Oh I do like this one!

 Oh I do like this one. Life is a puzzling conundrum at times and ones character can be rattled and tested by many a things. But some values are ingrained and cannot be unsettled at heart, that I am thankful for! Image via Pinterest

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Stickwork

The child in me was bursting with enchantment when I saw the 'Stickwork' piece (aka 'Ballroom') that was installed at Fed. Square, Melbourne late last year. It remained there on display until earlier this year and has now sadly served it's time and been removed. Boo! Patrick Dougherty created the awe inspiring artwork out of Willow trees, and with just a pair of gloves and secateurs. What a marvel! The 'Baby Beatniks' and I swanned around in it's beauty and imagined living in a such a super cool pad! Click on Patrick's name above to be directed to his website for more crazily amazing stick sculptures. I heart 'Stickwork'!



March Against Monsanto

'Monsanto' is corporate evil at it's worst. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are harmful to  the earth and to our health. I was introduced to the horrific goings on within our food system, GMO's and 'Monsanto' some time ago when I watched the film FOOD INC.

Since that rude awakening I am trying to be more aware of, and looking to educate myself more about GMO's. It seems like a lot to get your head around although worth it, as I now have learned, it's an ugly subject that can afford no ignorance. Trust me, I am no expert but this GMO stuff is risky business on so many levels. 

The 'David Suzuki' Youtube below, I find, explains the subject clearly, bringing to light the MANY aspects and effects that are involved within this pertinent issue. 

I am enraged by the actions of 'Monsanto' and was inspired to attend the recent March Against Monsanto, and with the 'Baby Beatniks' in tow, joined many other concerned people who disagree with GMO and 'Monsanto's' actions and motives. Here also - I Say NO to GMO!

The Sustainable Living Festival

A little while back the 'Baby Beatniks' and I took a train ride to visit Fed Square which was where The Sustainable Living Festival was being held. It was a fun filled day with lots of eye opening and helpful insights into leading a more sustainable and eco way of life. The 'Baby Beats' really got into it as there were lots of fun things to do! Highlights were the utterly delish organic coconut ice cream, the Bike 'n' Blend experience and meeting Costa Georgiadis. Who I have to add, was super busy yet kind enough to take the time to meet and chat with us. He was very interested to hear all about our veggie patch, worm farming and the goings on of our newly acquired hens 'Florence, Ethel & Glady'. 'Mr Beatnik' the gardener is a big fan, and the little people were bursting with excitement to tell him all about their chat with the famous 'Costa' upon coming home.

At the end of the day we walked away inspired by all the passionate people involved with the festival as well as lots of new ideas to do with sustainable living.  We also had some realisations and revelations about the systems of the world we live in today and how we as individuals can make a difference. 

A lovely lady who had a stall in the 'Green Market' section explained to us how harmful plastic toothbrushes are to the environment, and how sustainable and affordable Bamboo is the way to go. I've never really thought about it, but zillions of toothbrushes made out of plastic are going into landfill taking forever to breakdown. So off we went with some new bamboo toothbrushes, along with some of my fave natural soaps and a few other cool eco knick knacky bits. Best of all though, the 'Baby Beatniks' absorbed some really invaluable knowledge on ways we can live sustainably. 

Super cute 'POP UP PATCH'



Planting veggies in biodegradable pots with Permaculture Out West




Bike 'n' Blend



'Costa Georgiadis'

Park Life

Where's my sleeping bag? Oh I wish I had it with the rest of the junk that has been rolling around in the boot of my car. It's vintage floral print would suit this setting and I wanna set up camp here at this superb place. Strangely I feel a little out of sorts and all at home at the same time. A wave of free spirited consciousness has warmed my soul and my inhibited shell has dissolved at the gate. Suddenly I have shaken off the ordinary sway of the day and moving to a more creative beat.

Something tells me that part of the indie cool of this place is the unspoken vibe. Though speak of it I will as it's beautiful resonance has rubbed off on me, and... I'm kinda to old to give a crap about following hipster rules of unspoken coolness. I like this place and I'm saying it out loud.

Where? What is this place? I hear your inner voice enquiring. Well I'm sure by now it's old news, but gone are the days of regular hot spot loitering for me, and here are the days of suburban domestic bliss... heee!

The place is Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North and if you are familiar with it and aware of it's goings on, you know very well what I am banging on about. If not, let me tell you.
A couple of friends of mine had a double b'day picnic slash shindig there. The gardens were crazily beaming with wacky and wonderful peeps sharing the sunny afternoon love. Picture lots of tipples on the grass by quirky types with a bohemian edge.

Maybe it was the headpiece wearing sweet girl I chatted to in the loo queue, or the gypsy party people joyously busting their dance moves, ..or the Lady Gaga get up wearing and 'Rosie the dog' loving random, ...or the pretty bunting strung from tree to tree, ..or the rubbish bin jumping stunt fest crew, or the retro bicycles lapping, ...or maybe it was the combination of all those things mixed with perfectly sensible nonsense. Any who what I am saying is that the park life at Edinburgh is enough to make me wanna invest in a permanent posi... park bench!

MIFGS 2013

So who else made it to The The Melbourne International Garden and Flower Show this year and soaked up all the inspiration on offer? I get a real kick out of the vast variety of different designs and styles on show, mainly because it's so totally pleasurable and inspiring to view! Just like last year I was attracted to the displays that had sustainable elements. Floriography grabbed me with their super cool rustic playground which was constructed out of recycled materials. The eco conscious Sinikka wooed me again this year as well. This time with AMAZING cork balls, hanging hills, pops of pastel and neon and a STUNNING garden wall piece. Then it was The Floral Art Society of Victoria that impressed me with their fresh crisp white backdrop detailed with shredded paper, that was up teamed with their clever minimalistic presentation of gorgeous Australian natives. Outside the weather was perfecto once again and the gardens were bursting with eye candy. It was a day filled with gooing, gaaing and absolute awe!