Top 5 Movies of 2014

One of my many New Years Resolutions this year will be to watch more movies, as I really struggle to set the time aside to sit and watch a movie or go to the cinema. I'm pretty picky with the films which I do enjoy watching so this year I could only think of 5 which I really and truly loved. I have the most beautiful cinema, The Hayden Orpheum, just a stones throw away from where I live so next year I will definitely make an effort to go to see more movies.

Easy Mince Pie Recipe

Making Mince Pies before Christmas has been a tradition for me ever since I was a little girl, I remember always looking forward to baking with my nan. I would love eating the little pies and always put pastry stars on top. I only like homemade mince pies, I never eat shop bought ones, and last year I didn't make any so I missed out. This year I was determined to start my own tradition to continue making the mince pies, so my niece Violet got involved and we made this crumbly shortbread pastry version which turned out to be completely delicious. 

Fun Thrifty Creative Christmas Wrapping

I just love everything about Christmas, this year we bought our first Christmas tree since I've been living in Australia and as soon as I put it up weeks ago I felt excited. I love dressing up the Christmas tree and wrapping up presents, its an excuse to be creative and also to feel excited and festive. I am a big fan of old fashioned wrapping and usually stick to brown paper with various adornments which I tend to collect throughout the year. 

Instax 200 Wide

The Instax 200 Wide is one of my many cameras, I love writing posts like these about camera's as it's something I'm really passionate about. I have a degree in photojournalism so photography has been a long time love of mine. I decided to write about the Instax because I think this would be a great gift for Christmas. The Instax Mini seems to be favoured by bloggers but the photos from this one are so much bigger which is why I much prefer it, it's much more reminiscent of polaroid film and the film itself is super easy to get hold of and not too expensive.

Finders Keepers 2

Now for my favourite photos featuring some of my beautiful friends and family. I am so lucky to be surrounded by creative friends in both Sydney and London, they really are an inspiring bunch. I'm especially lucky to call such clever independent business ladies my friends in Sydney, who have welcomed me ever since I moved here and whose work I have admired for years now. Kirbee Lawler and Kelly White (The Storybook Rabbit) are my lovely crafty Sydney friends who had stall's at Finders Keepers and Louise Mulhall (Floralovely Calligraphy) is my beautiful sister in law who is lucky enough to work at all the Finders Keepers events. I've also saved my favourite seller from the markets for this post too and lots of lovely photos.

Finders Keepers 1

I just love the Finders Keepers markets, it's one event that I can't think of anything similar to in London and it just has an amazing feeling to it. I always try to support independent businesses and artist's and this event makes it super easy, with selected sellers all under one roof you can browse at your leisure whilst tasting delicious food and drink too! There's live music and such a wide variety of stalls it's easy to pick up all your Christmas presents in one hit. I'm splitting this into two posts so I can share with you all my photos and my favourite stall holders.

New Homeware Things

I get so excited about buying thing's for my flat its ridiculous. I remember the days where I used to go shopping for clothes every week, but these days I'm much better with my money and more picky with what I buy. With thing's for my flat I am trying to be restrained as we are just renting and who know's how long we will be here for so I am trying not to acquire too many things. However I have a massive soft spot for anything heart shaped and also anything by Cath Kidston. So when I was in the UK I couldn't resist picking up a few cute pieces from Next and Cath Kidston.

Brand Focus: Mac

Mac was the first high end beauty brand I ever splurged on back in my teenage years, and ever since then I've always loved the brand as a whole. I'm never one to buy their limited edition collections and I never go crazy with my make-up but a few of their products I have used daily for years. I love their bases, eyeshadows and lipsticks mainly but here are what I own by Mac and a few things I would like in the future.

New Things Recently

I recently did the classic trying to be organised with buying Christmas presents but actually leaving with more gifts for myself than for anyone else. Three of these things I've had my eye on for a really long time after seeing recommendations on numerous blogs and videos and one was a gift from my mum. I'm trying to keep things minimal so these are really thought out purchases and so far I love all of them!

CONTAX G2

I don't even know where to begin on this beautiful camera, I have been wanting this camera for years now, and after many eBay disappointments and upsets I'm beyond excited to call this one my own. The lens (45mm F2 if you're interested) I have had for well over a year now, but I've been waiting for the perfect body to come up on eBay. My beautiful man kindly bought me the  body as our year anniversary present and it couldn't be a more perfect gift for me.

Afternoon Tea at The Angels in Babbacombe

One of the things I desperately miss about the UK is the choice of cakes and scones on offer and in Devon specifically, all of the vintage style tearooms. The Angels in Babbacombe is my favourite tearoom in Devon for many reasons. Babbcombe itself is the most beautiful town and one of my favourite beaches to visit in the summer. The Angels is the sweetest little tea room, with beautiful plants and bunting outside whilst the inside is adorned by angels and cherubs hanging everywhere with lots of gilt detailing. The tables are laid with lacy clothes and the crockery is all flowery bone china, the best for drinking tea in my opinion! If you're going to be in Devon and would like to visit The Angels you really have to book a table even on weekdays and in the winter as it's often fully booked. I highly recommend you visit if you're in the South-West, you won't be disappointed!

Looking forward to a Queensland Christmas

Christmas for me now I live in Sydney, Australia is a very different time to what I've been used to growing up in the UK. It's the heat of summer here at the moment which is the biggest difference, around Christmas it's really hot and for me it's difficult to feel festive when it isn't cold outside. I can't complain about swimming every afternoon in November but it's only going to be my second Christmas here and it takes some getting used to!  

Lip Balm Collection

In the past year or so I have been consciously trying to downsize my beauty/fashion collection in an attempt to live by the mantra 'quality not quantity'. This is partly an ethical choice as I am fearful of the affects of fast fashion and partly due to me trying to be a bit more economic and realising where my priorities lie. I would rather spend my money on travelling, for example, than copious amounts of perfumes and shoes. I still have somehow acquired six lip balms which I feel is too many but compared to other people is probably not a lot at all. 

A day out in Totnes

Totnes in Devon, UK is one of my favourite places to visit for a day out. Ever since my family relocated to Devon 5 or so years ago I have always enjoyed paying the picturesque town a visit. When driving into Totnes someone has drawn over the sign so it now reads 'Welcome to Narnia' and this could not be a better way to describe the feel of Totnes. The market days are on Friday and Saturday and I highly recommend visiting on these days if you're in the area as there are so many things to be found whilst browsing the markets. The overall vibe to the town is quite bohemian, I would describe it as a kind of tiny Byron Bay with its organic and vegetarian cafes, holistic remedies and crystal shops.

October Favourites

October was a pretty amazing month for me, Robbie and I went back to the UK to visit my family, it was Robbie's first time in England so it was a really fun trip. Robbie and I got engaged so I've had a smile on my face permanently and the most beautiful ring on my finger. Since I've been back in Australia I haven't managed to have any days off so our holiday seems like its well and truly in the distant past now and I'm dreaming of our time off together over Christmas.  My favourites this month include quite a few new things I've picked up in the last couple of months so here they are!

Dena

It's been a while since I've shared any of my 35mm photography with you, as to be honest I haven't been shooting that much because I've just been too busy. I need to get back in the swing of shooting regularly as it's what I really love to do. Whilst I was in the UK I got a whole bunch of films processed which I'd had lying around for ages and I found this little set of images of Dena shot in Devon in the UK.

Pennywell Farm, Devon, UK

Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh, Devon was the first farm to breed miniature pigs, and they're a must see if you're an animal lover visiting Devon! I have visited Pennywell Farm countless times as my family live near by and I just cannot get enough of the teacup pigs. They have piggy cuddle times when you can cuddle a tiny miniature piglet, it really doesn't come much cuter than these little guys. They are world famous and took nine years to breed, you can buy them if you have a livestock license and £800 to spare.

New Things

I have no exciting or witty title for this post, the word 'haul' bugs me, and I don't often shop so you won't see these posts often but these are some new things I've bought recently. I'm currently in the UK with my amazing family who I haven't seen for 11 months, I'm so so happy to be reunited with my loved ones. I rarely have time to shop in Australia and I prefer shopping here in the UK so you will probably see a few more posts similar to this in the next few weeks.

Life is too short

Recent events have made me realise even more than usual how precious life is and how lucky I am. This past year has definitely had it's ups and downs for me and the last few months especially have been pretty tough, but I'm so grateful to be where I am and that my family are healthy.

My tattoos part 1

I got my first tattoo when I was 18 with my boyfriend at the time in an awful tattoo shop on a local high street but it wasn't until the last 3 years or so that I have really started my tattoo collection. I know a lot of people are hesitant about putting photos of their tattoos online as many people do copy other people's tattoos, but I am going to share them with you anyway. If you are looking to get tattooed it is good to have a look around for reference images and for artist's, but copying someones tattoo exactly is obviously really not a good idea as it should be personal to you.

Louise @ Floralovely Calligraphy

Recently Robbie and I managed to escape Sydney for three days and visit his lovely family in their beautiful new home near Brisbane. It's always amazing when we manage to take time away from work as we're both self confessed workaholics. Robbie's sister Louise is a super talented calligrapher, who in the past year has grown a loyal following. She is commissioned to do wedding invitations, place settings and is always booked for months in advance, not only does she work on this kind of project but she also hosts workshops where you can learn calligraphy!

Three recent reads #1

I love reading people's book recommendations and I'm always looking out for the next book to read. I'm looking forward to sharing books I've found and loved with you and I would love to know any books  you recommend!

Quick and Easy Banana Muffins

Since relaunching this blog, and wanting to have this space as a representation of where I am now and what I like to read, one of the things I've really been looking to post about is baking and cooking. I really enjoy spending time in the kitchen and since I now live with my always hungry carpenter boyfriend, I have even more excuse to get creative in the kitchen. So this is my first recipe post and my kitchen in our rented flat is far less than photogenic so bare with me! I've kept it simple this time with a recipe my boyfriend loves, banana muffins!

Instant Love #1

Ever since I got my first polaroid camera years ago I have loved the instant gratification of clicking to take an image and seeing the little image pop out the top. I think the poor quality old school film vibe of the image paired with the 90s chunky style camera means you just can't go wrong. I now use the Fujifilm Instax 200 camera, but now that polaroid film is readily available again I think I will grab my polaroid camera when I'm back in the UK. Here is a collection of images I've taken on my instax in the past few months, please check out my flickr and website to see more of my photography work!

July Favourites

July really has just flown by for me, I can hardly remember what I did or where the time went. My boyfriend and I have a couple of trips coming up, we're spending a long weekend with his family in Queensland next weekend and then we have an almost 3 week trip to the UK at the end of September, so I'm really trying to save for London shopping. With that in mind July was really about saving money so I can hit Oxford Street in October.

Style Classics #1 Birkenstocks

Since moving to Australia and only bringing 3 pairs of shoes with me, I have expanded my somewhat pathetic shoe collection quite extensively. Birkenstocks were one of the first new pairs of shoes I purchased over 6 months ago now, first in white then more recently in black and I wear them so much. They really are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned and I love the way they look too.

Emily @ Wanting Collection

I've been lucky enough to meet some really lovely creative ladies since moving to Sydney, and everyone has been very welcoming! I messaged Emily a while ago now, asking to take her photo as she has a very unique and colourful style and a crazy sock collection to match, I was really happy that she agreed. Emily runs her own business 'Wanting Collection' where she sources socks from Japan and sells them to shops and also at Newtown Market every Saturday! I love a female business woman and especially one who sells crazy socks, Emily is now making her own jewellery from things like plastic foods and dolls heads! If you love everything colourful and kitsch you really must follow her on instagram!

It's all in the details.

Please excuse this poor excuse for an outfit post, I really wanted to shoot this outfit as it really sums up what I wear on a day to day basis, but I'm currently going through a bit of a hair transition and I really don't like how my hair's looking in photos at the moment. Anyway, I reach daily for a pretty much black, white and grey colour palette, playing with textures and shapes. I know what I like and what works for me and I just love monochrome looks.

Reasons to be Cheerful #1

These days I really appreciate little things that can instantly brighten up your day, and I don't depend on retail therapy for that moment of instant gratification. Being conscious of my positivity and trying to be kind every day has really changed my life in the last year or so, and the smallest of things can put a smile on my face. This weekend I unexpectedly had both days off work due to a mistake on the roster, I really made the most of my weekend despite awful weather and things not going at all to plan!

Meet Mr Biggs

For me, home is never really home without the pitter patter of tiny furry feet. I've left my beloved cats, Pebbles and Barney, at home with my parents in Devon so here in Australia I'd really been noticing the void with no furry friends around. It didn't take us long to decide to take home Mr Biggs, he's an 8 week old Netherland Dwarf cross Miniature Rex bunny. He has a milky coffee coloured coat with grey front feet and a white spot on his nose with grey around it. He really is the most beautiful bunny I have ever seen. 

Jurlique

I have spent very little money on make-up and skincare throughout the last 8 or so months. However I think skincare is really important and with a lack of routine and just general neglect my skin was beginning to suffer. I had heard a lot about Jurlique on blogs and social media and since it's an Australian brand and I now live here in Australia I was really keen to give it a try. I also love their ethics of natural products that aren't tested on animals!

June Favourites

This is my first favourites post, as I'm trying to get back into blogging regularly I think posts like this help me with inspiration and give me recurring posts I can plan for. I really enjoyed thinking of what I've been enjoying this month and looking back over the month in general. Life is pretty busy at the moment and things haven't been the easiest recently, but positive thinking and the addition of a new furry family member who I will blog about soon, has really helped me with my happiness.

ISABEL MARANT

I have coveted the Isabel Marant Beslay boots for about three years now, and they've been on my net-a-porter wish list for a long time. When I saw them for 50% off in the net-a-porter sale I just had to seize the opportunity, with the surprising encouragement from my boyfriend too I didn't need much persuasion. After a nightmare trying to retrieve them from DHL they are now in my possession and I am completely in love!

Kirbee Lawler

Kirbee Lawler is an illustrator, designer and kitsch-collector from Sydney. I've followed her Instagram for as long as I can remember, but when I lived in London I could only dream of one day meeting her and her beautiful bunny Beatrix. I was fascinated by her magical bedroom/workspace and her perfect doll-like style complete with a seemingly never ending collection of vintage dresses and cute clogs. As soon as I found myself in Sydney I just had to meet Kirbee, and let me tell you she's even cuter and smilier in real life! 

Good hair

I have been on a quest for good hair since mid-October when I decided that my bleached to near death broken pastel locks needed some serious rehab. I've never been one to spend a lot of money on my hair, and being blessed with naturally thick voluminous hair I didn't realise the importance of haircare until I became addicted to bleach. A combination of bleaching and lack of maintenance resulted in my hair snapping from the middle and losing a lot of it's volume. Unfortunately being unhappy with your hair, however shallow and fickle, really does make you feel quite rubbish, and I am still on a mission to get my hair back into shape.

We all have the same holes in our hearts

It's been almost a year and a half since I posted on here, and a lot has changed,

I left London at the end of October last year, disillusioned with my life there and really needing a change of scenery. I chose to fly to Sydney, here are some of the first photos I took when I first arrived here.