Friday Inspiration Round-up

It's Friday morning down here in NZ! I'm off to share a flat white with my friend Rachael, but first, a hit of inspiration. Here's what's been buoying me this week:

Random

• *Jump* photo opp in the West Auckland beach town of Piha {above}
• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris - I'm a fan
• Twitter, where have you been all my life?! Oh yes, I was busy avoiding & trash-talking you. I apologize. You've sucked me in.
• SuperBadger mug watching over Nigella Lawson's Millionaire's Shortbread Just can't stop thinking about the chocolate/ caramel flavor combo. {below}

My friend Mel's boy scout belt with whistles either side! And Dan confirmed it's authenticity - he used to sport one too apparently. I can't pull off accent belts like Mel and Dan, but I LOVE this. {below}

Favorite new blogs

• Mel's just launched The Making of Blanket Statements & it's as awesome as her whistle belt. She's documenting plans to make her vintage home accessories company a hit in a year, one stitch at a time. Today's day 1 so let's show her some love. :)
• New Dress a Day is our heroine Marisa's endeavor to source one second-hand dress for $1 every day for a year. Her blog is where she shows off her transformations and sewing skills. Sew nice!
• Just found this! Zen Peacekeeper merges two of my favorite topics, justice and writing, into one blog. As if that weren't enough, she's a yoga teacher AND a Kiwi - so much to love. Great blog and great guide to twitter. 
• Alexis Grant is writing a travel memoir about traveling solo through Africa. Of course, I'm intrigued. Loved her post about favorite Baby-Sitters Club characters and who you'd be. I was most like Mary Anne in junior high but wanted to be like Claudia & Dawn. And you?

Inspirational blog posts

• Don Miller defends art & the artist
• Rachelle Gardner on what we give up to pursue the dream
• Mary deMuth on rising to tribal leadership (The post that started me thinking about who I am & what I'm made for. So, SO good!)

I'm thinking about doing an inspiration round-up every Friday, what do you think? Feel free to send me any hot tip-offs during the week!

What things or blogs have inspired you this week?