Friday 27 September 2013

Inspired: Dunkin Donuts

Is it Doughnuts or Donuts? I've never known. Let's go with Donuts.

Either way, I would have to say that Donuts are one of my favourite guilty pleasures, and I have a few. I don't know what it is about them, but no matter the flavour, size or shape, I fall in love every single time I take a bite into its sugary goodness.

Cinnamon, chocolate, berry filled, you name it; I love it all.

Today, I have been crazing donuts terribly. I'm having one of those Homer Simpsons moments when I'm sitting at my desk at work, falling asleep because its Friday and I'm tired, and all I can dream about is donuts. It's quite shameful actually. With summer not far away, my body can't afford to sink its teeth into my cravings but how can I say no to that frosting and those sprinkles!

Ah I really am in a dilemma. Do you have a guilty food pleasure? Please tell me I'm not alone.
^^ taken from Pinterest

Thursday 26 September 2013

Lazy Afternoons

There's nothing better.

The photos of me are taken by my lovely mother. Thanks mum!

Yes, I have a ribbon in my hair because part of me wont let go of the fact that I am no longer a child

Please ignore the 3 month old nail polish on my toes. I'm lazy like that.

But do note that I am wearing jeans, which I never do. They are 8 years old - I don't know how I still fit into them. It truly was an occasion.

  

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Monochrome Skyline

Last weekend, my photography course went on a field trip to Circular Quay to practice some of the many techniques that we have learnt over the last 6 weeks (side note: I can't believe I'm 6 weeks into my course already - goodness gracious).

I always love venturing into the city. I constantly forget how beautiful this country is and I am always amazed at its extravagance. Unfortunately, I must admit that I am not that amazing at capturing its beauty. I feel like every second person in the quay was taking a photo of either the Harbour Bridge or the Opera House and after a while, I was getting uninspired by the monotony of my images.

Ironically, I fixed this monotony with monochrome. Seeing something so colourful transform into a shaded spectrum is actually quite interesting and mysterious. From street performers, to old locks, to ferries passing through the water - these photos took me into a black and white city that I had never been to before and I look forward to venturing through its streets again.























Monday 23 September 2013

6/20 - One Portrait. One Story

So I've decided to start my own personal project, inspired by the lovely Jodi at Che and Fidel.
For the last 20 weeks of the year, I will be taking a portrait of a person I know, meet or come into contact with. One portrait each week, one story each week.
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Meet ....this Aboriginal Man.

I actually don't know much about his story, I don't even know his name.

I was rushing around, running late for my photography course in the city, when I saw this man and couldn't look away. His face was so captivating and enthralling.

He was dancing around, hitting his sticks in time to the beat of the didgeridoo being played by his 'brother' on the ground beneath his feet. He was chanting beats and sounds that resonated with me for the rest of the day. It was beautiful.

I wish I had time to sit down with him and ask him more about who he is and what he stands for. Perhaps I can return and ask him all my questions. Perhaps I'll never see him again.

The indigenous culture of Australia has always fascinated me. The true Australians have so much history, a history we will never fully understand. I love that though, I love that there are things I will never understand. I love searching for the truth and the answers to the mysteries of this world. It's like an adventure that will last a lifetime. It's exciting

As for this man, I'm sorry to say I can't share his story for you, only his portrait. I think in his instance though, that is enough. They say a face can speak a thousand words. What does his face tell you?

Friday 20 September 2013

Inspired: The Canadian Tux

I remember a day when double denim was cooler than it was today. I remember wearing dark denim jeans and a light denim jacket and thinking I was on top of the world. But then sadly one day, the denim trend faded away without even a kiss goodbye and I had to say farewell to my dark denim jeans and my light denim jacket ensemble.

Turns out that throwing those pieces of my wardrobe away wasn't the wisest choice.

Double denim is back, I don't know who brought it back or why its back but, just like every other fashion trend, it has returned.

I'm rather fond of the look to be honest. There is something simplistic about it which I love. I also love how vintage denim can be. It's the new trend, though I feel strange calling it a 'new trend', because vintage is never really new...or is it? You tell me.

All I know is that I can't wait to rock out the denim this season. I never wear jeans (my legs are just too short) and I don't own a denim jacket anymore but I think perhaps this will change.

Bring on the Canadian Tux!

Happy weekend :)

^^^ taken from Pinterest.

Thursday 19 September 2013

DIY: Totes Amaze

I always planned for my first DIY post to be about something I had created, made or invented. But I've learnt over the last few months that things never go according to plan and now I am here writing this post about a DIY project that my beautiful mother undertook.

DIY: The Tote Bag
I came home the other evening and my mum came rushing out showing me this cute little tote that she had made that day. Her excitement made me happy and I decided to dedicate my first DIY post to her.

This tote is as simple as it can be to make and the best thing is that it's reversible as well!

Mum got the instructions here, which are simple to follow and have photos to look at (which I know I need when undertaking any sort of DIY project) - http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/07/17/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag/

I hope to try this project out myself soon. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes :)

Good work mum!

Tuesday 17 September 2013

5/20 - One Portrait. One Story

So I've decided to start my own personal project, inspired by the lovely Jodi at Che and Fidel.
For the last 20 weeks of the year, I will be taking a portrait of a person I know, meet or come into contact with. One portrait each week, one story each week.
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Meet Tina

The first time I saw Tina I only saw her feet and the little oriental sandals that framed them. I was face down on a massage table, bare backed and vulnerable (and a little cold to be honest).

She said nothing to me, and I said nothing to her. I lay there meditating away from my thoughts, away from the worries that engulfed my mind. For the next 15 minutes, I let Tina use her hands to massage away the tension and the stress from my body leaving me feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed.

I got lost in my own thoughts and I felt like I was dreaming but just like a dream it was over too soon. Tina patted me on the back, said nothing and walked out of the room leaving me confused as to whether the last 15minutes actually occurred or whether it was just a figment of my imagination.

I got dressed and walked out from behind the curtain only to see a beautiful, young Thai girl standing there waiting for me, head down, arms stretched out holding a cup of tea that she made specifically for me.

She asked me if I felt better, I said 'yes' and she said 'good'.
We continued to talk about her profession as a masseuse and she made me realise how important her job is. She meets people at their most vunerable, people looking for an escape; an escape from pain, from worry or just from that particular day. She makes them feel better, even if it's only temporarily.

For such a young girl she has already experienced so much. Migrating to Australia, trying to find work and moving around till she finally found her footing. She made me appreciate the life that I have and the opportunities that I have been given without having to lift a finger. We live in a very fortunate society and too often I think we forget that.

I wished I could have stayed and talked with Tina more. Perhaps this will be a good excuse to go back and get another massage. I surely couldn't say no to that.

Five weeks into this project and I have already met some incredibly interesting people. 15 more weeks to go, 15 more people to meet.
What an adventure this will be!

Monday 16 September 2013

Mondayitis

Another day, Another week.

I usually get excited for Mondays. I usually have a full week planned and lots of exciting things to do and accomplish.

This morning I woke up late, the sky was grey, the rain was falling and I had an anxious bubble in the depths of my stomach that I could not explain. Not a good start to the week.

With energy drink in hand, I am writing this post to inspire myself to get my head out of the trenches and to look forward to the week ahead and to whatever it may have in store for me.

The photos below are from a little adventure Stephen and I took yesterday. I love how bodies of water bring happiness to my life. I don't know what it is about the ocean, or a river or a lake but that cool breeze and those soft droplets upon my face fuel me with joy and mystery.

Let's hope this rain can wash away my worries and plant some good seeds into my week.

Happy Monday.