I need your decorating advice

Source: boho-storm.tumblr.com via Gabriela on Pinterest

Now that the summer temperatures have arrived, I'm once again wondering how on earth to make my bed. This happens every year when summer rolls around; I want a pretty bed but it's hot as hell and most nights we're sleeping with just a sheet, a fan that goes all night and sometimes even a cold towel over our faces (not just yet, but give it another month or so...).

And as much as I love this floating bed, - which is really the perfect summer bed, don't you think? - I'm stuck with the bed you see below. In winter, it's all made by me flannel and wool. But how, oh how, do you make a bed look pretty in summer?

An impromptu retreat

In the midst of this week's frustrations, I got to escape for a night to an impromptu yoga retreat at one of my favourite retreat centers (see my other trips here and here). It felt a bit irresponsible to run away to the bush when I had so much to do in the city, but I decided that it was more important to pause. To just be. However briefly.

It was amazing to me to think about just how different it was last time I was there. Just a couple of months ago I was bundled up in scarves and boots, drinking tea and sitting by the fire.

This time I spent most of my time melting in my swimsuit, drinking cold water and going for swims in the billabong. Just as good, but in a very different way. There was also some yoga, but not a whole lot to be totally honest. Relaxing, staying cool and playing with the kids took up much of our time.

Practicing my adjustments with another yoga teacher.

Eating alfresco.

Sunlight hitting the outdoor living area.

This billabong was our saviour!

p.s. Happy 11/11/11 everyone! I'm heading off to a chanting extravaganza to celebrate. Any other yogis have any plans for the day?

The shore

Yesterday my friends and I road tripped it out to the Royal National Park (see pics of my last trip there here) after my morning class at lululemon. Two of us are Canadian, and one is British. We got to talking about how very grateful we are to live near the shore. My British friend said that growing up without a beach nearby meant that there was nothing to do; you made do with the park.

As for me, I've always lived by the sea and for that I am grateful. Oh so grateful. And this week I've also been grateful for this country that I call home. Spontaneous trips to pools and beaches have been a daily occurrence. As have icy poles (popsicles), cold pints, bike rides and spending time with friends. I think it's going to be a good summer...

Happy spring!

Yesterday was the first day of spring here in the souther hemisphere, and I celebrated by going down to the beach for lunch with my friend. It was a beautiful day, nice and warm. Warm enough, in fact, for me to bust out my thongs (flip flops) for the first time. And below, you can see how very excited I am about this event...

check out my "I'm so happy to be wearing flip flips" face

What did you guys do to celebrate?

Sundays are perfect for...

Eating cupcakes from Sparkle (lavender honey and salted caramel, yum) and drinking milky tea.

Rugging up in cozy jumpers knit by a friend's grandmother and having people say, "wow, you must be warm." Yes, yes I am. And I hope you are too. xo

Inspiration board

It's drizzly and cold here today, a perfect day for puttering about and re-organizing my inspiration board. Little bits and pieces of family, friends, home and things that inspire me.

And of course, you need tunes to putter. Here's what I've been listening to today...

A seaside stroll

First of all, I'm sorry for my unintended blog break. Life's been hectic this last week and right when I felt like I was starting to catch my breath I got sick, passed out and then spent the day horizontal. Not fun.

I'm feeling a bit better today though, so I thought I'd post these photos from a little stroll I went on this weekend. The weather here has been perfect lately. In fact, yesterday it was 26 degrees (that's 79 degrees for those of you who speak fahrenheit) and it's still the middle of winter!

Sydney love: winter

chilling in the sun, with my new bag sitting next to me

footy

my favourite necklace, and the top my mom sent me. thanks mom!

Winter in Sydney is magic, there's just no other way to put it. The days are still fairly long, the sky is cobalt blue, the sun is shining and it's not really that cold. In fact, you can often find me at this time of year sitting in a park somewhere in a tank top with bare feet soaking up some vitamin D. I LOVE it.

On Saturday husband and I took advantage of the wonderful weather and went to the Paddington markets after his footy match. Then we wandered through Paddington where I scored some cute booties that were more than 50% off, yay! I hope that wherever you are, whatever season it is, the sun is shining.