August 26, 2014

Seaside Day Trip | Ocean Road

This past weekend we went for a drive down to the coast, arriving at Torquay in the morning - where the 240 kilometre Great Ocean Road begins. We wandered for a while then drove down the road 20 minutes to Anglesea, stopping at Bells Beach (well known in the surfing world) on the way. It was the second last weekend of Winter and the weather was gorgeous, which I didn't expect since it's been pretty cold and dreary. Going exploring or driving somewhere with Ben is a favourite day, no matter what the weather or where we go, I could do this forever.


Torquay



Bells Beach
Anglesea




















August 25, 2014

Fortnight Favourites #3

I have no idea where to get this t-shirt from but I love it.
(via dametualma)

This ring would be the coolest to have, it lets you know when you get a notification on your phone by vibrating. Plus they're made with semi-precious stones (I love this moonstone one) and gold plating. No. Way.
(via Ringly)

I wish I could afford to buy this beautiful whale doona set from a favourite artist of mine, Furry Little Peach!
(via Furry Little Peach)

I've seen succulent/air-plant wall gardens around the place, but these Star Wars shaped ones are pretty cool. You can't get these over to Australia, but I reckon I could DIY it!
(via Art We Heart)

Love the shape of this shelf.
(via The 807)

Have a lovely week, everyone. I'm not so sure mine will be too good, I have lots of study and homework as well as the funeral of my grandfather on Wednesday...

//Shani

August 19, 2014

Interview | Micaela of Drifter & the Gypsy


Micaela Hoo is the owner of Drifter & the Gypsy and was kind enough to take part in an interview with me. I have been a follower of hers since my early days of discovering the world of blogging a few years back, and would say Micaela has been one of those who inspired me in my desire to become a blogger. You'll find Drifter & the Gypsy filled with gorgeous photography and design, quirky outfits and beauty, and regular contributions from other bloggers with a wide range of tutorials. Take a look for yourself!



Q1 // Quick sum up:

Micaela Hoo | 20 | Blogger, Photographer, Designer | San Francisco, California

Q2 // For what reason did you begin a blog? What inspires your content?

I began my blog when I was 14 years old. I had just started high school and I absolutely hated it. I felt like I needed an outlet to express myself creatively and a blog allowed me to do just that. My content is inspired by other artists & their work, nature, my family, friends and the community I am surrounded by.


Q3 // A person/story/place/anything that has motivated you or your mind lately?

My friend Jordan of The Balanced Blonde (http://thebalancedblonde.com/) - formerly The Blonde Vegan - recently came out about transitioning from veganism - a lifestyle she based her entire blog and brand on - due to her having an eating disorder. I admire her honesty and courage for putting herself out there and changing her direction in life. Sure, she has gotten a lot of hate mail from her decision, but the amount of support she's gotten from the Internet - with people even telling her their story of having an eating disorder - far outweighs the negative responses.

Q4 // What is your philosophy/advice on life?

Dream big and work it out from there. I have a tendency to say 'Yes' to every opportunity that comes my way, which is extremely overwhelming at times (okay at most times), but by always leaving myself open to opportunities and collaborations, I feel I am conquering my goals and building my dreams, one step at a time.

Q5 // How much time do you generally spend on your blog?

Goodness gracious, my blog is a full-time job. Especially now that it's summer and I'm not in school, I've been spending more time on my blog than usual. I'd say I spend anywhere from 30-60 hours a week on it, counting social media/emailing/networking time. My blog is an extension of my life. It actually gets out of hand a lot and one thing I need to work on is learning how to control it.

Q6 // What is one place in the world you want to experience that you haven't already?

I've always wanted to go to Australia. Based on the interaction I've had with people from that part of the world, I think the social climate is very similar to that of California.


Q7 // Growing up, what did you want to do with your life?

English was my favorite subject and my favorite teacher ever was my 6th grade English teacher (I'm still friends with her to this day!). I was madly in love with writing and I desperately wanted to publish a novel. I also wanted to be an English teacher, but mainly I just wanted to be a published writer. I even subscribed to Writer's Digest for a year when I was in 7th grade! I wanted people to read and enjoy what I wrote. In a way, I guess Drifter & the Gypsy is sort of like that :)

Q8 // What is one thing you would like people to know about you that they may not already?

I am a gluten-free dairy-free plant-based vegetarian who is extremely passionate about health and wellness. If I didn't pursue a career in the arts, I would probably be a nutritionist.

Q9 // What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Determined, passionate and loyal.



Thank you for your time and words, Micaela! x
Everyone, be sure to check out Drifter & the Gypsy and have a lovely week!

August 18, 2014

Write It Out | No.2


I feel empty and I feel full,
There's an indescribable whirlpool inside of me
With each and every thing I'm fighting for and against
Streaming through every wave.
I love it.
I love feeling like all of me is pulling together,
Not easily,
With pressure and pain and passion.
I don't know all of it,
I can't tell you what it all is,
But its force holds me.
I am comfortable amongst it.
If not,
Content. Almost.

sp.


Uh! I loved doing this one today, this was exactly what I needed. Go the Clear The Way to take part in these writing topic collabs.

August 15, 2014

Between Lenses | "Symmetry"


I wanted to share my first post for the collaboration series "Between Lenses" created by Trina and Tara - which gives people a cue for inspiring some photography, and we do the rest by joining in and sharing what we come up with.

This time around, I didn't feel the need to go and take a new photograph representing the current theme of 'Symmetry' - this image popped into my mind straight away and I figured that not only can this series inspire new photography, but it can make me search my folders for photographs which have become lost, and I can bring them out from the archives and give them a new lease of life.


So here is my photograph for symmetry - it is the cathedral in town, which I drive past many times a week, and have spoken of its 'Wheedle On The Needle' since I was young. Does anybody else remember or have their own Wheedle on the needle?

I enjoyed writing this post and joining in on the collaborating. Link me to your own 'Between Lenses' post and I'll check it out!

August 12, 2014

Wombat Hill Tower

These photos are a couple of years old but they are still among my favourites, and I needed to post them. Wombat Hill is in a chilly town about 40 minutes from where I live, during winter it is one of the few places that are somewhat close, which get snow on the few days when the conditions are actually cold enough. This tower, built at the top of the botanical gardens' hill, opened in 1938 as a look out and memorial to pioneers. It is such a pretty place, I would love to see it in the snow again.






August 11, 2014

Fortnight Favourites #2

A surreal series of photographs from inside the AMNH, by Hiroshi Sugimoto.

This planter would look so nice in my future lounge room or kitchen - with either succulents or herbs!

I still need a backpack for all my nursing books and one like this would be perfect.
(via BagDoRi)

This terrarium necklace, just to sit on my shelf and look magical.

Gold panthers on a black dress.

Have a wonderful week. I will be going gold detecting soon - maybe some trips down to the beach as well, here's hoping!

//Shani

August 10, 2014

Write It Out | No.1



The sun began to set over the plateau behind us.
Burning wood turning to hot coals and white dust, cooking jacket potatoes to perfection.
River water still dripping from our hair, turning the stairway of dirt to mud.
Every table we can gather has been lined up, covered with a banquet fit for a king.
The dogs lay waiting for their fill as the family dinner time conversations begin.
When it gets dark we prepare ourselves with glow sticks,
And head down the long straight road to the abandoned house.
Surrounded by paddocks and moonlight,
Our young hearts begin to race as we imagine what could be hiding in the shadows.
We've been here many times before, but imaginations still will always run wild.
Nothing but birds and sheep bones are found.
We return to the safety of the campfire, drinking warm Milo and looking up at the Milky Way in search of shooting stars and Sputniks.
Nothing compares to this feeling;
The sounds, the smells, stars, dust, fire,
Adventure.
The river.

// This is an entry inspired by a new series over at Clear The Way, which I am so happy to become a part of. I miss writing, and this is something I feel I need to get it kicking again. I'm looking forward to doing more Write It Out topic posts in the future! To read others' stories visit the links below.

August 01, 2014

Fortnight Favourites #1

It's hard to choose just one when you've loved all of Audrey Kawasaki's work for so long. But this print is still one that resonates.

A mug which shows the different types of clouds. Yes to learning this again with every cup of tea!

Ugh, these bookends are amazing! Such a shame they're sold already.
(via bellalulu)

If only I rode my bike more often, I would need this bike bag.

I have a huge soft spot for high-waisted undies, and what's better than some from an independent Melbourne designer.

This tarot deck is surely among the prettiest.
(via Bona Drag)

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

// Shani

(Thank you to The Dainty Squid for post inspiration!)