So this is 2012...

This is my first post of 2012 and it's March already! *gasp* Must.try.harder.
All in all it has been a completely fun and crazy busy start to the year, which is a good thing. Am hoping this means a year full of continuing adventures...

This is hopefully one of many more regular posts, but I haven't quite decided on the structure of this year so will just go with it for now!

As this is just to break into this new year, I've brought together the things that happen to 'spring' to mind about March, and what's happening around this time of year. Have a great week and I will be back soon with words to inspire you!

March Motivation

- Do a double trouble by watching the Six Nations on St Patrick's Day (17th March)

- Go and support the first races of the season at the Henley Boat Races
   on Sunday 25th March

This is what I plan to do one weekend while the weather is spring inspired:
Welly boots + muddy dog + fabulous friends + country pub! Yuh huh.

It's also important to be grateful of what you have - so don't forget to give to the
Great Daffodil Appeal 2012 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

It is also Mother's Day on Sunday 18th March - so get creative and spoil your Mum to make sure she knows how much you appreciate her the rest of the year!

And last but NOT least - British Summertime officially starts on Sunday 25th March!
Make the most of those long evenings that we have missed so much...

Remember - don't go with the flow, you are the flow. Be inspired.

Until next time.

Hugs x
  

Shake your Pom Pom

Hello lovely people

Just a quick one today - and something fun. I saw this tutorial on making tissue pom poms.

They are simple enough, and really cute. Perfect for a party, wedding or occcasion. I made a few on the weekend and hung them up outside - take a look... (Pardon the 'wind-swept' look)

A step-by-step guide is available on the Martha Stewart website.

Hanging Pom-Poms
1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.

2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.

3. Separate layers, pulling away gently from center one at a time.

4. Tie a length of  floral wire for hanging with some fishing line or similar.

There are also some lovely examples of how effective they can be in these pictures from Pinterest.

Enjoy!

A little bit of girl power...

Well hello Tuesday! Today's post is all about profiling some lovely ladies in the spotlight - and they all have a selection of awesome talents.

Whether they are singers, actresses or designers - they all represent to me the best things about being a woman: that you can dance, sing, be strong, love, laugh and be beautiful!

I hope you enjoy and that it makes you think about who inspires you...


Katy Perry

This fiery singer songwriter sees the lighter side of life and knows how to look past peoples inperfections to see the best in them.

Heather Morris

AKA Brittany Pierce from the hit show 'Glee' - is totalling compelling in her ability to sing and dance her socks off. Incredible. And her ditzy blonde character makes her even more compelling!

Lauren Conrad

LC made her debut on The Hills many years ago, and instantly became a style icon. Her interest in the world of fashion means she is always best dressed in oh-so-casual but stylish looks! And the same can be said for the lovely Whitney and Lo...

Anna Paquin

Her character Sookie Stackhouse rules the roost in the vampire filled 'True Blood' and has undoubtably been granted some of the best scripting in showbusiness.  Even though Sookie has been through her fair share of paranormal predicaments, she always stands her ground and is a woman who speaks exactly what is on her mind!

Sookie: 'I wanna look like I can kick some serious ass. Which I can.'

Sookie: 'They took someone I love from me. I don't know about you, but I was raised to fight back.'

Vera Wang

An iconic designer who has an international following in her elegant designs. Featuring collections for the red carpet, wedding dresses and her own perfume range. (Including my favourite scent 'Bouquet')

A few of her dazzling dresses shown below...

Rainbow Florals

Woah, so it has been quite a while since the last post. Life has been a bit manic, lots of events to attend (and also a new job!), but it is now calm again.

Somehow though, with the calm also comes time to think. Not sure whether that is a positive thing...as today I feel less-than-motivated.

What I do know though, is that you have to believe and have faith in all the good there is.

Something that never fails to inspire me is beautiful flower arrangements - and even just looking at these amazing displays below makes me feel all smiley. So I guess for now - we can all wonder at the beauty of the world on this Tuesday afternoon....and be thankful.

Henley Royal Regatta: The Essentials

In only a few weeks the Henley Royal Regatta will be well & truly in full swing on Friday 1st July.

As one of the quintessential British Summertime events, along with Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, throngs of onlookers will be making their way down to the banks of the Thames.

Whether an avid rowing fan who will spend the day in a strategically placed deckchair watching the races, or a casual picnic-er relaxing with friends taking in the atmosphere - Henley Regatta has something for everyone.

If you are a seasoned attendee or first timer - there are a few essential items you will see appearing amoungst the crowds...

News on nails - trends for the season...

Well the weather outside may not scream 'summer' but we could soon be in the midst of many soirees where nails will be the display of the moment.

I thought I would share some colour trends which are up and coming  - and let you decide which one you'll dare to brave!

Summer Brights - Summer Nail Collection from Rococo

Sunglow Oranges - OPI 'On the same paige'

Pretty in Purple - Nars 'Pokerface'

An Introduction...

I thought it would be a good idea to start off with a little background on the naming of my new blog. Few people will probably know that Lewis Carroll wrote ‘Through the Looking Glass’ - a sequel to Alice in Wonderland. A Looking Glass is described in the Oxford Dictionary as a mirror; or opposite to what is normal or expected: looking-glass logic.

As it is used in Lewis Carroll's book, Alice goes through the looking glass to find a world both clear and recognizable yet turned sideways. Thus, through the looking glass is extended as a metaphor into any time the world turns strange, or when things get turned around, as if one were Alice, inside of the mirror.

I have always been fascinated by the characters and oddity of Carrolls’ stories – and the topsy-turvy world he managed to create. For most of us, at some point in our lives, I think we delve into the world of Wonderland – a place that is senseless and full of chaos and confusion.

 
The creation of my alter-ego ‘Almost Alice’ was founded from the idea that when you find yourself in a world turned sideways - it actually becomes the perfect opportunity to evaluate yourself, others and the aspects of your life that you love. You have the opportunity to decide where you are going, believe anything is possible and find out who you really are.

My version of events in my own story is that I am incredibly lucky in life and have a whole lot to be grateful for. I am excited by life and although occasionally we will all drift back to thoughts of Wonderland – the lesson learned is that you are in control and can do the things in life that make you feel alive!

 

I hope that any of the upcoming posts of randomness and glimpses into the treasures of life will bring you a smile on a grey day, or inspiration to find out what it is you love/like/enjoy.

 
Here’s to (Almost) Alice’s adventures…