Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

I've been back in my home town of Perth, Western Australia for less than three weeks and my usual 'dizzy spin' after traveling struck me again.

To get me 'grounded' and feeling focused, I decided to set up my own raised bed vegetable garden to grow my own organic vegetables.

I also set up two pots just for herbs... and getting a little carried away with my intention I also set up additional pots for tomatoes, peas, beans and eggplant!

There is something very therapeutic and even spiritual about spending that time in nature, focused on Mother Earth and handling so much 'greenery' and soil. It's very grounding, literally.

I was also lost in my world of metaphors while enjoying my time in the sunshine building the raised bed vegetable garden (which took me almost 6 hours!)... it reminded me of the power of FOCUS and COMPLETION.... and along with that the satisfaction of achievement and empowering the soul of what is possible. 

I'm not naturally a 'green thumb'. And I had very little previous experience to know what to do. 

So I spent the better part of almost three days planning my goal, and setting out to task it - step-by-step. I also sought out advice from the garden staff at my local Bunning's (who were very helpful! Thank You!)

I'm a 'late bloomer' when it comes to exercising my 'green thumb' which my mother is delighted and proud of. She's got the 'green gene' in the family, but has it temporarily suppressed as both her and my father are on the road traveling Australia in their caravan on a great Aussie Adventure! 

(Which, as a side note - they have their current Jayco Heritage 2004 caravan for sale because they have ordered a new (smaller and lighter) one to suit their next phase of their "Leyland Brothers" style adventure!)

The first day I spent the better part of my afternoon putting together the raised bed for the vegetable garden. It was a challenge doing it on my own. I found myself being flexible, using my feet to hold the bolts so I could stretch, bend (and contort!) myself over the sharp tin (it wasn't yet finished with the plastic seal) to screw the panels together.

Each segment was a milestone, which I celebrated with a smile.... and a cup of coffee every few hours!

Once the panels were up and joined together, I started filling it with the bags of soil. The guy at the garden centre told me it would be the right amount to fill the garden bed. As I looked at the 8 (x 30L) bags of soil laying on the ground I thought "there is NO WAY that those eight bags will be enough!"

Sure enough, they barely filled the bottom.

Four treks back to Bunnings and a total of 340L of soil, I had my raised bed vegetable garden patch ready to plant the seedlings. 

(Learner's note: It would have been much more cost effective to have had a few trailer loads of soil delivered!)

The next two days was dedicated to planting the vegetables and the herbs (in pots). By the time I was done, I needed a Radox bath to sooth my aching back and legs from bending and squatting.

As I sank deep into the hot water and the bubbles tickling my nose, I sighed with an even deeper satisfaction of what I created this 'long weekend' and happy to be settled in at home ...for a while!

If you have any advise or suggestions for maintaining the vegetable garden at it's optimum and growing the biggest and best organic vegetables and herbs possible, I'd LOVE to read your comments below. :)

Tiger Zoo Pattaya, Thailand

This has been fun creating... this short video is a fun time celebrating my 35th birthday last month with friends, Ros Chalwell and Teresa Bladon at the Tiger Zoo Pattaya in Thailand.


Time has raced past me in the blink of an eye. Do you get that feeling about this year rushing by also? It's already been a little over a month since I celebrated my birthday on 22nd July.


The Tiger Zoo (technically called Sriracha Tiger) is a fun animal park where you get to watch (and pet) Tigers, Crocodiles, Scorpions, Wild Pigs and Elephants and witnessing them do some amazing acts of entertainment.


These parks in Thailand are often held with contentious debate about the ethics and care of these animals. For the sake of this blog, I won't even enter my 'two bob's' worth of thoughts on such a political topic.


But I will say, that the experience was extraordinary... and also really enjoyed being a part of the elephant show! ....Enjoy the video!

Singapore Zoo

I've recently arrived back in Perth from an extended trip to Queensland, Sydney, then (briefly Singapore) and Thailand for a month.


Since being back in Australia for the last week, I've had plenty of 'signs' too slooooooow down and rest.


What better time than now to put together some short videos and write some blog updates to share my latest adventures with you.


The first one is... Singapore Zoo!


During my 12-hour stop-over (on my way to Thailand) I was hosted by my beautiful friend, Tina Jessamiene Goh, who showed me around her beautiful city. 

We ate at a local restaurant for authentic Singaporean food, had a wonderful time relaxing at a river restaurant, on the outdoor patio over-looking the city river, drinking delicious white wine - (really enjoying every drop, since it was $120 Singaporean dollars for a bottle of NZ wine you can buy in Australia from the bottle shop for under $20!)


The best fun however, was at Singapore Zoo. 

Watch the short video and you will witness great highlights of the day. Watch orangutans lounging on rope up in the air (including a tiny baby orangutan!) Delight in the playful nature of a polar bear eating watermelon, admire a White Tiger prowling. Have a laugh and enjoy the Sea Lion show (which I got to participate in). And be in awe of the Elephant show. 


I highly recommend you add Singapore Zoo to your 'bucket list' - a must see in your travels. It's the best zoo I have ever been to. It's more than a zoo. It's a beautiful sanctuary. 

USA June 2010

It's been a few weeks since I've ventured onto these blog pages, but I needed the 'hermit' time to catch up from the wonderful but dizzying journey around the world in twenty two days! 

I had a blast!


My favorite moments were always with my friends and catching up with people along the way.


My motivation for this short tour was to go to the exclusive Jeff Walker Platinum Partner (Product Launch Manager) master-mind meeting, held in Durango, Colorado.


So I wrapped a bunch of wonderful adventures around it, before and after it, to see friends in New York City; Phoenix, Arizona; and San Francisco, California.


Some great people I want to acknowledge again (as I have in the short film) are:

• Anthony and Dawn Donofrio
• Croix Sather                                  www.CroixSather.com
• Jeff Walker (and the team)            www.JeffWalker.com
• PLM Platinum Partners
• James Klobasa
• Jane Tabachnick
• Eugenie Verney
• Ralph Watkins
• Victoria & Tom Schutte
• Patrick & Lisa Harvey
• Joanna Laznicka
• Melissa Risdon
• Risdon Family
• Lentzner Family
• David Anderton                          www.TheAndertonGroup.com
• Brandon Leonard
• David Groode                             www.InnerPrecision.com     
• Herb Light

• and...

• Larry Lossness

Since this trip, I have been back in Australia for a two and a half week 'hermit' break.


Then last Monday (12th July) I headed of to the Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to stay for a few days with my friend and fellow PLM (Product Launch Manager) Platinum Partner,  James Klobasa. 


Then I headed to Sydney for another four days for the 'Winter' Business Blueprint event with Dale Beaumont and my fellow Platinum Partners (yes, another group! hahah).


I've just arrived back in Perth, Australia last night... and I'm still relaxing in my pyjamas (at 2 pm in the afternoon) being lazy, before I pack my bag to leave this magnificent country yet again tomorrow...


...this time...


...the destination is...


...Thailand....

Rafting Durango

Rafting Durango waters is freeeezing, but FUN!

After a fantastic two-day master-mind meeting with the other Platinum Partner 'Product Launch Managers' trained by Jeff Walker, a small group of us went to enjoy the water rafting in Durango, Colorado.



James Klobasa, Eugenie Verney, Jane Tabachnick, Ralph Watkins and I had a blast enjoying this sporting experience, witnessing the gorgeous scenery surrounding us.

The water was cold. VERY cold. 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius!)

The rafting lasted two hours. Then for the rest of the day we enjoyed the sunshine on an outdoor deck at a restaurant, sipping margaritas and eating a lunch of blackened catfish and salad.

Rafting Durango waters was a highlight of visiting this scenic town. If you want to do it, opt for the wetsuit!

Coney Island Roller Coaster

"Cyclone" the Coney Island Roller Coaster is incredible! What a ride!

It's a historic hybrid roller coaster in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York. It's the oldest wooden roller coaster!

Built in 1927, the Coney island Roller Coaster is a rickety old ride, but a powerful one and a tad scary! There were a few times I felt the cart almost lift off the rails, and equally as many times I was almost rattled out of my seat!

My friend Croix Sather and I had a blast on the Coney Island boardwalk and amusement park area. But the "Cyclone" roller coaster ride was my favorite highlight for the day.

Check out the Coney Island Roller Coaster for some awesome fun if you come to this part of the world.

The Barefoot Investor - Scott Pape

"The Barefoot Investor" is a book, a brand and a man.

If you haven't 'met' him already, meet Scott Pape.

He is an Aussie man who has his financial act together, and teaching many others (particularly targeting those in their 20s and 30s) how to do the same.

Personally, I'm 'a-foot' again, traveling the world, which is how I have come to 'meet' Scott.

Having left Perth International airport (heading for New York) 27 hours ago, I'm currently 'resting' at Heathrow airport in London. I'm still enjoying reading Scott's book "The Barefoot Investor" which I picked up at the bookstore at the airport.

It's a little like reading my own thoughts, with a slightly more 'ocker' 'accent'.

Scott's background is as a Stockbroker and his advice on finance, lifestyle, living life on your terms and money carries a flair of a cross between Tim Ferriss and Robert Kyosaki... no wonder I have an instant love for the way this man thinks!

I'm already half way through the book - The Barefoot Investor - (I did also watch two movies and slept 8 hours on the flight from Perth to Singapore to London!) and feel inspired to share this fabulous resource with you.

His website also carries the same name:
www.BarefootInvestor.com

Why do I LOVE this book (and the man) so much?

Because he's another YOUNG AUSTRALIAN who's figured it out.

He's figured out how to USE MONEY and not have money use him.

He gets it!

He understands the power of this tool we use as a currency to get the THINGS WE WANT and he teaches how to direct your finances to get more of what YOU value, while also creating your own 'Barefoot Investor' pathway to your financial freedom.

If you want your own copy, click the link below (and yes, this is my affiliate link, so I will get all of a few bucks if you click through me! Seriously, I don't care if you want to find your own way to buy his book. Support him. Support yourself. And find your own pathway to financial freedom!)

The Barefoot Investor: Five Steps to Financial Freedom in Your 20s and 30s

Help support the man, who's passion is to help so many!

I am a woman on a mission to encourage you to live YOUR life on YOUR terms...

To encourage you to create your OWN unique footprint on the path of life...

Scott Pape, the author of The Barefoot Investor is also encouraging you to go along your own 'Barefoot Path' and live life on your terms! He gives you financial strategies to do so.

I'm always excited when I come across other like-minded people, and especially so with another young Aussie. It also makes the journey of teaching and inspiring others to do the same (live life on their terms) so much more gratifying and rewarding...

So.. with a bottoms up of my glass of wine while I finish up this blog at Heathrow airport (British Airways Lounge) ..here's a "CHEERS!" to celebrating your life on YOUR terms!

P.s. remember to come back and comment on this blog post what you think about Scott's Book.

Around The World In 22 Days!

I'm packing for my next adventure..

And a crazy one this seems.

All for a two-day event.

Two Days!

As a Platinum Partner and Student of Jeff Walker's Product Launch Management training, I'm heading back to the USA for a two-day master-mind meeting in Durango, Colorado.

So... Ill be flying around the world in 22 days!

I figured I'd stretch the trip out a little, catch up with great friends, and also be a bit creative with the use of my time ....watch out, I may just interview YOU if I cross your path...

Let me know if you are in these areas (watch the video) and comment below if you have something to say!

Broome Beaches

Broome Beaches are magnificent! They are such a contrast of colours with the tropical waters rolling into such pristine white sand on Cable Beach.

You can also see Cable Beach off Gantheaume Point, where the famous dinosaur footprint over 130 million years old is located (only viewable at very low tide). While the original is not always easy to spot, a plaster cast has been made of it embedded in the rock at the top of the cliff.

Cable beach is the most famous of the Broome beaches. This last Sunday, it hosted a unique beach polo event for the first time for Broome, and in fact Australia. The remote strip of sand was converted into a polo strip where professional polo players from across the country, including Australian polo captian Glen Gilmore, competed for the Paspaley Cup.

While we waited for the event to start, we strolled in the warm waters of the most famous of Broome Beaches, cooling our skin from the hot Australian sun beating down on us at full force.

Another magical spot to witness beautiful Broome beaches is near the Port jetty, where many people (including us) go fishing and catch some great meals!

A view from the jetty will indulge your sight senses to some wonderful landscape of rocks, grass, white sands, and lots of sand and rock crabs racing for the sanctity of the water as the tide lolls in and out.

Cable Beach is the most famous world known of the Broome beaches. But there are others, equally majestic. The other local Broome Beaches are: Riddell Beach which is located between Riddell Point and Gantheaume Point, and the "beaches" at Roebuck bay, which are really called "mudflats." When you see them at low tide, you will see why.

If you want to visit some more Broome beaches futher north, or at Middle Lagoon which is 170km north of Broome, you will require a 4WD to get access to these treasured parts of Australia.

Broome also has one of the best locations to witness a magical sunset, from Cable Beach. The colours of the sky turn shades of apricot, pink, mauve and orange/red.

As my last night of a wonderful week here with my family, we're going to celebrate a final sunset together, with a picnic on the beach as the sun sets. With the sound of a 'clink' from our wine glasses, we'll celebrate with gratitude, another glorious day, and a great holiday spent with magic memories together... most of those times, spent on the best beaches in the world.

If you want more adventure updates, be sure to add your name and email into the "Join Me On My Journey With Updates" box in the top left-hand... More adventures coming soon with a journey back to the USA this month, and in July - Sydney, Australia, then a month in Thailand!...

Broome Holiday

My Broome Holiday began on Friday, when I took an early flight to this wonderful tropical environment. The journey is short from Perth, by air. Just over two hours by plane.

Broome sits on the north west coast of Australia, and experiences two seasons. Wet Season and Dry Season. With the exception of some recent rain (and the muggy air it brought with it), this time of year is moving into the popular tourist time to visit Broome, in the Dry Season.

I was excited the entire flight, wriggling in my seat with anticipation to spend time with my brother, Phil (who is a pilot in the Kimberly region) and my parents, who have wound their way up the West Australian coast in their caravan and 4WD on their national trek.

My Broome holiday was to be a family reunion.



I arrived, and the air smelled delicious as I stepped from the plane. I have a sensitive sense of smell, and Broome ALWAYS smells like frangipanis to me. The landscape is littered with many of these beautiful trees, and their scent gives the air a beautiful fragrance.

Mum and dad met me at the small airport terminal. We gave each other a rather sweaty hug. My wintery clothes (including boots!) were fast melting to my skin.

"Whoa! It's a tad warmer now than I expected it to be!" I stated. "I think I need to go shopping. Everything I brought will be too warm to wear!"

For a Broome Holiday I highly suggest you simply bring along your swim suit, a sarong (for the ladies), and loose summer clothing. Forget the make-up, it simply slides off your face with the heat!

But I love it. A Broome Holiday is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy the tropics, experience some great food at some fabulous restaurants in town, see the sites and for me, spend time with my family.

There's plenty to do here.

If you love fishing, then there are many places to throw your line in the water. I spent some time with my parents at the Broome Port jetty. We caught quite a few fish in the couple of hours we enjoyed being there. Most of them we had to throw back, as they were under-sized.

The bites started to wane as the sun set, but our boredom (from very few bites anymore) was broken when my brother arrived with a six-pack of beers!

My dad piped up, "I guess it's pizza for dinner tonight then!"

We enjoyed dining at a local restaurant, relaxing with a buffet feast of gourmet pizzas, salad and wine.



If you come here for your Broome holiday, be sure to check out the local markets on a Sunday. Amongst the clothes, local jewellery, pearls, and food stands, there was a particular stand that caught my interest...the animal stand.

The local Wildlife centre brought out snakes, baby kangaroos, and even a one-week old fruit bat! You get to witness some of the Australian wild-life up close and get some great education about them also. All for free!

My Broome holiday has still got some days left. So I'll update you more soon!

If you wish to have regular updates for my adventures, travel tips & hints, lifetsyle design strategies and more, be sure to add your name and email into the 'Join Me On My Journey With Updates' Box in the top left hand corner of this blog.

Affirmations.. A Powerful Life Strategy.

A positive mind-set is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself... and to the rest of the world...

Whether you are conscious of it or not, you are daily, 'affirming' your truths to yourself.

Unfortunately, many of these affirmations are 'negative' rather than being a positive influence in your life.

What is an affirmation?

An affirmation is ANY "I" or "My" statement you state to yourself.

"I am beautiful"... "I am intelligent".. "I am a wonderful mother/wife/partner"... "I love life!" ..."My life is great!"

These are all empowering statements - Affirmations.. Affirming your truth!

If you choose to allow unconscious (or truly worse, conscious) thoughts of "I" 'negative' statements, then you will live up to those as well..

For a wonderful awareness of truth in Affirmations, watch this adorable short-video of young Jessica's truth... in her daily affirmations...

If you also believe that Affirmations are an incredible tool for a life of Personal Mastery, then please leave your comment below... What is your favourite affirmation?

Outsource It.. And Get Your Life Back!

My mind has been running at full-speed these last few weeks.

I've been 'quiet' because I've been creating more systems again.

I'm so excited to share my strategies and those of other experts which I will also bring their expertise and experience to you too, of how to outsource your business, so that you can have a life!

As an entrepreneur, it is often a tragedy to witness the entrenchment of the 'business person' who becomes entrapped within their DOING.. wrapped up tightly like a cocoon, feeling suffocated, wondering where that dream lifestyle and the time they imagined they would have, has gone.

Does this feel like a familiar story to you?

That's why most people get into business isn't it? To live the imagined higher life? To have more time? More money? More control of your schedule?

Well.. as 'The Global Butterfly", I'm delighted to enlighten you and share the strategies of how to metamorphasize your business and yourself into the wonderful butterfly (or dragonfly - for the men) and spread your wings with freedom to fly.

Here's how you get your time back....

• You start with creating a vision of your life as you see how you want to live it.
• Then you get clear on all the tasks required to be done within your business.
• Once you are clear on these tasks, you then create systems with as many of the tasks as possible.
• Then outsource them!
• You can automate many other aspects of your business (and personal life) also.
• Only stick to 'working' on the stuff you are GREAT at.
• Outsource the rest!

For a full FREE Report on
"How To Leverage Your Business, So You Can Have A Life"
go now to www.TheGlobalButterfly.com

There are many mind-set factors required to make the shift. For you to get different results, you are going to need to create new habits and stick with them to create new results. The fastest way to do this, is to role-model those that have already achieved the success that you wish to create in your life also.

Here is a short video (2 mins 30 secs) of just some of the magic memories of the way I spent my time in 2009. May it inspire you to think of some of the ways you'd like to spend YOUR time...

Tribal Belly Dancing at El Phonecian Restaurant

Belly Dancing was a terrific highlight a few weeks ago, when I attended Dale Beaumont's "Business Blueprint" seminar in Sydney.

On the second evening, those of us who are Platinum Partner's were invited to a VIP dinner at the El Phonecian restaurant in Parramatta, Sydney.

The food was divine, and the wine was poured liberally. Especially, when the restaurant owner presented me with a bottle of red, "for being the best belly dancer guest of the evening."

The video really says it all.. so enjoy!...

Tim Ferris - Expressing Gratitude

My number one mentor in putting Lifestyle Design in action is Tim Ferris.

I recently commented on his latest blogpost, expressing my gratitude for his key strategies and being a living example of consciously creating a Lifestyle Design based on his terms.

To my delight, Tim Ferris commented directly back to me.

Ever since I read his book, "The 4 - Hour Workweek" I've had a vision to meet Tim. Since simply reading the book for the first time in 2007 I've taken many of the strategies and applied them to my life.

Over the last few years my new reality came into fruition. I designed my lifestyle first in my mind's eye, then took action towards manifesting it 'in real life'.

Now that I have created what I set out to achieve, my foundational beliefs have also evolved and strengthened into the solid, unshakable truth that we absolutely can design life on our terms....

My beliefs were re-shaped and expanded, during that part of my journey (and still are). But they've morphed from fear and doubt, to quality questions, a clear focus and intention to set out to create who I want to become, experience what I wish to do, and have what I truly desire... (My 'have' list is lower in rank for my priorities.. I prefer who I 'become' and life experiences versus 'owning' material possessions that simply age, drain cash, or in some other form become a liability - possessions are only 'weight anchors' for the global butterfly!)

So, when I first read Tim's book... I set out a belief just to connect with him somehow.

In the recent month's, that belief and vision has shifted to, "I will become great friends with Tim Ferris, a mentor, friend and ally for educating and inspiring the world to the possibilities to consciously create a Lifestyle Design of CHOICE."

With Tim writing directly back to me on the blog, I'm one step closer.

So I pose a few questions to you, the reader...

• Who is doing or creating, walking down the path of what you want to create, become, experience or have in your life?
• Who has been an effective role model/mentor for the lifestyle or elements of your lifestyle that you have today? Perhaps your health or fitness, parenting, a career path, investments, relationship harmony, lifestyle design or something else...

A key strategy to being/doing/having more in your life..
is to live with the value of gratitude, and express it.

Say "Thank You!" To yourself, to 'God' (whoever that is for you), and also to the person who has guided you along on your journey, or who has nudged you with their wisdom, experience, thought, strategies, kindness or any other powerfully positive impact, into the direction you have traveled to be where you are today.

Here's the ACTION step I encourage you to take today...
Think of a person who has made an impact on your life for the power of shaping you for an area of success in your world. Then gift them the honor of GRATITUDE and say "Thank You!" ...That might be an email, a phone call, a blog post, a facebook comment, a twitter comment, a hand-written letter, an e-card, a snail mail card, a surprise gift, perhaps flowers or a bottle of wine if you are feeling the spirit of a physical token to say "Thanks!"

There is immense power in this simple strategy -GRATITUDE- in Lifestyle Design.

The act of it says, "I appreciate all that I have" to the Universe, who hears you and says with glee, "Great! So I'll send you more of what you want."

An additional, and very strong, benefit of saying "Thank You!" is it creates your mind's focus on all that you have in your life... versus focusing on what you don't have.

Whatever you focus on magnifies, and you get more of what you focus on. When you focus on what you have, you feel great! When you feel great, you are more motivated to continue steps forward on your journey of your life goals.

When you choose to focus on what you don't have, you create a cycle of self-defeating internal (and external) language, your energy drops, and you may take little, if any, action towards creating the lifestyle design of YOUR dreams. And then worse still, you may lull yourself with negative hypnotic thoughts, into the false illusion of your current 'reality' being your permanent reality.

Where you are at today is the sum of all thoughts and actions you have focused on and manifested up until now.

If you want a new reality, first you must have new thoughts - and a strong focus on what you want. A first step to creating the vision of the Lifestyle Design you want to create now is, begin with Gratitude for what you currently have.

So go take that action of saying "Thank You!" now to someone who has affected your life, and if you'd like to share your experience or thoughts, I'd love to hear your comment in the box below this blog.

How Creative Financing Helped Me Touch A 'Holy Snake'

Traveling and experiencing new adventures doesn't have to always cost you YOUR money!

Watch a creative financing opportunity unfold just before my experience to touch the 'Holy Snake,' at Tanah Lot, Bali.

The principle is, to stay open to possibilities, and ASK!

It also helps to have a healthy dose of a good sense of humor.

And No! This is NOT an April Fool's Day joke. *L*

Enjoy the video!

Wrapped by a 40 Kilo Python

Holding a 40 kilo snake is a mission in itself, let alone the ambition of overcoming the fear of having it wrapped around your neck!

While in Bali last week, I had an incredible opportunity to experience this marvelous creature...

I'm willing to bet there are many of you who think I am crazy for even placing myself in such a circumstance!

But, I will confess, that this was quite a liberating experience to face my fear (for the third time that day! - Monkeys climbing on me, holding a fruit bat, and then handling this wonderful creature).

Enjoy the video clip...

And.. if you'd like to be updated on a regular basis with adventures, lessons, lifestyle by design strategies...

Subscribe to the 'Living Adventures Of The Heart' email list...

Holding a Fruit Bat, Bali

Holding a fruit bat this last week while on my trip to Bali, goes down in history for me as one of the weirdest, and most uncomfortable animal experiences I've had yet.

(It rates first, even before having a monkey run up my body and sit on my shoulder!)

It's claws (talons?) dug into my belly, as the 'host' held the bat up to me to hold.

Watch the clip for the full experience...

Tabanan Monkey Forest, Bali

My 'monkey' adventures in Bali captured on Video...

Part One - The monkeys!!!



Part two - Monkey Mama!



Part Three - Get The Monkey OFF My Back!!!



Part Four - The Hoard of monkeys and more monkey mania!



More videos to come... fruit bats.. snakes.. weird negotiations... and more...

Stay tuned...

Bali Masari

Many people on facebook and via email have asked me "where exactly are you staying?" (in Bali).

The answer is... Bali Masari.

I've just returned back to Perth, Western Australia.

Fully blissed out and happy to be back home, I can now upload some videos to share the richness of my adventure these last ten days.

Here, is the magnificence revealed of the resort, and surroundings where I stayed at...

Bali Masari, snuggled into the depths of Sukawati, between Sanur and Ubud. It is surrounded with the beauty of the Balinese Jungle, and the harmonic animal kingdom of birds, bats, geckos, crickets, cicadas, bugs and the odd spider!



Stay tuned... as I have been given a rare opportunity to extend to you an exclusive offer that the General Manager, Rai, has given me to offer you, my friends..

I'll be posting that in a few days. You don't want to miss out on what he's going to give you in this very 'special package'... at Bali Masari

Bali Bliss...

It's now day three of my Bali adventures... pure bliss in the mountainous region of Sukawati, between Sanur and Ubud.

I'm staying at a magical resort in this tranquil region, over-looking the Balinese forest, and a river running below the terraces of villas. Each morning I wake up to the sound of the birds chirping their early morning song as dawn peeks it's way over the mountains.

My days so far have been fulfilling my need for pampering, with a two-hour spa treatment of aromatherapy foot massage, lomi-lomi and hot stone massage. The setting is a private spa, with an open wall 'hanging' over the forest.

To be rested and pampered whilst hearing the forest 'breathing' and 'singing' it's harmony is pure magic!

I'm yet to mention that the spa treatments have been some of the best I've experienced. The love and attention put into the massage is very healing and body-soul connecting.

Oh.. and very inexpensive. These treatments range from US$20 t0 maximum US$80 (three hour package). Certainly the best value I have EVER received.

The rest of my day is spent lounging by the pool after eating a traditional breakfast of Mei Goreng, meditating on my private deck, dipping into my private plunge pool, snapping photos of magic moments, and simply enjoying my own company.

Yesterday I did go on a spontaneous adventure. I hired a private driver (Wayan) and car (US$50 for 5 hours) to take me to some "fun" places.

We visited the Royal Family Temple at Mengwi (Taman Ayun) which is surrounded by a moat, for an interesting but brief photo opportunity. It's 3,000 Rupiah (about AUD$0.40) to enter the grounds and witness it's beauty.


Then it was off the the sacred monkey forest in Tanaban (10,000 Rupiah, about AUD $1.20 or US$1.10) where I experienced several monkeys take it upon themselves to mistake me for a tree!

They were after bananas, which my guide, Madi had taken to carrying for me, to reduce the monkey fever rush up my body!

(I have plenty of video to share, but will need to post later as my internet connection here isn't supporting the upload).

There were also many large fruit bats hanging in the trees, and a smaller colony of bats at a "bat show" stand where you can experience holding one for a donation.

OK. So I finally got up the courage to hold a fruit bat! Been there. Done that. Never again. Very strange experience. But then again, it's already been a strange day!

Next, it was off to Tanah Lot, where I walked through the throngs of people to view through the market stalls (entry was 15,000 IDR - AUD$1.80/US$1.65). Then I headed toward the beach to witness the sunset. Along the way, I discovered there was a large snake handling opportunity.

I thought, "Why not?!" Until I saw the size of the snake! Then I though, "Holy S**t!"

When I witness myself say "No way! I can't do that!" Then I immediately have a conversation with myself of, "Yes way! Then you must!"

My personal policy is to face fear head on.

So, whilst there were a crowd of people standing around gawking at the 40 kilo python, I jumped right in and negotiated my price for a picture with it. This created a huge commotion as my now audience followed us around "for the best picture view, Miss!" and clapped and laughed as I was (barely) able to hold the snake. It was heavy!

My fellow Balinese men who helped me, relocated me back to the lawn to then have me sit in the 'snake circle'.. where they wrapped the snake around me on the floor for yet more pictures.

What an adventure! I felt like Indiana Jones!

My driver then escorted me down the rocks to witness the beauty of the tide line. In an ocean-side cave, we came across another 'Holy Snake' which was guarded by two Balinese men to make sure it is protected and you pay your donation.



Just before I approached them there were two men (a Javanese tourist and his Balinese guide) who approached my guide Wayan. I overheard some conversation about wanting to take a photo with me. When Wayan told me, "this man wants to take a picture with you," I laughed and with a cheeky grin I said, "Sure! If he pays my donation to the Holy Snake"!

The look on these mens faces was priceless. Shock!

I'm a keen negotiater in almost every situation. I saw an opportunity to flex this skill, and in Bali mode after visiting the market stalls it seemed a natural course of negotiation.

The Javanese man agreed. Then paid 5,000 instead of the agreed 3,000 Rupiah to the Holy Snake man.

Wayan and I giggled. He said, "I've never heard anyone ask for that before!"

I laughed and said, "well I'm a strategist! There's more ways than one to skin a cat, if you want something! That was a win/win/win" He got his photo, I get to handle the snake, they get a donation."

Wayan nodded and laughed, amused by my boldness.

With a fun and adventured packed filled day, we headed back to the hotel, where I was met by the staff who had set up a private candlelit dining space for me, poolside.

It was a magical way to bring a close to my day, as I enjoyed the night sounds of the mountains, the peace in the air, the beauty of the pool, and dined on delicious food and drank Balinese wine.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~Henry David Thoreau~

Goal Setting... Tick Your Life To A Whole New Level!

Thanks to a facebook (and Perth) friend of mine, Adam Kappel, I've discovered a fantastic GOAL SETTING TOOL - Lifetick! I was perusing Adam's great website and I discovered he was sharing the AWESOMENESS of this product.

And it really is AWESOME!

By the way, to make it clear, there is NO affiliate link to this article.

I'm truly grateful to have discovered this tool, and want to share it with you, as it is a MUST to be clear on your core values and goals to create purpose and momentum in your life to create the one you want - Lifestyle By Design!

Among Lifetick's excellent and well thought out features the benefits to the user include clear, concise and great visuals of your goals, it's easy to use as a daily habit, and it will make a big difference to your decisions and behaviors/actions towards getting what you want.

With Lifetick's feature to send you email reminders (set by you), it helps to keep your focus on what you have decided to take action on. It'll help to keep you even more accountable and on track!

It is also yet another great 'mobile lifestyle' tool.

So often in the past, I've written my goals in journals. In the past few years with all my extensive travels, I've taken to typing my goals on my computer and storing them on my back-up hard drive. I have been looking for a better solution for awhile...

...Now, I've found it!

With Lifetick, it's all online, and you can access it from anywhere! It also has an iPhone web application to sync with your online account.

No more worries about heavy books to transport or the time spent to scan old records to keep (assuming you want to keep them. I personally love to reflect on past years goals and successes as it is a record to my personal growth and to how much I have achieved through the weeks, months and years).

If you're not yet used to goal setting, then no problem!

Lifetick will take you through step-by-step in a well formatted way for you to create your goals using the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting system.

Specific - Does the goal clearly state what it will achieve?
Measurable - Will you know if you have achieved your goal?
Achievable - Is this a goal which can actually be achieved?
Relevant - Does this goal reflect your values in life?
Time Specific - When do you want to achieve this goal by?

For those of you who are Life Coaches, managers, personal trainers, sporting coaches and anyone who assists others in achieving their goals, get excited because this company is soon to launch Lifetick Coach that will really assist you with your clients. Here's what it promises:

• Coach creates accounts for clients
• Clients use Lifetick to create and manage goals
• Coach gets to monitor his/her clients’ progress
• Clients and coach can communicate through Lifetick

I could go on and on and on about how passionate I am about this opportunity, but you can read and see more by going to the Lifetick website.

Oh and it's FREE for the basic version, so you can trial it. The paid version is only AUD$22 a year!

I encourage you today, to sign up to Lifetick and start using it immediately to make it easier for you to start creating (or to continue your momentum and take it to a whole new level), your Lifestyle By Design, by having clear goals set up so you can WIN!

From one of my favorite mentors:
"You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own." ~Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Author of the "Chicken Soup For The Soul" series~

If you found this article helpful, please leave your comment below! :o)

Ducks for Dinner

It's not too often you get to dine WITH ducks, versus eating them!

Check out these wonderful 'Park Pets' from Karrinyup Waters Resort.

I enjoyed a 'last supper' with my parents in Perth, before (I leave for Bali tomorrow) and they leave for the journey north later this week, for their trek around Australia.

Gasparilla Pirate festival

This last week whilst I was in Tampa, Florida I got to experience an amazing Adventure... the Gasparilla Pirate Festival... Tampa, Florida...

Italian Dining with Scott & Alise

I've been staying in Clearwater (near Tampa) with great friends Scott Howard and Alise Torhus this week.

I keep calling it Tampa. Scott quietly interjects each time with "Clearwater" to remind me exactly where I am at. *laugh*

I am forever grateful for not only their friendship and hospitality, but their love and grace with caring for me this week whilst I have been recovering from a lung-gripping flu... post my Caribbean Cruise.

Whilst most of my days have been spent lazing around in my 'heart' pajamas... we have been out and about a few times. Including two nights ago when I wanted to express my gratitude for them in my life, and took them out to dinner.

We went to Macaroni Grill (Alise's choice) and enjoyed a fun night eating delicious Italian food.

Grateful to always have my flipvideo, I captured the essence of the restaurant and staff, as well as our fun experience.

Enjoy!

x Katie Joy

Cave Tubing in Belize - An Internet Marketer's Caribbean Cruise

Last week I was absent from the internet world, as I was cruisin' the Caribbean Sea on the annual (Mike Filsaime's) Internet Marketer's Cruise.

Seven fabulous nights and eight days on the Carnival Dream.

And a dream it was.

One of the great highlights was cave-tubing in Belize.. quite an adventure after trekking through the jungle for half an hour to get to our beginning point of the cave entry.

The water was freeeeeezing! But the adventure was worth it.

Along with all the laughs.

The rest of the week's highlights also included:

• Jeep driving in Cozumel, and visiting Mayan ruins
• A beach party in Roatan (Honduras)
• More Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya
• Networking onboard the ship with some of the best internet marketing minds in the world
• Plenty of cocktails
• Dancing
• Fun! Fun! Fun!
• Making plenty of new friends and Joint Venture Partners from around the world....

(For more pictures: check out my facebook profile)

With all the fabulous time during the event, my heart and mind sends love and attention to those in Haiti, who were affected throughout the same week from such a devastating earthquake.

It reinforces my gratitude for my life even more... and serves as a reminder that we just don't know when our life expiry date comes up, or what circumstances we will face in our life.

When I was a Paramedic and worked for St John Ambulance for almost 8 years... I learned: that EVERY moment of EVERY day is precious.. live in the NOW, Live in your truth, Love and share it... and take action every day to live life on your terms.. there may not be a tomorrow to pursue your dreams.. do it today. ♥

Eating Alligator in Florida...

It's been almost two weeks since I've blogged. And this is a little out of sync.. although, it is TODAY's event!

Today, I ate ALLIGATOR!

I'm staying with friends in Clearwater, Florida (near Tampa) and celebrated a day of fun with my friend Scott with a Margarita and Alligator bites..

Excuse the husky voice.. I've been helping my body recover from a lung-wrestling flu...

I'm taking a few days 'vacation' after an incredible and intense Internet Marketer's Caribbean Cruise last week... more coming on that update.

Grey's Anatomy - I got to sit on the lap of "Mr McDreamy" Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey, a.k.a. "Mr McDreamy", or Dr. Derek Shepherd, the neurosurgeon on 'Grey's Anatomy' was on my Delta flight today from L.A. to Orlando.

As I went to enter the flight, I noticed the 'buzz' from the flight attendents whispering to staff and other passengers boarding. "Patrick Dempsey's on the flight!" And with a short pause, "but we're used to famous stars flying with us."

Now, I rarely watch T.V. or listen to the radio. BUT, I have always been a fan of the quirky prime time T.V. show "Grey's Anatomy."

And Patrick Dempsey's conflicted character has always made me curious, both in his thought processes and dare I say, in his delicious looks!

As we boarded the flight, we all moved forward down the aisle in an orderly fashion so as to take our seats. Every single person passed Patrick, since he was sitting in the FIRST aisle first class seat.

I sat in my exit row aisle seat. This time in economy. I usually fly United, and get the first class upgrade. I'm happy to take economy on this flight simply to share in this universal alignment.

As I settled into my seat and sat watching the last of the passengers board, I realized that "if I don't ask, I don't get." I got my new waterproof digital camera ready (the one I just bought at duty free to take on the cruise) and set off down the aisle at a fast pace. I didn't want to be stopped by a Nazi airline steward.

I reached Patrick's seat and squatted down in front of him. He looked a little taken aback, yet I soon saw his face relax.

"Hi!" I announce, "I'm Katie and I'm Australian." (OK, I'm pulling whatever favor card I can right now)

I watch his face soften. "I was sitting back there and realized that if I don't ask, I don't get."

I watch for him becoming more receptive. He is.

"If you say "No", that's OK, and I just want to ask if I can have a photo with you."

I smile.

It wins.

"Sure," he says and radiates his branded smile that melts my heart.

The guy behind Patrick says, "I'll take your photo!" I hand him my camera.

I'm shaking!

Patrick smirks his delicious lazy smile.

He starts to twist in his chair to get ready for the photo. In order for me to get in it, I need to get closer. He's so humble. And polite. I am almost sitting on his knee. Then I ask, "can I sit on your lap?"

"Sure," he says... and I do with glee!

The photo is taken, as the flight attendants are insisting that all electrical equipment be shut off.

I grace Patrick with my gratitude... "you've made my day," I say with a radiant smile.

He lights up with his grin I only know from the the T.V. Show as "Mr McDreamy."

"Thank You!" I say and leave him in peace.

I skip down the aisle and enter back into economy where there are a bunch of people who roar into applause at my audacity... I do a little jig and dance in the aisle, so happy and elated.

People clap and laugh with joy.

As I am walking back to my seat I hear, "Katie! Katie Gilbert! From facebook!" I turn to see a familiar face. It's a friend I have met on facebook, Blake Mitchell."



We connect and Hi five.. "Wow! Such a small world!" I say. He nods.

"I'm now Katie Joy!" I state. Blake smiles.

I feel famous. *laugh* The irony is I went to connect with someone I know as famous in the front of the plane, and on my way back, someone recognizes me!

I'm thrilled.

As I take my seat, I reflect on the moment. Proud of myself.

I learned a terrific lesson.

If you don't ask, you don't get.

And.. if you ask.. you most often get what you want.

I wonder how many people on the plane may have thought of the possibility of doing what I did, but no-one else took action.

I did.

That was the learning.

Stepping up and taking action.

I was nervous. I was aware that I might get a "no". But I figured that if I didn't ask it was an automatic "No!" anyway.

If there is one thing I want to share, that is:

JUST DO IT!

Follow your heart.

Take action!

Do it with grace, respect and love and everybody wins!