I need your help…

One day. Every Month. Six girls . Eighty Organic potatoes. Ninety minutes. Forty + hungry mouths to feed.

For the last couple of months a group of my gal pals and I have had the pleasure to volunteer for the ‘Inside Out’ Kitchen at Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross. Run by Rob Caslick, the logic underpinning this amazing charity is quite simple – the most nutritious and healthy food should be eaten by those who need it most: the homeless and needy.

We get and hour and a half to create a delicious organic 3-course meal, created with fresh, organic ingredients for some of Sydney’s homeless and needy. I am not going to lie – it is like being on an episode of Masterchef. We sweat. We shout. And yes, sometimes we cry (with happiness & relief ofcourse….). I definite crowd-pleaser were the baked pears with cinnamon & ice-cream!

I can’t even describe the immense satisfaction that comes with serving up a hearty (and healthy) meal to those who genuinely appreciate every bite.

YES…. I know, between Movember, and Jul-ina (Yes, it is a ‘thang’…it is the women equivalent to Movember, but ‘down there’…gross) there are a lot of causes we are asked to donate to…..

HOWEVER, in 2014 the Wayside Chapel are building a rooftop garden above the soup kitchen in Kings Cross. The garden will be maintained by Asylum Seekers- people who have arrived by plane, lodged for refugee status and have to wait 4-5 years without employment. This means five years in limbo without work permits and without meaningful, five years of vulnerability, without family and friend support networks.

BUT, our rooftop garden will grow more than food; it will grow opportunities. Opportunities for refugees to participate in familiar activities and grow traditional foods. Opportunities for meaningful activities during periods of uncertainty. Opportunities to increase self worth.

Please watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt-cZVQOcac

SO, I am asking for your help….if you can spare a little bit of money this Christmas, please consider donating to Refugee Garden.

If you give to one charity this Christmas, please give to us.

We need to raise $15,000 for the rooftop garden.

If you are feeling generous please follow the link below:-

https://www.chuffed.org/project/rgkx/

AND SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Gardening is an act of love. It teaches us to ‘connect’ with our surroundings and planet. It teaches us patience. It teaches us that to keep something alive we must take care and nourish. I believe gardening is a form of moving meditation. It requires a quiet mind and intense concentration on the task at hand. Gardening slows you down. It is no wonder that gardening has been hailed as a ‘therapy method’ for people suffering anxiety or mental disorders. Working in a garden soothes ones soul. I personally believe that watching something bloom and grow generates this acute sense ‘life’ and what it has to offer.

I guess in a way gardens are a metaphor for life itself….they need the right proportion and balance of things to amount to something wonderful. Same goes for our lives…we need to maintain a balance and be nourished by the right people, the right foods, the right environments to grow to our full potential and be grateful for each day.

And…just for some rooftop garden inspiration…

(Image via VK)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via The Gifts of Life)

(Image via Modenus)

(image via Luna & Chloe Style)

(Image via Pinterest)

Love

November 24, 2013

Caught on Camera…

The camera has been a life ‘theme’ this week.

Number One: I found out that my work computer has ‘photobooth’. Not going to lie, it has changed my working day. Productivity may have taken a hit, but it is SO much fun.

Number Two: I was lucky enough to spend 90 minutes with Megan Young (and her partner Matt) – amazing, inspiring photographers. They invited me into their gorgeous Surry Hills apartment which they had transformed into a make-shift photography studio. I was pretty awkward and nervous….actually who am I kidding?!.. after about 20 mins I started to love it! Not going to lie, I did pretend I was on an episode of ‘Australia’s next top model’. This ‘spontaneous’ photoshoot was brought on by the realisation that I literally did not possess one suitable ‘professional’ shot of myself – doing the splits on the dance floor, weaving, tree-surfing…just didn’t ‘cut it’ from a professional perspective…

OK…now for Number Three. This definitely comes in my top 5 embarrassing moments of 2013.

I got caught on a security camera. Doing something VERY weird.

Allow me to set the scene:

I was visiting a commercial screen/awning client in the industrial ‘burbs of the Northshore. The visitors car park was literally a vertical, dark, narrow spiral. NO exaggeration. I inched my yellow car all the way down…without a scratch. I was pretty proud of myself. I got out of the car. NOTE: I was wearing a dress and VERY high clogs. I scanned the car park. Could not locate a life. I has to shuffle in my high heels UP the ‘ramp’. It literally took me 10 mins, but I got there…without breaking an ankle.

The meeting went well.

It was then time to leave.

I now was faced with the challenge of having to walk DOWN the dark, VERTICAL, ramp. For some (stupid) reason, I decided I didn’t want to take off my clogs. I started walking down…I felt shakey…I felt like I was going to fall face first into the cement…I analysed my situation and decided the best possible way to get down was to SIT ON MY BOTTOM and ‘scoot’ all the way down. More accurately it was a cross between a crawl and crab walk. I knew my undies were showing….

I made it. without a bruise. I smiled at myself. Thinking how lucky i was that there was no one around to witness this highly awkward display of movement….Or was there????Upon driving out of the carpark, I heard people clapping and cheering. I looked out of my window and there were my clients laughing. Hard. I had been caught on the security camera….

They yelled out…..”Hahaha, did you have a bit of trouble getting down the ramp Nikita? ……”Nikita, why didn’t you use the lift?”…

MORTIFIED. I (genetically) can’t go red…but if I could, I would have been the shade of a beetroot.

I can NEVER face those clients again.

So…. in following this week’s life ‘theme’ of camera’s, I thought I would share a round up of some inspiring photography studios. Photography needs to consider so many factors and variables – light, space, composition, not to mention the massive amount of equipment. Photo studios need to be functional. Ample space and room length is a essential for long focal lengths and set up of umbrella’s. High ceilings can also be necessary to allow for manipulation of the height of equipment etc. However, studios must also be comfortable and allow people to feel at ease. Any feelings of ‘awkwardness’ are sure to be caught on camera. Storage is also another factor that must be taken into consideration..

The camera has been my life’s ‘theme’ this week.

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via fffound)

(Image via Airspaces)

(Image via Scout Catalogue)

(Image vis serenadeofaneclecticloversmirage.tumblr.com)

(Image via Pinterest)

Whilst these photo studio’s are gorgeous…not too sure that I will be able to say the same about my professional photos! ha.

Happy Sunday Night.

November 16, 2013

Spaced Out

Don’t judge me for what I am about to reveal. Seriously…don’t judge me.

I have never seen Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien,, Space Odyssey, Wall-E…

(I have however seen Men in Black – mainly because of my teenage crush on Will Smith….. )

In my defence, I don’t have any brothers (although my youngest sister & dad are obsessed with Dr Who).

Sci-Fi is a genre which has never interested me. Indie films, rom-coms, world movies are more ‘my thang’.

However, on the weekend I saw Gravity in 3D ( it was by default as all the other movies were fully booked). As I put my 3D glasses on, I was very apprehensive. Admittedly, George Clooney warmed my heart a little – such a silver fox! However 90 minutes later, as the credits rolled – I just sat there in absolute silence. I couldn’t get off my seat. So many questions were orbiting around my head.

As i drove out of the cinema car park…I looked up at the sky in total awe. What is actually up there? How big is the universe? What is happening on other planets? My personal stresses and dilemmas suddenly seemed so insignificant . Watching ‘Gravity’ seemed to put everything into perspective, forced me to realise the ‘bigger picture’

I am now obsessed with learning about space exploration, planets , the solar system etc. Last night, I spent 2 hours ‘googling’ outer space (I wish, I was joking). I got sucked into this google vortex…next on my list is to watch a few space documentaries.

Did you know?

* You can grow up to 6% taller in space – without gravity your spine is free to expand

* Contrary to depictions in science fiction movies, the human body can briefly survive in outer space unprotected – we don’t explode!!

* You can’t technically ‘cry; in space – tears don’t fall…

* The Milky Way galaxy we live in: is one among the BILLIONS in space.

We have an undeniable fascination with outer space. I believe it has something to do with the unlimited potential. The size of the universe is infinite and we only occupy a tiny speck of it. Outer space is like a huge stage upon which some incredible things take place. Giant stars exploding, black holes, asteroids, giant meteors,

In the world of design, it is no surprise, that stars, moons and planets have long been a source of inspiration. Planetary motifs, vintage star constellation maps an even alien-inspired lighting are commonly integrated into interior spaces.

Space themed bedrooms are also very popular amongst children…damn, I wish I could go back in time…probably a little creepy if I create a ‘space’ bedroom now. Although in saying that, I did have glow in the dark stars on my ceiling when I was little.

See below for my round up of interesting ‘space’ inspired design and rooms…

Secretly my dream room….

(Image via Hative)

( Image via Behance)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Dig Digs)

Futuro, ufo house, Warrington, Matti Suuronen

(Image via Wikipedia)

Space Age interior of Kurokawa Kisho’s Nakagin Capsule Tower

(Image via Scavenged Luxury)

(Image via Tangletree)

(Image via Pinterest)

So so cute!

(Image via Pinterest)

OK,, I’m off…going to make myself a tea and eat a Mars Bar (no joke, my new fav chocolate)…but before I go…I’ll leave you with some ‘cool’ space jokes…

Q:What kind of music do planets sing?
A:Neptunes!

Q: Why did the people not like the restaurant on the moon?
A: Because there was no atmosphere.

N x

November 9, 2013

Well-designed Imagination.

I had two imaginary friends growing up – Little Mimi & Big Arka. I have no idea why I chose those names. Little Mimi was forever in the hospital with a broken arm & Big Arka was always ‘making me’ ask my parents for ice-cream. I guess those first two years (before my sister came along) must have been pretty lonely.

As children we have such active imaginations, but as we ‘grow up’ our imagination becomes overwritten with reality and thoughts imposed on us by a means of socialisation. Our imaginations are spoiled by the knowledge of what is actually possible.

I have always had a very active imagination. One of my favourite ‘games’ as a child was pretending my wardrobe was an elevator. I would stick numbers on the inside of the doors and would ‘exit’ into different ‘worlds’ – Disneyland, Fern Gully’s forest and with mermaids under the sea (yes, I would do breast-stroke across my carpet and get carpet burn)….

I believe that without our imagination, there would be no reality. Where would the human race be? Would we even exist? Everything new…every invention…every idea…every improvement in our life has been connected to the imagination. Our imagination is an elusive, non-material ‘thing’.….but it exists. Our imagination is uncontrollable, infinite and has no boundaries. Our imaginations can’t be owned by anyone else. It allows us to actualise what reality can’t provide.

Many adults feel no need to use their imagination. It is easy to carry out day-to-day lives without tapping into our imagination. But I argue, that if we do keep our imagination alive we can lead a much richer, fuller and satisfying existence.

I also truly believe that everyone is capable of being ‘creative’. The amount of times I have heard friends and family say; “Oh, I am not the creative type”. Not true. I believe that we are born with a ‘creative muscle’. It is a muscle that needs to be properly nourished and exercised. Otherwise it lies dormant.

In the industry of design – imagination is key. Imagination and creativity go hand-in-hand. The ability to visualise. The ability to translate an abstract concept, idea or belief into a creative form.

My imagination is still very active…I know I am going to some like a complete freak…BUT…

I often imagine that when I exit a room the pieces of furniture talk to one another. They have their own dialogue. Everything from the chairs way they are positioned

I know it sounds weird. I know it probably sounds like I’ve eaten some mushrooms (not the shittake variety). I haven’t.

(Mum if you are reading this – I haven’t lost my marbles – please do not book me into see the doc.)

Imagination aligns itself with the ability to visualise. When it comes to interior design – visualisation is key. When we are selecting a new piece of furniture, deciding which colour to paint a wall or even just rearranging furniture, we need to ‘imagine’ what the end result will be. It is this process of visualisation that taps into the imagination.

Interior designers must be able to see beyond the current environment and actually visualise what they hope to accomplish as an end result.

Listen to this amazing TED talk –

http://www.ted.com/conversations/6200/how_can_imagination_lead_to_in.html

An increasing trend, which I believe aligns to my imaginative journey is mismatched chairs. For some crazy reason, when I see mismatched chairs it seems like they each have their own unique personality and are ‘talking’ to each other like old friends.

Ok, I am sounding crazier my the minute – see the images below and maybe…just maybe…you might ‘get’ what I mean….or maybe you will just think I am nuts.

How cute is this arrangement of various wooden chairs!

(Images via At homeinlove)

The little stool looks like the child of the ‘Chair Family’…

(Image via Msalx)

This has to be my favourite image…it looks like the chairs are having a business meeting.

(Image via Desire to Inspire)

Birds eye view…with a gorgeous tribal rug.

(Image via Scandanavian with Love)

Chairs have a dine out…wine & all.

(Image via Petite Passport)

Having breakfast…with grandma (the fluffy chair!)

(Image via Lovely Life)

Kids party!!!

(image via Blood & Champagne)

Waiting…..

(Image via Lisa Scheer )

OK, I am off….it is a rainy Sunday afternoon and I feel like exercising…my… imagination. Allowing myself 30minutes of solid daydreaming.

Happy Sunday.

N x

November 2, 2013

What is your hobby?

For the last couple of weeks I have been conducting my own ‘social experiment’.

I have been asking my friends, family, acquaintances and strangers … “What are your hobbies?”. The responses have been varied:

Avoidance; “Nix, why do you ask these random questions? It’s too weird, I’m not going to answer.”
Confusion; “Does online shopping count as a hobby?”
Defensive; “Nix…not everybody needs a hobby”

And it is true. Not everybody needs a hobby. But, admittedly I do find it a little odd when someone has absolutely no hobbies…

Conducting this ‘social experiment’ has made me realise how much I love learning and hearing about other peoples’ hobbies. By asking such a simple question, it immediately provided me with such insight into their personalities and characters.

My barista whose hobby for 20 years has been making puppets, a guy I met at a party whose hobby is competitively riding ‘Penny Farthings’ (no joke, he learnt how to ride one in Tasmania), the taxi driver who told me she loves playing the harmonica…then proceeded to whip one out of the glovebox (again, I promise you this happened).

Hobbies are highly personal. They are essentially are a form of self-pleasure. And can be so satisfying. Whether it is making things, collecting things, learning things…they offer an opportunity to develop yourself and knowledge base.

A common misconception is that hobbies are reserved for retirees. This is not true. Hobbies have SO much to offer. Instead of depending on external sources of pleasure and entertainment, a hobby is something you can do from within and it allows you to have dedicated time by yourself…you can switch of and unwind. Experimenting and trying different hobbies also acts as a means to discover a talent that may have lied dormant…you never know where it could lead you – think of all the artists, chefs, music and etc who have transformed a hobby into a career!

However, I believe that the best part of having a hobby is it can connect you to like-minded people with similar interests. It can then offer you a sense of belonging or a community. With our lives at such a crazy fast pace, I wonder if the importance placed on having hobbies is getting diluted…

Whilst I have a few hobbies…I believe that about a month ago I found ‘the one’…

WEAVING.

Inspired by New Friends, Brook & Lyn and Mary-Ann Moodie, I purchased a small hand loom and have not looked back. It is the perfect hobby for me; tactile, colourful, patterned and aligned with my ‘global boho-chic’ design style! I weave during my lunch breaks at work, I weave whilst listening to Frank Ocean, I weave on Saturday nights whilst drinking peppermint tea (yes, it has become a bit of a social-life killer). I find the process highly meditative, it allows me to calm my mind and focus on the ‘now’.

I am determined to continue this hobby, so that when I am ‘Grandma Nix’…I will dominate all the other grandmas in the arts and crafts group.

I can’t wait until I get a little better at weaving and can make my own loom. Oh god, I sound like such a nerd!

See a roundup of some beautiful weaving , it is what I aspire to…

(Image via New Friends)

(Image via House of Maryanne)

(Image via becollection.tumblr.com)

(Image via House of Maryanne)

(Image via New Friends)

(Image via refinery29.com)

(Image via Brook & Lyn)

Next time you meet someone…ask them; “What is your hobby?”. Trust me, you will find out a whole lot more about that person…

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

N x

October 22, 2013

Water Sign.

I was born on the Cancer-Leo cusp.

Emotional, nurturing, intuitive, sensitive, moody…possessing many of the Cancer traits, I consider myself to be a Cancerian.

Cancers are ruled by the moon and belong to the element of water.

Admittedly, I usually read both horoscopes and pick which one I like best….

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and I guess over the years I have come to believe in various elements of astrology.

Whilst I have never been a strong swimmer (i’ve heard Indians have a lower buoyancy to most), I do love the feeling of being submerged and moving through water. After all, I am a water sign.

I never really swam at school…preferred being on land. However over the last few years, I have consciously integrated ‘swimming laps into my exercise regime and my ‘buoyancy’ has definitely improved!

Growing up, our family vacations revolved around the beach, but I have never lived near the water….

until last week…

Yes, I made the move. Right near the beach. I have never considered myself a ‘beach babe’. I get way too dark, too quickly (ie. You can only see the whites of my eyes and teeth when the lights turn off) and I can’t stand on a surfboard to save myself.

But…there is just something so magical about staring out into the sea. I believe humans have an innate visual appreciation of the sea.

Many people seek out the ocean in times stress or emotional crisis. It is no wonder that popular holiday destinations are by the sea. I often wonder why this is?! Maybe it is the sheer vastness, that reminds us of the ‘bigger picture. Maybe it is the consistent movement of the water – large swells followed by stillness. Or something to do with the smell and taste of salt.

Like us, the ocean has different moods. Dark and broody. Bright and exultant. It always in flux. Never the same. Each day it is different.

I believe that humans are possess some sort of archaic magnetism to the ocean. We recognise the ocean as part of us. I guess on some deep proverbial level it is – water is the lifeblood of humans.

Being near the water soothes me. It grounds me. A dip in the salt water, recharges my energy. I also found out that scientific research proves that the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a deeply relaxed state.

It is no wonder that so many people live by or on the water. Have a look at some of these ‘floating houses’ I found …such beauties…

(Image vua Kulfoto)

Atleast you wouldn’t have any trouble with the neighbours here!

(Image via Ms Arichter)

(Image via Becoming Roux)

(Image via Pinterest)

House on the water in Bayview, Idaho. Photo by Katrina Bondra

Coolest houseboat ever!!

http://becomingroux.tumblr.com/post/63561295894

(Image via Becoming Roux)

(Image via Bourgeois Bohemianism)

Dutch studio Ruud Visser Architects have tranformed a 1930s church into a house in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

(Image via Dezeen)

Only in Kashmir. Gorgeous.

(Image via Just Call Me Grace)

I love this one…it is like something out of a fairytale.

(Image via Pinterest)

And here is one of my favourite tunes; Frank Ocean, Swim Good:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmN9rZW0HGo

Now…I just want to go live on a houseboat for a few weeks!

N x

October 16, 2013

tunes which I am currently loving…

Music is home to me. It makes me feel happy, safe and content.

It is my instant time machine. It takes me back to my awkward teenage years – getting dressed for a ‘gathering’ or driving in the car with my first ‘boyfriend’. It connects me to my friends –the countless times we sung at the top of our lungs to Mariah Carey or pretending we were in ‘da hood’ listening to ‘Gangstas Paradise’ (ok…I still do that sometimes …)

I was in a choir for 13 years…a high soprano. Since I can remember, singing makes me happy. (NB:- I think my voice ‘broke’ at age of 18…and I am now tone deaf).

I can occupy myself for hours ‘producing’ film clips in my bedroom. Dancing makes me happy. Sometimes I use my hair straighter as a microphone. Sometimes I dress up as Beyonce (Don’t judge, I bet you do it to…). I thought I would have ‘grown out’ of this by now. I wonder if I will still be doing this at 73 years old…

Music & design have lots in common especially in terms of creativity. Both design and music seek to create a certain connection with the end-user. They are a catalyst to unlocking emotional responses and just like good design, music also has to be catchy, original and innovative.

I will update this list sporadically, but here are some tunes which I am currently loving…

CLICK THE LINKS TO HEAR THEM!

Maxwell – Pretty Wings

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkPy4yq7EJo

Frank Ocean – Thinking About You

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F15IjgyHd60

Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill my Vibe

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF8aaTu2kg0

Madcon – Beggin’ You

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YVrnLa8V8M

Chris Malinchak – So Good to Me

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVcG9lpZV24

October 15, 2013

my photography

just a handful of pics I have taken…

October 15, 2013

things which i am currently loving…

Is is the small things that really make me happy & content.

These ‘small things’ change from time to time…depending on my state of mind, the season, the people in my life etc.

I will update this sporadically, but here are 7 things which are currently making me really happy…

Learning to weave – on my cute frame loom
Eating Kale Chips (with lots of salt & chilli flakes)
Listening to Old School R’n’B mixes
Swimming laps (I am definitely become more ‘buoyant’ with age)
Collecting succulents (Succulent Safari’s!)
Learning new Hip Hop dance moves off Youtube (and…sometimes video recording them) – Mahalo is my virtual boyfriend – Check him out here
Reading my horoscopes (I am on the Cancer-Leo cusp – so I read both and then choose which one i like better)

October 7, 2013

I put my foot in it.

It took me 8 years….

But..I did it.

I mastered the yoga headstand (Shirshasana).

I finally released this deep-seeded fear of ‘falling’ and just let go…I cleared my mind, removed the mental pressure of having to do it successfully and just let my feet float upwards.

I was SO happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. I have been wanting to do this for years.

I love the sensation that arises from being upside down. Reversing the flow of gravity, I love the feeling of fresh blood running to my head. It is a weird pulsating feeling but this dissapates as you you relax and breath deeply into the pose.

When I got home (before hopping into the shower), I wanted to prove to myself that I could replicate the headstand outside of the yoga studio.

I rolled out my mat. I positioned myself and carefully rose my legs..I did it again!!!

BUT THEN…

I completely lost my balance, did a flip and put my foot through my wardrobe door – before I had a chance to register what had happened, the door hit me on the back of my head. I lay there, half-naked my face flat on the floor… my head throbbing. And then without even thinking…. I just started to laugh, hysterically. By myself. At myself. Sometimes, I honestly don’t know how I end up in these ridiculous situations.

My wardrobe is now missing a door – from one side it now looks like a clothes rack and from the other side a wardrobe. Don’t believe me? Think I made this story up? I wish…

It prompted me to start thinking about clothing racks. There seems to be a reemergence of aesthetically pleasing clothing racks popping up of late. Gone are the days were they are an eyesore reserved for the dressing rooms of fashion shows and dance recitals. Surprisingly these simple constructed frames can introduce a whole new dimension to a space. If used well, they can almost become a focal point, adding in colour, texture and form. Although….it does help to have lovely designer clothes to display (I somehow don’t think my boho-chic moo-moos won’t look as ‘cool’ when hung).

I am moving into a new house next week and I have decided to dispose of what is left of my ‘wardrobe’ and replace it with a a new clothes rack…after doing a bit of a website surfing, I am quite inspired and excited to get one!

Raw wood clothes rack…feel like another DIY project coming on…

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Sequin & Sweets)

I really want one of these….especially with the bottom plank to house all my Habitus magazines

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Sorakeem)

(Image via Imgfave)

Amazing clothes rack stylin’…

(Image via Etsy)

(Image via Decordots)

A metal pipe clothes rack…my dream…

(Image via Lauren Conrad)

OK, I actually have to go now and start packing up my room…and then going to yoga! Headstand here I come…

Have a great week!

N x

September 29, 2013

Blind Date.

For reasons, (that I am not going to get into)…I have embarked on a Dude Detox / Man Ban/ Men Zen.

It is day 22…

Anyways, the purpose of this whole ‘exercise’ is to spend time focusing on being the best person I can possibly be (i know it sounds a little cheesy…) but I believe that we can sometimes get so wrapped up in our daily routine that we often forget to ‘slow down’ and spend a bit of time looking inward and alone.

I am using this time to really do things I enjoy and not worry about what the future may or may not hold. In just 22 days I have visited an art events (Sydney Contemporary & Art Up Late 10th Anniversary), visited a museum, spent a whole afternoon in a bookstore café by myself just reading/writing/drinking coffee, gone on a bushwalk with my parents, attended a nude drawing class, swam countless laps (whilst getting 4 shades darker), attended numerous yoga classes, watched a foreign film, went to a hipster ‘soup party’, made 4 new friends and have re-connected with old friends…

However, I believe the best part that has arisen from this whole ‘dude detox’ is my discovery of the Achillies Running Group. It is a fantastic group which I am now proudly a member of!

Every Sunday morning (at 8am…a killer!) I now go running with visually-impaired individuals around The Domain & Centennial Park. Ok, so I am not going to lie….it has been a MASSIVE personal challenge. I was born with the ‘directional’ segment of my brain missing. I honestly can’t tell my left from my right. It is not a joke. wish it was. I even repeated Year 1. The only way I can tell is from a small freckle on my left hand. This does not always work. At 3am after a big night out…. this ‘freckle’ becomes a little hazy (I apologise to ALL the Sydney taxi drivers who have driven around in circles….).

I really do need to improve my directional abilities as I nearly ran my visually-impaired friend into a tree last week. Luckily she had an amazing sense of humour…..I on the other hand was mortified.. (I am now spontaneously ‘pop-quizzing’ myself every day; ‘Point left….Quick, turn right..”. I Do it waiting for my morning coffee. I do when driving my car. Practise makes perfect…right?!

Spending time with the members of Achillies, has made me realise how our culture is so visually dependent. We rely on our vision so heavily, that sometimes we ‘forget’ we have 4 other wonderful senses.

Each Sunday I am paired with a different visually-impaired friend. Each with their own story and experiences. It has honestly opened up my world. I am almost a little envious – they experience the world so differently…in a way people with full-sight will never understand. I just feel so lucky to be a part of this group so atleast I can get a glimpse into a world without sight.

Just this morning one of the members told me; “Nikita, it is so great being blind – my electric bill will always be lower than yours and every time I go on a date the girl is a 10/10”.

Who needs man-dates when I can have multiple (amazing) blind dates each Sunday morning?

My job working at an Architecture & Design publishing firm is centred around the visual. What is the colour scheme of the space? Are all the pieces of furniture compositionally-balanced? Is the lighting to harsh? It seems that we neglect our other senses in favour of sight.

We should also be asking; How did the space filter sounds? What did the texture of the finishes on the wall feel like? Did the openness of the space make you feel a certain way?

However, spaces have so much to offer our other senses. Weshould really be making a conscious effort to invite all our senses to experience a space to endeavour to have a ‘holistic’ experience.

Since volunteering at Achillies, I have definitely become more conscious of sound. I know this is a little strange, but the other day I even tried to have a shower with my eyes closed. It was a huge struggle….I ended up getting shampoo in my eyes and then burning myself with the hot water. But after I relaxed a little I began to experience the shower like I never ad before. I focused on the sound of the water to gauge it’s pressure. I focused on the feel of the water. I also focused on the sound of my beautiful voice singing “Can’t Hurry Love” (Jokes! Ok, maybe not joking…something has to get me through dude detox!). It was a real eye-opening experience (excuse, the pun!). You should give it a try….

Architectural acoustics contribute significantly to the enjoyment and function of a space. For example a hospital or university lecture theatre require sound to be absorbed, whilst a concert hall needs to be designed to accentuate the characteristics of the music or actors voices. In the workplace, unwanted noise can interfere with privacy, concentration and productivity. Acoustic panelling is an important feature of many building spaces. Acoustic Panels help control or eliminate sound waves from bouncing off hard surfaces. See below for a round up of some aesthetically pleasing and well-designed acoustic panels.

(Image via Formnation)

Origami-inspired acoustic ceiling panels…gorgeous!

(Image via Designboom)

I love the texture and shapes of these panels.

(Image NoShapeNoShade)

(Image via Co Design)

Meeting Space by Richard Shed Studio. So cute!

(Image via Yatzer)

Hexagonal acoustic panels – a great way to add colour into a space.

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via mostbeautifulpages.com)

(Image via designboom.com)

(Image via Bertrand Grimont)

Hoshakuii Station

(Image via Architonic)

Gorgeous lines!

(Image via Designboom)

OK, I’m off to cook some dinner!

Happy Sunday NIght.

N x

September 22, 2013

Kicked to the curb.

I have a problem.

I just love objects that have been ‘kicked to the curb’.

I went through a stage where I couldn’t go for a walk without coming home with a pre-loved item that had been sitting on the curb.

It was when I lived back home with mum & dad. Admittedly, bought home some pretty weird items – A family portrait (of some stranger’s family)….It had a nice frame! The inside of an old television…I wanted to transform it into a cool installation art piece. A wooden shipping palette…I wanted to create a table. Sadly, none of these ‘creative aspirations’ ever came into fruition. Instead, I was just yelled at; “Nix, if you bring one more piece of junk inside this house…..we are kicking you to the curb”. Ouch.

Over the years, I have learnt to control my urge. I can’t really explain why…. but I am drawn to pre-loved sofas, cabinets, shelves etc which are kicked to the curb. I almost feel sorry for them. They were once so loved…a part of the interior. Now, they have now been deemed ‘useless’. Either waiting for the council clean up…or for someone else to rescue them. Seeing abandoned household furniture and objects, are a catalyst for my mind to embark on some bizarre imaginative journey; Who sat on that couch? What items have been stored in those drawers? What was watched on that TV?

It’s just like an informal sidewalk orphanage. You will never know the exact history of pre-loved object, but sometimes you just have a ‘connection’ with an object and learn to love it, like it has always been you own.

Ok, I know….I probably sound like a crazy person.

Yesterday as I was walking up the street….I spotted a gorgeous wire planter. I have been wanting one for ages. It was definitely a sign. It looked so cute and lonely…just chillin’ out on the curb. Waiting to get picked up by an old council truck. I couldn’t handle the thought of this little planter being landfill.

So….I rescued it. Next weekend, I am going to give it the ultimate makeover. I will spray it either gold or black…from CURB to SUPERB!!!

In the 1970s indoor plants were all the rage and in recent times they have definitely made a comeback. Indoor plants needs to be used appropriately, otherwise they can literally transform your interior space into a scene reminiscent of Fern Gully on the Jungle Book. It is important to keep it simple and not crowd the space too much. Interesting shape leaves teamed with a cute pot is the perfect way to freshen up a lifeless space (plus having indoor plants is apparently very healthy!).

Check out some of these cute planters below…