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. 

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.

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'

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. 
   
   

As 2016 rapidly accelerates to a close, it’s a great time to grab your favourite cocktail and take some time to reflect on the upcoming year.

I would say 99% of people I talk to say how fast 2016 has flown. I often ask them did they achieve all they wanted to? And most often the answer is absolutely not! I’m first to put my hand up of someone who has lists upon lists of things I wanted to achieve.

When I think about this further I am struck by my how many of my decisions are career/ money based. However, when I think about what truly matters in life I believe experiences will be what I take with me as times marches on.

 Let’s make 2017 our year to say YES to new adventures! Let’s finally start that hobby…let’s go on that road trip! Let’s make that tricky cocktail we have been longing to try but didn’t want to splurge on the $50 spirits. Let’s book that trip to Europe!

I guess this is all easy to talk about, specially heading into the New Year’s resolution zone...but hey let’s take some practical steps too. First make a list…yes I hear what you’re saying, another list but unless it’s down on paper it’s unlikely it will ever happen.

Tell your significant other, a partner, a sibling, a parent…make it official and declare ‘I’m going to Paris’…even more fun burst into their room at 6am to do it.

Make an attempt to put your money where your mouth is...start saving even if it’s a small amount every pay packet.

Let’s say YES to new adventures! If you have an adventure that you are moving towards let the JT Team know all about it! Tag us in your pictures using #myjtstory…come on team let’s do this!

Now that you’ve DEFINITELY waited until the first of December to put up your tree and brushed the cobwebs off those decorations, it’s time to finally let the holiday season catch up with you. Every department store has been pushing Christmas since the beginning of October, but you’ve stayed strong and ignored the mounting stress wrapped in twinkling Christmas lights and smelling of candy canes.

But not until you’re pressing play on that Michael Bublé Christmas album and penciling in the third work Christmas party does it finally hit you – you’re not quite ready for December to be here. Not only when it comes to your savings account, but mentally as well.

In our rush to buy the perfect gift for our besties or for that special someone, we can so easily forget to love ourselves. But this year, the thing at the top of our lists should be to find a healthy balance these holidays (and I don’t just mean balancing those fruit mince pies with green smoothies)!

When you’re filling up your planner with commitments and family get-togethers, don’t forget to schedule a little quality time for yourself. There’s nothing like a deadly case of F.O.M.O to leave you exhausted and craving a cozy night in with Netflix.

Take some time out to go for a coffee date with your favourite book and say yes to that extra slice of cake. Watch Bridget Jones’s Diary for the thirteenth time and Love Actually with a cheeky glass of wine…or two!

After you’ve indulged in some alone time, don’t be afraid to add a few treats for yourself to your shopping list (for when you’re brave enough to venture into the outside world again). After all, what better time to pick up a few presents for the most important person in your life – YOU! 

With the year drawing to a close and your tolerance for reindeer-based songs skyrocketing, make it a priority to reflect on how far you’ve come this year. You’ve achieved so much and deserve a bit of praise, or at the very least, a celebratory nap for all your efforts this year.

Besides, you need to save your energy for that last minute dash to K-Mart on Christmas Eve. Tis the season after all!

Bek K