Ten Things

1. I am living for days like today where it's dark and cold outside (forever in denial that sun and summer is coming) again that I can wear my favourite lounge pants and knitwear, drink piping hot tea while working from the comforts of my bed. This is where I am most creative. When I am in my zone, music playing really loud, notebook and laptop in hand. I've been pulled to an exciting project at work and will be doing that for the next three weeks. I needed this quiet time to plan it all and I am buzzing right now I'm telling ya!

Monday Morning Game Face On

Perhaps I've been hit by the beauty bug too late in life. At 24, I have just recently joined this (previously) foreign world and boy have my every day life become just a bit more exciting! Up until recently, my go to look was super dark lipstick because 1. It was easy to apply 2. Minimal effort required and also it's virtually impossible to screw application up 3. I've been told I have great lips 4. I have super sensitive eyes so that rules out eye make-up. Wearing foundation or anything else was reserved for very special occasions and not even fashion week could make me wear them! 

Ten Things

Photo

1. Very jealous of Simon right now who is off on a business trip to San Francisco. I had such a blast helping him pack and decide what outfits/clothes to take and my excitement levels were through the roof you'd think I was the one going.
2. Spend the weekend curating my wishlist from SF because Sephora and Zara.
3.. Some very exciting changes on the blog happening soon! Can't wait to finally show you what I've been working on.
4. I spent all bloody afternoon meal prepping. I have pre-cut fruits and vegetables, put them in individual bags with their combos so all I have to do in the morning is dump it all in the NutriBullet and breakfast is served. I also have every meal this week planned and sorted #organised #adulting #winning
5. The amount of times I watch this in a day is concerning.
6. Went to see Flamin Nora play on Friday night and they were amazing to say the least! I have forgotten how much I love bands and live music and dancing with a crowd.
7. It's peony season. YAY.
8. My gift to myself this weekend is a good sleep. Going to try and go to bed at 9 pm tonight. Operative term being try.
9. Just realised this is another list post. I don't even blog anymore, I just make lists.
10. Naomi's ten things listicle is pretty much the best thing ever.

24

I'm just going to put it out there in case it's not glaringly obvious yet - I love lists. I'm a listaholic. I can give you a list of why I love lists. So here's a list of 24 things from today. I have this birthdayzilla thing down to a T (I had a friend call me the night before to say happy birthday and said that they were calling now to get in early because if they knew that if they didn't call at midnight I'd probably be mad. Where is the lie tho) and today was awesome thanks to the great people I have in my life! Thank you for all the birthday messages. I am resisting the urge to post a selfie with #blessed as caption right now.

1. I had this on repeat as I got ready this morning. Ultimate happy song!

2. My lips were on fleek today special thanks to my new lipsticks. Kylie Jenner hu dat. 

3. First thing I saw at work today were the chocolates and lovely card from a beautiful colleague.

4. Got the cutest little bouquet of flowers from a colleague that he picked and arranged from his garden. Complete with foliage and all. I was v v v surprised and v v v happy!

5. Text messages and phone calls from friends just to greet me a happy birthday #feltspecial #lovehearingyourvoice

6. Visits and unexpected drop offs at work. My desk looked like this at the end of the day!

7. A bouquet of toffee pops thanks to my great mayt Khayt.

8. Getting taken out to lunch and having pancakes. I mean seriously... BIRTHDAY PANCAKES AM I RIGHT?

9. I was at work all day but had a real cool and fun photoshoot so it was all good in the hood!

10. My birthday outfit is a $15 top and a $15 skirt from The Warehouse. It was black. And quite lacy. And I want to wear it forever.

11. The amazing Mandy dropped off some afternoon treats (more flowers and in the vase I wanted for ages!) and said she was going to go get me some white sheets (as per the wishlist) from Bed, Bath, and Beyond but she didn't know what size bed I had. My heart melted when she said this <3

12. The very beautiful bouquet from Miss Daisy that was waiting for me in reception after lunch took my breath away.

13. After work, Simon and I went to Carls Jr for Oreo shakes. It was glorious. We also had fries. And I may have eaten a burger too. 

14. Perhaps the best part of the day was when Simon told me about his upcoming overseas trip to the US and I literally yelled out that he was going to be in America in the most glorious season of all - Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte season!!! That was the happiest I have ever seen him. We talked about it for about half an hour. He changed his profile photo to a Pumpkin Spice Latte. 

15. We had a shared morning tea at work today for numerous reasons and it was really nice and lots of croissants were had.

16. Polaroid selfies are always such a leap of faith when you click that button because you just never know if you're in the frame or now.

17. My brothers made me a card and gave me $20 birthday money. Best present ever!

18. Brand new speakers mean even louder music when I wake up and before I go to bed. Thank you mum and dad! 

19. For my birthday dinner I really didn't want to go out so we ordered my fave meal - BBQ pork and duck - with heaps of rice. Same spread I had last year. Might be a tradition in the making!

20. I had dinner in my fat pants and a big sweater. Fingers crossed not an omen for how this year is going to look like.

21. I'm kind of running out of things to say. 

22. Red velvet cake with cream cheese icing is the ultimate cake. Best part is I could only eat a small bite so there's basically a whole cake sitting there for the week.

23. I kind of really really like being 24 already.

24. Oh look, here's a #blessed selfie:

Birthday Wishlist 2k15

Confessions of a birthdayzilla. It's that time of the year again where I shamelessly make a birthday wishlist and send it to my parents. #betterlivingeveryone #lifehack

But seriously. I have been known to treat myself to my own birthday wishlist well in advance. Last week, I visited my local MAC counter pretty much everyday (the struggles of having an office so close to it) and I'm wondering how do I go about being a shareholder because the amount of stuff I get from there is ridiculous. Also got a call from them last week and said they've got very limited stock of the two lipsticks I've been in the waiting list for that's sold out around the world and because the universe is v great I am now the proud owner of both whirl and velvet teddy.

Anyway, because each year I seem to be more predictable, the things I want this year is more or less the same. Also lunch date. Also lots of food. Here's my list (mostly for my parents tbh):

1. Rose gold iPhone
2. Oreo shake from Carls Jr
3. Flowers from Miss Daisy
4. Mindy Kaling's new book
5. Speakers for my room
6. ASOS gift vouchers
7. Red velvet cake from Sugarplum
8. Peonies as big as my face like the ones pictured above
9. Plain white sheets + plain white duvet cover
10. Pak n Save gift voucher because you can never have enough groceries #mealprep #groceries #food (Thanks Naomi for the heads up)

HBD 2 MEH!

Ten Things

1. I slept through Sunday Funday and woke up to all these messages, the best one being Simon’s (you should know that I am a big fan of good morning texts) – “Sunday funday! It’s a sunny day, but is it a funny day?”
2. You were exactly who I needed you to be when I needed you to be that.
3. My cousin/best friend came to visit and we ate KFC at 10:30 in the morning in our pyjamas and watched 500 Days of Summer. It was glorious.
4. The real reason why I wasn’t at NZFW.
5. Where else in the world can you leave work on a Friday afternoon and within 15 minutes be sitting somewhere overlooking a pretty lake watching the sunset, a friend playing the guitar, and you writing on a random piece of paper found in your bag? Another reason to #lovethetron
6. I got to see the proof copy of Blacklisted’s Spring issue (the September issue, no less) last night. It’s got a different feel to it – fresh and new – easily one of the issues I’m most proud of.
7. Sometimes the most toxic people in your life are those related to you by blood.
8. These series of photographs are my new favourite thing. I want to buy every single one of these and plaster them around my desk.
9. A city apartment. That’s all I’ve been dreaming about lately. I was going to move in with a friend but that’s fallen through, so now I have to come up with a new plan. I cannot wait to have a space, routines, and a life of my own. Someday, someday.
10. It’s the first of the month. My favourite day of the month. Happy first of the month! 

That feel when you put yourself out there

"I can feel my heart beating in my chest"

"That is the way you should feel your whole life." 

- Paper Towns

The last two weeks has been the most intense weeks of my life so far and I feel like I'm only just catching my breath now. I forced myself to pause and slow down tonight, opting to have a very yummy bubble bath (and my new facemask from Lush) with a glass of wine, candles, and flowers. I kept thinking about everything that happened in the last two weeks and the whole time, I was thinking about that specific line from Paper Towns.

I've had quite a few of those moments lately - exhilarating, heart beating so fast, eager anticipation, and the feeling you get when you're about to do something wild and courageous and brave.

I spoke at the graduate panel for Spark Festival about my career journey so far since graduating last year. It was an honour to be part of it as the 3 other people who spoke before me have already achieved so much (one even has a Hollywood film experience in her resume) and afterwards was told that there were people at the spill-out room that came just to hear me speak. Then just a few hours later, I had PechaKucha happening.

Because I decided a few months ago that it would be a great idea for me to do one (honestly why do I do this?) as well as organise my biggest event for the year, I was a bit flustered beforehand trying to get everything sorted. But of course, in some groovy cosmic way, everything worked out seamlessly. I got up in front of a crowd of almost 200 people and talked about the moments that made me feel alive. The event was a huge success thanks to the fantastic speakers that agreed (got bullied into) speaking, and of course to everyone who came along.

During that week I learnt what it meant to put myself out there in every aspect of my life, both professionally and personally, and all I can say that it feels so goddamn good to feel no matter what the outcome.

I have never been more grateful to have a heartbeat.

Be

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /

Sometimes I regret saying that I wanted to feel it all this year. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Especially on weekends like this. But the thing about being an optimist is that you always have hope deep inside you. Just when you think you can't soldier on anymore, you do. I allowed myself a weekend to wallow and then it's off to moveon.org. Life carries on. We all have our mountains to move. And while mine feels a little bit tougher to do so lately, tomorrow morning I will try again. Besides, there's always ice cream on a cold day.

Always

"Love wins?"

"Always."

The beautiful last paragraph from Justice Anthony Kennedy in yesterday's ruling. Equality is something I've always been passionate about so this ruling just gives me so much hope. Love is something we are all worthy of. And I am so excited to be living in a world where love is recognised and celebrated.

That feel when you become a quote

I've always been driven by the belief that there is space for all of us in the world. Not that I'm discounting friendly competition, but I don't think we could ever go wrong if we keep being ourselves and do work we are passionate about. Bring other people up. It's a more enjoyable climb when you take other people with you. I'm so sick and tired of people bringing others down. Believe that there is a space for everyone's best in the world and watch your whole world expand. Be an enthusiast, an encourager, the number one fan. Your success is my success and vice versa.

The week of everything

This week I wrote my first editor's letter, organised and held a sold out event, cracked 40K words in my first novel, and had a productive week at my actual job. Today I received an award from the mayor as part of the 30 under 30 list in Hamilton. I've never been on a list before much less one that says I'm influential in the city I love. Eternally grateful that I get to do all this x

Because it was double denim day

                     

SQUAD GOALS! Today was double denim day over at School of Media Arts and I had the pleasure of picking 2 winners for the best denim outfit. It was a hard choice but Brendan and Taylor took home the swag today. Luckily we had everyone pose on the steps for a totally awesome double denim family photo. P.S. y'all looked good! I vote for more themed dress up days just because.

Afterwards, we took the opportunity to turn our lunch break into a quick photoshoot because this is like totally gnarly, right? The lockers were the perfect setting for it and just like that we went straight back into the 80s/90s circa teen sitcoms. Saved by the bell perhaps?

Shout out to Sam for this rad double denim opportunity! And to the cool cats Khayt and Simon for posing with me, and Christina for the photos. Today was all that and a bag of chips! 

P.S. Here's the ultimate denim power video (and one of my favourite songs to dance in my bedroom too)

Stay rad! *peace out*

You've been Blacklisted

That feeling when you become a full-fledged magazine editor like you've always dreamed of when you were young! Thank you to everyone who's supported Blacklisted so far. 5 days since we released our new issue (and new look after our expansion) and we have sold out! So we're going into second print. And I am blown away. Thank you! X

Celebrate yo'self!

Happy International Women's Day!

And what a great day it's been. Started the day catching up with a beautiful, talented, and kind lady and her cute bubba talking about life and inspiration! It was one of those conversations that was just really uplifting and I know I'll be referring back to it in times of need. So thank you, Donnally! I'm so glad we're friends!

Afterwards, I caught up with my good friend Joe and we sang the whole way to Cambridge, belting out all our old faves (High School Musical to R Kelly's Ignition. It was the mixtape), and just had a very good catch-up! Hooray for old friends who you don't see very often but you always just pick up where you left!

Spent the rest of the afternoon working on a little something to send to my Girl Gang! I am surrounded by amazing women and it's about time we celebrate each other! So holla at your homegirl over here if you want to be part of the squad. Shout out to all the ladies out there! I am most inspired by you!

It's been a great weekend on social media too.

It started with #BlackOutDay on March 6. Here's a great article explaining it if you're unfamiliar with the movement. My Tumblr dashboard and Twitter feed was filled with so many beautiful people. Selfies being reblogged and retweeted here and there and I have never seen cyberspace be filled with so much self-love and positivity in one go. It was beautiful.

Then there's The Dancing Man. I have been watching the story unfold online (this being the latest I could find) because body shaming is unfortunately something I'm familiar with. And it's incredibly humbling to see the internet stand up against bullying and body shaming. It's one of those instances that I am again absolutely in awe of social media. Absolutely humbling.

Lastly, I'm loving all the International Women's Day going around right now too. I am passionate about girls bringing girls up, supporting, and celebrating. This year's theme is Make It Happen - a phrase that I 100% support. It's 2015, we need to start believing that we are limitless and sometimes all we need to do to get those goals and dreams going is to just start. So make it happen this year.

So let's celebrate ourselves - whatever gender you identify with - this year! This is how change happens. This is how we make our mark.

11:11

 

Credit

And I will never grow so old again

Hey, it's me, I'm dynamite and I don't know why. My, my, my, my, my sweet thing.

I hope I never forget this feeling

I hope I never forget this feeling.

So here's how my Monday went: Early morning breakfast with one of my favourites, at work by 8:30, productive day of working in marketing until 4:30, rushing to meet Naomi for a coffee and a quick magazine catch-up, 6 pm workshop for Blacklisted - strategising, planning, and looking at what's ahead of us, 9 pm dinner time, and now it's 10:30 pm and I've just finished giving feedback to one of our writers and then back to editing more articles again.

Except of course I have abandoned that momentarily for this blog update.

Today was the first time I truly felt like a magazine editor. There laid our thoughts, processes, and operations a in big sheets of paper and all I could think of was 'shit's getting real'. Looking at it and discussing it made me wonder how we got through it last year. How, when we first started committing to a magazine last year, it didn't even occur to me that this would turn into what it's just about to be now.

And I am proud. And excited. And a little bit scared. But mostly excited to see what's to come this year. I never really thought about being an editor until tonight when I realised the gravity of it all. The responsibility, the outcomes, the challenges, and best of all, the possibilities.

Then I got home, read one of the drafts submitted to me, and felt it again. Goosebumps. Excitement. Like I wanted to sing and dance and jump right this instant. Not because the writing was perfect but because of it wasn't. It was a draft that was full of possibilities waiting to be unleashed. It was reading a piece by someone who have yet to find their voice and realise what a truly spectacular world they had in them.

As I wrote the feedback, I couldn't help but feel such gratitude. That this is the type of thing I do in my free time, things I do for 'fun'. That my love for words - stringing them together, making them alive, structuring sentences - could lead to this.

There are these people who don't even see that their talent is more than they think it is. That they carry this universe inside of them that maybe they don't realise it yet. It's one thing to provide the platform, but to be the one constantly pushing them to get it out, to realise the potential. I am someone who is now in the position to do that.

I hope I never forget this feeling. I hope I never forget to be grateful about opportunities like this, to grow and work towards something that matters. There is nothing I love more than seeing people reach their potential and realise the things they are capable of.

This year is going to be a big one and I am unsure how I'll be doing it this year - a full time job, managing a magazine, events on the side, social life, sleep (?) - but I think as long as I keep going back to this feeling, somehow it will all happen. I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

So I've learnt my first lesson this year

So it looks like I may have learnt my first lesson of 2015. This one is about time. Because the problem with us, and I think it's inherent in human nature, is that we think we have time. So we put things of, we think we could just do things tomorrow, or the next time. I don't think we value time enough, or realise just how little we've got in the grand scheme of things.

Case in point: I've been away on holiday since Monday and every night (except for New Years Eve when rain poured continuously throughout the whole night) I have been lying outside at night looking at the sky. Waiting for the stars to come out, watching the clouds pass by, and observing how the moon moved in the sky. Last night, when my friend Michael went to bed just after midnight, I contemplated whether or not I should head to bed too. I wanted to stay longer and listen to music, but then I thought, I could just do it tomorrow because I couldn't be bothered going through the effort of standing up, finding my earphones, and lying down again. Long story short, I did it anyway, and I was lying there with Alice the dog on my chest, listening to that one song I wanted to listen to while looking up at the sky, and felt so happy that I couldn't stop smiling the whole time.

And today our trip was cut a day shorter than planned. I thought I had one more night on holiday, stargazing, listening to music, cuddles with the dog. And so I think this is my first lesson this year. Stop procrastinating. Stop putting things off. Do it now. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. And I'm so glad I had that moment last night, looking up at the sky, with music pumping in my ears, and a dog cuddled closely beside me. Loving this year already!