The sand between toes.. BBQ's with friends on the beach.. the sun disappearing into the horizon.. let's face it there's just something about summer.

Wherever you are in the world the warm relaxed days carry a feeling in the air.

In Australia we have some of the most amazing beaches to enjoy through the sunshine months. World famous spots like 'Noosa Beach' (pictured below) with it's white sand, cafe's, welcoming vibe, becomes a hive of activity as people flock to enjoy one of the best times of year. 

Further South at the iconic 'Bondi Beach' the energetic are out early, making the most of the cool start to the day and breathing in the fresh air. The walk around Bondi beach is one of the best in Australia and whether you're out and about or people watching from across the road in the cafe, you can't help but feel on holiday in that place.

Wherever you are this summer make sure you take some time, look around for a spot by yourself or with others, and truly appreciate what is all around you. They say 'an ocean breeze puts the mind at ease', so slow down, enjoy the view and stop and breathe. 

140 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach

This modern deli is exactly what a cafe should be. A place where the necessity for coffee is met with a healthy and delicious choice of food. Seasonal picks that are cooked from the heart.

SONOMA

10/178 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach

With divine loaves of freshly baked bread peeking out from every corner the Sonoma café is one of our faves!  Selling gourmet pastries, breads and sandwiches, plus brekkie and coffee blends. Perfect!

17-18/110 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi

Uber chic cafe serving creative breakfasts, light lunches and mains. This is the place to be seen or catch up with those hipster buddies. Oh and excellent coffee!

1/16 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

At this bustling Bondi café there is an emphasis on the exact art of coffee making. Owner Rafi Aruch has built 12 years of trust amongst the community. With a delicious menu and wooden stools perched at the window bar this café and its coffee is a MUST!

2/136 Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach

With rave reviews on the delicious coffee, a must-do coffee stop is Harry's Espresso Bar. With a name like that how could they not do great coffee! Yummy modern Australian offerings and a great breakfast menu are the highlights. Bring on the brew we say! 

Have you made your bucket list? Maybe it’s the fact that time keeps speeding on by, but last week I was reflecting on my life and realising that time stops for no one. I have read numerous passages and books that reference to that moment when someone is lying on their death bed and they rattle off the things they regret. There is a common theme, typically it’s the fact they wished they had taken more risks. Keeping in the spirit of this I decided the time to construct my bucket list was NOW! So here are my top 10 things to do before I die. I hope this inspires you to create your own list!

1. Take a Pilgrimage. This may not hold the meaning it used to in the spiritual sense, but think of that place which makes your heart sing. For me I have always longed to visit the great wall of China. At 7m high, 7m thick and over 8000km long it blows my mind that this structure was made by human efforts. 
   
   
2. Forgive. Something that sounds so simple yet can be so hard. In the end unforgiveness is something that poisons your spirit not the person you are mad at. 
   
   
3. See the Pyramids. I have always longed to see this Egyptian marvel. Once again I am in awe of what human brilliance can accomplish! 
   
   
4. Go Skinny Dipping. The scaredy cat in me has never shed all my clothing and bravely jumped into the sea. One day I am going to take a shot of something, be extra brave, carefree and all of that..one day I shall skinny-dip.
   
   
5. Get Engaged on top of the Eiffel Tower. Ok so many of you know I’m already married. This is a dream I would love to reenact one day. But to all you dreamers out there, this is definitely #goals.
   
   
6. Float in the Dead Sea. This is just plain cool. I would love to know what this salt dense body of water feels like, one day I am determined I will!
   
   
7. See the Northern Lights. Something again I have always longed to do. The earth is an amazing place, what a creation! 
   
   
8. Finish a Journal. I am a self-confessed journal-a-holic. I love paper, crafts and stickers. Planning in my planner, writing down thoughts in my journal and numerous to-do lists. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever finished a journal, I always get to the middle and excitedly buy another and start that one. One day I shall have a complete journal!
   
   
9. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride. Sipping on some champagne, watching the sunset from a Hot Air Balloon, sigh. It would be absolute magic to float silently across the skyline!
   
   
10. Love Deeply. Tell the people in my world whether it be family or not…tell I love them. It's so easy to assume that people can read our minds and they should know, but do they? Spread a little love around, it will cost you nothing but will give so much!

Now that I have started my list I realise I could actually make this 50 or 100 things to do before you die. I think more than going out there, taking out a loan and ticking off the list, just putting these thoughts down gives you a sense of something more. A sense of not just living a 9-5 existence but searching for more and longing for not just material things but experiences. Let it never be said of us that we had regrets! 

The Noosa is our bestseller here at John Taylor Watches. A combination of Rose Gold casing and a Blush leather strap makes this a feminine combination. Yet whilst being feminine its minimal design makes it not overly fussy. Below are some ways you can style your very own Noosa timepiece.

 A little background behind the name. The Noosa is named after one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, Noosa Beach. Having been to Noosa many times I am always taken back by its beauty. Noosa as a whole is a blend of the Australian beach lifestyle and upper class elegance. The streets team with tourists shopping at the exclusive boutiques, coffee in hand, scoping out the best spot for lunch. There are certainly relaxed vibes but it takes a pretty penny to live in Noosa.

When I wear the Noosa I am always surprised by how many different ways I can style the Noosa timepiece. The Blush makes it’s perfect for jeans and t-shirt casual yet it’s a great date night look too.

 Creating a distinct woman’s watch, the Noosa is one of my favourite designs.  I believe the Noosa will remain a core product for John Taylor Watches for a very long time. Make sure you show us how you style your Noosa timepiece using the hashtags #myjtstory & #johntaylorwatches.

Last week I was pondering my next blog adventure and thought I would put together an outfit. When I typically do this I try to think of basing it around 2-3 colours maximum. This gives the look a continuity and a streamlined effect. The eye of the beholder doesn’t have to focus on ten different things when they glance your way. 

For this look I featured one of our good friends here at John Taylor Watches, Hello Parry is an Australian clothing brand really making their mark on the fashion industry. This top is called the ‘Anoushka’ top and with it’s on trend gingham design, it’s a great piece to add to your wardrobe this Autumn. 

For the bottom half I choose a simple black denim mini skirt, opaque black tights and knee-hi boots. The main feature here really is the top and accessories. 

For the accessories (and this is wear I think the outfit pulls together) I chose a simple black velvet and pearl choker along with the John Taylor Watches Bells design timepiece. A few carefully chosen black pieces keep this outfit interesting yet not overboard.  For my handbag I went with this classic tote design from Colette by Colette Hayman. 

Essentially I am not a girl who spends an exorbitant amount of time putting an outfit together but I truly believe with a few keys pieces you can look extremely put together and ready for any occasion. 

It's taken me years to decipher exactly what my personal style is and to feel comfortable in my own skin. I used to imitate those whose style just didn't suit me and I really didn't understand my body shape. I’m at a point now where I can look at clothing items online or on the hanger and almost instantly know whether they’re going to suit me or not. Here are my top tips for finding your personal style. 

 
DETERMINE WHAT SUITS YOU
 
I think this is something that comes with age and of course, trial and error. All of us can probably say we much prefer our personal style now more than we did 10 years ago. I used to love the look of leather pants and an oversized shirt, however that looks best on someone with less of a pear-shaped figure than mine. My top half is significantly smaller than my bottom so what's most flattering is wearing something more fitted on the top and something less structured on the bottom.
 
Jeans are another item that just don’t suit me… no matter how hard I try! I've always dreamed of being a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but that look just doesn't work on me. I look better in more classic pieces that are form fitting on top, with skirts being mid-length and pants loose. Once you figure out items that compliment your shape, it’s far easier to determine what pieces will suit you and you’ll feel confident in what you’re wearing.
 
MAKE SURE YOU'RE COMFORTABLE 
 
I know I know, I’m not really the messiah on comfort. By comfortable I mean wearing what makes you feel confident. I feel confident in heels as it gives me height and I stand taller; I actually feel quite frumpy in flats. There are so many times I have yearned to look good in a pair of Gucci loafers, however I always revert back to the not-so-humble heel. However if you're not comfortable in heels, you'll look awkward and unhappy which just isn't a good look on anyone - if you feel super confident in jeans and a t-shirt, then you'll look awesome in those. 

INVEST IN KEY PIECES
 
Bags and shoes are my favourite key pieces to invest in. You can be wearing a boring AF outfit, then if you pair it with an awesome bag or a killer pair of heels, it completely transforms your outfit from geek to chic. This doesn't necessarily have to be from a luxury brand, this could be a really high quality wool coat or a beautiful pair of tailored pants. Stand out pieces that you can wear with a plethora of outfits is what we're seeking here.
 
QUALITY
 
This was a game changer for me. After buying years of crappy quality clothes made of cheap fabrics such as 'viscose', 'rayon' or 'polyester,' some which were obscenely overpriced no less, I have now opted to investing in higher quality materials, so my clothes last longer and wash better. No matter what your personal style is, poor quality pieces will look cheap on anyone. 
 
STAPLE ITEMS
 
For me, it's black and white turtlenecks either short or long sleeved - these go with absolutely everything. For you, it might be neutral coloured t-shirts, shirts or jeans. Once you have these down-pat, you can incorporate additional pieces around them to create a cohesive collection, comprising of accessories, outerwear and occasional trend items.
 
TAILORING

This goes without saying for me as I'm quite short (5ft 4"), so all of my trousers require alteration. However, shortening the arm length of a jacket or cinching in the waist can make all the difference. Beautiful tailoring will always look chic and if the item fits you well, you’ll feel confident in what you're wearing.

SAVING INSTAGRAM PICTURES
 
Instagram can be the key to a world of outfit combinations you never thought possible. Start utilising the new 'pin' feature so over time you are stockpiling a folio of looks to refer to when seeking style inspiration. 

Zoe

Featured from the blog 'Wilde by Zoe'

As a teenager I just couldn’t understand the lure of coffee.  The smell was vaguely appealing, the taste was truly disgusting and at the time the only benefit I could see was its ability to keep you awake.  This was enough to get me to try it.. and years later I can well and truly say I am a convert.

 Words like crema, roast and bean get my taste buds tingling and my senses stirred.

That feeling of walking into a cafe, you look across at the Barista and clearly by the signs of his dreads and piercings knowing it’s gonna be great! You glance at the trendy decor which screams…we are the new breed of hipster.

The seats are few because the place is jammed with twenty-somethings spending their hard earned cash on a weekend breakfast out. There are gluten free offerings in the cabinet and ‘raw’ brownies…when did they need to be raw I ask myself? I glance at the price…$5 for a regular coffee….ah well it’s not just the coffee after all is it…we are paying for the experience.

The first few sips are glorious and the drive was all worth it.  We are emerged in the coffee culture and thankfully for us it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.

From a coffee lover xo

As the last days of Summer move on by in the Southern Hemisphere it’s time to begin the layering process. Coats, quilts, scarves and beanie’s will all take up permanent residence in my house very soon. So I’ve put together a little list of cosy additions to make their way out of storage to your home.

 Pull out the extra bedding. My lovely summer quilt has just not been keeping up with the chill that drifts through the windows in the early hours of the morning. Get that winter weight quilt out now and give it a good airing. All ready for snuggling up on those chilled mornings.

One of the best things about Winter I think are the hot drinks. Coffee is my jam but why not change things up mid-afternoon and try that hot chocolate with a cookie. Embrace the cosy culture and order the hot drink.

Put on the woolly socks and beanie. There is nothing that robs your body of heat fast than losing it from your head and your feet! So buy those cute fluffy socks and grab an inexpensive beanie…just think one more day to not have to wash your hair!  

No better time to read. Winter means early nights in the warm covers and dark mornings. Why not this winter grab yourself a copy of the latest bestseller or even that biography you’ve had in mind for months. Despite the age of Netflix and YouTube clips sometimes you just gotta get old school and grab a book.

Whilst researching a number of ideas for this blog post I happened upon that famous line ‘The power of positive thinking’. First made famous by author Norman Vincent Peale, this has long been a topic of discussion.

I wanted to break this down a little and talk about my thoughts on the power of positive thinking. I feel like this year, 2017 has meant a major life shift for me. Mindsets have changed and thought patterns shifted.

What is positive thinking? Simply it’s replacing that negative thought ‘I would be hopeless at rock climbing’ to ‘I’m going to give it a go and I bet I will be awesome’. I feel positive thinking is speaking good stuff over your life before it’s even happened.

Professor Barbara Fredrickson a psychologist from the University of North Carolina, USA suggests that positivity is a mindset and helps to produce emotions such as amusement, joy, happiness, well-being, inspiration and gratitude. 

You and I both know that negative emotions can lead to all sorts of things…ulcers, inadvertent weight gain or loss and anxiety. Professor Fredrickson says ‘I think of positive emotions as nutrients. In the same way that we need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to be healthy, we need a variety of positive emotions in our daily experience to help us become more resourceful versions of ourselves’.

Training our minds to focus on positive thoughts and not let yourself be drowned out by negativity can be tough. This requires discipline and a constant replacing that negative thought and in its place putting a positive one. I often tell my children that sometimes you need to ‘fake it till you make it’. The same is true for positive thinking. The mind is fickle and can be lazy too! The more you keep replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones, the more natural this process becomes. It may be a lot of effort to start but keep going it gets easier!  

The Mayo Clinic reports some of the benefits of positive thinking may provide an increased life span, lower rates of depression and stress, being able to withstand the common cold even! Better heart health and coping skills in times of worry and pressure. These are huge benefits!

Positive thinking is definitely something I want to work better at. I suggest a couple of resources to start you on this process of a positive lifestyle. Grab a copy of ‘The Power of Positive thinking’ by Norman Vincent Peale and even a gratitude journal, which will help you to focus on the good things in your life. Just because we are almost into March doesn’t mean you can’t make this your best year yet!

1. Warm Lemon Water: I have heard this one talked about for years and never really been keen until recently. The New Year brings a 'new me' and I am embracing it with open arms. Warm lemon water every morning has helped with my digestion and also gives your body a boost of Vitamin C.
   
   
2. Start a journal: Whether it’s a gratitude journal, a prayer book or simply a place to scribble down thoughts, a journal is a great way to help align your mind. I’ve found when I get all my thoughts down I feel more centered and ready to face current issues that are going on in my life. I feel grateful for all I have and open to new opportunities. 
   
   
3. Hydrate! We have had this drummed into us for so long and there is truth in the drumming. There are so many benefits that outweigh the constant trips to the bathroom. Clear skin, less snacking, excess hunger, the overall health benefits are too numerous to list! I like to carry my favourite water bottle around with me and also on occasion add fun flavours like lime and berries. 
   
   
   
   
4. Get some sun! Getting enough vitamin D is essential for strong bones and a good mood. Get out of the office or study chair at least once each day to take a walk and get some vitamin D. 10 minutes a day is all you need.
   
   
5. Sleep More. I know what your saying…ok, this is a habit I could get behind. Getting enough sleep of a night is essential for your overall health. I have recently found an awesome function on my iphone called the Bedtime function, which alerts me when I need to head off to bed to get my 8 eight hours in. Although I usually ignore it, I am trying to train my body to obey.