tulips // christmas outfit

Dotti skirt. H&M heels. Witchery sunglasses

I bought this skirt for a number of reasons, mainly because the print reminds me of a watercolour tulip painting I did in year 12 and also because there was a $20 discount off the original price, and I'm a sucker for a price reduction. It's also very pretty, and very festive! I think skirts like this deserve to shine on their own, so I kept everything else in this outfit pretty low-key; white top, nude heals, you get the drill. Oh! And I totally forgot to mention my hair cut! Basically I bit the bullet and got a bob. Best decision I've made in a while... it's very low maintenance and makes me feel very flapper-girl-ish!

I'm finally home for a few weeks and I'm so excited for all the family to be together again for Christmas. The only downside to having a big family is that it is such a mission reuniting everyone because we are all so scattered, but I think it makes time spent together all the more special :) Over the last few days I've been devouring books, watching lots of old films and joining in on the sarcasm and banter exchanged between my two younger sisters. Man, those two have significantly increased their sass levels in comparison to this time last year - I haven't laughed so hard in such a long time! Speaking of which, the youngest has been begging me to play Monopoly for the last half hour and I think it's time to step away from the laptop, crank up Nat King Cole's Christmas album and commit! Wishing you all a happy, safe Christmas, wherever you are in the world. 

bicycle // life update

Hello everyone! It seems time has absolutely flown by this year and it's already the sixth month in and I haven't done a blog since early March - the early days of my 'moving out life/ phase' have well and truly passed and I've settled into my new home in Brisbane very well. I'm pleased to report that since I last wrote, things have just been getting better and better. I am still in love with UQ; the atmosphere, how it looks when I am heading home in the late afternoon when the sun is glimmering between the sandstone pillars in the Great Court, the intelligent and insightful professors that have taught me so much, and all the lovely friends I've made in my courses. I've honestly never been so happy, you guys. My roomies and I are constantly laughing and mucking around; I am part of an awesome community of accepting and great friends; I can explore the beauty that is Brisbane whenever I please; head out to fancy dinners and dances wearing beautiful gowns; immerse myself in culture and learning... and, I go to bed with a twinkle in my eye and a smile in my heart. Brisbane is more than I ever thought it would be and I find myself completely awestruck at how lucky I am to be living this life. 

I decided to come home for a few days this weekend to see my family and my close friends - hence the familiar suburban background! It was a lot of fun to get back on my bike and take it for a spin even though I fell off moments after the pictures were taken (*face palm*). The next few days will be spent relaxing, shopping and catching up with my old friends before I head back home (to Brisbane... my home...how weird!) to start studying for my final exams. How are you all? If you're reading this than thank you for still visiting Avenue Maria! I swear it's not a cemetery, I'm gonna try and update a little more when I have the time :) In the meantime, I'm still an avid Instagram user, so if you'd like a more personal, slightly excessive glimpse into my life - feel free to follow! @avenuemaria is my username, naturally. 

Anyway, it's been quite an exhausting (but still good!) day of long train rides, shopping, eating and socialising. I'm definitely excited about diving into my floral PJS, fluffy socks in my old bed with rooibos and Throne of Glass (my current favourite book - highly recommend!). 

Until next time,

xo

Currently listening to:

First by Cold War Kids

Circles by Vanic x machineheart

Centerfold by The J. Geils Band

If You Ever Want To Be In Love by James Bay

I Want To Break Free by QUEEN