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Saturday, August 28, 2010

More Puppy Bloopers

Last year I posted some Puppy Bloopers. They were a big hit! Dave is still quite interested in the whole photoshoot process so he is still getting in the way from time to time. Usually it just makes me laugh.

Enjoy!


Sometimes I don't even know he's in the shot until I look at all the photos. Silly dog!


He would not stay out of the shot on this day. This is me saying to The Boy "Please help me and call the dog!" haha!


Dave looks a little like a deer caught in the headlights here! Busted!





This one made me laugh! I look like I've given up! haha!


Isn't he handsome?!

I'm helping Matt move today. So no outfit. I'll be in jeans and a t-shirt for sure! Happy Saturday!

Lisa.xo

Daily Inspiration

3 Meditation Exercises for Maximum Wellness

The benefits of meditation are many and varied from reducing stress to increasing one's cognition and creativity. Additionally, meditation heightens our concentration, allowing us to be more productive.

Many people think that they have to flee to a monastery or spend hours a day sitting in a lotus position to receive these benefits. Wrong! If you feel overwhelmed with work, family and personal responsibilities here are three quick and easy meditations to help you release unwholesome emotions, shift your mood and improve your relationships adapted from my book, Wise Mind, Open Mind. (MORE)

Source: Huffington Post

Friday, August 27, 2010

Daily Inspiration

Body-Mind Meditation Leads to Rapid, Positive Brain Changes

The importance of meditation has long been known to mankind, but scientists have now discovered the positive brain changes that occur after a session of meditation even if it is a brief one.

Chinese and US researchers at the University of Oregon studied the effects of a meditation technique known as Integrated Body Mind Training (IBMT) on 45 students who were randomly selected. One group of students practiced IBMT for half an hour every weekday for a month and the other group did a relaxation technique.

The scientists found that even a brief session of meditation strengthened the connections of the brain that regulate our emotional response. They also found that the group of students who were practicing IBMT had brain connections that started to strengthen in only 6 hours, which was not visible in the other group. In 11 hours the differences were all the more apparent. (MORE)

Source: Natural News

How People Get Inspired

"What comes first, the chicken or the egg?"

No matter how you address this issue, the question remains a mystery.

"We must be inspired to pick up or need a quest for inspiration?

The same applies to the second question. Others may argue that to have a strong desire to achieve, must be inspired. On the other hand, some argue that for you to be inspired, it may be necessary to aim first.

This is very similar to chicken and egg question, right? There is no definite answer. As for the inspiration against aspiration, the best course of action is to discover how to get people inspired, rather than focusing on the correct answer. For some people, inspiration, helps them stay motivated and be a winner.

So, how do people get inspired?

The frustration that some forces in search of inspiration. Some have to go through unpleasant situations to trigger an inspiration. This path can not be at all pleasant. But who says that the path towards greater is always in full swing?

Take for example the case of a source of income. He earns enough to make a family survive. On his way to work, I could see other people only have three meals a day, having nothing to keep warm on a cold night, and practically lives in a shack without a roof with panels of paper as the walls. He wanted to help but can not.

He feels helpless because he can do nothing to alleviate their plight. This feeling of powerlessness urged him to promise that his family never in extreme poverty. This frustration inspired him to aim for a better life for himself and his family. Her fear that his family could end up as one of the people with financial difficulties decided to do something to improve its financial stability.

A person who is successful can be an effective source of inspiration. People tend to look for someone who has reached the top. They wonder how to be like his idol, so they themselves set in a course designed in the direction of their idol. The study of his idol the past and how he was able to overcome all obstacles.

People who wish to be associated with people inspired to succeed. Successful people have great ambitions. Be ambitious and dream big dreams can keep inspiring. Being ambitious is really good, if not, step on the feet of others and is the inspiration for fellow men.

A strong desire can lead people to draw and aim at it. Again, stay within the bounds of good comradeship, hurt anyone in the road. Some people want their popularity. They aspire to be well known in society. They set their sights higher and aim to be recognized and respected.

Love is a strong motivator. There once was a man who developed his love interest. He was able to marry the girl of his dreams. His love for his wife prompted him to make the best of their work to support his growing family. Love always the spark and fed his dream of aspiring to the best that life has to offer for him and his family.

Many sources of inspiration can help you succeed in life. Talk about what comes first - whether the inspiration or aspiration - is not one of them. The important thing is to find the true source of inspiration and remain focused on achieving its objectives.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Daily Inspiration

Trading The Gym Bag For The Yoga Mat

THERE are only two public Yoga studios in Phnom Penh: NataRaj Yoga founded in 2004 by Isabelle Skaburskis, and Kundalini House founded by Tony and Hannika in 2007. But the number of yogis has increased.

Van Vannac, an instructor at NataRaj Yoga, said he felt yoga was new for Cambodia and could also be a little expensive for some people to take up, but there were many benefits.

“The breathing exercises and meditation will improve concentration, remove stress and help to improve general well-being,” said Alison Hawkins, the principle teacher from NataRaj Yoga, with yoga qualifications from the United Kingdom and India.

She said yoga was suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners of all ages. It was recommended to start with the introduction to yoga classes, which would help improve posture, flexibility and strength while also helping to calm the mind.

According to Hawkins, those with limited exercise experience can attend classes but are advised to practice slowly and rest during and in between exercises if necessary. The teachers would also encourage and help students to develop their own yoga practices to suit their own bodies and personality. (MORE)

Source: Phnom Pehn Post

Adages of Wisdom Quotes by Master Sheng Yen

Try to cultivate this attitude in life: if I can have what I want, that's good; if I can't, that's fine too. This will help us turn our suffering into joy, and live a happier life.

***

To uplift our character, begin with cultivating peace in mind, body, family, and activity.

***

In dealing with your heart's desire, ask yourself these questions: Do I need it, or do I want it? Can I acquire it? Should I acquire it?

***

To get along with others, we must feel grateful for events that help us grow, feel thankful for chances to hone ourselves, reform ourselves through the Dharma, and inspire others through exemplary behavior.

***


When faced with any difficulty of life, resolve it by following these four steps: face it, accept it, deal with it, and then let it go.

***

To increase our blessings we need to recognize blessings, cherish blessings, nurture blessings, and sow the seeds of blessings.

***

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Outfits: A Little Bit Nautical

This is one of my "Go To" casual outfits! I wear it a lot! I'm actually surprised I haven't photographed it yet.

Wednesdays we get stock at work which means I sometimes end up on a ladder in the backroom or opening dirty boxes. So it's always best to wear something a little more sensible to work on Wednesdays. (This is usually as sensible and casual as I get for going out)

I love nautical inspired clothes and this outfit, I feel, just hints at nautical without being cheezy.









Earrings: Ricki's 
White Cotton Pointelle Cardigan: Kenar (Winners)
Blue and White Striped Ruffle Front Cami: Ricki's
 Denim Capris: Ricki's
Red Peep Toe Wedges: George
Red Straw Clutch: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Daily Inspiration

Yoga May Improve Mood

Individuals who feel anxious or depressed may want to consider doing some yoga, according to the findings of a new study.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine followed two randomized groups of healthy individuals over a 12-week period. One group practiced yoga three times a week for one hour, while the remaining subjects walked for the same period of time.

Using magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) imaging, the participants’ brains were scanned before the study began. At week 12, the researchers compared the brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels of both groups before and after their final 60-minute session. Low GABA levels are associated with depression and other widespread anxiety disorders. (MORE)

Source: Dr Cutler

little tiny . . .

"little tiny" by
always uses symbolism in his beautiful works
* * *
"this painting he did to celebrate the
200th anniversary of the birth of
hand christien Andersen in 2005"

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

NZ House and Garden - the Culy House.

From the home of Leanne and Brian Culy.
The verandah.

Dick Frizzell's 'La Ronde' on the Living room wall.
The amazing exterior.
In Leanne's studio
If you have enjoyed the postings about Home Base Collections and their Seabreeze holiday home, be sure to read the article in NZ House and Garden about Brian and Leanne's Culy home in Napier. Find it here. You will see the great photo gallery of their electic home.
I had a email yesterday from Eleanor from ES Design, who has stayed in the Seabreeze holiday house and it is very highly recommended. You can source Home Base Collections from your Interior Designer or from ES Design who are the Wellington suppliers.
Photographs via NZ House and Garden.

The Rich Always get the best Investments

Facebook Pre-IPO stock available...

Delivery from Urban Outfitters

Cool delivery box from Urban Outfitters.
I got a delivery this morning from Urban Outfitters, USA - check out the cool box!
Photographs by Charlotte Minty.

It Just Feels Wrong!

It's official! I'm starting to think about/wish for fall. Its kinda feels wrong since it's still pretty summery here in Winnipeg. We're getting touches of fall weather, but we've still got hot days. Sunday was +40 with the humidex! I feel like I'm betraying summer by wanting fall to come.

I blame the new clothes I bought yesterday at Joe. They're just SO cute!

Honestly, it's really a toss up which is my favorite season: summer or fall. I adore hot summer nights, vintage sun dresses, open toed shoes, shopping downtown boutiques, patios; but fall has that great mild weather which is perfect for a light jacket and boots. I love the rain in fall and the smell of the leaves changing. Not to mention the most perfect weather for layering, because I always say more is more!

So here's what I bought:

This grey cardigan came in 3 other colours. I'll probably end up buying at least one more. I LOVE the ruffle! I can't wait to wear it belted with a pencil skirt. Or tucked into a full skirt with knee socks and mary janes with a great brooch!


This purple sweater (whose colour isn't showing up well in any of my photos!) was a total impulse buy! (well actually they all were, but whatever! haha!) I couldn't resist the sleeve length and the flowers on the shoulder. I'm just a sucker for girly embellishments. That and I love purple. This one came in about 6 other colours. I want to wear this one with denim capris, socks and my purple oxfords. Or tucked into a skirt with tights, oh! and a long scarf.
Apparently I only have one pose going today! "I'm a little teacup!" Haha!


I also couldn't resist these adorable shoes. They're wool! And the bow! SO CUTE!!

So there it is. The anticipation for fall has begun. Sorry Summer.

Lisa.xo

Daily Inspiration

The Benefits Of Yoga

Ask any participant and they will claim it is their all-in-one medicine. They will claim it is their chiropractor, their therapist, their Advil and even their fat-blaster. They will claim it is free and will tell you they don’t have to leave home for the cure-all treatment that is yoga.

Content found on the site CBC.com said in recent years yoga has overtaken the exercise realm and become a world phenomenon. Its potential for sculpting a toned physique attracts many, but its beneficial reputation is in need of a reintroduction.

Yoga is a spiritual practice that originated in India and involves meditation and controlled breathing to purify and unite the mind and body as one.

There are many variations of yoga, and each type possesses the ability to restore multiple afflictions of the body. The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine said the most popular type of yoga among Americans is Hatha yoga, which is a system of physical exercise and breathing control. Through the practice of Hatha yoga, one can anticipate more benefits than a simple flab-fixer or positive mental attitude. (MORE)

Source: The U of Idaho Argonaut

chopoli, gnomes & sprites . . .

"Elia" the wood gnome
by
who uses polymer clay to create
beautiful creatures within pieces of wood
do visit her site "chopoli" too
for more dolls & sprites

Monday, August 23, 2010

Barcelona mon amour













Home Base Collections - 'Seabreeze' Beach House

I was checking out the Home Base Collections website and I saw that they have a fantastic holiday home, 'Seabreeze' available for rent at Haumoana Beach - about a 15-20 mins drive from Havelock North. Styled by Leanne Culy, the Home Base Collections textiles are used throughout and follow the brand's philosophy - making it a lovely beach house to stay at.
Hmmmm, it's nice to think about the promise of summer that is on its way...
Photographs via Home Base Collections.

Outfits: Late Sunday Dinner

So by Sunday night I was feeling human again (despite a slightly sore throat from too many coughing fits this weekend). The Boy was desperate to go out so we decided to go to our favorite sushi place for a late Sunday night dinner.

So I had a shower and got ready to go out. I know you've seen this dress before, but here it is accessorized.












Dress: BIZZ
Earrings: Ricki's
Crinoline: Vintage Glory
Silver Bangles: Gift from The Boy's Mom (from Mexico)
Red Peep Toes: Le Chateau
Red Straw Clutch: Thrifted

Lisa.xo