Monday 31 October 2011

Sweet Lord Baby Jesus! Take II

You may recall a few weeks back I threw on the Lycra (any excuse!) and joined the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation.

When I committed to this I had NO idea how positively it would impact my life.

Having just commenced week 8 of the program, I can happily report the physical, mental and emotional transformations are so overwhelmingly terrific that I've signed up for another round. Yep you heard me. More than just a 12 week liaison, this is a way of life. Booshaka!

Here are some things I've learned about myself and others whilst on the road to better health and well being.

On the first season of 'Under the Cover', Jackie Frank, Publisher and Editor of marie claire magazine posed a question to her team 'what's the favourite part of your body'? Not one of them could definitively give her an answer.

Well Jackie, I have one for you and I'll deliver it to you with the same Ron Burgundy-esque gusto when declaring his love for Veronica Corningstone - I love my decolletage and shoulders!! There, I said it! I have kick arse shoulders...like a good girdle, strong, supportive and sexy. Who knew?

In the past, I've allowed that little voice inside my head to talk me in and out of things...

'You can't run...what are you running from anyways? Here, come sit on the nice big couch and watch a movie. Oh, don't forget the giant bag of potato chips'.

'High impact cardio is not for you. Let Olivia Newton John get physical - you take 5'.

'Hey, when did rations become the rage? Surely that's not enough food for you? Pile it up lady!'

Yep - self sabotage. I, like many, have fallen victim to it for years however I've learned to recognise and eliminate it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not completely immune to it (yet). I simply choose not to dance with this devil in the pale moonlight any longer...Bye bye old friend.

If you're lucky enough not to be a self saboteur, never fear! There are truck loads of people that are happy to impart their expertise and wisdom upon you when given the opportunity.

'Don't lose too much weight'
'Probably not a good idea to exercise every day'
'Is that really enough food?'

Phew, it's such a relief knowing people care.

In fairness, I've likely participated in serving up some similar wisdom in the past. And for that, I openly apologise. I'm learning that these comments are more about how I (and others) feel about someone having taken the steps towards personal fulfillment.

These days, I remind myself of the importance of personal observation, education and action. All of us are on our own journey and are entitled to do it with love and encouragement.

So, I've hooked up 'self sabotage' and 'unneccesary opinion/judgement of myself and others' for a quiet tryst. Meanwhile, I'm better, faster, stronger in more ways than I believed possible and I confidently march forward to the beat of my own drum.

When next we meet, I can show you what I'm talking about through interpretive dance...until then, you stay classy San Diego!

Big love,
TLT x

Tuesday 4 October 2011

The Sixth Sense

For some, the thought makes them gag however I'm much like the kid in the film 'The Sixth Sense'...not so much in that I see dead people, I simply like wearing their clothes.


It's a real treat for me to hit the road on a Vintage/Retro mission. The hunter in me comes to life! So with my eye firmly fixed on a prize and armed only with a pocket full of dollar bills and a heart full of hope, I search. You see, 'classics' are not often encountered so to find something that I love AND that fits me?...Well, therein lie both the thrill and the challenge and when it happens I experience pure joy.


You see, my chassis is a little bigger in comparison to my sisters from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Regardless, I push on like my Spartan forefathers, relentless in the pursuit of victory. For me, it's like the beginning of a crazy love affair...spotting something on the rack, pulling it out to get a full view, flipping the tag over to check the size and OH YES...SUCCESS! I pull it on, I spin about. Oh, to be loved! What a feeling!


So if you're up for a little Vintage/Retro shopping in Brisbane, here are some spots that have served me very well and should you stop in and take a look, I hope you find some of your very own love affairs...


La Bella Donna - http://www.labelladonna.com.au/index.htm

I have picked up some of my favourite old school classics here. Anna, the owner, is particularly friendly and has a knack of getting me to try things on that I wouldn't necessarily notice or choose to try however her 'surprise picks' generally look fabulous. She's pretty good like that.


Retro Metro - Given Tce, Paddington

I have rarely been disappointed here and picked up the most insanely cool (and much to my delight, never been worn) shoes in this little establishment however their wares are not limited to clothing, shoes and accessories. They also stock retro furniture and knick-knacks in their sister store just up the street (approx. 150 metres away) so be sure to check them both out.


Box Vintage - Vulture St, West End

Here you'll be greeted with garments blowing in the breeze, a suitcase filled with accessories and a sale rack to lure you in. Although they do stock some good pieces, I rarely find anything in my size. Nonetheless, it's worth a look...and yes, I live in hope that my time will come!


Retro Stop - 491a Lutwyche Rd, Lutwyche

This store offers a large amount of stock so ensure energy, concentration and hydration levels are high!

Happy shopping!