quick life update // moving out of home

(MY ROOM IS MOSTLY SET UP! Yippee!)

Greetings, internet! A lot of "life" has happened since the last update a few weeks ago and as always, it's nice to sit down and write about it all. I don't even know where to start! On Sunday I moved out of home. The whole arrangement was a little bit rushed and disorganized and I didn't do as much preparation as I initially thought I would do. The whole homesickness thing didn't kick in until that night when I realized that everything was real; I wasn't going to see my Mum every day, I had bills to pay, I was on my own with that kinda stuff. After a few tears, I snapped out of it and mentally prepared myself for university the next day, the start of O week. 

A lot of things went wrong, which was to be expected. I caught the wrong bus, was yelled at by a bus driver, it started raining as I was walking to a bus stop (seriously the cherry on top), I had no idea what was going on half the time, my student ID is seriously the funniest photo ever (I look like a little rat) and it basically reminded me of the first day of year 8. I didn't cry until after 4 o'clock though which is such an amazing achievement on my part because I'm already an emotional person, but if I'm tired too than it's a mess. Good things happened too, though. My first impression of the university was absolutely amazing. UQ looks like Hogwarts and it's so beautiful and picturesque and I feel lucky to be going there. There is also an abundance of really nice people too, I've made so many new friends already that I can tell will be the life-long kind. The boys as well, wow. Just wow - absolutely stunning creatures. At the end of the day, it was my older sister Rosey who got me through and made things bearable. I was absolutely ravaged of all energy and she took me back to her house and let me have a nice soothing shower, light a scented candle and give me a few birthday presents for the next day. It reminded me a lot of how Maria helps Liesl in Sound of Music. 

Anyway, things did progressively improve. I had a lovely 18th birthday and was spoiled rotten by my friends and my roomies (who are lovely to live with) on Tuesday. Today, was market day and I got an awesome henna tattoo! I'm exhausted though and looking forward to heading home for a short visit home tomorrow. 

I think I made the right decision moving to Brisbane, still absolutely terrified about money and study (hoping I have what it takes), but I LOVE IT. I love the university with all of my heart, it's everything I hoped it would be. The social aspect is going wonderfully too, I've just met so many lovely people! Moving out has been a milestone for me, and I think it's only going to get better. I'm really proud of myself but I have a lot of people to thank as well. Basically anyone who has shown some sort of support has been a life saver. Thank you. I'll be back soon xxx

life through the lens #8

Making the most of my lovely little familiar space before moving away. I intend to make my room in Brisbane look just as much like a sanctuary as my "home" one does // Signature scents, both from Lancome // Serene summer sunsets // Out for breakfast at Miss Moneypenny's - one of my new favourite places in Noosa.

Hello! So the last few weeks have been a total whirlwind and it's lovely to be sitting down, putting my fingers to the computer keys, listening to Sia's new album and sharing some thoughts.

• I'm officially moving out of home in just under two weeks! I checked out my accommodation this weekend and it's lovely. A cute little two-storey cottage that has a warm, nest-like feeling to it and the people are friendly and I think it's going to work out wonderfully. 
• University starts in March and I'm studying Political Science! I'm jubilant about my course as I've only heard great things about it and I'm feeling excited and ready to learn again. Especially because this is something I am genuinely passionate about. 
• I bought a bike for Brisbane too recently! After weeks of driving the local bike shop owners bonkers with my indecisive-ness, I finally bit the bullet and bought a lovely cruiser that will probably be delivered this week. 
• I got a piercing!!! I'm not the most rebellious teenager, but over the last few years I have accumulated a number of piercings and now have seven in total, three in a row on my lobes and a helix on my right ear. It hurt quite a lot in comparison to the previous three but I think it looks great and going with my friend Abbey softened the blow quite a bit. 
• Lately, with all the cleaning out for my big move in two weeks time I've been finding a lot of old blogging props/ things including beautiful flower crowns from my shoots in 2013. It's really made me appreciate my hobby of blogging and how far it's taken me in my life. Although now it's more of a side hobby, I still love it and it's always there if I need to feed my creative flair. 
• As mentioned above, I also found my MOO business cards! I got them custom made a few months ago and I remember how impressed I was with the quality - if any of you are looking for a good business card site, I would recommend MOO highly. Designing your cards is actually super fun. 

 Two of my favourite cafes on the Sunshine Coast: The Poet's Cafe in Montville is completely divine and is nestled beautifully amongst trees and nature, and the Silva Spoon in Cotton Tree which is a tea-lovers heaven with beautiful food and homewares. 

I'll definitely miss the spontaneous adventuring that I've been doing where I live. 

Do I look like a dorky undergraduate yet?

You know that post I did recently about having a bad day / not feeling yourself (click here)? Well, I just wanna thank you guys, because the support is still coming through my email inbox and it's awesome. Lately, there's been a lot of ups and downs and whenever I'm feeling even a little hopeless or victimized, I've actually been reading that post and taking my own advice for once and it's working. I'm not saying the next few months are going to be easy... because moving away from home is terrifying and a massive leap into the unknown, but I'm equipped and I'm ready, you know? It's time to start living! 

It's time to start the life that I was meant to live after high school. Now that I've finished school, goals and aspirations are so clear and bright. My self esteem and respect as increased because I think for myself and my health and well-being now. I'm trying not to let people/ things hurt me the way I used to. It's a really good, empowering feeling. There's really no time for negativity. It just doesn't fit, it doesn't belong. Of course it's gonna happen, but I think the most incredible thing I've realized is that I can work on reducing it. 

Best of luck with your futures, too. Bottom line: DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU. Have an awesome week and I'll keep you posted with what's happening with my big move!! xo

aquamarine

 Basque top, Portmans skirt, Payless heels, Bobbi Brown lipstick in "Raisin Berry", Dissh double pearl earrings 

....featuring a brand new 'do!

Happy Sunday everyone! Hope your weekend has been relaxing and enjoyable so far - I definitely needed the break after such a hectic week of work and university organisation stress. I hadn't had a hair cut since the start of December so I thought it was well overdue, so I booked it for Saturday and had been looking forward to getting a "fresh cut" all week. I got a lot more hair off this time and I'm so glad I did because not only does it feel healthier and lighter, but the length is so easy to maintain. My hair is very curly if there isn't very much of it, so the curls are really defined and bouncy as opposed to the stringy mess it was prior to the cut!

And how impossibly beautiful is this skirt? It was an absolute steal at Portmans; I got it for $30 instead of $90 and it's so pretty and reminds me of a mermaid tail. I paired it with a simple white cotton top because I think it deserves to shine on its own.

I hope you're all well... xo

Currently listening to: Getcha Back - The Beach Boys