a year in review

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twenty four hours adventure //

It is in the compelling zest of high adventure 

and of victory, and in creative action, 

that man finds his supreme joys. 

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

when the street meets art //

For the next two weeks I will be trekking around the South Island, chasing the long white clouds and getting back to Mother Nature. In the mean time, here are some snaps from the local town and the art it holds secret in its streets...

One of the locals got grumpy at me for taking photos at his favourite sun spot. After a few pats, he was much happier.

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the table situation //

There's nothing better than spending a lazy weekend recharging the batteries after a long week. 

So many times throughout the last two days I have felt guilty for not being more active - for not going to the gym, for not doing chores - I think for just not doing "something" at all! It got to the point where man friend had to say (rather loudly) "you know it's okay to not do anything at all, right?" Not to mention the fact that I have been taking care of a cold for the last few days, so it's probably a good thing I kept a low profile.

One thing that I never tire of is reworking my space - I love my two bedder nestled in suburbia. When I was moving in, it amazed me how many decorative knick knacks, candles (so many candles), and a startling amount of jewellery trays! Then I think about the amount of times I move things around, to create a better aesthetic and energy, to settle me down - and how important it is to have little things around you to make you feel better.

Right now I'm channelling a mix of luxe and raw - glossy gold and white against wood textures, with a hint of natural greens and dreamy books. 

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melbourne // brunswick street // fitzroy

I can say without a doubt that Melbourne is one of my favourites places to be. It's been over a year since I last visited, and it hasn't lost its appeal, no matter how times I visit.

I was only around for a short stay, and amidst all the mandatory shopping and eating (two words: Koko Black) so during my short stay I wanted to see as many new things as possible that I had not yet experienced in Melbourne.

The National Gallery of Victoria was my first stop - I attended a networking event whilst at university years ago at the NGV, and fell in love with the architecture and art, of course. My personal favourite exhibitions were the classic Renaissance and some of the pieces in the modern exhibitions.

A few days later I stumbled upon some amazing art in Fitzroy.

I decided then and there that I was going to move into this Gorman shop.

#iconic

Other than spending far too much money on make up, clothes, and food, Melbourne is such an invigorating and inspiring place. The little details make such an impact - like sea shells in the concrete poured onto the road under the tram line, the burst of colour poking out of buildings, the classic embellishments of old architecture, the cluttered arcades with niche cafes and amazing smells coming from them. 

Melbourne is amazing. Go and experience it.

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make up & magnificence // life update

So 2016 has been an insane year - so much has happened, and the year isn't even over yet. I've had such a roller coaster year: I moved twice, changed jobs, learned more about myself this year than I have in ten years, made some amazing connections, lost some equally amazing connections, but overall, have had more of a transformative time than ever before in my life.

It's been a year of life lessons, self discovery & empowerment. It's been about an extra bit of self indulgence (see images above) and embracing what makes me happy and gives me joy. It's been about learning lessons the hard way, learning to let go of those who make us happy, and enjoying the person I want to eventually be.

Tracking back to the images, I have really delved into my make up collection. In my new place, I have set up a special space for my collection and the first image is an example of my growing collection. Another big focus for me this year has been skin care and diet - the beginning of this year saw me totally drop off the health care path, and I'm baby stepping my way back.

I have a bunch of new items to review - clothing brands, make up, skin care, home decor - so keep your peepers open.

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unpacking and repacking

Life is funny in the way that it throws you a curveball. You become so engrained in your routine, in your every day, that when something totally unexpected lands in your lap, it takes you aback so strongly that you need a minute to blink a couple of times and react. 

I've always thought myself to be the kind of person who is very organised and driven. Someone who enjoys having control over the things I can control, and having a very clear idea of my goals and objectives. Recently, within my professional life, the landscapes have shifted, and I have been given a very big opportunity. One that is both exciting, and terrifying. This change with mean I will have to unpack and repack everything I know and everything I don't. Accept the things I cannot control & appreciate the things I can.

What's strange to me is that everything within the scope of my career, I have worked hard for. And I don't say this as a means to brag or come across as self righteous - as a creative, it comes with the territory to work hard, and stay humble. It's no secret that the hard workers often fly under the radar and enjoy the smallest slice of recognition without hogging a spotlight. However, when someone recognised the hard work and talent without prompting, and something amazing comes from it, it takes you back for a moment, to accept that you've been plucked from the lot and raised a little higher on the achievement ladder.

I feel a mixture of things - excitement, anxiety, uncertainty - and anticipation for a number of hard months ahead. It'll be hard work but worth the fight.

Here's to the fire that fuels the fight and burns the passion.

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bags & books

Dear friends, if you can believe it, it's December. The gift giving season is upon us and to be honest, finding the perfect gift can be a real challenge. I'm often finding myself thinking, "this would be PERFECT for this person" but only because I like it for myself!

Since becoming a sort adult, the novelty of gifting has changed - I'm no longer waiting for birthdays or Christmas for things on my wish list. I just go out and buy them, from me to me. And this month, it's been bags and books.

It's no secret I have a thing for bags. This bag from Melbourne brand Naked Vice is perfect for keeping it minimal and practical. It's made from real leather, is so soft, and goes with everything. Naked Vice have so many other chic bags and wallets, I'll definitely be looking at their website for a while!

The Flower Addict is one I have not been able to put down. It's this stunning, thick coffee table book with glossy pages and surreal photography. Anyone who knows me / comes to my apartment knows my love for flowers, and how I always try and have fresh blooms in my space. The Flower Addict marks the amazing portfolio of Saskia Havekes, who runs Grandiflora and is one of Sydney's most famous florists. The sheer creativity and opulence of the installations and designs inspires me every time I pour over the pages.

I hope your days are chic and inspiring.

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moving in

There are some times when you look up and realised how much things have changed, in a seemingly short time.

New job, new routine, and now, a brand new place.

Moving has been such a roller coaster - so many things to think about, to organise, to throw, to buy - I've never really heard any stories from people who have enjoyed moving or felt it was an overly positive experience. Not to mention the expenses and often starting from the ground up in terms of what you own and need.

This past week has been a huge one - I have never been so interested and immersed in homely things, like the best brand of kitchen appliances, bagless versus bag, best type of utensils, most efficient washing powder - it goes on!

Without a doubt the best part of starting new is decorating. Interior design thrills me; I love looking at niche pieces with personality that reflects my style, from beautiful hand rendered prints, to quirky knick knacks & fresh flowers. New linen, new storage - so many awesome things to make a house a home.

Here is a sneak peek of my new home...

All of my favourite things together - I love my Bondi print from talented lady Jasmine Dowling - I have been fan girling over Jasmine for about a year and I fall in love with every piece in her collection. She's a super talented lady from Brissy and her talent is endless - not only does she rock her iconic hand rendered type, but she dabbles in stationery, pillows and tote bags.

Also included is the beautiful ghost chair, and heart vase from Lovestar that I have been lusting over for ages. And to top it all off, Marc Jacobs always looks good.

Crystals, succulents, and white everything!

Close up of beautiful white roses in my Lovestar vase in the living room.

More photos to come.

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finders and keepers

After nearly four years of missed opportunities, I can finally, FINALLY, say I went to the
Finders Keeper's Autumn/Winter Markets!

image via the Finders Keeper's website

I roped in the man friend to come with me to explore these designer markets at the Australian Technology Park (which, by the way, is an awesome place to visit - I'm a bit of an architecture nerd, and the buildings in the ATP were re-urbanised to be museums and exhibition halls. The area of the park was originally used as a railway storage facility, and now they have locomotive museums and displays!)

I digress.

There were heaps of stalls from a few of my favourite designers, as well as some awesome foodie trucks and bars. There were SO many people there today, but it was a perfect day regardless.

I rugged up in my merino knit from Cotton On.

That exposed brick, doe.

Some of my favourite artists and stalls include James Gulliver Hancock (who illustrated this amazing book and who was so lovely to talk to about his artwork), Rawluxe, Pipi Pala Pieces, House of Bec, and SO many more amazing designers.

Can you tell how excited I am about FK??

I loved meeting designers and foodies and bar keepers who were super passionate and excited about their products, and meeting fellow creatives turns into this massive creative cesspool! I am so happy to have gone, and I'm keen for the Summer markets.

Be sure to check out the Finders Keeper's website: right here!

If you feel like being super inspired and chow down some yummy food and drinks, head out to the Finder's Keepers Markets at the Australian Technology Park!

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