Golden Slumbers

As I'm working later today, golden hour has somehow magically seen fit to move a few hours forward and manifest in my chevron cup, chamomile floral tea, and those beloved hazelnut treasures. I'm grooving away to this sassy cover and the mood absolutely manifests my thoughtful, Friday morning mindset. Sometimes I have my most inspired thoughts when I'm half-asleep. It's as though the remnants of dream state bring fragments of subconscious to the surface and you can access the rich midpoint between processing ideas and peacefully paddling around your creative state. Either way, this method is delicious, utterly relaxing, and 100% recommended. Now go have a cup of tea and something sweet xx

Ps, Tea Drop tea is everything I look for in my favourite drink! I will talk more about this soon, but I was smitten from my first pot.

...

Solange's track originally from here.  

Found via Taylor Sterling's tumblr. 

Her blog is the most tasteful and purposefully curated 

I've come across. It's such a pleasure to visit and read.

Lowdown

Three months has disappeared with barely a whoosh or a hallmark. I feel compelled to share with you how little there is physically to show for that time. We were swept up in a tidal wave of sorts; without watermarks or debris, just the emotional impact of a quick move, an even swifter severance of internet and other such amenities, and finally, two people clinging to one another. Simon is my life raft and these three months have seen us challenged as never before. This new home is such a fantastical space. Magic lurks at every turn and the wooden floorboards make me want to lie down and rest, a child again. This, among other things, makes me feel like I'm almost home. When the last looming boxes that protect our vinyl, turntables and stereo equipment are unpacked we will have settled. In the interim, if you're looking for us, we'll be auditioning for the next Hoarder's Reality show, thank you very much.

To catch up, a quietly scribbled list of things that make my heart smile.

1, That picture above of my love. Last weekend, we stayed here and celebrated a friend's wedding here. This was just after we found the crossed-fingers-and-there-had-better-be-robes robes. Why not toast with a Turkish Delight double shot?!

2, Seeing loved ones' dreams come true. In between new jobs, purchasing homes, pregnancy and incredible creative opportunities, I am so emotional about the wonders these people are experiencing. As our friends were wed on Sunday, I cried the happiest tears of joy into Sim's thoughtfully strategic pack of Kleenex.

3, The word vignette. And this one amps up my weepy grins about 200%.

4, Endless cups of spiced fruit tea for Brisbane's enduring autumnal temperatures.

5, My inexplicable enjoyment from making curious rabbit and sad cat hand gestures with work colleagues.

6, The woodsy smells of sage and rosemary.

7, Reading about body language and finding ways to communicate more positively with everyone I meet.

8, Planning a non-fruit, fondant-centric cake for someone's 25th birthday...and managing to keep it a secret.

9, Destiny's Child karaoke numbers and the mantra: Beyoncé won't sleep tonight.

10, And this quote*: 

If you want to go fast, go alone; 

if you want to go far, go together. -- African saying.   

* found here

Thank you for reading and happy Friday xx

Neighbourhood: Jet Black Cat

"Terrible love, it's the only kind of love." -- Matt Berninger

Listening to vinyl is one thing, but collecting? Oh, collecting. I've found myself converted after purchasing this -- my first vinyl -- and listening to it on repeat ever since early February. I was so fortunate to find this treasure (truly, a treasure; up until now I'd believed this violet pressing to be a short run, limited edition piece that at this stage could only be sourced through eBay) in Jet Black Cat's store in West End. That rainy Friday I found not only the purposefully sought goods for date night but an album I've been after for Simon for nearly three years. This jacaranda-hued 33 is a testimony to the love of music and recording live music quality. As an aside, it's also the most meaningful non-Valentine's-but-coincidentally-in-the-vicinity-of-Valentine's-Day gifts I could remotely hazard to acquire.

Buying from Jet Black Cat, irrespective of the glorious purchase detailed above, was the highlight of my afternoon. The better part of my extended sojourn was spent discussing relationship priorities and the ultimate festival requirements while getting my fix of tour and vinyl trivia. It's those moments of connection with engaged vendors that inspire me for the future. Had I not stumbled upon my stand-alone copy of High Violet, the genuine hello and ensuing conversation reminding me that passionate, kindred personalities are everywhere is just as tangible as this beloved purple disc. Thanks, Jet Black Cat. 

Trapeze

As a child, I remember that there was this recurring Tourism Queensland advertisement that engaged the audience with the promise that no matter the day or the rest of the country's forecast, Brisbane would be "warm and sunny". When I moved here to attend UQ, my memory proved hazy and I was in no way prepared for just how excruciating both the heat and humidity can be. We're now midway through my fifth summer here and with the heat refusing to wane, clothing feels both unbearable and a waste of time. The preferred options of never getting dressed/staying in the shower all day far underplay the reality of wiping my brow and mopping my upper lip's sweat mo' for the thousandth time while all this dripping renders my shine-free make-up and 24hr antiperspirant useless. When I finally get to considering an outfit, a dress is the only garment close to street-appropriate that I can muster the energy to wear. If it's the sort of soul-destroying temperature that makes action of any kind unthinkable and unbearable, then I'm after a frock that manifests as both a sarong and industrial pedestal fan, yet won't require technical expenditure nor engineering. That's where the wearing of a swing dress comes in. The novelty value of through-flow ventilation garnered by strategic draping, even with an A-line swing, allows for fresh air to your nether-regions without sacrificing style or comfort. As well as bringing glamour back, a gathered neck leaves maximum tummy space for you to down yet another snow-cone, slurpee or daiquiri from a hammock or rooftop -- and forget about wearing swimmers as clothes forever. 

Brunch Date: Gem Dress by Gorman. A mid-weight linen dress that pairs well with black, tan or colourful accessories and a bright, shiny lipstick to make you appear made up without tearing you away from that double-shot soy frappé.

Dinner Drinks: Brightside Swing Dress by Zimmermann. A strappy silk number that will ensure you feel weightless in the afternoon heat. Allow the multi-coloured kaleidoscopic print to do the talking and let metallic hints define your eyes and tone of sandal.

Rooftop Dance Party: Cami Swing Dress with Sequins by ASOS. A sparkly slip that ensures maximum impact and limited styling. Prime thoroughly and team with BB Cream and a powder foundation, for a weightless, healthy glow.

Coastal Reception: Kauai Dress by Va Et Vien. Head to the beach to catch the breeze and celebrate the cool change. This cotton tulle helps you escape the heat and get edgy with a neckline of vintage rhinestones. Don a pop-coloured heel to balance the bridal aspect or embrace a Gatsby feel with a jaunty jewelled headpiece.

Manifesto

I've been thinking so much about resolutions and this whole idea of a new year. In a strange way, our low-key seeing in of 2013 was just right and more memorable than if we'd done elaborate things. It's fair to say that my shortlist of reasons why I was happy to say goodbye to 2012 is pretty long. Now, things just feel ready to become rather than begin. My ideas are clear and I feel content in so many ways. That contentment I'm feeling now is the ultimate energising foundation for raring at life like the hungry caterpillar I've described above. Hooray for revolution rather than resolve or reform..

And just to be clear, there will be no butterfly emerging from the cocoon metaphors over here. Or hopefully not anywhere, for that matter. Let's just stamp 2013 as the year we make our mark. xx