September Visuals + Raw Thoughts

 Arts Science Museum Singapore: 

Future World: Where Arts meets Science

Japanese Baked Cheese Tarts 

It's been a while since I've had time to sit down properly and write up another blog post... and in all honesty, conveying my thoughts into words isn't easy. Most of my thoughts are written down in a draft template - scattered generally - and doesn't always makes sense (apologies).

It's the end of November and I'm still astonished by how fast the year has gone by. In all honesty, it wasn't an easy year - I felt burnt out throughout the second semester of uni. Being surrounded in an environment thats competitive but also stressful makes you feel as if you're not as good as everyone else. It makes you doubt yourself and your confidence. It's a horrible feeling but thankfully for those friends and family who kept me sane - reminding me and supporting me every step along the way - you know who you are. Although, I've learnt that using 'stress' is no excuse. I've been getting caught up in worrying about the future and stressing out when life gets in the way or over small things (ridiculous things) that I've forgotten how to be happy. I guess this post is a reminder to myself that I have to remember the importance of happiness and the people surrounding me. So for those out there reading this, take the time to shift your focus back to what you enjoy doing and spend it with the people you love without letting that stress consume you as a person - it's easier said than done, but its a key to being happy.

Spring!

Spring has finally sprung upon us and a change of weather means a change of fashion right? Out goes the coats and boots and in with the shorts and t-shirts. Although the sun has never been my favourite because of the tendency of my skin to burn within 5 minutes, I must say, it is nice to have a change in weather. For the first weekend of Spring, I decided to make a trip down to Araluen and Raeburn Orchard to see the tulips and cherry blossoms. It was nice to get out of town for a while and hear the sound of 20 bees buzzing in the orchards and just aimlessly roaming through hectares of land to look at the flowers and trees (we even saw sheep!). The morning began by making and packing finger sandwiches and cake for our afternoon picnic. The day consisted of no discussion of studies or law, stuffing our faces with sandwiches, getting lost in the middle of no where (I still think I'm a good navigator though) and enjoying the last day of the week with a bottle of good ol' ginger beer. 

Although the weather can change drastically during the beginning of Spring, there are a few key transitional pieces for Spring. These are:

• The Leather Jacket which is versatile for every season really! Its a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe and a piece that you can easily throw on to lift an outfit.
• The ankle boot - Although the ankle boot isn't ideal for summer, its a good piece to transition from Winter to Spring on those chilly Spring mornings. Ankle boots can be worn with pretty much everything which is why I live in them for daaayys.
• The knit jumper - this can still be worn over a skirt for those days when its cold in the morning but feels like 30 degrees by noon.

Witchery Dress | Zara Leather Jacket | Celine Sunglasses 

Lastly, a final note on perspective. I've learnt over the last month that as individuals, we tend to always focus on the negative aspects of our lives and not the positive aspects. I admit that I am one of those individuals. Creating a different perspective in our lives by opening up and focusing that energy on the good things in life makes a huge difference to not only you, but for the people surrounding you. Just remember that at the end of the day, if you don't achieve something, its not the end of the world - The most successful people are the ones that learn from experience and help others.

Above: Tulips at Araluen

I'm excited for September - there are so many things happening and you'll find out why over the next few blog posts :)

All photos taken by S.N and myself with Fujifilm x10

April Visuals

"Someday, when you get where you are going, you will look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there. And that will be the greatest feeling in the world" - Taylor Swift 

Hello May and goodbye April! Gosh the year has gone by so quickly and we're already 1/3 through the year. It's scary sometimes how we get caught up with life and we forget to stop and appreciate everything around us. 

I read this quote by Taylor Swift and it really stuck to me. Reflecting back on the last few weeks has made me grateful for the people I have in my life and where I currently am. April has been a rollercoaster because it was a month filled with stress, happiness and celebrations; Assignments after assignments, juggling 2 jobs and trying to keep on top of everything is exhausting. But at the end of the day, even though it was a rollercoaster, I'm glad I still have the support from my friends and family to be there for me and April is always good to me. Plus, life's better when its filled with adventures and rollercoasters right?

Above: Odyssea Beach Cafe Interior

April was a month filled with food. Food brings people together and thats one of the reasons why I love to eat out so much. Eating out means seeing people and seeing people means bringing together a group of friends who study at different universities or bring those together that are busy with their worklife. Besides, everyone loves comfort food and the best memories are shared and the strongest bonds are made over food. 

Above: Dessert degustation at the Trustee (left) and Salmon Oshi at the Modern Eatery (right)

Starting top left (clockwise): Fish, Chicken and Pulled Pork Tacos at Bayside Kitchen, Smashed Avo at Tracks, Watermelon & Strawberry Cake from Backstar Pastry at the Elizabeth Quay Markets and Baked Prosciutto and Potato at Layup Cafe.

Lastly, the best memory of April were the surprises I got from various friends and I'm eternally grateful to have them in my life. Even though it wasn't anything fancy, the inside jokes, saboteur, card games, a lot of selfies, photos and food was enough for me. I know uni and work life is busy but it is important to take the time to stop and appreciate the people that are there for you. A small gesture goes a long way and even if it means nothing to you, it might mean something to someone else.

Before I end this post, I apologise I haven't been posting frequently but I've lined up future fashion and style posts so keep checking back :)

Farewell April, we'll meet again next year!

Two Thousand & Fifteen

2015 has been a year of ups and down and the month of December and January is when we start to reflect on how we can become a better person in the new year or reflect on the year. I was grateful to spend NYE last year with a group of friends that I met through uni and it was fun just relaxing with some close friends while making spontaneous decisions that night. To sum it up, I've learnt 4 things in 2015.

1 | Family

Family is everything. I learnt that family is the one that can be the most easily taken for granted for because of our busy lives, work, uni, friends. But its important to spend some time with family, whether it be staying home for dinner, watching tv or even doing the household chores. I've definitely learnt that family will be there for you no matter what and its something we should all treasure.

2 | Friends

Friends come and go. It's silly to say, but its hard to figure out who your real friends are and who aren't. Those who stick by your side and support you when you're down are the friends that I'm grateful to have because they were there for me when I needed them last year. It took me a while to accept that its okay for people to grow apart and move on, but you just have to accept that its a part of life and make new friends with people who will appreciate you for you.

3 | You

Sometimes its okay to be selfish and put yourself first before others. And yes, its still important to be selfless, but its important to make yourself happy as well. Don't let it become a burden, have a balance.

4 | Take risks

If you are ever given an opportunity, go for it. I've learn to push myself out to meeting new people and its rewarding when you learn something new or do something you didn't think you were capable of. Travel around the world, take risks, explore your local city or even try something new with a loved one- the experience is priceless and the memories and bonds made are the ones you'll never forget!

I'm excited as to what 2016 will bring, but nevertheless, everything is a learning experience and as long as I've got the people I care most with me, it'll be a good year :) Happy new year!