By Anika http://byanika.com/

Hi Sweethearts!

If you met me as a teenager you would see me wearing skirts so long that they were dragging on the ground. I always felt uncomfortable with my legs. Later I would go all out and wear skirts that cover the knees. I know. But I felt naked doing it, exposed, you know?

I was always grateful to have legs that work, but there was all sorts of wrong with them. They were to fat. Too unattractive. Too curvy. I never thought I would enjoy showing them off. I never dreamed my chubby knees would be a part of me feeling hot.

There you go. I confess it. I feel hot. And I like my chubby knees. Hold the phone!

When the wind blows my skirt up I no longer fret to hold the skirt down. I let it travel further up than I used to. (Wait. What? Mum, stop reading.) Think Marilyn Monroe-moments, not full on flashing you-moments. It`s a fine line, I know. I`ll stop there.

The outfit: The dress and bolero (made from the same fabric that I used for my massive living room lamp) are my design. Bling is Forever 21 and H&M. Wegdes are Din Sko.

What is the lesson in my having chubby knees?

If you can`t (be bothered to) change what you`ve got then just get on with it and let it rip. I didn`t use to think that chubby legs are sexy, but I do now. Why? Because those are the knees I have got, so I might as well enjoy them.

Gusts of wind, please!

Tell me my friends, how do you feel about your gams?

By Anika http://byanika.com/

Hi Sweethearts!

I call you sweethearts. My name means sweet face. We are sweet creatures.

Nurturing. Loving. Delicate. Lovely.

We know what is expected of us. We take on so many roles, some glady, others not so much. Always giving. Always happy to be generous, from the heart. Mostly.

Then there is this.

The  what can you do for me? The you think you can handle me? The yes, this time I`ll put my self first for a moment. Unapologetic. Raunchy. Direct. In control. Intens. Yes.

Not always pretty. Not always selfless. But also me. Also us.

I give thanks to every woman who came before me, on whose shoulders I stand as a woman today. I am free to be who I am. Vixen. Cutie pie. Business woman. Home maker. Fiercly independent. In need of a tender embrace. Full of life.

I am woman. Femme. Fatale that!

Tell me my friends, how do you embrace all the different parts of you?

By Anika http://www.byanika.com

Hi Sweethearts!

As you know I am working my way back to my happy self, one day at a time, and one room in my new flat at a time. I am recharging, redefining, expressing my self, grounding my self within my self and in my new home. going at it determinedly.

I finished my living room yesterday, and looking at it one thing jumped out at me. I am no minimalist.

In fact, I am a maximalist, in my fashion, in my designs and in my life. When I love I do it with all of who I am. When I mix prints I don`t hold back.

This approach to life and style is not about taking the easy way out, but I have a secret weapon. I know that I can get away with it. And when I can`t, I can laugh about it.

Case in point:

Getting my heart broken.

Incredibly hard to deal with, but worth it.

Am I not going to dare to fall in love again? No way.

I have been blessed with the gift of being completely close, completely happy.

Buying the biggest lamp known to man.

I laughed so hard when I was assembeling it and realized just how bleedin massive it is that I nearly wet my self.

Was I going to admit defeit and return it? No way.

I took it to the next level instead by decorating it with some fabric. I nearly got the measurments right. I`ll fix it if I can be bothered. But I probably can`t be. I don`t need perfection.

Meanwhile, how`s this for daily affirmations:

I`ll report back on that one.

Ps. The soft furnishings are mostly my design. Also, thank you so much for not giving up on me. I love you.

Tell me my friends, what is your approach to life?

I would love to connect with you!