Food for Thought

Ever since c.w.b wrote her piece about friendship, I've been doing some thinking and have come to the same conclusion, and essentially my next question: do relationships have a timeframe? Is their a certain length of time that people can be friends before the relationship runs it's course and eventually fizzes out? 

At school, it was hard to imagine going a day without seeing your best friend. You'd plan your lives together. But then you graduate school, and university comes along, as well as partners, new jobs, families and eventually children. Suddenly, the person you once thought would be in your life forever no longer is.

"All friendships have a life cycle," according to social phycologist Dina McMillan. Lifestyle changes are inevitable, and with these changes comes a shift in your social circle, and you no longer have much in common with your 'friends'. 

"Any friendship that is based around you having the same experience - be it school, university, work, being neighbours or having children at the same time - might have a limited life and it's important to remember that's completely normal."

c.w.b

When I think of the word 'friend' I can't help but refer to the conditioning media has given us up until this point in our lives. From the womb we are fed fictional characters; cartoons with unrealistic expectations like dying for one another, girls who bitch and whine but end up best friends, fairytales with wild impossibilities and perfect endings. But the truth is, there is never a perfect ending and even after being exposed to this throughout most of our childhood lives we still cannot properly define the meaning of the word 'friend.' And if we can, we certainly cannot live by it.

This tech-savvy generation we live in had made the freedom of opinion and observation too accessible and vulnerable. Facebook has given us the option of virtually befriending someone, which potentially can give you more opportunity to get information then the people themselves are willing to give. Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr let you follow people. Follow. We have all this access with no privacy, no boundaries, no rules. We sit behind screens and silently judge with every photo that gets uploaded, every text post that gets created, every comment that gets shared. You're probably sitting there right now, claiming you're not guilty of this, but the truth of the matter is we are all guilty but we will share no real consequence. It has made us detach from the reality of what friendship really is. When I think of the kind of friends I want, I think of someone who has your back no matter the circumstance, someone who will willingly follow you up shit creek so you're no alone, someone who doesn't degrade you or tell you you're wearing your hair wrong, someone will will answer your calls at 3am in the morning and listen to your incoherent sobs, someone who will have a shoulder for you to cry on at any time of the day. It is hard: it is hard to find someone who will do all of those things for you and it may take a lot of failed attempts to find one. But when you do, oh boy, am I happy for you.

c.w.b

2014 Grammys

For those of you who unfortunately missed the 2014 Grammys, do not fret! Everything you need to know (the gossip, the best and worst dressed, winners, etc) is below! So keep reading!

Best dressed: 

I couldn't pick - it was a tie! Chrissy Teigen and the one and only Queen B were both looking mighty fine!

Beyonce

Chrissy Teigen

Worst dressed:

As much as I love Katy, she definitely could have worn something a little more...flattering 

Winners:

Our very own (yes, us Aussie's are claiming her as ours) Lorde won big this year, scraping up not one, but two Grammy Awards, as well as Macklemore and Ryan Lewis winning multiple awards. It's safe to say that the winners this year were extremely deserving, and we can't wait to hear what they come out with next! 

The very beautiful and talented Lorde.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

#aussieday

G'day mate! Happy Australia Day! I hope everyone is having a bloody good day, and celebrating what it means to be an Aussie. Us Aussie's are a very unique bunch, living so far away from everyone and everything else. We pride ourselves on being an easy going, carefree and plain-speaking nation who is sport-crazy! 

So whether you're draping yourselves in Aussie pride by the barbie, having a few beers, or spending the night at work (like mwah) we have to be proud of who we are, and where we come from. 

Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, and is my new obsession! If you've never had a chance to listen to his one and only album, 'Grace', you're missing out. The acoustics of the album, accompanied by Buckley's unusual sound lead the singer to be dubbed the 39th Greatest Singer, according to Rolling Stone Music. They claimed they couldn't "compare his voice to anything - he had such an usual breadth of influences." 

 This very talented musician unfortunately died on May 29, 1997 when Buckley went swimming in the Wolf River Harbour, and his body simply vanished. I think the fact that this musician only had the chance to record one album makes this album even more special, and adds to the purity of his sound.

"But you can talk all day about technical aspects, and you get nowhere. Jeff had the ability to sing a cappella in almost a whisper in a packed club environment and be able to hear a pin drop - that's not about technical ability, that's something else." - Rolling Stones Music

#princecharming

Ladies, if you're anything like me and are still waiting for Prince Charming to come and sweep you off your feet, be worried. Be worried that you're betting on a dream that affects your perception of reality and for most, will never ever come true.

If I've learnt anything, it's that movies and TV and the internet create an illusion of our perfect partner. We have a certain checklist that a suitor must pass, and we are not willing to settle for less (yes, there is a difference between having standards and expecting Prince Charming ladies. We just have to learn the difference!)

Besides, in this day and age, it's all about girl power! We don't need no man anyway! It is now acceptable for a woman to be single and successful without a man by her side (it's about time!) and I personally encourage this. So ladies, delete that mental checklist you have when looking for a partner, and just have fun! 

#girlpower 

Advice

I've always wanted to compile a list of advice that I would give to my previous self, and when the time comes, my daughter. Scrolling through my tumblr dash, I came across this list that I couldn't tear my eyes away from:

“

Dear Future Daughter:

1) When you’re at some party, chain smoking on the roof with some strange girl with blue hair and exorbitant large dark eyes, ask her about her day. I promise you, you won’t regret it. Often times you’ll find the strangest of people have the most captivating of stories to tell.

2) Please, never mistake desire for love. Love will engulf your soul, whilst desire will emerge as acid, slowly making it’s way through your veins, gradually burning you from the inside out.

3) No one is going to fucking save you, anything you’ve read or heard otherwise is bullshit.

4) One day a boy is going to come along who’s touch feels like fire and who’s words taste like vanilla, when he leaves you, you will want to die. If you know anything at all, know that it is only temporary.

5) Your mental health comes before school baby, always. If its midnight, and you have an exam the next day but your hands have been shaking for the past hour and a half and you’re not so sure you want to be alive anymore, pull out that carton of Ben and Jerry’s and afterwards, go the fuck to bed. So what if you get a 68% on the exam the next day? You took care of yourself and at the end of the day that will always come before a high test score. To hell with anyone who tells you differently.

”

—	Abbie Nielsen  (via narobe)

#breakfast #important

I recently read an article in a magazine that caught my attention. It was describing how missing breakfast is so bad for our bodies. I think you'd have to be living under a rock not to know this, as health experts are constantly telling us that the first meal of the day is the most important. I know this; yet sometimes I just can't help but skip this meal. I'm not sure if it has something to do with waking up late (it's 10 already, I'll just wait till lunch to eat), or if I'm ever in a hurry (I'm not that hungry, I'll just have a coffee - GUILTY!). Whatever the reason, it has to stop.

The article detailed how you're better off to eat a donut than to skip the first meal of the day. Funnily enough, this is kinda true (although I definitely would not eat a donut for breakfast every day!). Your body responds to not eating for hours and hours by slowing down it's metabolic rate, and by eating breakfast, you essentially wake up your metabolism. Additionally, research has constantly shown that those who eat breakfast have a better chance of losing weight, and keeping it off.

I know that after a bit of research, I woke up and made myself a beautiful breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, avocado and tomato's. What did you have?

#goldenglobes

Undoubtedly, the Golden Globes is a night about awarding the talented actors and actresses for their handwork and dedication on-set, and for celebs to bring their fashion A-game. Along the night there were numerous hits and misses, and I'm going to show you some of my favourite outfits of the night!

Oliver Wilde

A pregnant Wilde did not fade into the background in this sparkly emerald green frock, and looks simply amazing!

Emma Roberts

Miss Roberts was definitely the standout for me. I absolutely adore her in this black number paired with turquoise earrings #perfection

Naomi Watts

I'm loving Watts in this delicate Tom Ford frock. Watts seemed to keep to the trend of this years Golden Globes, which was undoubtedly metallics! 

Emilia Clarke

This dress is absolutely adorable on Miss Clarke! I love everything about this detailed strapless gown!

As always, some celebs just don't bring their fashion A-game. The Golden Globes were no different, with celebs such as Taylor Swift, Drew Barrymore, Kelly Osbourne, Emma Watson, Kayley Cuoco, Sandra Bullock making it onto the worst-dressed list. 

Rising Stars

2014's ones to watch:

Elizabeth Olsen 

This year will see this particular Olsen sister alongside Breaking Bad's Brian Cranston in a legendary remake of Godzilla. 

Emily Ratajowski

2013 saw Miss Ratajowski in the infamous staring role of Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines video clip, but 2014 will see Ratajowski cast in the adaptation of Gone Girl. Thus, we will be seeing a lot of Miss Ratajowski in the media this year (and it's easy to see why!)

Gabriella Wilde 

Miss Wilde is easily recognisable from one of her many Burberry campains, and this year will hit the screen along side Alex Pettyfer in an unmissable remake of Endless Love (we will definitely not be missing this must-see movie of 2014!)

Lily Collins

Collins in undoubtedly known for her fashion taste, and 2014 will be no different. Enough said. 

Cara Delevingne 

This British babe needs no introduction, and is set to make her second on-screen appearance this year in The Face of an Angel. 

#friends (not the TV show)

There are a number of different people you need in your life; similarly there are a number of different types of friends you need in your life. You need to be surrounded by diverse personality's to be able to figure out who you are and what you want in your life. I was reading an article in the newspaper describing how there are six types of friends you need in your life, and I couldn't agree more!

1. The friend who is cooler than you

These people enrich your life by exposing you to things you never would have imagined that would have otherwise passed you by. They help you to open your eyes, and have a positive effect in helping you to unstick yourself from the rut that's all too easy to get stuck in.

2. The friend who is up for anything

Especially in this day and age, it's so hard to catch up with people! I hope I am not the only one who gets frusterated having to reschedule your re-re-re-scheduled catch-up. Thus, you need someone you can call at the drop of a hat. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they make life a breeze!

3. The friend who you aspire to be

As Operah Winfrey once said: surround yourself with only people that are going to lift you higher". These people generally challenge you to be the best version of yourself you possibly can be. They will see the best in you and give you honest feedback on both your strengths and weaknesses. 

4. The friend who doesn't know any of your other friends

There is a certain level of privacy to this friendship that doesn't exist in friendship circles. Sometimes we just need an S.O.S call to someone who is so uninvolved and removed from a situation. They can also provide a unique perspective that you might never have guessed!

5. The friend who's painfully honest

I think it's quite obvious why we definitely need this friend. They will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth; even if it's the last thing you want to hear. When you're in the middle of a crisis or need some urgent advice ASAP, this is the friend to call. This type of friend "is a pearl who will tell it to you straight when other won't or will sugarcoat things". 

6. The friend you've known longer than you've known yourself

This is the friend who sees you out of context of your job, your relationship, your other friends and your life as it is right now. These are the friends that have been through everything with you, even some things you wouldn't like to admit! There is something particularly special about this friend, because they feel like home. They know you better than you know yourself and will accept you unconditionally. 

The Gift of Giving

For quite some time, both my mother and myself have wanted to donate blood. It seems so simple and time inefficient, but we just never got round to it. We finally made an appointment to donate blood via the Red Cross on the 6th January. We showed up, had to fill out multiple forms as we were first time donors, and waited outside the van for our numbers to be called. 

Mum and I got to go in at the same time, but all our data had to be entered into the computer system first. After all the paperwork was finally completed, I was shown to a little bed where I would save 3 people's lives. Giving blood usually only takes between 6 - 10 minutes, and mine was a fast time of 6 minutes and 19 seconds! I drank an apple juice, and had to remain seated for about 10 minutes before I could go back inside and have something to eat. 

For something that had such a little impact on me, it would have such a large impact for people who needed it. It's not hard to do, and it hurts no more than a simple blood test! I encourage everyone to give blood every 3 months and save 3 lives! The Red Cross do brilliant work, and I push for everyone who is eligible to do something about it and donate some blood! For more information, you can visit the Red Cross website: Donate Blood.

#lucky!

So today was the day that I turned nineteen. I was passed the point of being the legal age to drink and being excited about it (although I still get asked for ID!) and not quite old enough for the twenty-first celebrations. I don't feel any older, or any different for that matter. But I do know that I was spoilt rotten!

I had to wait for my sisters to wake up before I could start opening any of my presents, and by the time that happened I had already received a phone call from a relative wishing me a Happy Birthday and asking if I liked the present. Awkwardly, I explained that I hadn't opened any of them yet.

I went out for lunch with some close friends and had a really nice time (at an adorable little cafe, Bumbles, on Budds Beach) and had some laughs and good food. As much as I hate to admit it, I had to have a little nap in the afternoon as I was so tired! 

Overall, I couldn't have wished to have a happier 19th birthday. All day I was surrounded by the people I love and doing the things I love (mainly eating) and was surprised with an ice-cream cake (which is perfect in the middle of this heatwave!) I feel so loved and so blessed, and had a wonderful birthday! 

Bumbles Cafe

Photo day!

Everyone says you don't know what you've got until it's gone. And it's true! We take everything for granted and always forget to stop to smell the roses. Thus, my next project was to take a photo of everything I did for a day and see how truly blessed I am!

I started my morning off with a visit to the beach with my little sister. It was a beautiful morning and perfect beach weather! 

Next, I made myself some breakfast. Poached eggs, ham, cherry tomato's and ham with a green juice. Yum!

My best friend and I then caught a bus and went op shopping. Unfortunately we didn't snag any bargains, but a lot of fun was had in the process!

Chloe and I got lunch at a little burger shop in Kirra called the Burger Lounge. It was extremely yummy! 

Then it was time to head home and have dinner and get ready for a night at work. Looking back on my day, I am so lucky to live so close to the beach and have such nice weather! 

What are you thankful for today?

live for now

It's now 2014, and time to start thinking about what productive things we're going to achieve this year. Are you going back to University? Are you starting a full time job? Are you travelling? What are you doing this year? I'd love to know what my readers plans are for 2014, so please feel free to leave comments! 

Me? I aim to make plans to au pair in England. A year off University was never in my plan, but these things just happen. We need to live in the moment, and I feel the best thing for me to do right now is to have a year off and see parts of the world I never even imagined. I've always imagined planning overseas trips for when I've graduated University and have a full-time job, but have only just begun to realise how many opportunities there are out there, and that they are yours to grab! If you want to take a year off and travel, take a year off and travel! If you want to go to University and obtain a degree, go to University! It's your life, and at the end of the day you have to be doing what you want and enjoying every single bit of it. The only person stopping yourself is you. As my mother always tells me:

"you are your own worst enemy"

So what are you going to do in 2014 to make it a year you'll never forget?