The Many Colours of Happiness

This guest post is quite exciting for me, as Brandi was actually the reason I first started my blog. She was one of my first followers and has been such an inspiration throughout this whole process. On top of that she is the sweetest person ever and such a beautiful woman inside and out. Without further ado, here she is: Ritual I was so flattered when Kaylia asked me to guest post for her. You see, she's one of my favorite sources of inspiration and honesty on the great big blogosphere. I was sipping tea, trying to decide what to write and feeling more unsure of myself than ever. It's been a bit like that lately in my world. When moments like those overwhelm me, I stop what I'm doing and brew a pot of tea. The first cup is reflection, the second poured becomes evaluation, the remaining cups devoted to action. It's one of the best things I do for myself all day, the little ritual. There’s something wonderful about daily rituals – those little times during the...

Here is another guest post from a fabulous blogger; this time it's Deidre from Decoybetty. This blog is one of the funniest, most honest, most inspiring blog around (with the occasional dash of delicious recipes to boot). Check out her beautiful blog at www.decoybetty.com and you'll see why she is one of my all-time favourites. Guest post: When Kaylia asked me to write a guest post, I stared at the blank screen and the only things that came to mind is how every post that Kaylia writes, I read along going “Yes! Yes! Yes!”  This girl writes (albeit way more eloquently) what I’m thinking.  But you read her blog, you know how fabulous she is.   She recently wrote about the ‘anonymity’ of travel. I’m addicted to this feeling.  I’m an expat. I was born in America and got my first taste of Australia in the young adult book “Looking for Alibrandi” where a teenager skips school to hang out with a boy which is basically all the things I am not. I’d never skip school and I didn’t r...

Hey all, here is a guest post from one of my  favourite bloggers: Courtney from Vintch . I have been reading this lovely lady's blog for over a year and am so honoured to have her doing this guest post for me. You'll see once you read her beautiful writing why she has quickly become a must-read on so many people's lists. On finding her voice My mama hates mayonnaise and is not fond of hanging baskets. My dad has Dallas Cowboys pajama pants and a penchant for ranch dip. And I am their daughter. I slept one floor above them for 21 years, until the night before my wedding when I crawled into my twin bed and cried, my cheek warm against the cotton sheets, my hands wrapped around the cracked gold posts. I cried not because I was scared or nervous about the wedding, but because I would never again sleep there. Never again hang my feet off the side and onto the carpet. Never talk to my sister in the dark until we both fell asleep mid sentence. It was bittersweet and ...

I have been to many countries across the world due to my very very very generous parents, but I have to say that when it comes to Christmas, Germany is the most magical place to celebrate it in. Every store is decked out with reds, greens and silvers; wreaths hug doorways and tinsel clings lovingly to rooftops, while Christmas music sung by deep, sonorous voices fills the brisk, fresh air. Snow covers sidewalks and falls softly onto eyelashes, colouring the scenery in a hue of cold, glittery Wonderland. Hands are warmed by gluh wein or hot chocolates spiked with rum, while the soft laughter coming from cafe chairs warms the heart. At night the Christmas spirit really comes to life as the Christmas trees that stand charming and cheerful in every city square are lit up, while the gold and silver lights than hang along walkways and link every building to one another are set ablaze, making happy faces even more beautiful in the festive glow. The people are decorated just as festivall...

Hello my lovely readers, I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. I have to confess, I wasn't planning on blogging while I was away. The anonymity I felt as soon as I stepped off the plane into Germany was addictive, and it has been difficult bringing myself back to my life back home, even to send short emails to the people I love. But internet access, a warm and cozy bed, and vodka mixed with mango juice by my side was too much of a perfect blog writing atmosphere to simply ignore. Unfortunately I am not technology savvy enough to download photos from my facebook onto my iPad, then to upload them here, so I'll have to wait to share the aesthetics of my trip with you until I get back. For now I'll stick to the 'emotional' part of traveling. Because that's what travelling is all about really, isn't it? at least that's what I've found. While it's lovely to see history before you, to experience o...

I am totally in awe of Kaylia right now. And I mean that in two senses. I am totally in awe of what she's experiencing as she treks around my little patch of the hemisphere, but I am also totally in awe of her bravery. Sometimes, following your dreams and opening yourself up to new experiences is such a difficult thing to do, but she's doing it - and fearlessly so. There is very little I admire more than that, and very few people I admire more for doing it.  And so whilst I'm hoping that I will one day be able to do the same, I thought I'd share with you my top five wanderlusts this winter - all European, of course. There's Switzerland... ...and Prague... ...and Edinburgh... ...and Norway... ...and Paris... ...but then again, I kind of think Paris is worth visiting all year every year. It's such a beautiful little spot. Where are your favourite destinations this Christmas? Kaylia, my love, I hope you have such a wonderful time. I know you'll c...

I am heading off for Europe on Monday, eep!!! I’m going to try and update when I can, I would love to do a small post about each place. I also have some amazing bloggers lined up to do guest posts, which I’m very excited about. I have had a sneak peek at one already and it is so absolutely lovely. I won’t be commenting on blogs while I’m away (Joel would kill me I think!), but I would love for you to pop over so I can share my trip with you . And please let me know how you’re going and keep in touch, whether on here or by email. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!! xoxo psst, the places I’m going, in not exactly the right order (I have the worst memory)are: Munich, Rotenberg, Neuschwanstein Castle (Christmas!), Salzburg, Vienna (New Year!), Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Heidelberg, Cologne, Bruges and Dublin. So if you have been to any of those places and know some great things to see, or great places to eat at, any and all info will be much appreciated. :)