Lunchtime Revival Pilates Class
Working in an office, it’s far too easy to spend the majority of the day sat at your desk getting very little exercise. Not only is it vital for staying fit and healthy, but moving our bodies and getting active releases endorphins and helps stimulate the mind. This is why I have made it part of my everyday routine to walk to and from work, giving me regular exercise as well as fresh air before a day in the office. However something I am keen to add to my schedule a few times a week is also a workout class during my lunch break.
Being a trained dancer I have always done Pilates and find it one of the most beneficial training methods to sustain my fitness. Not only does it improve flexibility and agility, but Pilates is one of the most core strengthening forms of workouts you can do. This is particularly important for posture when sitting which can cause back problems later in life.
Taking part in our company’s complimentary Pilates class last week, I found myself more energised and engaged for the afternoon back at work. I would strongly encourage office workers to do the same and participate in at least 2-3 workouts throughout their week. Not only will this benefit overall health, but getting your body moving will revive creativity and enhance focus for a more productive day. Get fit, gain strength and smash through your day at work!
In light of this, I endeavour to source my clothes sustainably by visiting vintage thrift stores, charity shops or markets. Surry Hills is full of quirky, cool vintage outlets and of course my favourite past time at the weekend is to visit the famous Kirribilli Markets to dig out some bargains of previously owned and loved garments. My most recent purchases were a pair of Levi shorts for $5, a Kookai denim playsuit for $10 and a forest green silk shirt dress for $5.
So here in my beautiful flat located in Lavender Bay, I’m lucky enough to have my own three double door wardrobe – what a dream! I have the luxury to organise and proudly display my pieces which makes getting dressed each morning easy and fun. I’ve always been a shoe addict too, so I’ve used the bottom few shelves of the middle section to store these, placing my beloved mules from Zomp and Prada heels from my auntie at the front.
My wardrobe here is definitely a fraction of the size back home in England, however I have learnt to be more minimal by sticking to key pieces which can be worn different ways. Layering is an essential component to acheiving this, so I make sure to have a range of tanks, blouses, shirts and jackets.
Having good fitting jeans in different washes is also an absolute must. My favourite brand of denim at the moment is Neuwlandstrat as they make great quality, bum hugging pants – and they match my Dutch last name!
Whilst I wish I could ship the rest of my wardrobe from home out here to Oz, I’ve learnt a more simple, less is more approach to dressing now. However with such a fantastic wardrobe setup which also pleases my inner neat-freak, I can’t help but occasionally treat myself to a few new additions. At the moment I have my eye on a gorgeous Lack Of Colours felt Rancher style hat in Ivory – this will be a staple piece for summer and perfect for my holiday back to Italy in a few months!
On a rainy Tuesday evening in Sydney, we made our way over to Palace Cinemas in Broadway to share some pre-show drinks and nibbles. We were treated to mezze platters of cheese to accompany a comforting glass of red wine. Following a good catchup and chitchat with colleagues, we made our way into the theatre to take our seats for the film. Of course we went via the bar to line up drinks and order in snacks for the movie and there I was double parked on a Tuesday!
Despite the cheesy outbursts of song, I thought the movie was fabulous with a raw edge which made for a more real portrayal of Elton John’s life. Having our own private theatre prompted us to act like children as we had a laugh throwing popcorn at each other, not so accepted when in a public cinema. The evening continued on at another bar in Broadway and I found myself one too many red wines down for a Tuesday night – thankfully there were others on my page and up for a few drinks too!
With winter closing in and that brisk chill in the air, we got the fire pit roaring in the garden and saw down the sun with a few drinks and some good old Australian yarns! Later on we ventured to the local pub in town where the drinks are cheap and you’re never far from a familiar face. It was great being back in the countryside leaving all the madness of city life behind me and just enjoying time spent with friends… ‘A good laugh and a long sleep are the best two cures for anything.’
Listening to the podcast series The Highest Self with Sahara Rose, my eyes have been opened to the sad fact that we are all sucked into this whirlwind of modern life where we continue to push our boundries to reach such demanding expectations. Instead of feeling content and happy in the moments of greatness we do reach, we find ourselves moving the goal posts once again to battle on before setting the next target. Why is it we cut short that feeling of contentment and joy when things are simply just fine and life is all OK?
Sahara Rose asks us to take a moment and think back 5 or even 10 years ago to reflect on just how far we have come. What we find is that every one of us is on a journey of growth and we are achieving wonderful things in that fact alone. I spent a weekend with my lovely Manager and close friend who has helped me to see the amazing things I’ve already accomplished at work and in my personal life. After our Sunday morning brekky date, we went for a beautiful bush walk to wind down, breath in the fresh air and just appreciate where we find ourselves at this point of our lives.
‘The happiest people in life are those who are grateful for where they are now; living life in the present moment is true contentment.’
As my first time co-ordinating an event, I learnt a lot in the process of organising through to executing a large party of this kind. Whilst I had the support of my team and delegated tasks to even the workload, there were a number of hurdles along the way. With a tight budget and over 50 employees to keep happy, we had to make cuts where we could. Consequently we decided to hold the event at our offices where we have a balcony on which the marquee was assembled. Once the tables were dressed and fairy lights were up, the setting was perfect and meant people only had to walk upstairs from their desks to join the party.
Most importantly I learnt a lot from the experience and found the pleasure of seeing everyone enjoy the occasion even more rewarding… pass me the prosecco and cue the wobbly eyes 😉
Arriving at the crack of dawn on this sunny Easter Sunday, we got to work setting up and playing around with different layouts to display the candles best. Her collection of scented candles are exquisite with a range of aromas from sweet and fruity to the more floral and woody.
On the whole it was a successful first go at the markets and we already have more booked in the diary which I am keen to be on board with. My friend was so thrilled to have my support and gifted me my favourite scented candle ‘citrus zest and coconut’ as a thank you. It was an honour to be there for such a talented co-worker who is not only a great friend and makes me chuckle, but inspiring mentor who is full of wisdom.
Kicking things off in the office, we hosted an Easter themed morning tea with a spread of hot cross buns, hundreds of chocolate eggs and the obligatory mimosas. I was surprised to see alternative hot cross buns flavoured with apple and cinnamon or chocolate chip – I prefer the classic English style packed with juicy fruits, popped in the toaster and covered in lashings of strawberry jam.
On Good Friday I was invited to the family BBQ in Maroubra where my in-laws treated us to an afternoon and evening packed full of food. As one of the entres, 
As Catholics they traditionally don’t eat meat on Good Friday, so the theme of the night was seafood. First up were tiger prawns so fresh that they were a deep red in colour and only needed a squeeze of lemon to compliment the flavours. Onto the BBQ and the octopus was expertly seared in a light sauce. I think this was some of the best octopus I’ve ever had as it can be easy to overcook and turn chewy, but this meat was deliciously succulent.
Finally sitting down to the beautifully laid dinner table, first course was mussels. These were cooked simply in a tomato marinara sauce to let the taste of the scrumptious mussels come through.
Main course was salmon seared on the BBQ to achieve that crispy skin. Everyone made their contribution of sides including exquisite salads and even a creamy, golden potato bake which I simply couldn’t resist. 
With daylight savings now meaning the sunsets around 5:30pm, pastel colours paint the sky and splash the harbour with that majestic haze each evening I walk home. This sight never fails to make me smile and feel so grateful for being right where I am in life at this moment in time; Sydney, you stole my heart ❤
Dani Aneka 