The House of the Setting Sun

According to Nick and Lilah who built their utopian getaway atop a mountain in West Virginia, a conventional home wasn't the dream they planned so instead, they built their own cabin with one wall covered in windows they had collected. I'm left rather envious at the concept of their home and also quite in awe of the stories and histories found in building this place. Each window having their own story of when and where Nick and Lilah found them from. I really do admire how they conjured up this beautiful dream from a small joke they made on one of their first dates in this exact location. There's also a video of their beautiful home here if you would like to see it.

*Pictures and more/original post from Free People

It Was The Beard Who Had Me

Beards aren't for everyone and I'm glad that's the case because honestly, I've never really appreciated them until I saw Peter grow his. I've become used to the extra compliments he receives daily when we're out for walks or dinners and I'm more than fine with that since I'm still quite in awe of it all. Along with his moustache, the facial hair is pretty neat but it's neater when he trims it which is something he has overdue. I think it's the reason why I so love to take pictures of him. He's photogenic in a way even if he just has to stand idle without a glint of a smile. He's pretty perfect.

Too Keen

Majestic Filatures v neck shirt, 73 AUD / River island top, 40 AUD / 
Topshop white skinny jeans, 70 AUD / Jimmy Choo black pointed toe pumps, 
635 AUD / Tory Burch blue handbag, 320 AUD / Michael Kors leather coin purse, 
165 AUD / Beach sun hat, 21 AUD

Just an outfit I had in mind. I've recently been enjoying soft palettes which is quite 
contradictory to the winter season of warmer classics.

Trying New Things

I'm one of those people who order the same things every time. As much as I'd really want to have something that isn't like what I always have, I just find comfort in knowing what I always like and that if I do decide on getting what I usually do, it will satisfy me. Honestly, I'm quite too attached to my comfort zone to have any need or want to step out and try something else. But there are just some things in life that I'll always prefer over many other things, otherwise I spend quite some time developing mental arguments of whether or not I should take a plunge on something else. Impulse is rare but is also recommended. In the last few weeks there are plenty of things I've decided to try out of curiosity, boredom and desperation. For me, these took days of contemplation, even if it was the smallest of things to mention. 

Since one of my lovely tear drop earrings fell out, I had been looking for new ones to replace them and then I considered purchasing a pair of hooped earrings. Once I have earrings in, I don't change them until they break or fall out because I forgot I'll have other pairs waiting to be showcased or forget to take them out to put my daily ones on or something. So I just don't change them, ever (unless this changes too). I love my new pair and I was hoping for a bigger diameter but these do me just fine and like pearls and diamonds, you don't need to think twice about how well your outfit looks with them in. I also decided on getting a bob cut. My cousin's friend did my hair for me and she did an absolutely wonderful job! She worked underneath my hair for the most part as I have thick boofy hair and her work has helped tame it. I love short hair. I love cuts in general as they make my head feel so much lighter. I get my hair cut at shoulder length once a year and ironically, I always end up giving myself extra time on my hair because things don't like to stay down. I've steered away from bob cuts because they're even more to style and I'm lazy. I love the feel of nothing touching my shoulders when I get out of the shower and getting ready is effortless. Lastly, I purchased this skirt from Sheinside and when it arrived, hearts formed around my eyes. But Pairing anything with pastels for me means only whites, off whites or blacks. It's not because I don't have an eye for matching things with them (although I probably don't), but it's more because I just like how it looks that way. But for me to choose to wear a pastel palette ensemble was a real deal breaker for me. But I'm glad I chose something cute today.

Dotti Jumper

Sheinside Skirt

London Rebel Flats

Dangerfield Apple Bag

Supre Jacket

Colette Hair Clip

Casio Watch

Pictures taken by Peter

Shepherd's Pie

I'm no cook but I really wanted to use this baking pot Peter bought for when we made cottage pie and since pie's seem to be a winter recipe, I thought I'd try a shepherds pie which turned out to be quite delicious by the end. I've never thought of doing a food post before besides posting drool-worthy recipes I've wanted to try but never ended up doing and so this time it went pretty well. I have no idea about how lighting goes but thankfully, I did more than okay this time round but wishing that I had taken a few more shots.

Easy

4 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 large carrot

- 1 large celery stick

- 1 onion

- 700g lamb or beef mince

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 cups beef stock

- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters or smaller

- 40g unsalted butter

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 teaspoons cornflower

- 2 tablespoons water

- 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves 

- Salt and pepper

OKAY, let's go! 

1. Finely chop the carrot, celery and onion. Since I'm not a Masterchef myself, I tend to use any cheats as possible so I used a food processor for this step. It's useful for skipping an onion-crying step when cooking anything.

2. Heat oil in a deep non-stick frying pan on a low/medium heat and then add the carrots, celery and onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Add mince and stir for 5 minutes or until cooked and brown.

3. Add tomato paste, beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and then bring to the boil or until the sauce has evaporated. Turn the heat down and let simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Whilst the mince mixture is simmering, you can then boil your potatoes until tender and then drain them (tip: drip the potatoes into the water first before dropping them in to avoid splashes of hot water). Leave them in the same pot so you can mash them and then add the milk, butter and a bit of salt and pepper. Leave to the side, covered to keep warm.

5. Mix the cornflour into the water until it becomes a watery paste and then add it into the mixture. Keep it simmering until the sauce has thickened a little. Stir in the parsley then add the salt and pepper to taste.

6. Heat your oven grill on high. Transfer mixture into a baking bowl or dish and then spread the mash over the top of it. Place under the grill for 5 minutes or until golden. Then let it cool down a few minutes before serving.

If you want, you can seam some beans and carrots to serve on the side. And here is the original recipe.

*All pictures taken by me

Learning My Fear-Nots

This post isn't at all as sensitive to me as it would have been if I had wrote something similar a few years ago. In fact, I'd probably be writing something completely different but please understand that it still is personal and the reason I felt like sharing is because of how proud I am that I have transitioned into the person I am today. I, like most girls have had many things to be insecure about as we grew up; whether it be the physical or spiritual being of ourselves. It was no help that most girls I was surrounded by were quite similar to myself and we grew up influencing each other by comparing ourselves. Thankfully, we've mostly outgrown that 'stuff' but I'm sure we can still occasionally be caught wishing for things we see others have that we don't. I remember a time when I had a few things I thought I should be self-conscious about and I was so insecure that I would always make up excuses for the certain things that I chose to wear. I had things I thought I needed to hide and that there were things I should improve on. Although I didn't experience such excessive emotional battles, I now look back and realise how much time I spent worrying about this 'stuff'. Most of the things that I thought about myself was purely because of puberty and high-school phases and they are just the most silliest things that I could think of. I'm pretty sure I went from worrying about what scars I had that I could hide, to what perfume boys might like. Sure, the early years of high-school I spent worrying about boys but transitioning from VCE to who I'd be once I graduated; I wasted a few sulks on what I thought was not quite right with me physically and emotionally. And for years that's all I would ever think about. Standards was something that always stood out in the front of my mind. 

I think up until last year perhaps, all I ever wanted to be was to meet someones standards. It never mattered to me by whom, but I had to try or else I'd have those days where I wouldn't feel myself. I mean, I was never obsessed with the idea of being perfect but I was more fixated about the things that I thought were flaws. I never shared this feeling with anyone because I knew that it wasn't good for me. So I'm not too sure what has really developed since then. Perhaps I just stayed home too much and became to lazy to care about what I used to; or maybe it's because the people I surrounded myself with have also changed; or it could be because I have met the most amazing person that never falls short a day without telling me I'm beautiful; or hearing from pastors speak about beauty over the years; or I just grew up and it happens to us eventually. I don't know what has changed, but I'm not so insecure. From time to time I might still point things out (like that fact that I don't stop sneezing or being itchy), but for the most part, I'm no longer caught dwelling in thoughts of my flaws. I try to do well in just looking after myself and appreciated that there are some things that I possess which other people wished they could have too. I could list the many things I was self-conscious about but it'd be a long list plus, it's unnecessary. 

I just know that this positive transition has made me be the better me that I could and should have been many years ago. I thank God every day for all the things He has made a part of me which work for all their purposes. I love my chicken pock dots and my flat-buttoned nose. I love taking a picture without fear of looking ridiculous for all those who see my social media. I love not worrying about the perception of others and I just love the fact that the person I am is no longer concerned about such nonsensical dilemmas.

Favourite Places

One of my most favourite places isn't a fancy cafe or mountain top with breath taking views, not that there is anything wrong with places as such. But it's more a place that I quickly grew fond of before Peter and I started dating. Summer months on the dock at Pipemakers and rich green grass in winter, a place we mostly sat talking away into the evening. Though there's not much of a view, the gardens can be quite beautiful to walk through and surely you can find a few spots to stick around for an afternoon. You can see people run by on the foot path, others walking with their families and dogs, whilst people row down the Maribyrnong River so it's a lively and very friendly atmosphere. Surprisingly enough though, in the gardens behind some old trail tracks, it's usually empty making it all the more reason to be admired and appreciated. 

Dotti top

Topshop overalls

Converse shoes

Danger field apple bag

Casio watch

Goals, Uni Break and Dream Check

It's been a couple of weeks since I finished uni for a break until I commence second trimester and since then I haven't really thought about what I'd post about. Because of my disappearance to try and figure out my place in uni, I had purposefully pushed blogging aside just until I understood who I was and what I was in the crowd. Turns out, I like being that ghost I am. I get assignments done quicker since I have no one else that I know of to procrastinate all the assignments with or gossip about lecturers and teachers or peculiar students. So I know my place, and I know where I have to organise myself and it feels good to know that he first worries of the year have passed and I am now ready for the second half. I have more goals I want to achieve and his time I can see blogging being a possibility for that half. I'm not going to apologise since my reasons are more personal rather than anything that I can publicly confess without thinking about what I'd say. 

It hasn't been all serious though. During my first trimester, Peter got a job and so while I've had readings, assignments and annoying group people to deal with, he's also been busy smashing it up and getting promoted along the way. We try to make the most of our spare time by catching up with our shows or eating out to the less fancier restaurants and going for short walks. Meanwhile, I am now on a holiday and have been at home most of the time and during this time my hands have not been able to keep still. I've been making sure I don't lose touch of my sewing habits and so I have been sitting at the machine quite a few nights now. But when I'm not sitting up straight and feeding fabric through my black time machine (I have to call it that since it's just too cool to just call it a normal sewing machine), I have been able to treat myself to reading blogs I haven't read in a while and getting digital copies of things that help me dream.

At the start of my break I bought the June edition of Country Style and it just makes my heart swoon over the inspirational stories of living in the country and the pretty decor that I wish I could fill my own home with. The thought of having a land of my own; a house too, is the dream and I'm just too eager for it all. I mean, sure, I dream to travel but I don't feel the need to do that just yet. I just want my country house. 

Burrowing Home

Woodland creatures are probably the most beautiful beings that live in the richness of the wild and if my spirit animal could be anything it'd either be one of three of my favourite wood animals; a deer, a fox or a bear. With this thought in mind, I've come to realise that I have a couple of Etsy stores I've favourited and they all have something quite in common with each other. Of course, to add to the inevitable collection of illustrations that I will at some point in time acquire myself, Burrowing Home has endeared me entirely. Kelly hasn't failed to bring out my most desired elements in illustration.