Habits, Self Development & Attitude

I'm reading a book at the moment called 'Better than before' by Gretchen Rubin.
It is basically about how to improve your life by letting go of crappy habits and fostering new ones.
It's really got me thinking about my life and how to mould some elements to serve me better. Truth is, I'm feeling pretty dynamic right now and I've already adopted a bunch of great new habits..lets see if I can keep them up though! I also had a sudden realisation that I've been moving toward a more consciously positive design style in my cushion designing life. My 'Make Peace not war' collection was definitely a political statement and my 'Esoterica' range is also another gentle reminder about living life more fully and letting the mysteries in. Just simple prettiness in not always enough for me now. I kinda like cushions with a conscience.

Reading the book has also got me doing a bit of navel gazing so-to-speak. It is much easier if you know what kind of person you are when you want to adopt a new habit, as there are a bunch of different techniques that work for different personality types. 

 I am definitely happier when I live an ordered life. I like rules, deadlines, form, schedules, lists. It's the kind of person I am, so forming habits helps my life go smoothly. It takes away all the constant decision making, like should I make the bed now or should I make it later? One of my new simple habits is to drink a full glass of water when I wake up because I have to fight my tendency towards not drinking enough in general. I can't say something vague like 'I need to drink more water' I need specific amounts at specific times or I won't do it. It helps to free my mind up to be creative, to take it away from the drudge of constantly making choices about banal things.

Well, I gotta go now as it is soon time for my 3:00 yoga (new habit for the summer)

Burlesque Feathers, Tassels & Interiors

Burlesque is a style very dear to my heart, where the less is more approach doesn't wash, unless you mean less clothes is more interesting...then it is right on the money!
But the opulent over the top glamour and rich lushness of the style appeals to me completely. I mean what is not improved with more feathers, tassels, glitter and attitude?

I've just launched the new 'Burlesque' Collection of cushions  and the first one is called Burlesque Jet...

and the second is inspired by those cheeky Victorians.... well we don't normally think of Victorians as cheeky at all, but they really embraced Burlesque and revelled in the silly sauciness of it all.

So how do you get that Burlesque vibe into your home?
Well lets peak into reigning Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese's home and see what she does...

Dita von Teese home - http://www.houseandhome.ie/article/inside-dita-von-teeses-vintage-home

And when she isn't lounging around in her opulent home she is lounging around in giant glasses of champagne... looks quite relaxing!

The recurring colour themes are always black with pink or red and gold, theatrical and feminine.

Check out this closet...wanty wanty wantington!

Closet - http://www.civilizatia.ro/home-inspiration-chic-dressing-rooms/

Here's some cool upcycling ideas to pimp up your stuff and get the look...

 Floral arrangement - http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=12338&photoid=178822

 Martiniglass chandelier, Chandelini $1775 http://fab.com/product/chandelini-10043, (or why not DIY?)

 Sexy Leg Lamp - http://www.zakkaz.com/post/2266

Feathers and tassels turn boring lamps into fab lamps and it is easy to do yourself if you're a wee bit crafty.

And talking about pimping stuff up, check out these bras!

 http://sweetjubileegirls.com/2014/03/31/how-to-decorate-a-bra/

What can't be achieved with glue? Marvelous stuff. And I love this idea! bling up the underneath of your shoes for maximum decadence!

or if that isn't enough madness for your glue gun then check out these!

Funky shoes - http://mermaids-and-anchors.tumblr.com/post/41824640838/florenceofalabia-mermaid-fashion-appreciation

Although burlesque has been around as a term used to describe a particular type of entertainment since the 17th century,  the Victorians took it onto the next level of ribald hilarity. However, our sense of what Burlesque really looks like comes from the 1920's to 1940's cabaret scene, with all the nudity, sexiness and style.

  PARIS 1950 "Backstage at the Moulin Rouge" - http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/04/04/preserved-moments-of-historical-sass-vol-2/

 There is no such thing as too much makeup. Inside a dressing room at the Moulin Rouge, 1924 - http://photosofwar.net

 Moulin Rouge: La Goulue, 1891, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French), Lithograph printed in four colors. -http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/32.88.12

La Moulin Rouge

So back into glam interiors now...

 Dressing table (because all burlesque girls need one) - http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.se/2012/03/youre-so-vain-upcycled-vanities.html

 How to store your shoes - http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/beautifully-organized-shoe-bag-storage-183293

 Boudoir inspiration - http://www.popsugar.com/home/Boudoir-Photo-Inspiration-18287380#photo-18287380

 Burlesque interior - http://domesticburlesque.tumblr.com/post/65682246491/where-are-you-from-i-was-born-and-raised-in-a

Meg Matthew's bathroom don't get more glam, ouch it's too beautiful! I can't look anymore! You can read about her here

And I love these chairs by Sarah Louise Dix

And finally, if you are bored over the weekend and fancy a little crafty project then how about making your own cool burlesque style plates?

These from  Dupenny to inspire you!