The Year of 14

As I sit and reflect on 2013, I set the tone with a playlist of songs which evoke emotions, bring forth memories, and get me focused for the year ahead.

So before getting serious or soppy (well, me that is), press play and enjoy 40 tunes to get you through the last of 2013 or welcome in the new hours of 2014!

Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Wild.

The Year of 14 from The Lucky Locket on 8tracks Radio.

Bearings - FOUND!

Well there it went - the holiday rush took it's toll and then just dissipated with a glittery trail of shoppers guilt and a large festive season gut. It's without fail that each year I wonder how we put so much energy into the holidays and then within a day, it's all gone. And I felt with all the pandemonium, I just couldn't seem to get my bearings straight. From simple tasks - keeping up with laundry to making time for the gym and the inevitable shopping gift list. It just all seemed too much this year.

As I had mentioned in this post, I was keeping it cool and low key these holidays. I was so relieved I did. I had to focus on not having an emotional crocodile tears breakdown due to the distance from my incredible boyfriend or dear dear friends, and distracted myself with family time and work. In the end, we truly had so much fun. We had the  "laughed so hard our stomachs pained for days" kind of fun all through Christmas day amongst the deep conversations, obnoxious amount of food (I feel like I've stored enough in my reserves to last all through 2014) and a fair amount of good wine. Now with it all over, I finally feel a sense or normality settling in and my bearings have been found again.

As we end the festivities with the approaching (and sometimes daunting) New Years Eve, I am continuing my "taming the wrecking ball" trend and have decided to do absolutely NOTHING for the big evening. I plan to watch movies (already recorded on my PVR #totesprepared) on the couch, in sweatpants, sans makeup, with a few glasses of good wine and a FaceTime date with my man. This year I'm too anxious to be on the road (the DUI laws in South Africa are almost non existent so there is little respect for drinking under the influence), I'm exhausted, and I'd love to call in the new year without a hangover or a blurred lines memory! Here's to approaching the new year with positive vibes. Make the last days count.

Believe, Feel, Love, Be, Create, Inspire.

LL: Image via www.livinglsimplyforever.tumblr.com

LALA Kahle Madiba

It's been an emotional week for South Africans and the world. A week of celebrations, mourning and remembrance. The week where, Nelson Mandela - Madiba - Tata - passed on.

One can never prepare themselves for the emotions and sadness which takes over for the loss of someone so great. You never sense you will feel the rawness, and when you do - it's overwhelming. He was a man that even if you never had the privilege of being in his presence, there was a sensibility that you knew him.

As with others of our time, I had the honor of living in the same era of a man who has shown our country and the world the most immaculate humilty, grace, and greatness. Against all odds and over 20 years in prison, he showed us that no fight can ever be lost. That standing up for all you believe in can change the world. The change that brought all South Africans together and made us proud. Proud that with him, we overcame all odds to have equality for all.

With each mile stone he made, I had the privilege to witness and gain from them.  And now hoping that we will hold true to his legacy, dream and keep his fight and hope alive.

And as I watch his body being laid to rest, I am proud to say he was the president and father of my country and that in my eyes, he will always be the greatest man who ever lived with his long walk to freedom coming to an end but continuing for us.

We will never forget Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. LALA Kahle Madiba.

December's DELIGHT

December is here . . . and a new month always brings new music for your listening delight. So weather you are on the road to visit loved ones, or sitting in the office working during the festive season - here are some songs to keep your spirits high.

December Delight from The Lucky Locket on 8tracks Radio.

Silly Season Seriousness

You're smiling aren't you? Smiling at how dam funny and BRILLIANT this gem of a holiday ornament is! I thought I was going to literally pee in my pants when I saw this pop up on my Facebook feed. The genius of it is priceless but it triggers thoughts as to how much better the festive season could be if we didn't take it quite so seriously.

Yes, for many it's a deep religious family time, which I respect, but for the majority; just one whirlwind of silliness. And remember this post, a time we forget what it's truly all about. 

I am the first one to admit I can allow myself to get very wrapped up (yes, pun intended) in the season - my tree is usually up before Thanksgiving dinner is even being put in the oven, my apartment comes alive with copper and dusty gold ornaments with flickers of Tinkerbell here and there, and I'm putting thought and time on designing holiday cards and decor for the special day.  And this is tame, very tame, compared to many I know. It's as if the holidays take a small piece of our sanity and let it run wild and free for 25 days.

This festive season, I'm taming the wrecking ball - for my own sanity! It's been a very long year and I feel my efforts need to be exhausted (and tamed) elsewhere. So please excuse me as I write a few less cards this year, keep my holiday jewels in their boxes (all the way in the USA so that is a pretty legitimate "excuse") and sit with a glass of wine, family, friends, and a good meal sans the silly season seriousness.

Have fun these holidays - really down right "we laughed so hard our stomachs pained for days" kind of fun and take in the special and small moments with loved ones as those are the priceless gifts which make the time together momentous.

Let's watch the SSS begin and chuckle!

Thank you to Drew Sitze (the brains behind the ornament creation), a partner of Sweet Savannah Style for allowing the use of the featured photo.

I HOPE YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL TODAY

Isn't funny how some days we can appreciate what we see in the mirror while other days no new outfit, glam accessories, or false lashes can make you feel beautiful. But yet when others see us, they see our beauty shine through our loose confident cracks.

What I have enjoyed most about maturing and getting older is the self-assurance you start to form. The fact that you can throw on a t-shirt and jeans with your hair pinned back to go to the grocery store instead of the heels and the entire get-up with fear of seeing someone you know. And If I bump into you in my said jeans and t-shirt, well hey, it's just one of those things and I will just hide  my makeup free face behind my CRAP. You truly get honest with yourself and realize (with great comfort) that this is who you are and it should be embraced fully. To see your flaws as your unique allure. I immediately think of the magnificent Lana Del Rey | Lipgloss . . . her tear drop eyes, over sized lips . . .  her imperfections make her absolutely stunning. And yes, she's in the spotlight - but we can apply this to ourselves too.

If others judge or feel the need to put you down, then perhaps it's time to re-evaluate their position in your life.

Today, feel beautiful in your own skin. See your small blemishes as your allurement and be confident in the fact that you are beautiful today and everyday!