Thought of the Day 26/03/13

26/03/13

This was sent to me by a friend last year, at a time when I really needed to read this. It was also really lovely to know that someone believed in me and was there for me. Today I am putting this up as a sign of hope, faith and love for someone I am worried about. Who I carry close in my heart, always.

I was given this life, this path, this journey because I AM strong enough for it. In life you stumble and fall, but what counts is that you get back up, keep fighting and keep moving.

Kooklah Xx

Thought of the Day 25/03/13

Have you ever read a quote and just thought 'Wow...yes!' I certainly did today. I am aiming to post a 'Thought of the Day' everyday or if not as often as I can. Here is the one for 25/03/13:

Life is all about the journey. Every single step you take, person you meet, conversation you have, place you go and action you do plays a part in getting you to the person you will be. Creates your story, when we are young we all just want to grow up. But why? We should not rush to the end, enjoy the journey, create a memorable story. Make your life, your story, your very own legacy. The highs, the lows, the greatest and most exciting moments of your life, the challenges and struggles all play a significant part in how you will be remembered. So open the book, grab the pen and start LIVING.

This quote was so inspiring for me today, for more of what inspired me today (and the start to my week), look at For the Style Seeking Girl's post Inspire Me Monday

Thought of the Day 24/03/13

Today's Thought of the Day (24/03/13)...

I am all for helping other people and doing selfless acts... you just need to make sure that you do not repeatedly go without or put yourself last. Sometimes you need to come first. If you surround yourself with people who just take and take -  you will end up feeling empty, lonely and totally worn out. Make sure that you make time to enjoy your own company, refresh and be happy.

After two hectic shifts at work the last few days I plan on putting aside time to do just that tomorrow.
I am thinking:
*Watch some more NCIS episodes (re-obsessed with the show and currently watching them in order)
*Washing my hair - those of you who read 'sister-blog' For the Style Seeking Girl and have read a post about hair washing and work would know that I HATE washing my hair in between shifts unless absolutley necessary (plus had a fundraiser on last night so had no time to do so). Read "The Go-to for needs-to-be-washed hair" for more information!
*At least an hour at the gym
*Lighting my favourite vanilla candle

What will you do? (P.s - I have more widely touched on the concept of treating yourself kindly and attending to self-care in "Making time...for Self Care")
Kooklah Xx

Thought of the Day 23/03/13

Loving posting a quote of the day!
Here is the one I chose for 23/03/13 ... a bit of a funny one from Grey's Anatomy Series One.
"Oh my God, you're falling for him! ... you poor girl"

I think every person has felt this at some time. Either as the friend or as the person falling. It isn't always wanted when you start falling - which is always exciting and exhilarating.. but sometimes you may have made a decision within yourself to be single for awhile, to just BE. To do your own thing, march to the beat of your own drum if you will. What is that saying? Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? Yeahhh..

So you start to fall, go with it. Maybe it is meant to be - or at least will be a fabulous adventure, or maybe... it won't. He might stop texting or calling, seem distant or the connection you thought was there fizzles. That is OK. Try not to take it too internally or personally.... more often then not it is less about something you 'have done' and more about the other person.

What happens after you fall for someone has the potential to be the greatest and the worst moments... the beauty is, you just don't know which it will be until you have fallen.

Kooklah Xx

Thought of the Day 22/03/13

I love the idea of picking a quote to sum up my thoughts or feelings for a day..

22/03/13

 

 

This year I have made a really big effort to just let things BE.

You cannot control everything - situations, people.. Stress and worry are not good for you.

No one should keep that negativity around, if something is out of your control, you need to try and let it go. At least put it out of your mind, focus on other things.

Sometimes you just need to move on or spend your time another way. Focus on positive things.

 

I have had a couple of things happen this year that I have just had to move away from. I decided that 2013 would be my year, and have kept focused on that. I cannot control how other people will act. I can control how I act or how I let things affect me.

 

So what I am saying is, if things don't seem to be working out - if there is conflict with friends or family, that cute boy seems to have dropped off the earth or you are finding life difficult... take some time to refocus, breathe and just BE. Appreciate flowers, a sunny day, play your favourite song, get some sleep. Make sure you surround yourself with people who make you happy and positive.

 

If something is meant to be, it really will happen ... all in due time.

I believe it.

Kooklah Xx

 

Thought of the day 21/03/13

This is a new idea that I have had. I used to post a quote a day onto my facebook feed and found my friends really enjoyed it. I would often get facebook messages about them. I have decided to add this element to Kooklah, and upload a quote a day.

21.03.13 Here is a quote that sums up what I am thinking and feeling right now...

I love this quote. It is so true. You have one shot, one chance at life. Do not waste it by getting caught up in all the negatives, all the set backs and bad times. Instead use these moments to light your fire - you know the one that spurs you on and motivates you to change, experience, explore and take risks.

No one knows exactly how their life will pan out. When I read this quote it makes me feel like anything is possible, that I can achieve anything. You know what? I CAN. If I really want to do something, I can make it happen - you can too.

Don't let fears hold you back from what could be some of the most amazing and important aspects of your life. Make sure you grab life in both hands and create your own adventure, push your boundaries and make yourself leap out of your comfort zones.

I can tell you one thing. It will be worth it. Right now, I feel like the world if mine for the taking and I plan on jumping in and making the most of it.

Kooklah Xx

Check out our sister blog - For the Style Seeking Girl

The Bucket List

 

"Stop being afraid and start living instead..."

In “A New Year, A New You” I wrote about my zest for 2013 and all that it could promise. Here is the bucket list that I formed with friends (we all have different ones):

§  Go in a hot air balloon

§  Go to an AFL game

§  See a champion league or world cup game (football)

§  Go skydiving

§  Experience the tomato festival in spain

§  Have octoberfest in Germany

§  Spend 2-4 weeks in Italy

§  Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

§  Go on the London eye

§  Climb the Eiffel Tower (bonus if have champagne there)

§  Spend NYE in Times Square, New York

§  Ride horseback on a beach or at sunset

§  Ride a camel

§  Have a guinness or spend St Patrick’s Day in Ireland

§  Go to Stonehenge

§  See a show at the Moulin Rouge

§  Buy a pair of Manolo Blahniks

§  Go see Anzac Cove (preferably on Anzac Day)

§  Lighten hair – sme version of blonde (caramel, raspberry etc)

§  Go to a gun range

 

* Achieve my ideal weight

§  Take part in a masquerade ball

§  Throw a drink in someone’s face

§  See snow

The list is random and just full of things I have always wanted to do, I am sure I will add to it. But this is how it stands as of 30.12.2012.

Looking forward to completing this, What I love about it is that it feeds my current state of wanderlust! Do you have a bucket list, or item you really want to complete?

Kooklah...

* = added since 30/12/12

A New Year, A New You…

 

So welcome to 2013, by now we are just over a month in and I would say getting pretty settled into the New Year and what it could mean for us so far. I want to stop here for a moment, this year is not “just another year” but it will be, if you let it.

I made the decision before New Years Eve that 2013 would be AMAZING! I figured a few of the past years had been plagued with the kind of luck that gets written up and acted out on various television shows, so why shouldn’t 2013 be lucky? Considering the number 13 is considered unlucky, I made up my mind that 2013 is going to be lucky for me. The saying I have used of late is “if you think it, it will come…” which not only reinforces the benefits of having a positive outlook but reflects just how damaging negative thoughts and feelings (particularly towards yourself) can be.

As we all do, I have work and responsibilities, but I have decided to make this year great. Every chance I can. I started it with a bang and I am going to continue to squeeze the life out of this year, every drop – why waste life? I don’t want to look back on life and regret what I did not do.

Last year I made lists of things I wanted to achieve, a friend of my sister’s told me how much she loved it, she called it “a total commitment to living”, and I loved that description (so thankyou Odette, that really motivated me!). These lists of mine also encouraged some of my friends to do the same. Late last year, during a night of laughter, games and drinks (many many), three friends and I wrote out our bucket lists – to be completed by age 30. There is everything and nothing on these lists – that’s my way of saying big and little things. I am so excited. If we do it, we’re thinking a trip to Vegas… cause, why not right? The whole idea of these lists is to get out there and DO something. Be someone. If the list I have written doesn’t get fully completed but I have achieved other worthy things in the meantime I will be happy.

As my regular readers of this blog know, I do not write regularly, I try to just write really worthwhile posts. I am maintaining that thought, but I will be writing more. I have a lot to say. I will have a voice and I will act. To see the bucket list … click here.. and keep coming back as I update it!

Live life and make the most of 2013,

Kooklah

Special Announcement to come soon...

Hi all my fashion and beauty loving readers out there. I am very excited to announce that this weekend I will be starting a giveaway for Sister blog 'For the Style Seeking Girl' . A prize has been offered by a contributor and I can absolutley say that those of you with busy lives will love it and those of you who are creative will be able to let your flair loose and get to be in control of the design....

Make sure you check back to this blog and find out the details of the giveaway, including how to enter...

Enjoy your weekend!
Kooklah Xx

 

The Power of Support...

Having a great support base is one of the most important things in life. I am so lucky to have my parents in my life. They are so supporting. For my whole life, they have always offered my siblings and I this immense and overwhelming support. From trying our best at school (no matter what the result we were always asked if we did our best, and they would be satisfied with that) to the huge things that happen in life.

I appreciate it more than they would know, especially recently. They have really listened to me and are helping me as best as they can.

Love you guys.

 

My Motivation..

I have a quote that is absolutley my favourite. It gives me hope, inspires me and motivates me to keep moving forward (no matter how little or big the steps) and participating in life. The quote is:

This quote has helped me during some really dark times, when I have struggled with faith, hope or identity. Allowing me to stop and breathe, to realise that no matter what life throws at you, it will be ok. It has to.

As Will said to Grace, your story doesn't end here if it is meant to have a happy ending.

I don't believe everything is pre-determined by fate, we have the ability to make choices and decisions which ultimatley work to shape not only our experiences but the person we are and the kind of person others percieve us to be. YOU can still make a change, or improve your outlook. So you are having a bad day, it doesn't have to mean that you have a bad life.

Try it the next time you feel like all hope is lost,

"Everything will be okay in the end...if it's not okay, it's not the end"

This helps me to believe that something amazing is on the way!

Breathe,
Kooklah Xx

Sometimes you just have to...

Sometimes you just have to take a stand.
Sometimes you just can't sit back.
Sometimes you just can't stay quiet.

Sometimes you need to get up, move forward and make  some  alot of noise.
To be heard. To be seen. To be recognised or noticed.
But sometimes it is not even about yourself, it is about someone else. Someone you know and love, or a complete stranger whose story captures you. Compels you to do something. To fight for their rights.

To take a stand for someone and make people notice that something IS an issue, that you think something is not ok, is really brave. It is noble.

Not enough people do.

Today I couldn't take it, so I made some noise. I made sure people knew that I didn't like the way someone was been treated. They heard. They listened. They acted. I just hope a change happens.

Stay tuned...

Making time...for Self Care

"Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance.." (Buddhist Teaching)

I think it is really important to make time to just breathe and do something for yourself. Yes you are busy. We all are. Some people have demanding jobs, some are trying to study and work, some have families or intense hobbies. No matter what, for the vast majority of us atleast there never seems to be enough time. Time to complete all the mundane tasks or time to really let go and enjoy ourselves.

When I was completing my degree, we were always told about the importance of self care (click the link for a great article by Elizabeth Scott) which is basically setting aside time to allow yourself to relax, revitalise or rejuvinate. Self care 'sessions' do not have to be complex or time consuming and can be worked into our everyday lives. In saying this, it often becomes a rarity, or as Elizabeth discusses, something that people feel should take a backstep to the many other things requiring their attention. I am definitely guilty of this. I think in the short term, that can be fine (for instance you are working hard to meet an assignment deadline but then will relax the moment you can click submit) but continually giving up this time on a long term basis can have vastly negative effects.

Some negative effects of a daily, weekly or monthly routine lacking in self care sessions can include increased stress-physical/mental/emotional, increased chance of inappropriate emotional outbursts-tears/yelling/snapping, reduced ability to sleep well, lowering immune systems leading to illness but also minor issues like tension headaches/grounding teeth/fatigue, inability to enjoy time off and reduced ability for effective communication, concentration and judgement.

Below are five catergories of self care options and some ideas to achieve self care. There are of course, a very large amount of ways to complete self care- I am only aiming to highlight some simple, easy to achieve ways to get people started. I will also state what my favourite ways are!

Physical- do something with your body, pamper it, move it around...

*Book a treat for yourself, such as a massage - be it soothing, remedial (my favourite). Anyone in the hunter valley should look up Emily Jane Massage Therapy, I can personally vouch her, or have a DIY pamper session (I love to take all my makeup off,use my at home facial kit and then paint my nails)

*Hot shower with nice body wash, or soaking in a bath with candles and/or glass of wine

*Going for a quick walk or exercise (20-30minutes can do wonders)

*Have a rest, put on some calm music (or your favourite) and have a nap

Environmental- Do something with the elements! Use nature how  it was intended...

*Sit in the sun- read a book, play with a pet or just look up at the sky

*Go to the beach- walk along the shore, dip your toes in the water and sit with your hands sifting through the sand, listen to the waves

*Go for a walk through a garden or park, look at animals and enjoy some quiet

*Dance in the rain, lie on a blanket and look at the stars, watch a sunrise/sunset

Mental-take care of or strengthen your mind...

*Create a list of things to do/things you want to achieve. Can be a bucket list (things to do before you die), a cradle list (things to do before you have children), or any other timeline (I currently have one going for things I want to complete before 2013).. Make sure you don't just focus on serious things but also fun things e.g. fingerpainting/karoke/hot air balloons

*Take some time to read a book or magazine- could be five pages, a chapter, one story

*Complete a puzzle/sudoko/crossword

*Watch a few episdoes of your favourite tv show (or one you have wanted to catch up on)

Emotional-express, reflect on or recognise your feelings...

*Write someone a letter (write to a friend, an organisation to support something you believe in or even write one to yourself)

*Think about your fears, can any be conquered or attempted in a positive way? If so, go DO it!

*Reflect on your feelings and then think about where you want to be and what you want to do in life. Think/find some affirmations to repeat to yourself on a daily basis-especially when you are stressed. 

Some of mine include: 'She believed she could, and so she DID', 'Everything will be ok in the end, if it is not okay, it is not the end', 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you are right'

*Spend the day with some kids (if you don't have any mind your neice/nephew/cousin/friend's children), children are great therapy! They find joy in so much and th sound of their laughter or the wonder in their voice at something new can really lift your spirits. My little cousins have saved my mindset on many occasions and treating them makes me feel positive!

Spiritual-take some time to focus on your own beliefs or to re-determine what you do believe in.

*Light a candle and say/think a prayer/blessing/hope/affirmation (you don't have to follow a religion to do this). I light a candle whenever I am in need of hope, or when I am remembering those beautiful friends of mine that I have lost. Candle light is so soft and soothing, even in the day time.

*Think about your safe place, a peaceful place. What does it look like? Are there people or animals there? What can you hear/smell/taste/feel? Next time you are stressed, faced with your fears or upset. Take a second, breathe, close your eyes and take yourself to that place.

*Meditate-to music, an actual meditation tape or piece of writing, or sit down somewhere comfortable and breathe deeply, stretch and concentrate on your breathing. Five minutes can change your day. My aim is to have meditated for atleast 60 minutes every week (either broken up or one whole session)

*Do something for someone else. Donate to charity, spend time listening to a friend, volunteer, do a good deed each day- whatever it is, it can help put into perspective that we are not the only ones with issues, and that by helping others we can help ourselves.

As I said, the above points are just brief examples or ideas... Mainly used to inspire those who may not have known where to start, or what to do. Writing a list of things you'd like to include in a self care session of your own can be a great help. Ensures lots of variety!

Some examples from people I know (just basics)..

L- takes walks on the beach, plays with her dog and when she sees her mum they share champagne

M- lights candles, plays music, treats herself, goes to the gym

E- takes time to draw, sketch, think, spend time in nature

My favourite things to do are- the pamper routine above, spend some time in my pjs watching a tv show, think about my peaceful place, write short stories/work on my novel, play music and focus on my breathing, take a walk, look up at they sky, create lists of things to achieve, spend time with people who make me laugh; who let me be myself and who support me, spend time with the little children I am lucky to know, wash my hair and have a hot shower, remedial massages.

"Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Lucille Ball

I would love to read what other people love to do! Happy self-caring, Kooklah Xx.

Make no apologies...

One of the best lines in a tv show.. ever?
 "I make no apologies for how I chose to repair what you broke.."
Most people have been there, when a relationship falls apart, when you like someone and they make you promises and don't follow through or when the person you are crushing on, or someone you love, violates the trust you have given them.

It is one of the worst things ever when you put your belief in someone and get this little picture of happiness inside you, a feeling of hope and then it all comes crashing down. This has happened to me lately. Some people should not make promises or instill hope when they are unable to follow through.

Someone can judge you, berate you, not understand you- but if they have caused the pain, they should not really get a say as to how you pick up the pieces and eventually put them back together. Some days you just need, just want to make it to the next, You aren't concerned with been perfect, the word, the notion has no bearing, you just want to survive. To not feel alone. Disconnected. Unhappy.

If someone is going to solely base their opinion of you on you at your worst, you don't need them in your life. If they can't take you then, what makes you think they deserve you when you shine brightly? When you have so much to offer, so much joy, love, hope. They don't. Life isn't rainbows and sunshine every minute. Life is hard, life can be challenging. The important thing is not how you pick up and carry on (or how long it may take you to do so), but that you DO pick up the pieces and carry on. Take it one hour, one day, one week at a time. Rebuild. Reinvent. Renew.

A thought to finish, another quote from the character of Uncle Keith in One Tree Hill-

"Anyone who thinks this is more than you can handle is less than the kind of person you need in your life."

Find someone who understands, who is supportive and encouraging. They may not know what to do to help, but they will listen and comfort you.

Everyone needs a little bit of help sometimes...

Kooklah Xx

Wedding Fever

Here comes the bride....

Those who know me well - or are linked to my Facebook, Pinterest or blog - are aware of how much I love weddings. I really do. I am interested in all the obvious details; the who, where, when and in what. But what really catches my interest is the 'smaller' details, the look on the groom's face as he sees the bride for the first time, the song they dance to, the little decorations placed at the reception.

I have been to alot of weddings, and have been involved in the bridal party in many of them. I am always excited to hear about someone's engagement or upcoming wedding, offering a helping hand when/if needed.

It is due to this that I have thought for a long time that I would like to work as a wedding consultant/planner/stylist. Assisting my best friend, Adina, to plan her wedding for this year has only further reinforced this thought...

and so, I have decided to post more wedding related posts not only on this blog but also in For the Style Seeking Girl, I have created a pinterest board on weddings- Kooklah Style Weddings and have just this week enrolled in a wedding planning course which will be a great step in becoming a certified wedding planner and possibly creating a business.

Very excited!

Kooklah Xx

Inspire Me Monday

Some days just need a bit more spark. Something to lift the spirits, keep the mind focused on the plans and dreams yet to come. Give you a secret smile that will have others captivated and wondering what you are thinking about. So here goes, my list of five things that are inspiring me at the start of this week, something to make Monday not-so-blue.

Smelling of daisies...

 I have long wanted to own a bottle of 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs, one of my friends once bought it a few years ago and I have always loved the smell. It is so fresh, light, girly. Perfect. I finally own it :)

Fashion in Colour...

The last few days I have been drawn to this colour combination (see below) and I crafting an outfit in it. I love the clean, fresh, minimalist and summery feel that using white, gold and turquoise acheives, it is also effortlessly stylish. Makes me feel like I should be sunning on the Greek Islands or sipping Sangria in Italy looking at good-looking Italian men. One of my summer style picks for sure!

Travel Inspiration...

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, lovers igniting a war between families, by William Shakespeare. This balcony in Verona, Italy is the balcony used as inspiration for that very story. Due to this, I have always wanted to spend a few days in Verona, looking up to that balcony and imagining Juliet looking down, to see the wall of love letters and to write my own.

A Light Laugh, or Two...

My brother and I are watching Seinfeld, in order. We have seen nearly every episode previously but not in the order they were first screened or released. It has become one of my favourite past-times and we are halfway through (goal is to finish it this year). Kramer-the hilarious, scattered and intriguing neighbour of Jerry is a brilliant creation whose madness sometimes makes your mind marvel.

Shoe-spiration...

I was shopping the other day and found a fabulous pair of shoes at one of my favourite shops ZU. They are called 'Sunrise' -white lace with silver sparkle, 14.5cm heel and 5.5cm platform which elongates my legs. They are beautiful shoes, a work of art. I am considering wearing them in Vegas.

What has inspired the start to your week? Kooklah Xx

It's the Simple Things that Count..

This weekend I travelled the hour and 40 minutes that separate me and my best friend Adina. She is getting married at the end of the year and I am her maid of honour, I am so excited and honoured that she asked me to have this role. I have been helping her plan and put together the wedding, pre-wedding events, ceremony, reception included. So this weekend's trip was a chance to go over things and start organising the remaining aspects that hadn't been discussed or looked into yet.

This weekend not only provided a chance for wedding organisation and plans, but a chance for us to catch up and enjoy each others company for awhile. Alot has changed since Adina moved away- compared to living a few streets away from each other, which means we see each other a lot less.

When I got there, it was straight to business of catching up- changing into our pjs, pulling out some snack food and watching some dvds. We had alot to cover and laughed alot. It was lovely. Like most best friends, we speak our own language, know each others stories and can pretty much communicate without actually talking.

The next day we had a wedding planning 'meeting' on the fold out futon. Listening to possible wedding songs and discussing ideas for various aspects of the wedding day. Then in the afternoon with the sun spilling in from the window, we decided to have a nap.

It was so nice, to crawl under the doona (warm from the sun) and share private jokes as we fell asleep. It is those little, simple things that I look back on and favour the most. Two days of hanging in our pjs, a nap in the sun and countless laughing... including pillow fights and play fights.

Here is a pic of us about to have our nanna nap:

What is a simple moment with a friend that you love to look back on?
Kooklah Xx

Inspire Me Monday

Hi lovely readers! I love sharing this post of all the things inspiring me at the start of a week.
Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue.
Here are five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

WANDERLUST- let's go on a journey...

People have always told me that once you go overseas, the travel bug gets you. I already have it... All I can think of are ways to get out of here and go explore another land. And so it is....

Only as old as you feel...

I love this picture below, the two elderly people going about their day, their spirits inside are young, dancing, joyful. Though we get older with time passing on, we can still have a free, fun seeking spirit.

Sparkle* up the Ordinary...

I love some sparkle, and especially if you can add it to a piece from everyday life.

Team Tartan

Ever since I was a little girl with my tartan dress I have loved the pattern. These days I have a much beloved vintage jacket that is tartan and would love to master these nails one day....

A Blast from the Past

Lately I have started to re-watch Veronica Mars, I used to love it when I was a teenager and it first aired. Her quick wit and super sleuthing powers, all mastered whilst in school. Plus the main character's own mystery which drives most waking hours had me hooked.

What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx

82 days and counting.

82 days.

82 days and counting. I have exactly 82 days left before I get to take my suitcase and run off with one of my closest friends on an amazing adventure to America.

I am so excited, I cannot wait to get on that plane and fly away, to the future, to excitment, to hope, to wonder (and wander), to fun, to learning, to experiences I will remember for the rest of my life.

It will be a whirlwind trip I am sure, blink and you will miss it. But I am going to make sure that I make the most of it. Live each and every moment or experience I am lucky to be presented with, to the absolute full. The flying, the new food, new places and people.

I am so thrilled. My whole year has been inspired by this holiday. I look forward to sharing the experience with my friend but also to making many more on the Contiki tour.

Where are you (or have you) already travelled to this year?
Kooklah, Xx

happy days

Some days I wake up and I have this amazing, warm feeling. The sun seems brighter, the sky is blue-r and everything seems to have a wonderful magic or music to it

This is how I woke up this morning. Bliss. The fact that I am with one of my best friends just adds to it. So far it has been a morning of giant coffee cups, laughing, amenities with music constantly playing,  doritos, salsa and the best guacamole I have ever had, the O.C, lunch plans and an old friend coming to visit us tonight!

Hope everyone finds some magic today,
Kooklah Xx