Lately... | July 04, 2013
...we've had our fair share of cold and foggy winter mornings.
Inside our home, however, I've been attempting to ramp up the colour!
My current decorating project- our living room- is progressing slowly at the moment. Not too long ago we incorporated an Indian sideboard, with which I am completely smitten!
I would love to create an artwork for above, but I'm struggling to decide what to do. I'd like to keep it simple, as the room is already flush with colour and detail. I think I might buy a huge blank canvas, stick it on top of the sideboard and just stare at it until an idea comes to me! Another option is maybe a large, simple black and white photo.
Among other bits and pieces, I would also love to find a beautiful pendant light to hang above the room.
It seems like every surface in my workspace is covered in craft punches, twine, glitter, washi tape, paper goods, stripey straws, jars, bottles, my printables.... you name it. Occupational hazard, I guess.
Breakfast and snack remnants also add to the colourful mix...
At least it's pretty clutter!
This morning, I caught a very cute moment between Mark and Sukie. It must be love.
As you already know, I'm a self-confessed bowl addict. This beauty, shown above, is my recent indiscretion (from Mozi). It was just too pretty to pass up!
Last week I showed off a good chunk of my collection. But, admittedly, it was a little tame in comparison to the pic above- a far more accurate portrayal of the size of the collection (and extent of my 'problem')!
I've been feeling a tad overwhelmed when it comes to my work, at the moment so, at the start of this week, I set out to get organised. I recently discovered that I was a 'pinball procrastinator'.
Symptons include:
- Going off on tangents mid-task
- Avoiding the hard stuff and tackling smaller, easier items to feel a sense of achievement.
Yep, that's me.
I decided I needed to learn to focus again so I downloaded the Simple Pomodoro Timer app to help me through. Basically, I write down a list of things I want to get done in order of importance. I then start the timer. While it counts down from 25 minutes, I work through my list without distraction. At the end of the 25 minutes, there's a 'ding' and I take a 5 minute break. During this time I can explore those 'tangents' that were attempting to entice me during the 25 minutes- things like Pinterest, sorting emails, reading blogs, a new project idea etc. At the end of the 5 minutes, another 'ding' and I start up the 25 minute timer again and continue through my task list.
I've found this method really effective! The huge timer numbers, constantly flickering in the corner of my eye, creates a false sense of urgency. It feels like it's a race to the finish line- almost like a game! And the promise of the 5 minute break means that I still have the time to explore those things that are far more appealing than the task at hand. I'm ploughing through the big, evil 'To Do' list but also managing to explore new ideas and gather new information and inspiration for future projects.
And that's all the news...
Happy Friday everyone ;-)
Comments
i love those bowls… wich my kitchen was bigger so i could have at least some more colorfull dishes :)
love the photos of your dog, clearly Mark & Sukie are equally smitten with each other :)
Have a lovely weekend!
Natalie
XXX
www.natandgang.blogspot.com
Something I didn't like were you nails =( sorry had to say it but you're an amazing woman and your should be the same as you.
Blessings,
-Bess-
Also, I'm loving the sound of this timer app..! I too am a bit of a procrastinator at the best of times so I'm in desperate need of this guy - heading on over to download it now!
Laine
x
Bess- the cute Eiffel scissors are from Typo. http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/product/eiffel-scissors-gold/
Lucie- I got the ribbon locally from Riot Art and Craft http://riotstores.com.au/
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Please see my comment above for info on the Eiffel scissors. :)
I'm new to your blog - which is so very pretty. I found you via a Pinterest pin which showed your wrapping paper that had orange dots on it and a "happy tuesday" tag. gorgeous. must try that.