takes effort to be present, effort to be ready to capture a moment and just run with it, effort to turn down the "noise" in life and not miss the moments when they become evident. It takes effort to not get so caught up in all of the "stuff" and for me personally, it takes effort to let things go and to just stop.

That being said I want to declare this: it is possible. You can train yourself to do these things until one day- it just is what you are and it all comes naturally.

I'm still on this journey, but I've got to say that for the first time in what feels like forever, I'm enjoying the process. My name,"Kelly" means "warrior" and I feel like I've been making a conscious effort to return to that girl who was blessed with that name. She was the girl who existed before she let fear and self doubt take up way to much residence in her head space. She has taught me a lot of things and she has given me all kinds of strengths that I am grateful for. She's helped me address the fears I needed to. I'm on a crusade for this new kind of thinking. A crusade to find that warrior within, she's in there, and she is confident and passionate about the things and the people that she loves and protects. It's the inner fight that no one sees- but the battle is worth it. Because when all is said and done, life is simpler, happier and more constructive when focused on "collecting moments, not things." This is my truth, I'm endeavouring to honour it.

Cruelty Free Makeup by Maskcara

I've been watching the brand Maskcara Beauty for years and have admired from afar the developmental journey that it has gone through. Not only do I absolutely love the product, but I have deep admiration for the founder, Cara. She's a kick butt kind of girl that has an absolute vision when it comes to making women feel beautiful and I love her for it! You can read about here story here. It's kind of amazing and I really appreciate her strength and willingness to share and empower others.

The thing that I love about this makeup is that is it quick and it is easy, because honestly, who actually has time for anything else? Most of all I love that her products are not, never have been and never will be tested on animals- I'm on kind of crusade about that. The makeup is affordable and it cuts down the digging time in your makeup bag, making for happy mornings all around. And this lovely brand has just started shipping to Australia! Get excited. This little compact is literally all you will need to gussy up and face the day in a fierce "I am woman" kind of way.

I ordered the light palette, which has worked really well for my skin tone. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed about what colours to fill your compact with you can send in a picture and Maskcara's beauty team will match you up perfectly. I also ordered the 30 second HAC brush and the IIID perfector.

If you are looking to change up your routine and give something else a go, I would highly recommend trying out Maskcara Beauty and if you are feeling a little nervous as to how exactly this is going to work for you, watch this video here because it really is that easy. Ready, set and done for the day!

Power to you, ladies!

Find Your Tribe

I've been thinking deeply about my tribe and my sense of belonging recently. It's a topic that has been weighing heavily on my mind since we packed up our bags and headed halfway across the world. I knew I was strong enough to leave my home, I knew I had what it took to camp out for six months and mother my son in a different country, I knew I could be the wife that I needed to be. I knew I could bide my time if I needed to. What I didn't know was if I would belong. How would I fit? Would I find my tribe? Specifically, would I find my women?

As I sit here and write this post I can honestly say that I am a lucky girl. My tribe is spread over continents and every member of that tribe strengthens me to no end. My tribe is not large, but it is irreplaceable. The women I have met and the women I have missed from afar teach me so many things on the daily, and I am so grateful for them.

Women need tribes. They need each other. Women are the centres of their homes, a pillar of strength for those around them. Women are the nurturers, the carers, the lovers and the mothers. We give birth. We are the healers, we are providers, we are goddesses. Women fill the emotional gaps for one another; instinctively knowing how to nourish each other. Just being together is restorative and healing.

When women are together and truly give of their authentic self a cycle of nourishment is naturally created. This cycle is always giving and always uplifting. It's a positive thing.

One cannot underestimate the power of female friendships.

"Female friendships that work are relationships in which women help each other to belong to themselves"- Jane Fonda 

In your tribe you are not required to be anything other than your true self. It's a safe place. A judgement free zone. A respectful place where love is the goal.

These are the relationships that are real. There isn't room nor time for negativity or competition. It's in these types of relationship that restorative powers are present. Something shifts in the universe and amazing things happen. It's a transfer of energy that cannot take place anywhere else. A gift that is given freely and a relationship that is formed organically. When this happens you know that you have found your tribe.

Your tribe is your sisterhood. It feeds your soul. Your tribe is a very powerful force. Your tribe is a gift to the world!

^^ please feel free to use this print out that I made, but this little baby is for personal use only xox

Words of Affirmation

Hey you, can you do me a favour? Go and stand in front of a mirror and really look at yourself. Give yourself a smile, maybe even a kiss. Stand there for a minute and soak all of you in. Now look that wonderful soul in the eyes and say out loud "you are loveable and capable." Then say it again and smile. Because it's true.

Now go on ahead and have a great day! And if you need to, print this little poster that I made and stick it on your mirror, because I don't want you to forget.

*the clip art I used can be found here.

Coconut- Lime Amazeballs

These little snack balls are the perfect balanced treat! They have all the goodness of protein, healthy fats and fibre. I promise that these little amazeballs make life a happy place, you're whole family will love them. They are a nice refreshing alternative to those peanut butter based protein balls (which are also a regular in my fridge and I love). It's good to shake things up once and a while!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup macadamia nuts
1 Tbs. coconut oil
3/4 cup pitted dates
Juice from 2 limes
1 tsp. lime zest
Pick of fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Method:
1. Place the nuts in the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped and a course meal is achieved. Add the coconut oil, dates, lime juice, zest and salt. Process until everything is mixed well incorporated and the mixture forms a "dough" ball.

2. Using your hands, form the dough into small 1 1/2 inch balls. Sprinkle the shredded coconut on a cutting board and roll each ball in it.

3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

^^ Behind the scenes 

*original recipe taken from my Barre 3 app

Barre 3

I'm making a conscientious effort to take back my health in April. Goal set!

The last month has been a total write off- we have been down with the sickness, and that is really an understatement. I don't think I've ever been so sick in my entire life. And, of course that nasty virus worked its way through my whole family.  Excellent. Add to that getting used to my temporary home in a brand new country and trying to keep up my mummy game and so on and so fourth.

I guess you could say that I've been stressed. I don't know about you, but when I am stressed I tend to forget about looking after myself, which then leads to me being a right royal you-know-what and somewhat of a misery guts. 

So back to reality... I've been really missing the time I make for myself to get some exercise in and now that health is restored to our little household I am keen to get back into it.

I absolutely love Barre 3. Their approach is that exercise is just one part of the equation. Exercise, nourish and connect. That's what it's all about and it speaks to me in volumes.

"It's about nourishing your body and making connections in order to lead a balanced and happier life. By focusing on whole body health, we empower you to feel your best from the inside out."

They are nice guys over there at Barre 3.

While I have all the DVD's and Barre 3 gadgets, I also really enjoy the handy little app that I have right on my phone. It's my most used app, hands down. Whether I have 10 minutes and can bust out a little workout or I want to look up a healthy recipe for my family, it's my first go to. We have been travelling around quite a bit and I feel really good knowing that I have this little support network right in my pocket.

I should probably disclose that Sadie Lincoln (the developer of Barre 3) is one of my idols- I just love that lady. She's got it going on and such an awesome approach to life.

So, if you are interested in changing things up for yourself in the health department, Barre 3 is something I would totally recommend. The exercises are gentle, but very challenging and you feel good when you are finished. I know I feel so much stronger and more connected to by body when I practice Barre 3 regularly.

It's a community that I feel quite inspired by and hope that you will to.

What are some of your favourite workouts? Leave me a comment below- I'd love to know!

Open Mind, Open Heart

After reading this article I felt inspired to implement some of the suggestions in my daily routine. One of these was to create touch points around my home that would remind me to "live in the moment". I love this idea as I find it to be a very practical reminder of something I think that we all strive for.

We all lead busy lives in various shapes and forms, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. I feel like the need to take a second and pause for just a moment has never been more important. For me, taking the time to set my intention for the day and remembering that through out makes all the difference. Do it for your mental health, do it for your body tension, do it for your family, do it for yourself.

Developing a home of peace and tranquility is something I treasure deeply. A place where intentions can be set and developed, prayers can be said and faith can be fed. I find that when my space allows me to do these things I feel invigorated. The small things become just that and I am able to focus on what really matters.

I created these water colour word reminders that I am going to place at different touch points around my home. I thought I would post them here for anyone else that wants to print them out and join me in some mind, body awareness.