Try something new for 30 days

Inspired by my friend Julia over at PlanBig who is trying something new for 30 days and waking up at 6:30am. She got involved with the challenge after seeing Matt Cutt's TED presentation below.

Spread the word! What a fantastic idea.

Now for me to find something to try for 30 days...I will keep you posted :)

P.S. You can read about and get involved with Julia's plan here

Perception

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning. A man with a violin plays six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people passed through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule. 

4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:
The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin valued at $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theatre in Boston where the price of seats averaged $100.
 
What else are we missing?

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions rose: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made... 

Source: Washington Post

from where i'd rather be...

enjoying summertime on the other side of the world right now!

summer mood board by postcard and pretties

bed side

I recognise a few of these from lonny and elsewear, but I spotted these at one of (many- see sidebar for new additions!) new favourite blogs:

miss walker

everyday glamour

sjp and family featured in vogue

shot by mario testino

Potty for Potter

On Wednesday night I attended the midnight screening session of the final Harry Potter installment. To send it off in style, my awesome friends Jenna and her sister Paige outdid themselves with cauldron cakes, every flavour beans, cockaroach clusters, chocolate frogs and my favourite, Butterbeer (with its butterscotchy goodness turned out absolutely delicious!). To top it off, the room was lit by candelabras, with the HP soundtrack booming, and posters all around the place all making for a great night.

My Honeydukes lolly bag in the cinema packed full of goodies!

watermelon shots

How ingenious is this?  Watermelon vodka jelly shots made from strawberry jelly and lime halves (then cut into quarters).  I'll have to try this at my friends cocktail party this weekend.

via pinterest

HP

So the last Harry Potter movie is upon us- one more sleep!

Stumbled upon this cool poster with how much the cast have changed over the past 10 years since we've met them. I watched a video of them at the London premiere from only a few days ago and they were quite emotional and saying how Harry Potter has quite literally nearly consumed half their lives!

As with everything in life, we change, adapt and move on. It's just a matter of keeping those precious memories tucked away in a special place in our hearts.

bedroompiration

So I have now officially moved into my new pad! So now for more decor inspiration.

I'd love to cosy up in a bedroom like this, and am particularly loving the....

 

* headboard 

* sideboard tables

* bed linen

* mirror



credit: glam lamb