What's on my Monday's mind

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• Holiday.
• I need one now.
• Not in December. Not in January.
• Now.
• My next holiday however comes in the form of Europe which is a whole 9 months, yup, 9 months away.
• But I can’t complain as it’s a 4 month adventure with my best friend & lover Mr M.
• God that excites me. I don’t know how I’ll ever get through the next 9 months though.
• Only 27 sleeps till Christmas. 27! Mr M & I have a few days off and will spend it with loved ones and friends creating new memories and relishing old.
• Don’t you ever wish you could just pack a bag and run away now.
• Somewhere warm, with cold beverages, large & comfy beds and long stretches of beautiful coast lines.
• I’m craving that with my whole being at the moment.
• Runaway.
• Just run and don’t look back until I’ve found the place I’m looking for. Stay awhile, have a break then sneak back like I was never gone to begin with.
• I wish jellyfish.
• I remember being little and holidaying with the family, scuffing my knees trying to keep up with my 3 older brothers and climbing trees like it was nobodies business.
• I feel the same anticipation and excitement today as I did 15 or so years ago when it’s time for holidays.
• Care free spirits.
• That’s what it’s all about.
• Slow down, roll with the punches and make the seconds count.
• Remember to breathe.
• Only 9 more months.
• But who's counting?

Happy Monday pretty things xx

Stop accepting Shit Behaviour

This weeks dating advice is one of the first articles I ever wrote for my website Possibly Maybe .. It's something I believe a lot of girls won't admit or they allow to happen as it's a lot easier to make excuses to stay in a relationship than to get out. So why would I write an article about getting out of a less than ideal relationship when I own a dating website so want you in a relationship? Because I truly care about women being the best they can be and never staying in something or with someone when they know that they shouldn't. It's a slightly in your face read but sometimes that's what it takes.

Don't Accept Sh*t Behaviour

Regardless of age, gender & sexual preference, this rule applies for everybody. If right now, in whatever relationship you're in, be it booty call, bit of fun or serious and you're one of those people accepting this so called shit behaviour - WHY??

Sure it's hard to hear, harder to admit & probably hardest to then change, but NOT putting up with shit behaviour is SO beneficial to your health & happiness.
If you are one of these people that are accepting shit from others I have 4 words for you - You're wasting your time.

You could be allowing this to happen for a number of reasons, and no one is here to judge that. What you do need to work on though, is finding out why you stick around when there is someone else out there wanting to treat you like the amazing person you are.

You know very well what is the right way or the wrong way in how people treat you, so why then allow someone to treat you in a way than is less than what you deserve.

Talk a walk with me for a moment to fully understand the scope of the point trying to be made. You're in your mid twenties and seeing someone who you think is your ideal partner. Then tiny cracks start showing - they've hooked up with someone & blamed it on you not having set boundaries, they constantly blow you off for their friends or just simply talk down to you one too many times. To some, this is enough evidence that this person isn't right & certainly not worthy, so they leave. For many of you though, you make excuse after excuse somehow convincing yourself that's not the person they really are or that you can change them (gasp!) Why why why? Leave and don't look back.

And I mean....DON'T look back.

You're an amazing person, you know this you might just have forgotten how amazing with the busyness of life & every day demands. And of course let's not dismiss the fact that we all do want someone special to share things with so you can be forgiven for needing to be reminded this once to NOT accept behaviour you don't deserve.

So why would you settle for anything less than exactly what you're looking for? There's really no excuse, and if there is an excuse, well then there is qualified people who are able to help you with those problems - so go & get that help!

There's someone out there wanting to treat you like the Kings & Queens that you are, so stop accepting shit behaviour in your life & expect better from others....and from yourself.

Yours in light & love xo

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My current fashion crush

[ Voyage - $79 ]

Maxi Dresses (and Maxi skirts, I don't discriminate).

Nothing screams classy sass to me like a gorgeous Maxi dress. They can make me feel comfy as I relax or lounge around the house, or like a confident woman ready to take on the night - they really are the perfect blend of casual dressed up chic. As we've been approaching Spring and the warmer weather I've been on a never ending hunt for some statement maxi dresses (& skirts) and although I'm yet to stumble across a hidden treasure pot of maxi skirts, I have certainly found my share of gold in maxi dresses. My favourite online store, Shugah Boutique came through in every which way offering up a delicious serve of maxi dresses from the casual weekend style to the ultimate glam. If you are crushing this particular trend also then allow me to share some of my finds that I am trying to whittle down to just two or three.

Psst - ALL of these maxi's can be found here.

[ Fool me split - $85 ]

[ Love Affair $199 ]

[ Delphia Kaftan $219 ]

[ Marble Dress $329 ]

[ Quarry $75 ]

[ So Serena $229 ]

[ Summer Fling $69 ]

I do?..they did

[ The beautiful bride ]

I am bursting at the seams with love right now after having the honour and privilege of attending my gorgeous girlfriends wedding on the weekend just gone. As Mr M & I (& 2 of my other girlfriends) were driving to the ceremony I got overwhelmed with emotion at how special it really is to be a guest at a wedding. The bride & groom are saying we pick YOU to witness us promise forever, and we pick YOU to share our un wavering love. It’s just beautiful and awe inspiring to be a part of. They wed at a picturesque winery with the sun just right and as Sarah came down from the hill the gasps that went off throughout the guests was amazing as we all obviously were thinking the same thing – she was breathtaking. And I mean breathtaking. The glow of a bride goes beyond true beauty and I certainly shed a few tears, how could I not. The day could be summed up in one word…perfect. The reception was equally beautiful and the best man stole the show with his fantastic speech. All in all it truly was a perfect night and I wish Sarah & Joel all the love, light and happiness as they grow old together.

I leave you with a quote I love, about love, and some pictures from their incredibly special day.

"Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love" - Leo Buscaglia

[ Walking down the 'aisle' ]

[ The ceremony - what a view ]

[ Officially Mr & Mrs ]

[ The first dance ]

[ Me, Nikki & Dee & our wedding attire ]

[ Mr M & I at the reception ]

My Sister

I think it's hard to ever really sum up exactly how you love and trust a Sister, but those that have one know exactly what I mean. They're best friends, secret keepers, councillors, shoulders to cry on and individuals who love and know you better than most. I was blessed a million times over when Mum gave me a little sister named Bethany - Beth, or as I love to call her, B. She was the sister who sung me to sleep every night up until we stopped sharing rooms when I was 15, and who when we were younger, would yell out to mum when I got too tired after I had another bad nightmare.

At 19, she fell pregnant with her lovely boyfriend Jay, and 9 months later, blessed our family with the most beautiful niece you could ever imagine - Delilah Grace. I admire B so much for her maturity and the incredible way she has assumed a role as not just sister, daughter, friend, and girlfriend anymore - but mother also. She has a beautiful soul and gypsy heart and my life would have never have been so rich without her in it.

B recently started a blog which I wanted to share with you today and encourage you to go and visit. She aptly named it cubs, carbs & other love affairs & you can visit it here . From an un biased point of view, seriously, It's a blog I know you'll enjoy as much as I do. It's probably the most honest one I've come across, and she shares the ups and downs of her life and what its like being a young mum, along with some delicious recipes & the likes. You won't regret the visit & read.

So B, I love you impossibly and thank you for being you xxx

[ Mumma B & Daughter Delilah ]

[ Having a blast together on Australia Day this year ]

[ B & I on my 23rd birthday - she was 7 months pregnant ]

Colour Blocking

There comes a time in every girls life that she really comes in to her own and discovers properly the style she is or loves and personally, I find that with age (not to mention a gorgeous stylist girlfriend) I'm getting more confident in who I am and the fashion I love. It really is incredible the feeling you can get from putting on an outfit that just works for you - and I believe all girls no matter age or size has the right to feel that healthy kind of confidence that has them stepping out their front door with a "I can do anything" smile. Fashion Trends come and go and what I have finally realised is to not jump on a trend for the sake of it. Now a days, I will adapt something in to my wardrobe if it's my style and something I feel great in, not necessarily just because it's on trend. Some good examples.

Velvet - a massive no no for me. I haven't liked it since I was little, and I will most likely never like it (never say never though right), so I happily saw that trend come and go.

Colour Blocking. I love it. I have always loved bright colours and statement pieces I can incorporate in to different looks to create new outfits so when this trend hit Australian Shores (after watching it explode overseas during our Winter) I couldn't wait to do some of my own colour blocking. In keeping to my own style however and doing what was right for me with this trend, I chose to more add bright colours with 'outer wear' (think belts, bags, accessories).

Here are some of my pieces I've added in to my wardrobe to do my Anna style colour blocking.

[ Bright Orange shorts I wear with a patterned or plain shirt ]

[ Skinny coloured belt - I bought the aqua one. It was love at first site ]

[ Royal Blue bag - perfect to add a splash of colour to any outfit ]

[ Orange feathered Necklace which I am dying to pair with my aqua belt for my own colour party ]



psstt - It should come as no surprise to those of you who follow the blog that all the above items are from ... Erin Louise - my favourite local NSW designer can do no wrong in my eyes, or wardrobe. 

What are you looking for in love?

This week I wanted to share with you an article I wrote for my business - Possibly Maybe - in sticking with my weekly dating advice posts. I love this particular issue purely because it's SO important when figuring out what you want in love or dating.

What exactly are you looking for?


So what IS it exactly that you are looking for?

And be honest with yourself.

You might think you know the answer to the above question, but I find more times than not, when asked this question people don't actually know what they're looking for. I'm not talking about with life either - no no that would be much to deep, I'm talking about what you're looking for in the now with your love or dating life

Is it a relationship you're looking for? Maybe just sex? A bit of fun? Or even some experience on when it comes to dates. Are you wanting your next relationship to ultimately lead to marriage? ALL of these are equally fine to want, you just have to know what it is that you are wanting.

Why is this so important I hear you ask. I know in this day and age a lot of us just go with the flow and don't like to say the wrong thing to scare the other person off. But listen carefully - it's important because what you want should define the type of experience you have with your new "mate". An example if I may for those of you who still don't see my reasoning yet, as I'm Female we will do this from a woman's perspective but it can easily be related to a guy just as much

So let's say I've been single for quite awhile, had quite a bit of fun, dated a couple of guys but nothing serious and I finally feel ready to meet a guy and want a relationship. So, in this example a relationship is really what I'm looking for. After meeting a new guy and really hitting it off with him I start sleeping with him feeling like this is really going somewhere however his made some remarks how his really enjoying where his at in life right now and quite happy just dating or having fun. Short of having "the talk" with this new guy too soon (A BIG NO NO) really I need to establish sooner rather than later if he also wants a relationship otherwise I'm investing my time, energy & potentially heart in to someone who wants something completely different to what i do. Where by his just happy keeping things as a platonic sexual relationship I know i want a relationship. The time I have invested with him which will probably end down the track when we both realise we're on different paths, is time I could have invested in a mate who was looking for the same thing as I was - a relationship.

Is it a little clearer now?

I'm not saying to write anyone off immediately who doesn't explicitly state they are wanting the exact same thing from you...i.e. just sex or a relationship, of course things can change with someone and dating is about fun. BUT if you are someone who is constantly saying ‘why do I always find people who just want to sleep with me' well change your game plan and start remembering what you want from the get go so you recognise the pattern earlier on and can invest more time & energy in to others wanting the same as you.

Lots of love xx

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It's all in the song

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I always wish there was someway to capture the moment when I hear a song for the first time and fall instantly in love. I get this feeling of absolute wonder & bliss, like nothing else matters & for the minutes of the song, I am free to just enjoy the lyrics and rhythm. Music can make or break my mood, can make me go from exhausted to dressed & ready for a night of dancing and is in general a major part of my life. The song I wanted to share with you today is a song that I first heard driving in my car and I actually had to pull over and stop to fully absorb it. It was that instant love that I often, but rarely enough get to still make me stop in my tracks. The culprit of my most recent music love affair goes by the name Ed Sheeran and is a mere 20 years old (he is only the biggest thing in the UK right now so you most likely have heard of him!) This song, the A team has been utterly abused on every music player I own and I still can't get sick of it. So today, I encourage you to wait until you are somewhere that you can sit, and listen to this song, and for 4 minutes, be taken away like I am every time that first note plays.

Enjoy xx

psst - Did you know Mr M & I still don't have a song together? Couples still do that right? It's been 4 and a half years, we've been through everything possible together, are more in love than ever, and have never been able to chose something for 'us'. We have songs that are each others to the other (i.e. Michael Buble' - everything, and Lior, this old love are my songs to him), but just not our own. Do you have a song with your significant other? How did you settle on such an important decision? I'd love to know.

First Kiss

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I don't think it's something you ever forget, no matter what age,  

I was 5 or 6 (is that young? I think I have thrown a few years on too as I don't want to sound like a slutty 3 year old - HA) and it happened with my next door neighbour who's name was Steven. I remember Steven as being the bad ass kid of the street, he had a dog that I loved and a couple of crazy brothers. He was the same age as me and maybe it was the start of my fascination with bad boys, which might I add ended when I was about 18, but Steven and I, we were inseparable. I honestly remember that kiss, my first, like it was yesterday. We'd had a hard day playing in trees and the long grass out the back of our houses in a big vacant block. We'd gone back to my house, and somehow ended up behind the couch with my dolls blanket over our head. It was all planned. Simple, we thought. We would just count down from 3. 

3....2....1.... & there it was, my first kiss, we landed a big wet kiss on each other lips.

As far as first kisses go mine of course didn't come without drama - how could it when you have 3 older brothers? At the moment of the kiss, my Second eldest brother Zac decided to rip the blanket off our heads and scream out to mum that I had just kissed Steven. Oh the drama. The rest is quite the blur. What I do remember was mum trying to tell us off but smiling the whole time so we knew we weren't that busted. Zac never let me live that first kiss down.

We moved house not long after and I never saw Steven again, but thanks to him, and that moment, I'll always have him in my childhood memories and be able to tell the story of how Steven stole my first kiss.

Your turn ... I want to hear your first kiss story.

To attract a king, you have to be a Queen

This weeks dating advice comes to you lovelies first even before I post it on my other website - Possibly Maybe. I was really passionate about this particular issue when I was writing about it and wanted to share it with you all especially, I hope you enjoy xx

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To attract a King act like a Queen

You get what you give.

Have you ever heard the old saying ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’? Probably a million times, and yet why does there seem to be such a disconnect of this behaviour when it comes to relationships? We’ve all been witness to couples where you think “God, she (or he!) doesn’t deserve someone like that, why would they stay if they’re treated like shit”, and we’ve also got those couple friends who respect and love one another beautifully and were made for each other. My verdict to this?

To attract a King, you have to be a Queen.

Let’s for a moment put aside the notion of fairytale endings, and one true loves, and accept that we live in a world where relationships take work, hard work sometimes, mutual respect and taking the lows with the highs. Generally in life, it is a given, that you are always going to get back what you put out, so why would that be any different in a relationship?

I’m going to say it again.

To attract a King, you have to be a Queen.

Insecurity breeds insecurity, jealously breeds jealously and bad behaviour encourages bad behaviour. A healthy and loving relationship comes from two mutually respectful people who understand each other and both want to put the work, trust, love and friendship in to one another. If you’re going to be insecure and jealous of your partner (not King & Queen behaviour at all) and then get confused or annoyed when your partner turns around and portrays the same jealously and insecurity then chances are you shouldn’t be in a relationship to begin with.

So where to from here? Well to be honest, acting like this hypothetical Queen is about the person that you are and needs to come from within so no amount of advice can change you if you aren’t ready or don’t want it. Living by simple rules such as believing the universe will give back to you what you give out, and treating people with respect is a start. Loving your King un conditionally, flaws and all, and recognising friendship is just as an important aspect of your relationship is crucial.  

Be kind, love hard, like AND love one another and respect your partner in the highest regard.

And remember…..

You will always get what you give.

xx

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P.s I feel I need a disclosure on this one saying in no way do I feel I have at all mastered this behaviour or relationship... I adore Mr M and love and respect him unconditionally but of course we still have faults and flaws like any relationship. I write from life experience and as a witness to life, especially when it comes to Possibly Maybe dating articles so don't take this as preaching. I need to read the advice frequently myself. It's just a little love observation from a girl who loves hard and does try to be a good person.

Melbourne Cup Day

[ All frocked up and ready to go ]

Does life ever feel like it is whizzing past and no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to make it slow down? That’s how I have been feeling lately. I have had a hard time relaxing as if I’m on the couch I feel guilty about not being in the study working on growing my business, and if I’m out having a great time I worry about being hung-over or tired the next day and wasting time that could be spent doing anything work or business related. I admittedly feel like I haven’t been living in the moment.

Not yesterday though. The race that stops a nation – aka the Melbourne Cup – also seemed to stop my world for one day so I could let my hair down, have some carefree fun and live completely in the moment. I threw caution to the wind and had one of the most fun days imaginable. I bet (& won!), screamed horses on, drank tonnes of champagne, laughed for hours and didn’t give a second thought to hangovers, my business or any of life’s little stresses.

I think everybody needs days like those so I encourage you, if you’ve felt like one of life’s spectators recently not an active participant, put a pretty frock on, grab some girlfriends and go and throw some of your own caution to the wind – because even if it’s just for one day, you deserve a little fun.

Here is some of the fun & fashion from the day.

p.s I ended up putting a bet on the race by picking my favourite number (3) and won - I said it was a great day didn't I!

[ The view from our spots in the grand stand to watch some of the smaller races at Ascot SO fun screaming horses on ]

[ Some friends who we bumped in to on the day ]

[ In the stands waiting for our next race to start ]

[ Ashley & I showing off our frocks and champagne ]

[ Nearing the end of the day ]

[ I had to end up buying some flat shoes from a little stall as my 7" heels were a little too much after 8 hours ]