Yogamona

I've always loved getting my sweat on and exploring new ways to push my physical limits. For me, overcoming physical barriers is such a mentally cleansing act. It's a way for me to overcome my biggest critic, myself. No, I don't consider myself an authority on exercise, but I do make a conscious effort to get up and get physical as much as possible. I came across a quote a while ago that really gets me and explains what I mean when I say exercise (in any form) is a "mentally cleansing act".

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger the mind could make you dance all night, and the body was never tired... You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going.” -George S. Patton

That being said, it's usually never easy for me to overcome my body and be excited to roll out of bed or put down the donut for a workout. One thing that makes it just a tid bit easier is finding cute/comfortable clothes to workout in. Let's be honest, there have been a few times where rocking a new pair of workout leggings are the only motivation I can muster to get going and get sweaty. Big thanks to Yogamona for helping me out in this department. These leggings are literally the most comfortable thing I own and they meet all my needs on my yoga pant agenda. They are the perfect thickness, they sit high on my hips (so you don't have to worry about giving everyone at the gym a peep show) and they stretch to fit my long legs. I also love the tank for it's softness and flattering cut (which also covers my bum). Have a great day doing your thing. And while you're doing your thing, head on over to Yogamona  and check out these threads for yourself!

Threads: Yogamona

Yoga pants: Dharma Bums in Black Paisley 

Tank: Be Love Shirt Tail Tank  

Photography: Carly Chartres

Sunshine Coast: Noosa

Here goes...everything.

Whale watching. Didn't see any, but I did see how high we were climbing in the plane made for ants.

I had to...

You guys! Meet Jeano. I died when I got the photos and found about 25 selfies just like this. Meanwhile I'm completely oblivious and just...what's up earth?

The one and only photo of the super 6. I like this one.

Surfer girl 101: Lessons by Lulu.

What this snow cone lacks in flavor it makes up for by being extremely photogenic.

My sweetest bean.

I make it a point to keep a serious log book of all the best ice cream shops worldwide and let me tell you what, Nitrogenie is in the top 5. Take the picture above as exhibit A. There are REAL chunks of salted caramel corn in the ice-cream. We made it a point to go here every other day.

You're wondering..."Why is this boy eating a leaf?" I don't know, but he's pretty dang cute so we let him do weird things like this while we take photos. 

Eumundi Market is the bomb.com for legitimate reasons. 

Since I started blogging as a means of public journaling, I've found some people want to know more deets about what I'm actually doing, the things I'm seeing and the places I'm going. You know when you find a really great photography location, beautiful book or a secret hike with a heavenly view and you're stoked to show someone so you can join together in a mutual state of stoke? That's how I feel about Australia. I'll try to make future posts a little more detailed (and put my phone number on my blog) so you can do everything I'm doing, then call and we can chat all night about how great it all is and become best friends. Just joking...but I'm crossing my little fingers you at least put Australia at the top of your wanderlust list. Also, don't hesitate to get ahold of me if you want to know anything about my travels. I'd LOVE to talk about it. 

Destination: Noosa, Queensland (about 90 min. north of Brisbane) 

Happenings: Horseback riding, surfing, ice cream licking, skydiving, sushi eating, etc.

Must sees/dos: If you're ever in Australia, you have to make a pit stop in Queensland and Noosa is a dang good choice. I'm a sucker for a good outdoor market and Eumundi definitely made the top of my list. It might have something to do with the fact that I found the best donuts I've had since I left the states there, but there's no way to know for sure. The market is chock full of little homemade, handcrafted goods. 

If you're beach folk, check out Noosa Main Beach. Cutest little stretch of sand and salty h20 there ever was with gentle waves and plenty of space to sprawl out. Also a hit, the cute cafes and shops strung along the ocean front on Hasting Street. 

Skydiving? DO IT **inserts Shia Labeouf clip**. I got my thrills in along Coolum Beach with Skydive Ramblers and was so happy happy happy I did. You know that quote, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone?" Well, Anal Annie (that's me) literally jumped 14,000 ft. outside of hers. Believe me when I say I am not the type to spontaneously jump off of high things, but that's why I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a day afterward. I broke through my only barrier, me, and redefined myself as Cassandra Skyway Dillard, girl who loves a good donut and jumps out of airplanes for kicks. 

Horseback riding was also a first and left me feeling a rush of giddy emotions that I can honestly say I haven't felt in years. Loved trotting along with Chappy the horse, taking in the beauty that is Weyba Lake and trying to spot kangas. Super happy with Noosa Horse Riding.

Food: For me, part of the joy of traveling is finding new places to feast. A few of my Noosa faves include Sushi Yah Man, Nitrogenie, Aromas and Donut Kitchen. Check em' out. 

P.S. Shoutout to my Aussie fam, the Chartres, for assisting my globe trotting goals and allowing me to tag along to some pretty sweet spots.