Be Who You Want To Be.

Sometimes people just need to be reminded of the this simple truth. Since Neil and I got married four years ago, we have always said that we aren't going to let circumstances and situations prevent us from doing what we want to do. And I am so glad that despite things that happen in our lives, that I have such an incredible husband to remind of this.

Do what you want to do. Be who you want to be.

There's just not enough time in our lives to spend forty hours a week, for fifty years or more doing something that may pay well, but makes you miserable. Now in saying that, if your dream is to become an singer, or a doctor, it doesn't mean you need to go quit your dead end job today and start practicing tomorrow. There are obviously practical steps in achieving these dreams (e.g. it's probably good to get into a few open mic nights or sing at some local gigs to get your name out there, you will need a few qualification behind your name to be a doctor etc.). I know finances always play a HUGE factor in things, we all know bills need to get paid somehow. But in the bigger scheme of things, I believe everything we do should be towards this goal, otherwise what's the point? It's the small steps. Doing something every day to get to the destination. Making the most of the journey. Even if you are working at Starbucks now but dream of becoming an artist, why not start putting money away weekly to get new supplies, put towards the day you can become self-employed, use your weekends to create exhibitions instead of thinking oh well, one day I will be able to do it.

I am seriously talking to myself right now, by the way. Obviously my future involves being creative, even though I am not sure at the moment what that specifically looks like (design, art, fashion, photography...I love it all!), I know I want to use my time now. I think sometimes we can get discouraged when we are not where we think we should be at the moment. But it's okay, every step counts. And every decision you make can be towards that dream.

Update on the March Challenge.

How is everyone doing with the March Challenge? There are still 15 days left to participate in the challenge of do something different everyday so it's not too late to join in. You can add instagram/twitter entries by adding #differentmarch (if you want to follow mine, it is @ilana_mcmorran). Although I must confess, I probably have not been doing this every day (I know right, slap on the hand!) but the days that I have consciously decided to do something different, I've tried to make it count. And I have been pleasantly surprised with myself by the amount of things I only do out of routine, instead of doing it because I actually like it or because it's good for me. Let me explain, normally I do my exercise in the afternoon, not because I have to but only because it was routine. One day I decided to swap it around a bit and go for a run in the morning - which I actually enjoyed more than the usual run in the afternoons in the humid, hot weather after a day's work.

This month I also decided to challenge myself creatively and make personal designs just for the fun of it, instead of doing it for a client or work. As a creative, I have realized how important it is to do designs/paintings/photography for your own pleasure and your own ideas rather than always do it for someone else. This is what keeps you inspired and passionate about the creative industry.

Before the end of the month, as a challenge to myself (and now that I have said it, you are all my witnesses and must keep me accountable hah!), I will be releasing 3 more tote bags to my collection! So my thinking cap is on and working at doing something rad with these bags!

What have you challenged yourself with doing differently? I need some more ideas, as I noticed a lot of days I have opted for doing something different food-wise (choosing a different meal to the usual at a restaurant, deciding on a different local pub, getting a different sweet treat than always etc.) and I want to do something other than just changing and trying different foods. So any ideas?

Clockwork Orange.

Neil
Shirt l Slyguild
Shorts l Hallensteins
Shoes l Converse

Ilana
Dress l ASOS
Shoes l Wildpair

So this week I got super excited when this cute little dress arrived that I roped Neil  into coming to take some photos with me. One thing that I absolutely love about this little number, is that the spots match my favourite orange heels perfectly! I have such a love for orange at the moment, so probably got a little bit too excited when the shades actually matched.

Have a lovely weekend all! I shall be making the most of the sunshine and spending some good quality time with my best friendie this weekend! Joyyyyy!!!

Loves & Wants.

Penguin Classics l Modcloth
Northern Lights Stripe Dress l Storm
Dakota Wallet l Status Anxiety
Canon 550D l Noel Leeming
Wacom Tablet l Wacom
Design Sponge at Home l Amazon
Udo Booties l Overland

Don't you find that once you start looking at pretty things online, it's just too hard to stop? Hah, I reckon I could easily do at least five more posts similar to this for all goodies I've found online lately. Some of these I wouldn't necessarily put in my "need" compartment of life, but would definitely fit in with my "loves and wants". So we must sift out our priority buys, which I know these beauties wouldn't fit into right now (apart from the Canon and the Wacom of coarse! That's a definite "need"!) but, it's always nice to look :)

Take A Step.

Today I felt rather inspired with the do something different every day challenge, that I decided it's right about time that I design a bit of a freebie for your desktops! So happy weekend friends, and enjoy making your desktop look a little prettier - and hopefully inspire you during those days when all you want to do is sleep!

1920 x 1200  l  1920 x 1080  l   1680 x 1050  l  1600 x 1200  l  1440 x 900  l  1280 x 1024  l  iphone 320 x 480

Click on your screen size above to get your desktop :) Please note: This is for personal use only. Do not upload onto other sites or claim as your own work.

Today is the First Day.

So today is the First of March, First day of Autumn, First day of the rest of your life. I am feeling rather inspired by doing the March Challenge that I woke up with a bounce in my step, and excited butterflies in my belly. This is the month of challenges, trying new foods, meeting new people, creating new designs, doing new activities and I am excited to see what are some of the things I will be able to tick off this month.

One of my main goals is to create more of my own personal designs and work on my own projects - creating different works, probably not on a daily basis, but hopefully it will take up a few days of focus this month. This is only one of the many things I am looking forward to doing! Anyone else joining in? What are you planning on doing different?