5 Minute Vacation :: Verona

Today we are taking a trip to the magical city of Verona. Located 230 kilometres north of Florence, this city tells a tale of romance, beauty and enchantment... and will definitely capture your heart.

Fresh posies decorate walls and window sills everywhere.

Juliet's balcony. If only these walls could talk..

Manicured gardens invite guests to explore..

..and enjoy a simple afternoon tea.

Glorious skies colour the city pink.

And in winter this magical wonderland is simply unforgettable. I spent some time in Verona back in September 2000 and I still remember walking along through the quaint, cobblestone streets. I shall return one day, mark my words. Oh how I lovvveeee Italy. Have you been to Verona or would you like to go?

Happy Monday everyone!

nat x

PS - I am going to be featuring a travel destination each week in the "5 Minute Vacation" series... any requests?

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year my friends! After a few weeks on holidays I am all inspired for a fabulous new year of writing, encouraging, being inspired and discovering new secrets and surprises. What are you believing for this year? I spent yesterday morning dreaming, getting inspired and praying about things in my heart. It was so amazing and I highly recommend it, just getting away and dreaming of all the possibilities that are ahead!!

2013 brings with it endless opportunities. There are things deep down on the inside of you that are just busting to be released. And THIS is the year! Let us not worry about what we didn't get done last year, but realise that today is a NEW day and things are ready to be awakened in us!

Your Christmas and New Year might have been wonderfully magical.. or it may have been a hard time for you.. or perhaps you may have faced a storm. Well, the wonderful thing about our faithful God is that at end of each day, no matter how hard it may have been, there is always another brand new one waiting for us right around the corner. :)

A new day brings with it hope, life, and the promise of a fresh start. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning! Great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him. 

So, however hard or good your yesterday may have been.. today is here now yay! :) And this fresh day ahead of you is waiting excitedly to bring you hope, life and love. Here's to our best year yet!!

nat x

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I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

Put your hand up if the thought of a white Christmas in New York just makes you weak at the knees? Ever since I can remember, I have been slightly obsessed with this city.  Before I went there for the first time in 2000, I had memorised the map of the city. I knew where every street was, understood the public transport system, and of course, knew exacccctly where to shop. :)

Macy's on 34th Street is a must see.

Then head uptown to the Upper East Side to Bloomingdales. 
(I can still remember the magical feeling of being in here with my friend Taryn 12 years ago!!)

Then we'll walk past these brownstone beauties.. 

..on our way to Central Park for some ice-skating. This rink is on the corner of 59th St and Fifth Avenue (riiiiiight opposite the Plaza Hotel... perfect!!)

Then we'll visit the famous Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Plaza..

And while we're there.. why not have another cheeky skate.. ;)

Then after a delicious dinner, we'll admire this stunning, snow covered city before heading back to The Plaza for a hot chocolate!

Have you been to New York at Christmastime? My brother and sister in law are going to be there this week! In fact I think they arrive there today! Lucky things! One day I know will be there for Christmas, but in the mean time, I'm pretty happy to dream over these beautiful pics. ;)

Have a fab day everyone.. 5 sleeps to go!

nat x

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Friendship. What a blessing.

This weekend I've been overwhelmed thinking about my wonderful friends. Friendship is such a treasure and a gift from God. It's not dependent on the amount of time you spend with a person, or how often you see them.. it's about the heart connection - and once you have that, months, even years can go by and you can pick up exactly where you left off. :) Do you know what I mean? Do you have precious friends like that? :)

Just as lotions and fragrance delight the senses...

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. xx

So let your friends know how special they are to you... and have a wonderful week! 

Yay it's Christmas week!  8 sleeps to go yippee!!!

nat x

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5 Minute Vacation :: Croatia

Have you ever been to Croatia? I haven't.. but would LOVE to.
Here's a little taste..

Beautiful big, bright, red flowers make everything look better.

Time stands still in this little walkway.

And now take a deep breath.. as you look at this photo below..

Breathtaking isn't it? So when do we leave....?! 

Guess what.. it's the weekend! Wa hoo! What have you got planned? I am baking our traditional family Christmas Cake this afternoon with my Grandma and Mum. I'm reeeeeeally looking forward to it. Will  be sure to post some pics next week. ;)

Anyway... have a beautiful day whatever you are doing :)

Happy weekend!

nat x

The Prince of PEACE.

So Christmas is two weeks away today! Very exciting. Are you all organised!? Or are you like me, with many things still on your to do list? I love Christmas so much. I love celebrating the birth of our wonderful Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ, I love family time, I love the decorations, the music, the stores, the twinkling lights, the atmosphere that comes from sitting in a beautiful lounge room lit up with nothing but sparkling tree lights...

But after a busy few weeks, yesterday I realised I was suddenly becoming a little too focused on the "to do list" and not so focused on the ONE for whom this precious celebration takes place. So now, with fourteen sleeps to go, I now am determined not to fix my eyes on the "stuff", the "to do lists", the "gifts" and the "wish lists"... but on Him, Jesus... the reason for the season.

So let us look to the Prince of Peace today. Let us lift our eyes away from the hustle and bustle and busyness and stress, and look to Him, the author and perfecter of our faith. He has great joy for us in this season! :)

"The angel said, 'Don’t be afraid! 

I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:- 

A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master'!!!"

I pray He fills you with peace and rest and joy today. :)

nat x

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Share the love.

Think of the first two friends that come to your mind.

How long have you known them? What do you love most about them? You're life is better with them in it right? Well.... sometime today you need to either: call them, send them a text message, email them or drop them in a little secret gift... telling them how much they mean to you and why you love them. :) 

Just cos..

Don't you think? :)

Bless you heaps!

love nat x

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