Archives for August 2014

Sunday Sampling: Get it done

♡ Sometimes people don’t get multi-passionates. Here’s an extensive guide for dealing with them.

♡ a lovely reminder to take a deep breath and enjoy your life.

♡ I’ve been saying it all along: limitation fosters creativity.

♡ an excellent, fresh take on how to pursue happiness when it’s already within you

♡ an innovative way supermarkets in France are getting people to waste less and buy “inglorious fruits and vegetables” – love!

♡ Public service announcement: Get it done.

miss xandra bee

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

by Bobbi

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

So you’ve found yourself in Bristol. One of the biggest cities in the UK, yet often overshadowed by its big sisters, London, Birmingham, and Manchester. However, you’re a woman on a mission to find some adventure, so you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll be doing a bit of walking today, so saddle yourself up with a coffee and a muffin from The Birdcage before you head out. We’ll grab some food and (adult) beverages later on in the day!

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

> Ease into the day at the Harbourside.

Any heroine worth her salt knows that there is much to be said for standing near a body of water and breathing it all in. Let the boats float past you, the birds soar above you, and your mind settle into life and vibrance of your surroundings. Walk around, take it in, and see if you can catch and exhibit at the Arnolfini. Many are free, all are worth it.

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

> Take in a bit of culture at M Shed.

You’re about to get an excellent, panoramic view of life in in Bristol, then and now. Wander, explore, and fall in love with this beautiful city by moving through the exhibits, galleries, and archives of M Shed. You’ll be floored by what’s on offer and your appreciation of the city will increase tenfold.

> Sail the high seas on the SS Great Britain.

What’s an adventure without a little getting a little wind in your sails, right? Explore the ship, grab a bit of fuel in the café, and get some fun history in you! (Don’t worry, the ship isn’t moving. You’ll get to the remainder of your destinations in plenty of time!)

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

> Now it’s time for a bit of a climb.

But it will be worth it! Head on up Park Street, hang a left at Great George Street and then walk on up to Cabot Tower and experience some of the best views you’ll get of this beautiful city.

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine

> Once you’re done with that, get an even better view.

You’re on your way to Clifton Bridge, darling. Have a picnic or explore the Clifton Observatory (the walk through the caves is well worth the small cost). Even if you’re afraid of heights (every brave lady has at least one thing that makes their teeth chatter), if you push through, you’ll be met with some spectacular views!

> Hungry yet? Head back down from the heights to Cosy Club.

You’l be met with good food, friendly staff, and fabulous drinks. Toast to a day well spent and a city well explored!

Bristol, England / Fit for a Heroine Bobbi [Today I’m Bobbi] is a blogger extraordinaire, from writing to photography to design [Ready to Blog Designs]. She is a world traveler, bookworm, and Head of Gryffindor House for Blogwarts.

> Xandra Recommends: browsing the Wanderlust page

Adding Crystals and Other Magic

I wrote my birthday list as the clock struck midnight on my birthday, and little did I know, I would be making progress on it by the end of the day.

Clear Quartz from the Fairy Shop

With some extra time to spare in Boston on the day of celebrations, I requested a stop by The Fairy Shop to say hello and goodbye before jetting across the ocean. Coincidentally, Michael had just started stocking crystals again, even though I had never seen them there before. I selected an über magical clear quartz pendant, which was sprinkled with fairy dust before being tucked away.

Adding Crystals and Other Magic

Strawberry Quartz from the Astrology Shop

We happened to choose a restaurant in London right next door to the Astrology Shop, so I had to collect a crystal here too. I chose the one that drew me the most, then read the description of its properties. It is the perfect crystal to keep in my pocket to relieve travel stress and fill my heart with hope.

Adding Crystals and Other Magic

Aquamarine from Amsterdam

I found this beautiful bracelet at The New Label Project in Amsterdam. Now that I’m looking for crystals, I spy them everywhere. This particular bracelet by Ish Jewels is called Blue Ice Flower, and is a symbol of self-wisdom, energy, and courage.

And some crystals for you!

Do you want to add magic into your life? I have been working on a very special project. My life’s work, perhaps.

Blogwarts is a course based on the values we can learn from fantasy, literature, and believing in magic, structured by the Hogwarts houses and taught alongside some inspiring and talented ladies. I am so excited to work with the wonderful group of students we have already admitted, and I hope that you will join us! Wizard school is within reach. Heroines who wish for training, this is for you. Magic crystals, Hogwarts letters, and extra wishes coming your way.

With these crystal phials, you will receive a 20% discount on your admission! All you have to do is mention it in your application. Hurry – applications due 29 August.

apply-now-blogwarts Do you collect anything magical?

miss xandra bee

How to Design Your Superhero Uniform

Lesson 5: Designing Your Superhero Uniform

Dress to feel superb. You deserve it.

Lesson 5: Designing Your Superhero Uniform

It may seem superficial, but have you ever felt a rush of confidence by dressing up? Alternately, have you ever felt underdressed or disheveled, or simply not yourself because of what you were wearing? Chances are, you’ve experienced both. Being the heroine that you are, you deserve to feel the former all the time.

Lesson 5: Designing Your Superhero Uniform

How to design your Superhero uniform:

Your Superhero uniform is ready-made for feeling like you’re killin’ it. Comfort comes in two parts: physical and psychological, and your uniform balances both. Remember that those super fine shoes are only as magical as you wear them: so no teetering in stilettos. Only strutting allowed. And if you can’t manage that, rock combat boots instead [like me].

Lesson 5: Designing Your Superhero Uniform

Imagine the most fantastic scenario.

What is the most amazing event you could be invited to? Now imagine it’s happening tomorrow and you’re going to be there. It could be walking the red carpet, opening for your favourite band, or taking tea with the Mad Hatter. What would you wear?

Dress for the fabulous life you want, and it will become the fabulous life you have.

Even if you’re not going to your amazing event, make-believing you are allows you to carry an element of it with you.

Lesson 5: Designing Your Superhero Uniform

Choose your colours.

Find what makes your confidence soar, whether it’s wearing your favourite colour, one you know complements your skin, or the one whose properties you wish to channel. Wear a red dress everyday, if you feel like it.

Identify your style icons and favourite pieces.

Whose wardrobe would you raid? It can be fictional or fantastical, from the Olsen twins to Aria Montgomery. If you like someone’s haircut, chances are, you want that style for yourself. Sometimes it takes time to connect these seemingly obvious thoughts, but take a moment to think: if you sigh over every maxi dress you see traipse by, or get giddy at the sight of a tutu, why not wear it yourself?

Claim meaning in what you wear.

Wear a pendant from a loved one, a dress purchased from your favourite boutique, or a scarf collected on your travels. The energy from all the stories you wear will power you through your adventures. Every day, at least one component of my outfit is super special. Today it’s my lightning bolt necklace I bought straight from the designer, and my super soft and warm cashmere jumper from the sheep-saving brand Izzy Lane [Receive 20% off your own Izzy Lane purchase with code XAG2!].

Where to begin? Ask yourself: what 5 key items define my personal style?

Recognise each part of the process.

From styling your hair to doing your makeup (or for me, usually just swiping on shimmering eyeshadow) to lacing up your Converses, treat each task like a ritual rather than a chore: you are preparing not only your appearance, but your spirit that will thrive with you through the day.

your-assignment

If you have a Pinterest style board, share the link! [here’s mine!]

What are the 5 key pieces that define your personal style?

When has dressing up made you feel like a heroine?

Share your progress in the comments!

Images: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mini Adventure: Amsterdam-ing

Get a new stamp in my passport: an eternal item on my annual Birthday List. This year, I ticked it off by visiting the Netherlands with Monkey. This spontaneous venture involved limited planning in the form of a) advice from my parents, who just had a layover there (book the Anne Frank House in advance! Go to the Van Gogh Museum!), b) pages from my 36 Hours: 125 Weekends in Europe book, and c) the neon orange Wallpaper*City Guide I picked up at Stanfords in London on the way over.

Mini Adventure: Amsterdam-ing

Our first stop was Pancakes!, a seriously delicious eatery where we sampled authentic Dutch pancakes. My favourite part, though, was the sidewalk chalk provided as we queued just outside.

We realised that the best thing to do in Amsterdam is wander around the canals and the “Nine Streets” – a lovely indie shopping district to browse. I was enchanted by The Darling, an adorable boutique/tea house, with cupcakes spinning on vinyl in the window. True story. Mini Adventure: Amsterdam-ing The streets exploded with colour and character. It’s wonderful to feel right at home in my favourite brights.

The things I carried were coincidentally pink, with the exception of a black Muji pen. Sadly, I dropped it in the canal during a rush to whip out the umbrella, making everything Officially Pink.

Mini Adventure: Amsterdam-ing

In between wandering through bike-filled streets [see best decorated bike, ever, above], we stopped in cute cafés to read [more Harry Potter for Monkey, Lola and the Boy Next Door for me] and play cards, my new obsession ever since the William Schaff pack arrived in the post.

Mini Adventure: Amsterdam-ing

Before heading to the Van Gogh Museum, we fueled up on some of the best pizza ever at Pazzi.

> monday mini adventures: making the most of one’s surroundings through conscious exploration and appreciation

miss xandra bee

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