end of year 11 // boat cruise

My school is pretty awesome in general, but especially when it comes to putting together end of year celebrations. One of the most exciting parts of these kind of events is getting all dressed up and fancy. I ditched the usual "pink and frills" kinda vibe that I am notorious for and went with a more Audrey Hepburn style outfit. I felt marvellously grown up and loved every minute of it!

The teachers took us all to Brisbane on Tuesday night for a wonderful, fun-filled night on a cruise along the river. The atmosphere was absolutely angelic as we all sat down to eat a meal overlooking the beautiful lights and water, and celebrated the fantastic year that is about to be over. We then all headed down to the bottom level of the boat to dance and mingle. It's celebrations and fun events like this (and last years Year 10 dance) that really make me appreciate the grade, school and the community that I am a part of. Sometimes I take for granted how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a beautiful group of people and caring teachers. 

I'm so excited for what next year has to offer me! I was given the position of Magazine curator for the school next year so I will make sure that the yearbook is an absolute success! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend so far and I'll talk to you soon xo

dentelle noire

Guess who finished her second last year of school today?! Me! Excited is a slight understatement, except I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with myself now that I have no study to do. I feel like I should be doing some sort of research task, studying or packing for school tomorrow... It will probably take a little while to sink in that I'm finished! Anyway, I have plenty to fill you all in on. Tuesday night was our Year 11 Boat Cruise and it was so much fun (photos up soon!). We sailed along the Brisbane river in a quaint little boat with beautiful little fairy lights up on the ceiling at dinner and danced to some swanky tunes before arriving home to our snug beds. I wore a lovely off-the-shoulder black dress (if you follow me on Instagram you probably would've seen it!) and a red lip. I felt quite grown-up and it was strange not wearing anything lacey, pink or covered in tulle. The dress I am wearing in these pictures was the original option, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I love this frock and all, however it's quite impractical and a nuisance to wear. 

The last two days have been full QCS exam preparation. Yay. I'm actually surprised I managed to do anything productive this afternoon because my brain is fried. I actually had a five minute snooze in today's multiple choice test but was brought back to reality by the ten minute warning. I finished the year off on a good note when it comes to assessment I think. I was beginning to lose motivation towards the end but I pushed through and did my best, with History being my favourite out of my six subjects this year. Now it's time to focus on having a splendiferous holiday. Lots of books, tea, beach trips, friends and of course, Christmas! Less than a month away now. How exciting! Hope you're all well, and sorry about the two week absence. Time really does fly when you're busy. 

I'm off to indulge in some tv shows (I'm so behind on the Carrie Diaries) and try a new detox tea. Hopefully it doesn't taste like swamp water. xo

mind clouds //

Clarity. Sometimes that's all I need to get through bumps in the road... lately things have been extremely up and down. I'm stressed with my school work, my family, friends and the relationships I have with people. Something I have really improved and done well on this year has been my ability to pick myself up when I've fallen down (both metaphorically and literally... hehe). I'm practising self-love, repair and picking up pieces. I'm getting better and sometimes the best thing to do is remember how lucky I am. Really appreciate the things in my life that I am lucky to have.

Why do you put your self esteem in the hands of complete strangers?

— Helena Bonham Carter

Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.

— C.S. Lewis

I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant and kindness from the unkind. I should not be ungrateful to those teachers.

— Kahlil Gibran

xo Maria

P.S: Emails, comments and messages will be returned as soon as exams are over! I'm so busy with assignments right now and I know how rude it's been that you haven't had replies. I'm so sorry! I only have two more weeks to go :)

cherry

Photo taking outings (...? Is that what you call them?) never really run smoothly for Tess and I. Today I was eaten alive by ants because I sat on a nest, I ended up swinging from the jacaranda tree trying to retrieve a bouquet and nearly severely injured myself, and I walked back home with a shoes full of rocks and little twigs. Today was rather interesting and I won't lie when I say thank goodness it's nearly over! *And just a little warning; this will be a rant* I started the day off by sleeping in until 8 o'clock by mistake (school starts at 8:30am and I already had numerous appointments to get to before it anyway), my hair was an absolute abomination all day (I looked like I had been electrocuted), I "forgot" my glasses too which made things slightly difficult up the back of the classroom and my art teacher informed me that my body of work is due in a matter of days.

Then, in an attempt to soothe the soul and relax a little in between Geography study, I went out to take pictures and, well, you know the rest. Today was a slightly pooey day but despite it all, it was nice wearing an outfit like this. Colour is something we can all embrace so much more during the Spring and Summer so I took advantage of the colours in my wardrobe and put together this outfit - ideal for a picnic.

I hope you're all having a brilliant week so far! xo