The Good Life
Posted on November 4, 2009
Filed Under Creative Confidence, Inspiration, The Art of Relaxation, Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
After our camping weekend in Kiama recently, I returned home with a renewed energy and approach to life. I have been feeling run down lately and it occured to me that perhaps I needed to let go a little and enjoy the good life! I have decided that I will have a long holiday after 4 yrs of building up anna&sally. I will not stay up until 3 am working ever again! I will spend less time working in the business and more time working on the business from home in my studio - close to my kids and surrounded by the things that inspire me.
Running a shop and an online business is time consuming; along with design and managing productions; not to mention marketing and PR! Elijah is starting school next year. My little man! Where has the time gone? Life is too short to work myself to the bone.
My mother in law, Julie came down this week from Sydney to stay with me whilst Rod went away for work. A creative person herself, Julie got stuck into my studio - cleaned like a champion and reorganised my space complete with lavendar plant.
I am sitting at my desk now looking over the back yard. My roses are in bloom; I am thinking about dinner and the herbs in my garden; I am reflecting on our family weekend of fun with waterslides & laughter. I am feeling alive and inspired again and think it is time to pop on some Pete Murray and get designing! 
Kiama Holidays
Posted on November 4, 2009
Filed Under Inspiration, The Art of Relaxation, Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
I have just returned from a most relaxing weekend away camping with my family. This year we decided to take the pressure off Christmas so have been aiming to all catch up for mini breaks at different locations. Mum and dad are still living in Dubbo, where I grew up. My three sisters are in Sydney with their new families; and we are down south at Jervis Bay.
Kiama was just what we all needed! Sunny weather during the day; rain on our tents at night; total relaxation; food; wine; fishing; plenty of open space; with amazing views for the little cousins to play. Loved it! Def need more of that…
Happy Birthday to Me!
Posted on August 25, 2009
Filed Under Inspiration, News & Updates, The Art of Relaxation, Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
Okay…I am now officially 34! I spent the weekend celebrating my birthday with the family. Rodney planned a day out on a friend’s yacht on Saturday. The boys did a couple of dives, whilst the girls did a bit of kayaking and hanging on the deck drinking bubbles and eating yummy food that Rod had generously prepared.
The following day was spent dining at Cupitts for lunch. A bit of wine tasting, a game of soccor and general relaxation in a beautiful vineyard. Cupi’tts is just south of Milton. Very French Provincial, fab service, gorgeous food and wine. A great place for families. The kids kept disappearing outside to inspect the vespas parked at the entrance and to indulge in a bit of gymnastics on the outdoor seats. Enjoy the pics! Add Cupitts http://www.cupittwines.com.au/ to your good list of excuses to come down south and visit us. Anna x
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| Elijah & Ethan at Lunch. Love my little men! | |
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Mozi - Divine Gift Range
Posted on August 25, 2009
Filed Under Beautiful Gift Ideas, Inspiration, News & Updates, The Art of Relaxation | Leave a Comment
When our new Secret Garden Collection arrived from Mozi we were so thrilled! The products are seriously beautiful in every way. The integrity of the packaging, the fresh colours, not to mention pretty scents… Our shop smells divine thanks to Mozi!
As soon as Annette and I popped the products on the floor early Sat morning, they walked out the door. The perfect gift range or little treat for yourself. I am addicted to the handcreams. Lucky for me we have some samples on the floor that I help myself to.
A lovely gift for new parents needs to include some beautiful newborn pieces, along with pretty handcream and soaps for mum in hospital. And a bit of bubbly never goes astray!
Garden Glory: Author- Corrina Tough
Posted on November 4, 2008
Filed Under Inspiration, The Art of Relaxation | Leave a Comment
I love gardening and you can find any number of books on the subject on my bookcase. The love affair began probably long before I was really able to understand the true meaning of it. As a small child I would sit at my Nanna’s feet knee deep in dirt and help her garden. She always encouraged me and looking back I realise I pulled out more plants than weeds but she was never cross. I treasure the time I spent with her as she taught me the way to nurture my environment and get pleasure from it (probably unintentionally).
There is so much that can be gained from gardening for both children and adults, such as exercise, fresh air and a sense of satisfaction. There is nothing as satisfying as growing herbs or flowers and fresh fruit and vegies, then picking the produce that was loved and tended to by your family. Having a beautiful garden helps the environment by creating eco systems for birds and insects while also providing a peaceful and calming place to be. It gives children a real sense of connectedness to their environment and also to the food they consume- seeing the process of growth from seed or seedling to mature plant and tasting the freshness of organic produce is a wonderful way for children experience nature.
Even very young babies can experience and learn in the garden as it is a stimulating environment for the senses, such as scrunching leaves, smelling flowers, digging and rolling in the grass. Gardening with your child is a special way to promote speech development through conversation, deepen your relationship and to foster an attitude of respect and care for the environment.
At the moment Ruby has been hassling me to revamp the old vege gardens that have been neglected, so I am working on building a raised garden bed which is based on the French idea of a ‘Potager’ which comes from ‘potage’ French for soup, as historically these gardens contained soup vegetables. Eventually, the term evolved to mean a kitchen garden where everything needed or the household was cultivated. This included flowers, herbs, fruit and vegies. I am quite slow at this but am enjoying the process and hope to keep you updated on my progress with some happy snaps.
My can’t live without garden kit
6. Garden fork, trowel, spade, rake
The Cook & The Chef
Posted on June 25, 2008
Filed Under Inspiration, Media, The Art of Relaxation, Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
As a family we look forward to 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening on the ABC. This afternoon I was driving Elijah home from preschool and I said, “Elijah, guess what’s on tonight?” With great excitement Elijah yelled, “Maggie! That’s you favorite mum!” The Cook & The Chef is our most fav family show. Well perhaps it is mine and the family enjoys mum sitting down with a glass of red in complete relaxation mode. We love the world that Simon & Maggie create - their passion for cooking is contagious. Somehow, their chemistry just works. It makes us smile and inspires all sorts of culinary delights. If you have not watched this program, please do. You may think I am a big dag but honestly, besides the Australian series Sea Change, you just can’t top it. The perfect mum gift for me would be a six pack of The Cook & The Chef on DVD. When I go to what is known around my home as “Crazy Town!” my husband pops on Maggie & Simon. Their banter is really entertaining and I love the snippets about Australian produce and lovely places and people they visit. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/about/presenters.htm
