Jun 6, 2014

New Beginning

A few months ago the parental units decided it would be a fabulous idea to sell the only home my brother and I remember living in; the home we basically grew-up in, created most of our childhood memories in, and of course cherished like no other home we had before. Moving into the new house was a struggle. Not because I only had 2 hours of sleep the evening prior, but because everything seemed so foreign and unsettling, it just didn't feel like our house. I wasn't sure how I felt about anything anymore, and I wasn't motivated to do anything ...That was until, I found the garden.

The garden at my new house is hard to miss as it's so big, but I was in such a narrow-minded space that I didn't even allow myself to see any of the amazing things this new place had to offer. The first time I explored the garden, I found myself in a state of nostalgia and pure happiness. It sent me back to a time when I was young, and all I ever wanted to do was run around and explore. Every separate area of the garden has its own unique charm and character, and I could've sat out there for days. 

Today I decided to spend some time out there, basking in the winter sunshine, catching some vitamin D and drinking copious amounts of lemon and ginger tea (yum) to help me get over the pesky sickness I have at the moment.

Hint: If you haven't spent some serious down-time hanging out in nature as of late, it's time to do just that. 







Wearing: Vintage David Lawrence tee, Doc Martins, First Avenue London duffel coat, Sportsgirl scarf, Cierzo brooch, Ray Ban Glasses, Just Jeans denim. 

May 29, 2014

CAFFEINE

The post you are about to read is inspired by a lady who comes into my work, and have had the absolute pleasure of serving not once, but twice. Now when I say the absolute pleasure, what I really mean is that there is no-one on this planet I would like to serve less than her. When we see her coming, we run and hide because there really is no-stopping what she is about to order.

Let's call her Fran.

The first time Fran walked into my cafe, I thought she looked like most of the other women I see walking around the shopping centre. Children on one side and Woolworths shopping bags on the other. However, she had a bit more of a smug look on her face than the others, and I knew something smug-like would be coming out of her mouth in the form of an annoying coffee order. What is an annoying coffee order you ask? Well let me fill you in...

1. ordering a 'hot' coffee. 
Do you want your milk to be burnt and taste like soy milk that has been sitting in the sun for a few days? No? Okay then, I will make it to the same temperature as everyone elses which is already hot.

2. ordering three take-away coffees with three different types of milk and expect them to be made in one second.
I am not God. I can only heat up one type of milk at a time. If you were in a rush then you probably shouldn't have ordered a soy latte, a lactose free flat-white and a full cream cappuccino...

3. ordering a coffee which makes no sense.
For example, a cappuccino with no chocolate or an iced coffee with no milk.
(I literally had one lady that wanted an iced coffee with no milk so I said "oh, so a long black on ice then?" and she said "NO, an iced coffee with no milk!!!" so I said OK and made her a long black on ice, before taking it out and her saying "there you go, you got it in the end". Yeah, fuck you lady.)

Now, this third point is essential when it comes to Fran. Before I write down what her order is, you may need to take a deep breath.

"Can I please have an extra hot skinny soy decaf cappuccino with no chocolate?"
"Come again?"
"an extra hot skinny soy decaf cappuccino with no chocolate?"

I think she could tell by the state of utter confusion and bewilderment on my face that I was not happy. UH WHAT IS THIS, AND WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT ORDER. Fran thinks she knows a lot about coffee, but if she really did, she would order a decaf soy latte (which is really what that order equates to). She would also know that baristas have approximately 20 other coffees to make at the same time and will most likely make yours last because you are annoying and stupid.

(Moral of the story: if you order a coffee like Fran, please stop.)

Happy Friday err'body.



May 12, 2014

ALBUM REVIEW: James Vincent Mc Morrow - Post Tropical




Lately, I haven't been able to get enough of James' Vincent Mc Morrow's newest album - Post Tropical. As a long-term fan of mr. Mc Morrow and his spine-tingling falsetto, Post Tropical is the perfect blend of raw vocal performances, electronic keys, and a seriously good mix of R&B, folk and islander inspired beats. 

I can't help but compare this album to something that Sufjan Stevens, Keaton Henson and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon would dream up, mixing soft vocals with instrumental interludes, and each track showcasing a different vibe. (but seriously though, how fantastic would an album be if those three worked together? Pretty damn rad I would think).

The opening song of the album - Cavalier, was released as a single before the album late last year, and pretty much made me weak at the knees before the album had been released. It opens with Mc Morrow's soft vocals, and a backdrop of dreamy chords on an electric keyboard. Instantly drawing in the listener by the raw-ness of it all, Mc Morrow's falsetto hits new heights (like seriously high-pitched) before taking off into a large instrumental piece. The rest of the tune falls pretty much in suit, with waves of beautiful vocals, soft chords and instrumental interludes showcasing an organ-sounding keyboard.   



The next couple of tracks contrast with Cavalier perfectly, using a similar framework of electronic sounds and breathy falsetto vocals; that is, until you reach the fourth track fittingly titled 'gold'. I say fittingly, because I can only ever visualise a royal fanfare playing throughout this tune. It may be the use of brass and other wind instruments or the true richness of it all, flooding my mind with images of royals, Narnia, and castles. 

The title track 'Post Tropical' is another standout track of the album, with its catchy verses, beautiful lyrics and orchestral sounding instrumentation. 

Throughout the album, Mc Morrow uses some true-to-title sounds, with islander/hawaiian tropical sounding rifs and slidey notes all over the place. The beautifully raw and delicate vocals are definitely the standout of the album, making it one of those amazing albums that transport you to a complete different place. 

Warning: whilst listening to this album you may forget that you're sitting on the bus, grooving along with your eyes closed, and providing entertainment for everyone else's ride home. 

RATING: 8/10

Apr 8, 2014

Childhood Charm

I have been noticing the 'trends to try' as of late all seem to be bringing back some serious 90's nostalgia. From tartan and leather, to plaid and matching twin sets, clothing from my childhood is making a comeback.

I'm sure you all remember Cher from the 90's hit Clueless; who often rocked a matching tartan skirt and matching top? Yeah that's right, the hot blonde who played a completely dim-witted but completely adorable, fashion forward (of the time) character, has become a style icon of 2014. 

I will leave you with some images of my favourite 90's nostalgia pieces, just to prove how trendy tartan is once more. 











Apr 4, 2014

I N K E D

Since the decision to have my first tattoo done, I have been itching for another. So, 2 and a bit months ago I decided to bite the bullet and scratch that itch. Sticking to the theme of 'wanderlust' and 'discovery' my travel tattoo came to life in the form of a paper plane.

Since returning from my life changing trip overseas, I needed something to solidify those memories in my brain forever, and add to my existing tattoo reflecting self discovery and moving forward. However cliche and corny it might be, I am so in love with my tattoos thus far.


Inspiration

In the lead up months toward winter, I have been obsessing over coats of duffel nature. Although my collection of coats at the moment is more than excessive, it would be pretty nice to see some of these bad boys sitting in my closet.











Plaid, leather, and fury numbers seem to be trending among the likes of all my favourite international bloggers (and at the top of my wish list). 

Feb 24, 2014

POLA

Birthday and summer snaps from me to your eye-balls. 






















2014, what?

Yo, universe, how are you?

Just thought I'd ask because I feel like I haven't had time to sit back and enjoy everything you have had on offer lately. Firstly, we are somehow already in the second-almost-third month of 2014, and here I am thinking that 2013 was last week (or something like that). Seriously though, were has all the time gone?

I'll start and finish this post like any other New Year post should, with a 10 resolutions that I would like to achieve over the course of the year. I mean, everybody loves a good resolution, right?

1. Be a better person.
I like to think that I am already a pretty great person, but there's always room for improvement.

2. Improve health and fitness.

3. Worry less.

4. Work harder.

5. Use less technology, and spend more time appreciating the little things in life. 

6. Learn to surf.

7. Get motivated. 

8. Give more.

9. Travel more.

10. Live fearlessly, without regret.