saying goodbye to 2012

In the blink of an eye and 2013 is here! Of course I have no complaints about 2012... It was a crazy busy year for sure and it passed far too quickly but it was a year I will never forget and wouldn't trade for anything!

2012 was the year of more adorable babies born to some of my dearest family and friends, particularly my sweet niece Maxi. The year of many more friends marrying the loves of their lives and one particularly beautiful and magical wedding in Bali. It was a year of escapes - Bali, Tasmania, Lakes Entrance, Ocean Grove and countless more escapes of the day dreaming kind! Lots of talking about renovations but little time to get enough of it done! More quality time with my family, particularly with my sister(s) and my adorable nephew and niece. New friendships forged and old friendships strengthened. There were time management challenges like never before. Balancing a full-time job while building a new business. Working early... And late. And there were the weekends too. Work was crazy busy and momentous changes were on the horizon. Lil' feet found its feet and was busy with more parties, more invitations and lots more baking. There were tremendously difficult moments but God heard our prayers and miracles were made. It was the year of making mistakes but also the year for reflection, discovery and acceptance. 2012 certainly was a fantastic year!

Now it's 2013. A new year. A new beginning. Blessed with another chance to love more, rest more, create more and do everything a little better than last year. And maybe work toward these resolutions... 

Strengthen my connection and trust in God. Be grateful for my blessings and express my appreciation to those I love. Even more quality time with my partner and my family. Learn to let go (in so many ways). Try new things. Learn to trust myself and my abilities. Put myself first when it matters and know that I deserve it. Exercise a little (actually, a lot!) more. Finish the renovations (all of it!). Get organised. Build my business. Make more time to blog. Be a better version of me. And wherever I go, go with all my heart.

They're lofty resolutions but they're important to me. So I say, why not give it a go! 

 What are your resolutions for 2013?

Michelle xx

do what makes you happy, he says...

I never thought the time would come where I would lose my passion for everything I love doing. 

Never in my wildest dreams.

But ever so suddenly, that time came.

Over the last two months I have faced the prospect of losing a person I have loved and looked up to every single day of my life. Each day has been filled with quiet sadness, an overwhelming feeling of disbelief and indescribable numbness. So numb that everything that once brought me joy began to feel meaningless.

But while sitting with him the other night, a tear in my eye, he whispered quietly:

"Life is too short my beautiful girl. Even at my age, after so many years alive, it feels like there just isn't enough time in life. So do what makes you happy... every day, something that makes you feel happy. Because for now, happiness is here on earth..."

He then held my hand and asked me to share another memory from my recent trip to Bali.

 That's just the man he is.

Even through his pain he has always been so beautifully motivated to enjoy every humble moment in life. And to enjoy every humble moment in the life of his family who he cherishes with every ounce of his being. 

He always has and always will.

So with that sentiment, how could I not dip my lil' feet back into what once brought me happiness?

 The inspiration may have been lost but never truly forgotten.

And although I don't quite have the motivation or time to embark on a new project just yet, I can start by sharing another of my creative endeavours.

Photography.

So these Bali photos are for the most inspirational man I know.

This is me doing what makes me happy.

This is me remembering to cherish everyday and everything.

 

 

 

  

Michelle xx

loving these december buys!

Admittedly, I have done far too much shopping this month! There were the Christmas gifts, the baby gifts, the gifts for all of the parties in December and January, the Boxing Day sales and of course, a few buys for yours truly. Now I'd love to share them all, but some of my favourite buys have yet to be gifted, so they'll stay under wraps for now! But take a look at some of my other favourite buys and gifts I received over Christmas:

Decorative berry branches - These wooden branches don't look like much now, but wait until you see what I have in store for these (check the blog later this month!). I bought these from Supply and Demand - my new favourite store! They stock excess homewares and decorator items from stores such as Adairs, Bed Bath and Table, Freedom, etc., and I just can't get enough of it! And best of all, they're cheap!

Sunbeam SmartBake - I finally got a bread maker!! I made my first organic wholegrain loaf over a year ago in protest against the $9 loaves I was buying from my health food store. Even though my loaves tasted so much better (and cheaper!), I hated the mess and the time it took kneading and repeatedly checking the dough as it rose. But this lil' baby means no more kneading, no more rise checks and no more mess! And it makes pasta dough and jam too! With all of this yummy bread I'll be baking, I secretly wonder whether my man bought this to benefit me or him?? hehe

Ceramic pie weights - If you enjoy baking like me, do yourself and the earth a favor and buy yourself some ceramic pie weights. They'll last forever and eliminate the waste involved in using new rice or beans each time you need to blind bake your pastry. My lovely sister must have read my letter to Santa because she added these and the Donna Hay Christmas magazine to my Christmas gift... Now I can't wait to start baking!

Glasshouse candle - I received this Christmas edition but I have loved the Glasshouse range of candles for years now... especially the caramel scented candle! These candles are made from non-toxic wax and all natural lead-free cotton wicks, so they're good for you and the environment. I've seen these at Bibelo and Peter Alexander, or check your local stockist on the Glasshouse website.

T2 Relax - Such a gorgeous mix of chamomile, juniper berries, flowers (hibiscus, lavender, rose petals), vervain leaves and lemongrass... I'm already addicted! Get some for yourself at T2.  

The Big Bang Theory Season 4 - I'm not a big TV fan but I absolutely love finding a great series and snuggling up for a few solid hours. My newest TV crush is the Big Bang Theory - An American sitcom based on the contrast between geeky and socially awkward friends Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard and their beautiful neighbour Penny. If you haven't watched it before, grab yourself a copy or borrow mine... it'll have you in stitches!

Leather Journal - Last, but certainly not least, my new gratitude journal. Yes, 2011 was beautiful in many ways but it also brought many challenging moments and decisions. And although I am deeply grateful for all of the blessings in my life, it can be difficult remembering all I am grateful for during the difficult times. So as a constant (grounding) reminder, I really hope I take the time to jot down all of the small things I am grateful for each day. Why not do the same for yourself?

Michelle xx 

saying goodbye to 2011

2011 has been an extremely busy year - I could say I blinked and it was practically over, but the long work days, late nights, nonstop weekends, fluctuating health and sad goodbyes would tell a very different story. Yes, it was certainly a difficult year for many reasons but it also brought so many beautiful moments I will treasure for a lifetime. No frills family time when we needed it the most. Time away for no other reason than to rest and rejuvenate. My first adventure overseas. New friends. New hobbies and challenges. The birth of many precious lil' ones. Baring witness to humbling joy in the lives of my dearest family and friends. Greater self awareness. Deeper love. Indeed, I have been so very blessed in so many ways.

But now 2012 is upon us. So what do I wish for in this new year? If you know me well, you may say I need to slow down in 2012. Take time out for me. Learn to say "no" more often. But really, what sort of a life would that be? Sure I could go back to a more conventional way of living, but that would mean time meant more than quality of life. I could cut back at work, but that would mean one less person whose life I have made a difference and one fewer lesson I have learned in the process. I could entertain and be entertained less, but that would mean I'd miss out on the laughter, the tears, the deep and meaningfuls and the potential for many new beautiful memories. I could reduce the time I put into handmade gifts and cards and the events that come along with them, but that would mean I wouldn't be sharing in those precious moments that can only be had with wonderful family and friends. 

No, I certainly will not be slowing down in 2012 (5 parties/functions in the first weekend of January definitely proves that!). My wish for 2012 - for there to be many more of these beautiful moments. For my dear family and friends to be blessed with gratitude, love, happiness, contentment, wonderful new experiences, good health and God's grace. For us to learn from 2011 and thrive in 2012. For life to be just as it is meant to be.

Michelle xx

celebrating 1000 blog views!

I published my first blog post on the 1st of September 2011 but I actually created my blog account over a year ago! The inspiration was always there but sadly I lacked the confidence to put it out to the world. Nevertheless, I eventually mustered up the courage and here I am, after only two months, and Lil' Feet has attracted over 1000 views!!

The original intention was to create a space where I could create a record of everything I made for those of my family and friends who liked to be updated on my latest project or wanted the recipe for something they'd tasted at my house. I also needed a safe place to write my favourite recipes, hints and tips because I have a habit of writing these on scrap bits of paper, only to lose them to the abyss... never to be seen again!

But to my surprise, this blog has become a great deal more. It has provided me with an outlet to escape from the chaos of day to day life; it has brought me new business opportunities; it has inspired others to create or follow their own dreams; and it has given me the courage to share some of my own experiences and difficulties in the hope that it will encourage others to face and survive their own.

I am humbled by the opportunity to share this with you and hope you've enjoyed my blog so far. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your continued encouragement, support and feedback. 

Until next time, bye for now...

Michelle xx

words for the week...(6)

Yesterdays post took a lot more out of me than I had anticipated. It was difficult allowing this 'petunia' take a hold of my thoughts for the twenty minutes it took to write the post, however it did confirm for me the reasons I chose not to allow it to consume my thoughts given it has already consumed my body. A day on and I am pleased I finally had the courage to share my experience. Not only did I share this post in the hope you would gather your own courage to make changes in your life (be it your health, relationships, pressure at work, stress, overload... anything) but also as a reminder to me that I must keep walking this path I have chosen for myself, despite slipping a little over the past few months.

It has been just over a year since this 'petunia' moved me to begin living my life more consciously and less from habit. It has opened my eyes and changed my life in ways that make me think this was always meant to have been. And to stumble upon this quote last night after having finished my post... yes, this is what is meant to be for my life. I will take this 'petunia' and do with it the best I can possibly do. No longer a curse, but a blessing.

Michelle xx

Image credit - Tumbler

my health and a move toward organic living

Baby blanket's and cake pops aside, I'd like to begin sharing something on my blog that has become very important to me over the last year... organic living. 

But where do I start? For those of you who don't know me personally and for many of you who do for that matter, it is time to share something very personal about my life and hopefully it will put this move toward organic living and therefore my upcoming blog posts into better context.

I have been very unwell for many years now. Since 2005 I have experienced many unrelated, often debilitating symptoms and my doctor (and many after him) could not make head or tail of what was happening with my body. Not even an emergency admission to hospital could solve the puzzle. After years of poking and prodding, many misdiagnoses and much self doubt, I gave up on ever knowing what was happening to my health. But amidst it all I had a rock who felt my desperation and never let me give up. My rock recommended a doctor and urged me to give it one more try. Surely I was worth it, they remarked. So I fought for those additional tests and this new doctor was finally able to put all of the pieces together. Finally. There was more than one diagnosis, and perhaps this was the reason for many of the previous doctors giving up. Nevertheless, it was an answer. Finally.  

I wasn't prepared to hear what I heard and the first few days left me feeling shell shocked. The usual thoughts ran through my mind... Why me? How will I live with this? What does this mean for my future and all of the hopes and dreams I had for my life? I finally had the answer to all of my questions, yet there were more tears and questions than ever before. But a week or so later I was able to look upon this devastating news as a blessing. Life was going to be somewhat of an uphill battle but knowing certainly felt better than wondering and doubting myself and my symptoms. I knew I would never be without this 'petunia' (an affectionate term my sister has bestowed upon me to describe what is happening with my body) but I knew I had the power to make changes in my life that would render some of my symptoms void. 

Even for some of my closest family and friends, I have chosen not to disclose the true extent of this 'petunia'. Not to be ignorant or deceptive, but because I don't want nor do I need this 'petunia' affecting everything I do and every interaction I have. I want a rich life with God, family, friends and all of my treasured God given gifts. I do not want pity, sadness or grief interfering with what I share with those I love. I do not want to live life by a label. So for this reason, my 'petunia' will be left unspoken and unnamed, at least for now.
 
So with that, I intend to share with you in my blog, ways in which I have managed my symptoms rather than dwelling on this 'petunia'. The symptoms of almost every condition, disease or disorder can be lessened a little, or a lot, just by relying more on what nature has to offer rather than what man has artificially manufactured. I am not writing this post to preach about how you should live your life, but rather to share my experience in the hope you too will become more conscious of how you feel, how you live and how what you do may be affecting your health, your life and your earth.

Since my diagnosis a little over a year ago, I have made many, many changes. I cleared out all of my cosmetics and personal care items (much to my sisters delight who subsequently became the beneficiary of my vast nail polish collection!) and traded them for organic alternatives. I did the same with my cleaning products and linens. Then there were the changes to my food and food practices. Overall, some were small changes while others were rather radical in the eyes of some. Some were easy while others have been excruciatingly painful (namely my addiction to Mc Donald's fries and Hungry Jack's whoppers... both of which I still regularly indulge!) and will take time to overcome. A lot of time! But no matter what some have had to say about the changes (without knowing the reason for it, of course!), I will not let their comments sway me. These changes have made a world of difference for me and that is all that matters to me right now.

I love that with these changes, I am very slowly creating a new and better me. I am becoming conscious of the effects chemicals have on me and the world and with each small change I am protecting another small element of my health and the earth's future. I also love that my changes have made an impact on the life of many people I love. Some have chosen to use stainless steel water bottles rather than reusing disposable plastic bottles while others have chosen to buy glass lunch containers rather than reheating their lunch in reusable plastic containers that leech harmful chemicals. Some have chosen more natural body products while others have started to grow their own herbs or eat grain bread in place of their usual white loaf. 

So there it is. My secret has been shared with the world. And my message to you is that you don't have to change everything as I have attempted to do. ONE change in YOUR life will undoubtedly benefit you, your health and the earth. So why not make a change today? I can show you how!

Michelle xx 

my inspiration began with...

A childhood dream about what I wanted my future to look like. I dreamed of being a mother, a children's book author, a teacher, a fashion designer, a chef, a graphic designer, a builder and an architect. My dreams were big and my imagination was even bigger!
 

As children, we all journey through the early years constantly changing our minds about what we want to be when we grow up. For me, it was more about loving too many things rather than not yet knowing what I loved. It was so easy dreaming about all the things I would be when I grew up, but the difficult part about actually growing up was in the realisation I had to pigeon hole my dreams in order to cement a career for myself. Try telling a bird not to fly! But strangely enough, when it came to selecting my VCE subjects, it was clear I wanted to be a designer. A designer of what? Well, I wasn't quite sure. Just a designer. My first VCE Graphics assessment task was to create a business and business name and design it's advertising and merchandising material. And so Lil' Feet was born. My business was an infants and children's boutique specialising in all things handmade, unique and precious. It embraced my love for children, craft and design. Impressed, my ma and Graphics teacher often commented how one day, Lil' Feet would come to be. 

Over a decade later, my career has taken a turn in a very different direction, but I never lost sight of the dream of one day bringing Lil' Feet to life. Then a few weeks ago, I took up sewing again. I made a little minky blanket, bib and rattle toy for a friend who is expecting her first lil' one. Proudly showing my ma, she said "you really should open your Lil' Feet shop!". And now I can't get that thought out of my mind! 

Now I can't say I am quite ready to throw caution to the wind and chase this dream but I am willing to dip my own lil' feet in the water. I am definitely inspired to continue dreaming, and I love the fact that I can now bring together my love of writing and creating and share it with those who want to be inspired. And who knows... maybe one day Lil' Feet will become a reality!  

As you follow me on this journey of inspiration I hope I can inspire you too!

For one of our greatest blessings is to be inspired. Inspired by God... Inspired by love... Inspired by grace... Inspired to dream... Inspired to create... Inspired to always be yourself, believe in yourself and always love the life you're living.

Michelle xx

 

a lil' about me:

 I married my teenage sweetheart

I studied Architecture then shocked a lot of people when I began a degree in Social Work!

I am now a practicing Social Worker in the disability field

I yearn to be a mother but in the meantime I love spoiling all of the lil' ones in my life

I am passionate about living as much an organic life as is possible

I am a nurturer, a dreamer and a creator

I cook, bake, design, decorate, refurbish, renovate, grow, write, draw, make cards, scrapbook, sew, craft and take photos

I love children, prayer, laughter, music, food, hugs, eyes, eyelashes, butterflies, giraffes, baths, travel, the beach, candles, home, the color red, being barefoot and all things creative

I am thankful as God has blessed me with a rich life with truly amazing family and friends