20-12 is just moments away … and for New Zealand it’s even closer!

With another year winding down and dropping away, I guess this is always a moment to look back at the year that was, and remind ourselves of the highs and the lows and ultimately those things that seem to define us in the coming year and maybe the one or two after that. Or longer even. And sometimes looking back is the only way to go forward.

For me, personally, this year has been one hell of a roller coaster. The scariest, fastest, most amazing and most dangerous roller coaster in the park! There’s been twists and turns I never saw coming, highs that have had my heart in my throat they were so high and lows that have left me shaken. And even when I got the feeling that I was about to hit another loopty-loop, I was still surprised and as shocked as ever at being turned upside down again. Apparently, I’m another year older but still none the wiser… which to be honest, is just the way I like it.

But despite the challenges that 2011 served up for me, I’m still going to remember it with alot of fondness and alot of love. Because it was a year filled with countless laugh out loud moments, times of pure magic and days that just make you want to stand still. Yep 2011, you’ve left a mark in my life and my days, that’s for sure. You won’t be forgotten.

So, thanks for coming 2011, it really has been something to hold onto. But now we’ve got to let it go. 2012 – I’m ready for you.

Let the good times roll.

Peace & 20-12

xx

PS one of my favourite summer editorials for Vogue Paris, way back in 2007. Here’s to looking back.

Sometimes you just have to jump. Close your eyes and do it.Take a leap of faith. And just let go of it all.

That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m just going to free fall. And know that where I land is where I am meant to be.

What is there really left to lose ? Not a heck of alot I’d say. Just alot to find. And find out about. I’m ready to start discovering. Why don’t you come along for the ride ? I can’t promise much except that it will be a ride. Let’s do it.

Deep breath … here I go …

Peace & Free Falling

xx
PS images by Purple Diary that I want plastered all over my bedroom walls

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my body. And when I say ‘lately’ I’m talking about say … oh the last 15 years. Thinking about it. About how to make it thinner, slimmer, leaner, tighter, faster, stronger … how to make it look more like the models that constantly walk through my studio door look. Being only 5’4”, with knobbly knees, a broad nose and thighs that can plant a mean side kick, it should have dawned on me already that I’m never going to look like the willowy models I love to hate. I’d need a body double for that.

But I still think about it. And I know that most females I know do the same. You don’t mean to. It just … happens. And now that the temperature is rising, cut off’s are becoming more and more cut off, bikini tops are the new top and as Australia’s ‘naked summer’ hits full swing, it seems an ever present and ongoing dialogue about bodies and body image are littering our conversations on a far too regular basis.

I was just reading an article in the latest Details Magazine, with super-man model, David Gandy, who has fronted so many Dolce & Gabbana campaigns I’ve lost count, talking about his ongoing struggle to attain and maintain perfection. In his interview he says “I don’t particularly like much of my body. I’m very critical of myself. I think I’m pretty much a perfectionist in anything that I do so I am never going to be happy. I’m not saying it’s a good thing, believe me.”  Turns out men are developing as much of an obsession with their bodies as women … and really super hot men at that.

The fact that David Gandy can’t look in the mirror and get a bit of a crush on himself is definitely a sign that perspective has been lost! I can’t remember the last time I saw someone look this good in a picnic blanket. So David, I think you are deluded. Stupid even. And maybe that’s something worth thinking about … we all get a bit stupid about this stuff sometimes. So today, and tomorrow and hopefully the next day I’m going to resolve to be less stupid and remind myself that hey, I may not have pins that will land me on a Victoria Secret catwalk in angel wings and a G-string, BUT should it be required, I can certainly let rip a stellar side kick … and what willowy model do you know can say that ?

Peace & Being Less Stupid

xx

David Gandy for Details Magazine, Nov 2011

Hello Summer!

I missed you SO much. You have NO idea. I missed you like I miss drinking Pipsqueak at Little Creatures. ( that’s alot FYI )

I’m so glad you are back summer …. but now that the heat is finally kicking in and I’ve been spending some serious time horizontal on Bondi beach I’m thinking about all the things I’m going to need to get through my endless summer.

Here are my summer must have skin and beauty life savers…. all available from Adore Beauty.

Oh and slip, slop, slap kids. Don’t forget that.

Peace & Life Savers

xx

Left to Right:

1. Dr Hauschka After Sun Lotion

2. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort

3. Aesop Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream

4. Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm

5. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

6. Aesop Gentle Scalp Cleansing Shampoo

7. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate

8. Apitvia Propoline Moisturising and Nourishing Conditioner

9. Luca’s Pawpaw Ointment

10. Becca Mineral Bronzing Powder

11. Aesop Parsley Seed Anti Oxidant Eye Cream

12. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Jaffa

It was with great sadness that my most beloved fragrance by Miller et Bertaux, ‘green, green, green and … green’, recently sprayed it’s last jasmine scented spray. It also happens to be KT’s favourite scent … she introduced me to it some time ago and I adopted it as my own. I’m a one-fragrance-at-a-time kind of girl so now that green, green, green and … green has run out I have a very important choice to make.

Do I, a.) purchase the same fragrance again? or b.) find a new favourite ?

Tough one huh? So tough, I’ve actually gone without for about 4 weeks trying to make up my mind what to do.

So I broke and stopped in at Mecca, who has an ever growing list of unusual and beautiful perfumes to try my luck. And I did get lucky. I fell for a whole variety of sweet smelling things on their shelves!

So the big question is, did I find a new favourite? A new scent to call my own? Well as a matter of fact I did. Byredo Parfum’s ‘Sunday Cologne’ won my heart hands down. An intoxicating combination of bergamot, lavender and cardamon. The perfect unisex fragrance …perfect for me.

Early Christmas present to myself ? Quite likely.

Peace & Byredo

xx

PS Here’s my top 6. All available online or in store at Mecca

Left to Right:

1. Byredo Parfums – Sunday Cologne

2. Le Labo – Jasmin 17

3. Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette

4. Diptyque – L’Eau Eau de Toilette

5. Comme des Garcons – Standard

6. Philosphy – Pure Grace