Map Making

A couple of months ago, I heard about a Map Making class on Skillshare. As it was being taught by the über-talented and well-travelled Anne Ditmeyer, I couldn't possibly resist. Sadly, I wasn't able to give it my all at the time but the good news is that, having paid for the course once before, I now have unlimited access to it and no need to pay ever again - yet another reason to love Skillshare!

Once I had made a hand-drawn map of a fantasy date with myself, I was utterly and irrevocably hooked.

Below is a quick doodle I made earlier today of my school run route.

I intentionally left out any detail and opted for painterly shapes instead. I also chose to focus on the view of my side of the road en route from my house.

I am determined to make the most of the feedback and camaraderie of the other students this time and keep up with my project milestones.

If you are as bananas for unconventional maps as I am, you can follow my Pinterest inspiration board here.

Al Fresco

We had originally planned to partake of a picnic lunch in much grander surroundings today but I succumbed to the homebody in me and we dined in our walled garden instead.

It is now in full bloom and we love sitting in its subtly fragrant splendour whenever the weather permits, listening to the clippety-clop of horses hooves as they canter by.

My little family and I feasted on:

Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

A recipe which has been doing the rounds lately and with good reason!

Goan chicken

Served in little gem lettuce leaves

An ad hoc fruit salad of kiwi fruits, strawberries and oranges

Ina Garten's lemonade

I am happy to report that it was not diminished in the slightest by my substitution of xylitol for sugar.

I am pleasantly stuffed and thankful for the luxuriously languid bank holiday weekend. How did you spend yours?

A Prescription For Anti-Depressive Living

I was leafing through Jonathan Adler's fabulously effervescent book - My Prescription For Anti-Depressive Living - when it suddenly occurred to me that his witty philosophy on interiors could be applied to the inner workings of any enterprise you care to mention. Indulge me, if you will.

The very best ideas have difficult births - if you'll excuse the pun! Contrary to popular belief, failure in any worthwhile endeavour is necessary.

It is illuminating.

Suddenly everything seems clearer and you are propelled to greater heights as a result. A wise man once said, "If you haven't failed, you're not doing it right." and I heartily agree with him.

Be true to that which burns brightly within you. Trends and fads come and go but the things that make you intrinsically you are not only invaluable but should be nurtured, celebrated and exploited for the one-ups that they truly are.

The brass rollerskate above is one of my favourite possessions, much to the consternation of many. It is meant to be a doorstop but it often moonlights as a bookend, tchotchke or a fun reminder that being me - and doing things in my own kooky way - is good enough.

Treat yourself to some good, old-fashioned silliness.

Jump around like a loon to some music, roll around in the grass with your kids or borrow your neighbour's. 

The key is to have more fun and inspiration will spring forth effortlessly. I remind myself regularly that playing hard at work (rather than working hard at it) produces far better results - and a sunny disposition.

Do you have any fun or insightful tips to share? I'd love to hear them!

Fashion|Conscious: The Jumpsuit

Having gone through 30 days of Six Items Or Less, I created Fashion|Conscious for the express purpose of showcasing ethical brands and, hopefully, disabusing the notion that they are not as of-the-moment as their unethical counterparts. It will now be a regular feature on the blog and published once a month.

Today, I thought I'd have a little fun with an item of clothing I haven't worn much lately - the jumpsuit. Often eyed askance by many, I find that it is extremely versatile, slips on a treat - as most one-pieces do - and lends itself rather well to being dressed up or down.

The key is to choose one with a comfortable crotch depth and in a soft, luxurious fabric.

/Images: 1 & 2. Singlet jumpsuit by Hati Hati 3. Cotton polka cardi by Chinti and Parker 4. African print round neck jacket by FAIR + True 5. Papillon clogs by Swedish Hasbeens 6. Sicilian basket I by Muzungu Sisters 7. Maliabeth hobo by Melie Bianco (available in the UK here) 8. SPMA multico moonrock jaune fluo hi-tops by Veja 9. Zanzibar horn necklace and 10. Zanzibar horn cuff both by Edun/

Are you a fan of the jumpsuit? How would you wear yours?

Bloom

Bloom verb 

/come into or be in full beauty or health; flourish/

It is happening a little later than scheduled but I think you'll agree that it was certainly worth the wait.

  

These are scenes that I drive past almost daily and it has been such a treat to watch the gradual emergence of colour and to finally capture it for posterity.

May your weekend be filled with beauty and the joys of a full-blown spring.