One more sleep

[ My dear dear friend Johnny arrived to our house on Sunday when he knew we were packing with a bottle of Moet so we could properly celebrate that the holiday was finally here p.s Mr M was very hungover in this pic after putting in an amazing drinking effort at our going away drinks the night before ] 

So here Mr M & I are. 1 sleep away from our trip of a lifetime. To say that we are excited, is an understatement. To say that we are nervous, is an understatement but to say that we are ready to finally start this adventure is exactly where we're at. I have only had one semi sleepless night - surprisingly - and if I was honest with myself it was because I was just completely nervous about what was actually just around the corner. I was restless because I knew I was about to give over to just living in the moment and being at the universes control for the next 4 1/2 months, which might sound amazing to most but admittedly had me a little freaked out. You see, I am a self confessed semi control freak - the first step to recovery is admitting it right? I thrive on routine, on challenges, on excelling at work, at having deadlines, getting up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, having plans, goals for a week and everything else a fellow control freak can relate to. So there I was, lying in bed, realising, that realistically, for the next 4 1/2 months that is all out of my control and yes, I got really nervous. I wasn't going to have challenges at work that would make me feel accomplished, I am not going to have the security of getting up early and hitting the gym and I certainly won't be in control of what could happen on any given day. But you know what I did? I cuddled in a little closer to Mr M - who was blissfully asleep with not a worry in the world in true Mr M style - & realised that I was being silly and that this was all part of the adventure and a huge dream that I was about to embark on. It's a strange feeling and one that we in fact both can't properly in to words, but in 1 sleep, we get to live a dream and that is what I went to sleep remembering. So, here I am, letting go, letting only pure excitement take over and opening myself to whatever the universe has in store for me. Wish us luck. I'll be posting whilst over there so if you would like to see where in the world we are and some interesting lessons we're learning then you know where to find me xx

Advice from the last year

For all the topics I write about and advice that I share, I always hope that it is recieved in the same gesture that it is written, with love and sincerity. I adore writing and sharing what I do but what I think makes it so special to me is that I never pick the topic, then write about it, the topic just always seems to pick me. What does that even mean? Well unless you're Mr M & live with me and see how crazy me and my train of thought is, its hard to understand, but when I think of something to write, it is always something that has been on my heart or in my head for awhile & I know when it needs to come out. Nothing is ever forced, it just was meant to get put on paper the way that my heart or head is telling me it should be. That's why I feel so many of you relate, you were meant to read it at certain points in your life, just as I was meant to share it at that particular time. I am blown away by the beautiful and thoughtful comments left on posts each and every day and truly wanted to say thank you. This week I had an urge to write about how the most important relationship you'll ever have is with yourself - but when I started to write I knew straight away that it just wasn't meant to come out yet. I had a little more to learn before I shared it. What I did honestly keep getting though was all the previous posts I've shared on love and life and when I had a thought to compact my favourite ones in to this post, I knew that was meant for today. So here they are, some of my favourite 'articles' I've written over the past year of having the blog (all that get shared on my dating website Possibly Maybe as well). I hope you find something meant perfectly for you for at this exact moment in your life. Have a smashing weekend filled with everything you want it to be xx

This old love - I got to share advice, real 'out of the mouth' advice from couples who were celebrating their 50 & 60 year wedding anniversary, and those who were turning 100. I had asked them all the same question, 'what was your secret to love and ageing'.

Stop accepting shit behaviour - A tough one to write and an even tougher one to share but it talks about how you should never be accepting less than desirable behaviour from anyone, especially your partner in a relationship. Maybe today this is the day you see in Black & White just exactly how you're being treated, and realise it needs to stop.

Change - it's not always for the best - This one is strictly for relationship advice. My mum brought me up to believe that you can never change anyone (i.e your bf) but more importantly, you shouldn't ever want to change anyone. There is not one thing I would change about Mr M, his quirks are just what make him that more adorable. Remember that you have your life's destiny and they have theirs. Important to read if you feel that your relationship would be great "if he'd just change that one little thing"...

Dear 16 year old me - This one was inspired from an incredibly powerful skin cancer advert I had seen (and shared on the blog) where patients of skin cancer shared advice they'd give their 16 year old selves if they could turn back time. I loved the idea - so here is my own letter to my 16 year old self about the advice I'd love to have been told.

Getting over your ex - This is SO hard to do and incredibly painful to work through. This article I shared some healthy ways to truly start healing your heart and soul and make that final decision to cut him and the pain from your life - to look forward, and never look back.

How to make your relationship last - After Mr M & I shared our 5 year anniversary and are more in love than ever I was inspired to share some of our own advice when it comes to keeping your relationship alive. A personal post that meant a lot to share. P.s Mr M had his own advice which is intertwined in the post so its from us both!

It's ok - Short title but long article with a lot of heart. It discusses how It's ok, it's really ok that you might not be exactly where you wanted to be at your age, or you might not have set the right goals. Let it go, love yourself and remember it's never to late.

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My week, with Instagram

Each year I try to take away one huge lesson that I have learnt be it through experience or personal growth. I of course don't limit my whole year to just one lesson, I believe that almost everything we go through, good or bad, is there to teach us a lesson - the trick is to be aware of this and allow the lesson to be learnt. They say to never let failure get to you, to treat it as just something you learnt so you can do better next time, and I love that. That we can go through life not with failures or let downs, but instead lessons. This year I am already very aware of my huge take away lesson - that of course could change, especially with my impending trip - but at present,  it is that if I don't ask, I won't ever know. I think we're so scared of answers to questions or fear rejection - on any level - that we don't always ask enough of others, and especially ourselves. They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone, and trust me that asking for things that you ordinarily wouldn't pushes you right on out of that comfort zone. You think you deserve a payrise? ask for one. You are getting a little tired of a friend or family member putting you down too often. Ask them to stop. You really like a guy and would love to see if he'd have a coffee with you? Ask!! You aren't happy with things in your life at the moment? Ask yourself why you're not happy & why you aren't doing anything about it. The worst that can happen is they say no. Please don't ever look at that like rejection though - you never know the circumstances or situations going on with others and things in life, just look at it like a lesson, whatever you can take away from it, even if that lesson is learning to be more assertive and courageous. At the very least, you should be so proud you put yourself out there a little and like with anything in life,you will get better the more you do it too. I'm so excited for all my future 'lessons', I'm ready for what the universe has in store for me and that is the most beautiful lesson of all. I dare you this week to ask for something you have been wanting for awhile but just been too scared to ask for. There is nothing holding you back - only yourself xx


1. Drinking a big glass of red wine after a long work day
2. At breakfast with a gf who is about to move to the U.S to work in Washington D.C
3. Enjoying a delicious coffee with a breakfast date with my gf - we have been on a quest for almost a year now trying to find the best breakfast in Perth.
4. Morning walk with Mr M around the beautiful river in Perth
5. Some quiet contemplation by the river.
6. Drinking some delicious Rose' wine in the sun with a gf who was over from QLD
7. My Printstagram pictures arrived - ready for a nice DIY when I get home from Europe
8. Enjoying the warm Winters sun by the water - 25 degrees in Winter, Perth is so amazing.


You can follow me on Instagram at lifesshinyprettythings

Life in perspective

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I've learned ... that the best things in life, like love, family and watching sunrises and sunsets - really are free.

I've learned ... that listening to advice from those who have been there and 'done that' before is worth it's weight in gold.

I've learned ... that when you're in love, it consumes all of your being - from your cells to your thoughts to your heart.

I've learned ... that the world owes you nothing. It was here before you, and it will be here after you, so don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder or with a victims attitude, you're doing no one, including yourself, a favour.

I've learned ... that sending light and love to my enemies and wishing them no ill harm makes me feel far better than holding on to hate and anger.

I've learned ... that sometimes, all people really need is someone to listen to them with an open heart and open mind and really understand what they're going through.

I've learned ... that it is far more classy and fulfilling to always be the bigger person when it comes to anger, jealously or hate directed towards you.

I've learned ... that a kind word and a smile to a stranger can not only lighten up their day, but also yours.

I've learned ... that no matter how old we get or mature we think we are, acting like a teenager again is still incredibly fun - and should be done on a regular basis.

I've learned ... that it's the small moments, the quiet moments, the unassuming moments that make my life spectacular and worthwhile.

I've learned ... that life really does happen whilst you're busy making other plans.

I've learned ... that sometimes, as strong, loud, sure and confident as I am, I need to be vulnerable and looked after just as much as the next person, and that's ok.

I've learned ... to forgive. Really forgive. To not hold on to that angst, that anger, that stupid hate for anyone or anything. 

I've learned ... that to not forgive doesn't affect anyone but myself so I Forgive. I Let it go.

I've learned ... that life may certainly not always be easy, or fun, or in my control, but how I deal with that and my attitude towards it is what counts.

I've learned ... that I will never stop missing my Nanna & Pop any less no matter how many years go pass, but their lessons in love and life live on forever.  

I've learned ... that you control your own destiny, and that you can make a huge impact on the world, you just have to choose to not live in the shadows of your own life. 

I've learned ... that kindness is free to give away and should be done so at every chance you get.  

I've learned ... just how important it is to live in the here and now - and try hard to live with no regrets.

I've learned ... that life can be as easy or hard as you like dependent on how well you can make decisions, and that to easily make decisions you need a strong list of values. 

I've learned ... that I can't always do everything or be everything for everyone, and that is also ok.

And lastly,

I've learned ... that life can be tough ... but I'll always be tougher.

Love Anna xx

Pinterest Loves

Life feels surreal at the moment, truly surreal. Mr M & I are now at the countdown of 9 days until our trip of a lifetime, and to give you an idea of how quick that will go, by this Friday - when we officially finish work - we will only be 5 sleeps away. We can't help but guessing what it will be like the night before we fly out, maybe sleepless, we're sure lot's of smiles and excitement and more than likely a few glasses of red wine - although champagne may be on the agenda for me. We have our going away party this weekend and are so looking forward to sharing some of this excitement with our nearest and dearest. I'm actually still trying to quell nerves and just let excitement be my only emotion at the moment but letting go of the fact that I ultimately am adventuring worlds unknown with almost no control over what can happen isn't as easy as it sounds. I'm so lucky however to be doing this adventure with not only my partner but my best friend - Mr M. We really are a great team and I know that through any stresses or frustrations - which are all part of the experience - at least we have each other. In spirit of being this close to our Europe travels, I have naturally been pouring over Europe'esque inspired Pinterest photos and bring them to you today. Wish me luck as I try to sleep for the next 9 days xx

psst - you can follow all my boards & inspirations here. 

What to Pack. WHATTT the hell do I pack? No seriously. I pretty much have it all under control I don't have a clue where to start, and have even been putting off writing my to do list of what to pack as I'm a little overwhelmed that I can only cram 20kg of clothes for 4 1/2 months in to my backpack. Inspiration like the below is helping tremendously though.

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I think another equally important decision I need to make before the weeks out is just what exactly I'll be wearing on the plane. We'll be travelling 19 hours all up (+ an hour stop over in Dubai) so I want to be travelling comfortably but of course I still want to look half decent. I LOVE this whole outfit + handbag ideas come Wednesday when we're boarding that plane at 6am - have I mentioned how excited I am? 

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Mr M & I have a plan to watch the sunrise & sunset in 10 different countries - & share it with you all of course! - Pictures like these from Santorini inspire like no other. Our fav thing to do in Perth is to go on breakfast dates together so I picture waking up with the sunset, then sitting in the warm sun eating our brekky talking about just what an amazing experience this really is

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Mr M & I call ourselves the back street travelers. We can't wait to ditch maps and just get lost. Give us tiny holes in the walls type restaurants playing traditional music and serving generous servings with the locals ANY day of the week. 

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When we were planning our big trip we sat together with a bottle of red wine & wrote out things we knew we couldn't NOT do. Things like ski in Switzerland, do a cooking class in Italy, and of course, kiss under the eiffel tower. Lame? Yes, but something special to us? Absolutely. Here's hoping there's a weird kind of hue like in this photo when we see the mighty piece of infrastructure for the first time eeeeeeee.

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Something we're both REALLY looking forward to is walking the 5 towns of Cinque Terre. We know there was a devastating flood not too long ago so know it won't look like it's former glory but are still looking forward to it all the same. 

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Inspirational words

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I honestly sit and go through inspirational quotes, in fact, any quotes, at least 3 or 4 times a week. There is something about words that move me and inspire me. If I can get a burst of inspiration over my morning coffee on a day I need it most then why not absorb as much wisdom from others as possible. I love as well that reading quotes is free, it's such an easy thing to do but also is incredibly powerful. Today I thought instead of writing my own piece of Friday advice, I would share some of my favourite quotes and sayings that inspire me beyond belief. I hope you have gotten something out of my own little 'health' week on the blog - be it from regrets of the dying, learning how to combat cellulite or picking up a new recipe for green smoothies ...or maybe today is the day you are inspired....here are my picks of beautiful words for the mind. I picked the top quote to start us off with as I believe it to be true - words & ideas CAN change the world, so make your own words & ideas kind, make them positive, and most of all - make them count. Have a safe & amazing weekend xx

p.s These were all taken from my "words of inspiration" board on Pinterest - you can find them all here. 

Health week; Dry Brushing for the skin

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I had only heard of dry brushing recently and had known straight away I wanted to start trying it myself. The idea is that brushing your skin when it's dry with a soft bristled brush helps detoxify it, remove dead skin cells, improves circulation - and is even said to have a calming effect! I had also heard it was great for stopping and minimising cellulite, so naturally, went to the shops straight away to get my own brush to begin. The results? I have found after just a few days little differences - especially the feel of it. Don't take my advice though - here are some of the benefits of dry brushing from the experts, and how to do it properly should you want to try it yourself (which I can't recommend highly enough).

Benefits of Dry Brushing

• removes cellulite (to remove cellulite stick at it daily for months)
• cleanses the lymphatic system
• removes dead skin layers
• strengthens the immune system
• stimulates the hormones and oil-producing glands
• tightens the skin, preventing premature ageing
• tones the muscles
• stimulates circulation
• improves the function of the nervous system
• helps digestion
• fat deposits are better distributed
• unplugs the pores in the skin
• increases the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients
• increases cell renewal

How To...Dry Brush your skin

To dry brush the skin, you will need a soft, natural fibre brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. A loofah sponge or rough towel can also be used. Do not use synthetic fibre brushes as these may be too rough for your skin.

When dry brushing, always do so before bathing or showering. You can brush from head to toe or toe to head, as long as the entire body is brushed. Use long, sweeping strokes that start from the bottom of your feet upwards, from the hands towards the shoulders, and upward on the torso in order to help lymph fluid drain back towards the heart. Be aware that stroking away from the heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.

When brushing, use lighter pressure in areas where the skin is thinner and heavier pressure where it is thicker. Perform the brushing once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough brushing should take about 15 minutes to complete but any amount of time you spend on it will be of benefit. If you are feeling unwell, you can brush twice a day. Dry brush areas of cellulite for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to help it dissolve. To see results, you will need to do so consistently for at least five months.

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So what are you waiting for? You can pick up your own brush from your local beauty store for cheap. I am getting in the habit of doing it before my morning shower each day - but of course with anything, find what works for you and then stick at it. Happy brushing!

Health week; Top 5 regrets of the dying

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I don't think death or dying is a comfortable topic for anybody, and why should it be? It is such a sad time for anyone when they loose a loved one and it is as everybody knows..very final. We all would love to think we have long and healthy lives ahead of us, a wish I hope for everyone, however you never know when your time will be up. I don't think that should be a morbid thought however - in fact I use it to inspire me. To live with no regrets and make each day exciting, loving, and really ake each day count. I stumbled upon an incredibly profound and inspiring article in Good Health magazine talking about the Regrets of the dying. If there was ever any advice you can draw inspiration to live more fearlessly and truer to yourself it is that of people who are at the end of their life - and sharing what they wished they did differently ... here is that advice brought to you by author Bronnie Ware with commentary by me. 

"I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me"

Bronnie: 'This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made'.

Me: It is SO important to try to honour your dreams, do what you love in life, not be dictated by others opinions or living other peoples lives or expectations. Remember from the moment you loose your health - it can be too late so start living your true life that you're meant to be living now, not tomorrow. 

" I wish I hadn't worked so hard"

Bronnie: 'This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.'

Me: I just don't think it's worth working yourself in to the ground your whole life to enjoy retirement when you're too old to really actually enjoy it. Instead, I aim to have mini retirements my whole life - travel when I'm young, live hard & fast, so I never look back wishing I hadn't worked so hard and missed out on breathe taking, awe inspiring experiences and opportunities throughout my whole life - not just at the end of it. 

"I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings"

Bronnie: Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

Me: I have a theory in life - that I don't mind if I don't know what others think about me (it's none of my business anyway) but I always ensure that everybody knows exactly how I feel about them - that I love them, that I am lucky to have them in my life. I use handwritten letters and birthday & Christmas cards to remind people whenever I get a chance of my feelings. What are you doing to make sure this isn't a regret at the end of your life?

"I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends"

Bronnie: "Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."

Me: I think maintaining ANY relationship is incredibly important for your well being - life is richer and a lot more fun shared so make sure you are working on your own relationships no matter how busy you think life is for you (advice I need to listen to myself!) 

"I wish that I had let myself be happier"

Bronnie: "This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."

Me: Happiness is a choice. YOUR choice. You are the only person responsible for your own happiness, and it isn't a choice you make just once, you have to make that choice every single day you're alive. What do they say? Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans - it's so true. Life can be a struggle sometimes and things are certainly not always fair, but there are always lessons to be learnt, new days for fresh beginnings and beauty in the mundance. Don't have this regret on your own death bed - choose happiness.

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So there you have it. The Top 5 regrets. I wish for each and every one of you that you live with no regrets and always have love & fun surrounding you in your life. xx

Health week; Green Smoothies for the body

I had always heard of people, super healthy people, going on about Green Smoothies and the benefits they provided you with. My general thoughts were always similar to "Yeah Yeah, whatever, I don't need to go to that extent, and I bet it tastes disgusting". That was until, I found this amazing website. A couple named Curtis & Candice share day after day the most profound articles they've written on life & bettering your mind, body & spirit AND delicious healthy recipes ... which is how & where I came to stumble upon, make & now drink their Green Smoothie recipe. It has as much good stuff as a shake could possibly have, and after just 2 days of drinking a big glass each morning - I am seeing and feeling an amazing difference. My skin is so clear and I am still buzzing with energy come 5pm in the evening. Mr M, who normally isn't in to any of this 'stuff'' is now having his own glass of green goodness each morning as he said he noticed a difference in me almost immediately. Remember how I said it only takes 30 days to make or break a habit? Well this is my new habit forming health kick I'm starting with - A green smoothie every morning that I am actually really excited about. If you are one of those "I'll start tomorrow or next week' people who always put off looking after yourself secondary to work or daily to do's, I challenge you this week to make a choice to start looking after yourself today, right now, and a green smoothie each morning is a great way to start. 

What you will need

2 stalks of celery (with leaves)

3 kale leaves, spines removed

1 bunch of coriander

1/4 ripe avocado

1 pear, cored & roughly chopped

1 green apple, cored & roughly chopped

1 lime (with a little bit of peel)

1 medium banana

3 cups of filtered water (+ an extra cup of water or coconut water if required)

4 heaped teaspoons Vital Greens Powder*

2 teaspoons Spirulina powder

To Make

Chuck everything in a blender, blend on high until smooth & drink!

*You can buy this from most Health food stores

All we need is....Health

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There is a lesson, a powerful lesson that I am learning as each year and birthday passes, a lesson that we all know, but I think take for granted. The Lesson? That we can have all the money in the world, all the love in the world, everything we want in the world in fact - but if we don't have our health, we have nothing. No-thing. I had a list a mile long of To Do's last week, but was struck down with one of the worst flu’s - + chest infection & sinusitis - I’ve had in years which put me out of action for a solid week. In Anna time, that means light years. There is nothing like a bout of sickness however to slap a fresh perspective across your face which is exactly what has happened with me. I consider myself relatively healthy. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, exercise more than 4 times a week, drink 4L+ of water a day, and get to yoga once a week, so how can I and how did I get so sick? I believe because I am not valuing mind, body and spirit as a whole. Unfortunately, I don’t always listen to my body. It's great to look after yourself on the surface, but what's going on in your mind and internally is just as important to be taking extra good care of. It's a whole package. I have decided I need to start taking even better care of myself, actually listening to what my body is trying to tell me. Health & Vitality is my number one value, because without that, I have nothing else, I can't be who I want to be or do what I want to do. With that in mind, I thought the week ahead I would focus on all things for the mind, body & spirit - share some healthy recipes I've started using, put up some amazing inspirational quotes for the mind, look at the regrets of the dying (so we can learn from those who have been there before us) and share some great tips for taking care of your body. So here's to a week of health, & revitalising our bodies, minds and spirits. 

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How to write Goals .. & stick to them

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If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, 3 words that summed you up as an individual perfectly, what would you say? It’s hard isn’t it? For me, I couldn’t tell you any more than one word - ok technically it’s two but you get the picture - and that is… I’m a goal setter. A massive goal setter. I truly believe that setting goals coupled with some hardwork can equal a life that is constantly enriched and exciting. And why not? It means that you are constantly striving towards things that you want, taking some control over a seemingly unpredictable world and achieving things you otherwise might have thought impossible - although I don’t believe in that word. Along with my 25 things I want to do before 25 goals, I have personal goals, financial goals, career goals and contribution goals - I told you I was a goal setter - and have so far achieved every goal I’ve ever set. With this in mind, and forever wanting to help others achieve their own dreams, here are my tips for setting your own goals (sticking to them!).

1. Think big

If you think the sky is your limit you’re not thinking big enough. Whenever I sit down to do a goal writing session I leave all my doubts and inhibitions at the door and for however many minutes I’m writing, I think as big as my mind will take me. If you are limiting your goals from the start, imagine how else you will limit yourself when trying to achieve them. I’m not saying be unrealistic either. Writing “To win lotto” or “become a millionaire in 2 weeks” is obviously not realistic. Putting a goal however of “having a million in the bank (not just assets) within 10 years time” is a great goal to have and a lot more realistic, and it’s still thinking big.

2. Write them down

I cannot emphasise this, or say it more simply. WRITE.THEM.DOWN. A goal is not a goal until you have written that sucker down. Writing them down, for me, makes them real and gives you something visual to remind yourself with daily. It also forces you to put in to writing what the actual goal is, giving you clarity, focus and most importantly, direction. So what are you waiting for? Get a pad and a pen & make your goal a realisation.

3. Make sure they’re your goals

I think this is so so important and something people & society and books don’t place enough emphasise on. What I mean by your goals is just that. YOUR goals. Not your parents, not your partners, not society’s goals – but yours. If your parents (& society) think you should have gotten a degree by now but all you want to do is travel the world? Then GREAT (& well done on knowing what you want). Write “travel the world” down, not “get a degree”.

4. Don’t doubt your goals – not even for a  second

There is nothing worse to the subconscious, the conscious and offensive to the universe – than doubting your goals (& yourself). If you are writing your goals thinking “yeah right there’s no way I’m going to actually achieve this” then guess what your mind is going to do? Find all the ways of NOT achieving that goal. Instead, why not get excited and picture actually achieving your goal – the feelings you’ll have and what it might look like – your brain will instantly start to think of all the ways you CAN achieve the goal. Of course, you’re allowed to be nervous, you have huge goals after all remember! But use those nerves positively and don’t let any doubt creep in – anything and everything is possible.

How to stick to your goals….

5. Plan the first step to achieving the goal – break it down.

For every major goal you have, there are lot’s and lot’s of tiny goals that have to first be met before you can achieve the big one. So break it down. What I do is write the big goal at the top of the page, then write the steps I’ll need to take to get there. I want to have bought a house before I’m 26? (But haven’t started saving yet?) It would look like this:

OWN MY OWN HOME:

1. Open a first home buyers home deposit bank account.

2. Deposit my first $500 in to it.

3. Research homes I want to buy realistically to work out the amont of deposit I need (i.e. require 20% deposit for home loan, $400 000 house = $80,000) EASY!

4. Organise $xxx of pay to be automatically deducted from pay each week & put in to savings account straight away.

4. Ask for a payrise

5. Save my first $20,000 & celebrate

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& so on & so forth. See how breaking it down in to smaller goals makes the bigger goal seem less daunting? It’s EASY to set up a first home buyers bank account, and EASY to start putting bits of money away. By breaking it down I am ticking off smaller goals and working towards my big goal, with huge satisfaction.

GOOD LUCK!!!! What are some big goals you’ve set in your life that have either already come true, or you’re excited about in the future?

My week, with Instagram

As I reflect back over a wonderful week that was captured through the lens of my camera I can't stop thinking about the fact that Mr M & I are now only 20 sleeps away from our trip of a lifetime. If I was to be completely honest with you though, we're not actually even counting days until we leave, we're more going by how many sleeps until we finish work - which is 16 for those wanting to know - which I'm sure is no one. To give you an idea of how fast time is going however, for us anyway, it feels like only mere days ago I was counting down with 50 sleeps left to go. That was a whole month ago - and it honestly feels like last week. Now here we are, with 20 sleeps ahead of us, big dreams in our heads and hearts and a tonne of excitement all around us. Trying to listen to my own advice though, I truly am relishing in all of my moments leading up to the departure date and am soaking in as much of life in the here and now as ever even if it means taking 10 minutes out to catch up on some reading, or sitting outside with my morning coffee & enjoying the fresh air. I am living my life more Joi De Vivre than ever and here are just some of the reasons why ... 

1. A delicious breakfast with 2 of my best girlfriends on a gorgeous Saturday morning.
2. Snap of Photo a Day July - Best part of my day? Coming home to Mr M every night.
3. Soaking up the sun with loved ones with new sunnies & a new necklace
4. Drinking on a surprisingly warm sunny Winter's day with all of my family
5. Chocolate + Coffee + my problem solving questions make any problem easily fixed.
6. Some of my new purchases not yet packed away sitting on my wardrobe floor.
7. My new morning ritual - drinking a big green healthy smoothie (more on that next week).
8. Some of the most delicious coffee ever shared with my nearest and dearest.

You can follow me on Instagram at lifesshinyprettythings

Our beautiful earth

Do you ever just stop? To smell the roses, to take a deep breathe of clean air, to say thank you to mother earth for all that she does and all that she is? Me either, which in no way am I proud to say. I know first hand however, just how easy it is to forget how lucky we are to be living and breathing on this big beautiful earth. It's no wonder either - whilst not only trying to pursue our own happiness, we can be hit with daily obstacles, struggles and distractions which consume our lives, all of our minutes in all of our days. But whilst we're battling our own struggles and celebrating our triumphs, mother earth is out there, in all her beautiful glory, day in day out - for us. Living and breathing, providing us with scenery that no movie could ever compete with, oceans that no pools will ever compare to, and moments such as sunrises and sunsets that no money can ever buy. So as you are rushing through your busy day today, stressing about that deadline you might not meet, getting frustrated over the plans that might fall through and flicking through websites without really stopping to absorb, take a second to be grateful for this extraordinary world we live in that provides us with all we really need to live - air, water and time.... to love and live.

I found all of these beautiful photographs from this website ... there are so so many more, so if you'd like to soak up some more beauty then pop on over there.

Pinterest Loves

There is something so refreshing about weekends filled with everything that you want it to be filled with. Plans that you made that you genuinely wanted to stick to, coffee dates you booked in with excitement and hang outs that you have been really looking forward to. My weekend was packed full of the 'good stuff' and even involved a surprise impromptu present from mum who picked me up to take me to get a massage after I'd complained of a sore shoulder in our weekly yoga class - don't worry I know I have a special one in her. I seem to be finding the perfect balance with life at the moment and have a good mix of quiet nights in, loud nights out and taking extra good care of myself - & Mr M of course. These Monday posts have grown to become quite the 'stick to your word Anna' promises as I have now officially planned the 'something incredible' for Mr M that I first mentioned in this post, and I've also managed to order myself some gorgeous items from Printstagram which I only mentioned for the first time last week With that in mind, and loving finding inspiration in all things pretty - here is this weeks snapshot of what I'm crushing hard. pssst - you can follow all my boards & inspirations here. 

I have been blonde, then brunette, then blonde, then brunette then blonde then....you get the picture. But this girls hair inspires me to grow it to that length and keep it brunette forever. SO gorgeous & amazing hair envy.

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I have big dreams and a crazy imagination when it comes to my future home - but as soon as I saw this picture -I first posted it on my dating websites facebook page - I knew it would certainly feature somewhere in my big backyard as a permanent outdoor movie area. It's love.

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The older I get the more I believe in Karma - but I think these are just some simple rules to live by if you need a gentle reminder every once in awhile

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When Mr M & I are home from Europe I have big plans to do a few exciting fundraisers for the charity I volunteer for and one idea is to host my very own special High Tea - I don't know much about it yet, but what I do know is that these little cups of decadent goodness will certainly be on the menu

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I am trying to think of creative ways to do my hair when we're in Europe so I don't live in a constant high bun or pony tail - so when I saw this hair DIY I knew I had to give it a try. The steps to easy beach curls in less than 5 minutes are as follows: 1. Divide your hair into two parts. 2. Twist each section and tie with a hair tie. 3. Run your straighter/flat iron over both of the twist a few times. 4. Untie twists, and you're done.

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