A New START & a New HOME for LL

There is nothing like a fresh start. One which inspires and makes you want to reach for so much more. Even reaching for the unknown and perhaps unreachable . . . but the overwhelming feeling where all the insecurities bypass and you're encouraged to reach for the stars.

So here's introducing a new home for the Lucky Locket . . . A new collaborative space and brand as the Lauren Hayley Group. Where all the creativity I have come to share (LHC Prodesigns, LHC Promakeup and The Lucky Locket) can marry and be found together . . . overdosing the reader with inspirational design and content.

The blog will therefore take on a more interesting road with a variety of posts ranging from design updates to the personal view points shared similar to those from the Lucky Locket.

Change is good. Fresh starts are fruitful. Evolution is awe-inspiring. Welcome to the overdosing world of Lauren Hayley. Thank you for joining!

- Visit our new home on Facebook

- Or Visit our new Website

BECOMING

One evening I had to dig deep into the depth of my closet after being asked to provide a few alternatives for a photo shoot (um, yes!) we were putting together for work. Many of these gorgeous pieces I have accumulated from my travels and over the years however they never truly see the light of day (please don't judge me!) – out of pure self criticism or never quite the right occasion.

But as I started to pull these pieces, I had a moment – an enlightening one. The realization at what a completely different person I was when each of these pieces came into my life. How these items were not just a piece of clothing, but a personification as to the person I was at that time and this representation scared me a little. In the past, I felt I was nothing without those pieces. Perhaps it was the location I was in at the time . . . that what I wore presented a social status. But more than anything within in the ah-ha moment,  I loved the fact that I am no longer that person. Even with the memories and sentimental value they present, the clothes truly are no longer me.

I will continue to enjoy their beauty and creation (and I cannot bear to rid them due to their prettiness and all) but I refuse to allow them, or others, to make a judge of my character merely but what I am wearing.

Here's to becoming so much more.

Adventures

I came across this inspiring quote and felt it spoke volumes. It instantly ignited something inside me and reminded me that my unique journey is my own adventure which I hope to continue more than ever with gust and sparkle and fire and above all, passion.

Here's to our own adventures and the magnificent sense of belonging.

As the Summer Cools

As I feel the winter air and light slowly creep in, I cannot help but think about these last few months of summer - especially those in this year of the new. It's treated my very well. I won't lie, there have certainly been moments of struggle but ones I feel have only enlightened and strengthened me.

I've taken many chances with beautiful outcomes and have so many more I wish to take on. I've continued to connect with sparkling souls and have opened myself up to others whom I never imagined I would. Aaah, the warmth and love you feel from this. Priceless.

However, I continue to take the "you only live once" philosophy by the horns as I am always reminded that life is indeed too short and unpredictable. I love the unpredictability of it, but one can never be quite sure of the duration. Take those chances and light bulb moments, sans the literal light bulb, as a sign that the winter and summer winds are ready to take it and make it.

The POWER with no Power

I’ve become accustomed to a many moments, regularities and normality’s in my settlement back in Africa. Some are more challenging than others whilst some I simply brush off and continue on my quest here.  I say quest as isn’t that what we are all on!

At first, it baffled my mind that as a nation, there was no bigger protest against what is called here Load Shedding – in simple terms a means of controlled black-outs to accommodate the poor or lack of energy resources for the fast and ever expanding South African nation. But with each week and the set schedules, sometimes not so set, I realised that though communities complained and sighed  - some more pronounced than others – that people still went on with their days. And in turn I had to find a way to make the most of it. To capture some old traditions which did not involve the  surrounding surplus of modern technology. 

Picking up a book, taking a walk or a run, sitting under a tree with a friend talking nonsense, drawing, writing, taking photos, taking a drive to the unknown . . . . it’s almost like an initiative to capture moments and make them powerful when normality as we know it ceases for just a few hours. 

It’s actually quite nice if you ask me.

SYMBOLIC Footprints

My Saturday morning runs have become a soothing ritual to end long weeks and begin a weekend on the right foot, those puns! This past Saturday I got up earlier than usual in anticipation for a busy day and made my way to the misty beach front with the few early whisperers whom were already beginning their own rituals.

And as I reached my half way point and turned to see the awakening mountain through the clouds, I realised the beach below my trainers was untouched. My shoe prints being the only evidence to human presence. It was almost symbolic to the fresh start which is presented to us each day and the one we have all made in this new year. I’ve made many promises to myself for the year. My untouched beach waiting for new prints to make their mark and create a new story with a diversity of beauty.

And as the ocean tides will come in and wash away my mark on the beach, so does the reminder that we have to let go of all that keeps us from living now . . .

Copious Amounts of Deliciousness.

It was a moment, late one afternoon, when I realised how incredibly important my vacation had become. The fear of not being in the studio I had, dissipated almost instantly and I felt myself beaming with a realisation and letting out an enormous sigh of relief. Those sighs where your entire load of burdens seems to escape with your breath.

Though the days of late mornings sleeping in and lying with warm coffee and embracing the early stillness, or long tables filled with home cooked meals and bottles of wine, or summer days enthralled by the surrounding beauty, or road trips to the unknown went by sooner than I expected; I start my return to work beaming and ready.

My days off allowed me to refresh my soul, my mind, and provided clarity in many areas of my life. I was uplifted and reconnected with so many beautiful souls and connected with new ones. Days cooking, and eating and drinking copious amounts of deliciousness. Sharing moments and belly hurting laughs and creating snippets in time which remain more than special which I am so grateful for.

So as we all move into 2015 with a presented fresh platter, let’s ensure that we never forget the good and bad times of 2014 and that these in turn allow us to grow to magnificent heights.

Taking TIME to BREATHE

Well, it's here! The festive season madness, end of year chaos, and my first vacation in I cannot even tell you how long. The panic has set in of "what am I going to do without working" yet the reality of not being in the studio hasn't quite yet set in.

However, what I do know for certain is that I desperately need this little hiatus more than ever.  My body, soul, mind, and little heart needs doses of tender loving care. 

I therefore have decided to take a little break for the next 2 weeks to refresh and come back in the new year with a new outlook and perspective -  and I am sure plenty stories to share.

So I part with a reflection on this last year . . . it’s been a roller coaster ride. There have been incredible and beautiful moments and I’ve had the privilege of meeting & surrounding myself with fresh new souls. Some have come and gone but others have become a permanent fixture in my crazy world. 

It has however, it's been one of the most challenging in multiple areas of my life which have often left me with little hope but encouraged so much in turn. Professionally, I have flourished and learned more than I ever have in my career. It's been an expansion and explosion of creativity and I am so grateful for the opportunities and projects presented.

This entire years personal theme has been that of time. That our time is short. Making every moment count as you never know when your moments will be gone. Reflect on the time from 2014 and learn from it, take it in, and let go of those things you could not control.

Here’s to 2015 and hoping it is a prosperous, successful, soulful and enlightening year for everybody.

Taking CHANCES

If I look back at the chances I've taken and the outcome  if I hadn't . . . my life would be very different. I would never be where I am or the person today if I hadn't taken those risks or leaps of faith or those chances that scared me to death in the moment.

It's those small chances that we choose to take which evolve everything. They change everything. Who we are, who we become, the people we meet, the places that we see or the places we choose to call home. It's incredible how we can fear something so much yet the outcome can turn into something ever so magnificent. 

Most recently, and with maturity, I personally have found that taking these chances are even more imperative because one begins to realise just how short life is and how it moves past us in the blink of an eye. Our tomorrows are never promised and if it wasn't and you woke up, you'd regret for not taking that chance. Our choices of chances are so personal and could be so small and insignificant to others, but could changed your whole being as you know it.

So take chances, make things happen, say things you want to say, do things you want to do. Because before you know it, you'll never be presented with those opportunities again. You could loose precious moments and people who have come into your life.

Channelling HAPPINESS amongst the CHALLENGES

I cannot even begin to express how incredibly challenging the past few weeks have been, both personally and professionally. But between the obstacles have been beautiful rays of wonderful moments and reminders that these “hard” times are only brief and can be easily overcome.

And this past weekend was the perfect souvenir to this. As I sat watching the unspoiled sunset after a hot summers day, completed with special company, drinks, laughs, smiles and the hum of surrounding conversation  - I was taken far from the trials which have recently presented themselves and I felt so content. A contentment I’ve found very tough to find, discover and maintain in recent weeks.  It dawned on me that it’s always within our reach however is so heavily impacted by those around us. How the people we allow into our lives are ever so influential to how we can preserve inner solace. And how beautiful it is to find those who can sustain that within ourselves.

So as I start the new week with a little more of a summer glow, over indulged senses, and an extensive smile . . . I know that I have so much more to be grateful for and that an immense sense of happiness is lingering more than close the to the surface.

BBB Project: UPDATE #4

When I look back at the beginnings of the BBB project, I see an enormous shift in not only the physical, but a wonderful new fresh mindset which has come with it. One which seems miles apart from the one I bore those months back. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my days when I feel completely out of sync with my body or fear that age is creeping in or when I feel I’m not anywhere near where I’d like to be.

But the most important thing is I’m seeing slow results and surprisingly as are the other crazy gym bunnies I wave to early in the morning half asleep or sweat drenched as I leave. It was a pivotal "me" moment when one of the dear ladies, who has a ROCKING body, sent a private message congratulating & complimenting me on my personal progress and hard work. 

It knocked my cotton socks off - I beamed with pride and naturally gloated to all the ladies in the office. I’m a Leo, what else would you expect!

If we put our minds to anything and take it one step at a time - the outcome is incredibly rewarding. Slow and Steady does it.

THIS HOLIDAY ...

Every year, as the festive season approaches, I find myself reflecting on what it will hold for me. And just as last year, I’m yearning for something meaningful, peaceful and very far from the crazed madness this time of year seems to bring.  

For the first time in a very long time I will be having this funny thing called leave and I’m actually very puzzled as what to do with it and wondering how I am going to manage not being the studio and not being creatively overly stimulated every day. Though it’s a short period of time I’m actually weirdly nervous. However, I will take FULL advantage of it and have set a few “needs” and “wants” for this time off . . .

#1. A roadtrip – to nowhere or anywhere. With the wind in my hair and Forty Five by Bootstraps blaring from the speakers.

#2. Turn my phone off for a few hours a day and take in each moment

#3. Run into the ocean

#4. Get away from it all – even if only for an hour

So this festive season amongst it all, put your phone away, for a few days. Make some memories that no-one knows about and make some memories that are just yours.

NEW JOURNEYS

We never know where life is going to take us. Life works in unexpected yet brilliant ways.Perhaps you’re in a position which you never envisioned yourself to be, maybe not what you wanted. Or perhaps you’re in a surprising space.

Ultimately, amidst the good and bad, when you truly look back and think of all you’ve done . . . the people you’ve met, the milestones you’ve made, the travels you’ve done . . . there's a realisation that not only has it gone by so quickly – but’s it so fulfilling to know you’ve made your own story; told or untold. 

You existed, you did something. But more importantly to realise that it doesn’t just stop in the past. It’s a continuous journey of making more happen.

Make new journeys everyday

SENTIMENTAL

I’m currently feeling very sentimental. Finding myself moving a little out of my comfort zone and sharing or expressing emotions open and freely. I even found myself asking the already-over-hugger ladies at work for a morning squeeze . . . only then to be told all they can feel is muscle and rock hard breasts. I’ll take it – THANK YOU BBB PROJECT!

I don’t know if it’s the time of year or the current mayhem we are all experiencing, but I’m liking this expressive nature which has come out of it’s dormant hiding. There have been many local and world events which have solidified the fact as to how short our lives are, how precious our time is, and how valuable the ones in our lives are.

So don’t forget – and I’m going to whip you with a cliché here – life it short. 

Treasure every moment. 

Take chances. 

Tell someone you care for them or love them. 

Or how much a moment shared with them means to you. 

Be yourself and remember, cliché #2 coming your way – you only live once.