October | A Month in Review

Hey everybody! Yes, I am alive - what a shocker!

The past 6 or so months (where it seems I vanished off the face of the earth) has been quite the rollercoaster. For anybody that knows the gruelling process of job applications and interviews, you will know that it can really take the 'pep' out of your step.

That being said, when you finally land the job you feel over the moon. It's quite surreal, especially when it's the 'dream job'.

I won't go into too much detail, but this happened to me. I landed my 'dream job' in August and it was one of those moments where everything seemed like it was finally falling into place. I wish that I could say this story ended happily and that I was living the #dream.

Unfortunately things didn't work out. The job itself and the people I was surrounded by were incredible, very talented and so driven. However, some things just aren't meant to be and the universe has some very cruel ways of showing that to you sometimes.

Leaving this job was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make and one that many will never really understand (and hey, I'm still kinda on that boat too). I guess, if you're reading this, I can only hope that if you're in a place where you aren't happy regularly in your job, that you understand it's 'ok' to leave. I was lucky, in the fact that I had the luxury of leaving knowing I'd have a home to go to and a support network to help me through it. I wish everyone could have this privilege, but unfortunately we don't live in a world that is always fair.

Since coming home I've been spending the time focusing on me and what my next step will be. I've still got a long way to go but in the end, don't we all?

I'm going to try and be more active on this blog, as it's a great release and creative outlet. So, if you have anything you'd like to see on this blog, please let me know. Recommendations are always welcome.

But for now... let's get into some of the things I've been loving in October. Oh & I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween - I dressed up as a dark witch this year (it suited my personality too well)

Excuse the mess in this photo & just draw your attention to the dog in the background - Oh my god, cute! 

Bits & Bobs

HUJI Cam | App 

Like with most things, I am late to the party when it comes to this app. This app has apparently been floating around since the early parts of this year, with many celebrities and 'influencers' using the app to get really cool disposable camera type effects on their very digital photographs.

I didn't really notice this trend until recently and then all I had to do was literally look up "retro filter used on Instagram stories" and now here we are. As someone who really enjoys the aesthetic of film photography and lighting strobes in images, this app is pretty cool in achieving that look without the added effort of film processing and the costs associated. I actually used the Huji Cam above for my Halloween photo. 

That being said, I would love to work with film in the future and develop images. I think that film photography is a bit of a lost art these days, but I see some people bringing it back and always love the results.

You can download the app here for free, the in-app purchases though are definitely worthwhile, as you can then add the film effect to any photo, rather than having to snap it on the go.


Flamin' Hot Cheetos 
Okay, so this is a bit of a random thing to highlight - but boy oh boy do we need to have some words on this.

I've always seen these being eaten on Buzzfeed or just popping up in American movies and have been curious as to how they tasted and what the big deal was. So earlier on in the year I purchased these at a specialty grocery and have been obsessed ever since.

They are hot, like the mouth-watering, sweat inducing kind of hot, but I'll suffer that 'cause it's sooo worth it. If you're into hot food, I definitely recommend you try these. You won't be able to find them in your normal grocery store, but look out for specialty stores or go online. 

I've Been Binge Watching...

The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair

Source: Sky

The miniseries is based on the book, of the same name, by Swiss novelist Joël Dicker. The series and book follow Marcus Goldman, a successful writer who is looking for inspiration, as he returns to where he went to college. He stays with his old professor, Harry Quebert, who is also credited for being an incredible novelist, as he tries to find his next big idea.

Things go a little awry when the towns biggest disappearance, Nola Kellergan, re-appears in the back of Quebert's backyard - making him a suspect to her murder. The series follows the case and Goldman's search for answers amidst the uncertainty of the events that led to her disappearance. 

If you're into murder-mysteries that will keep you on your toes, this is definitely worth watching. There's a lot more to it than the "who killed who?" plot line, which is why I think it will draw you in & keep you invested.

I will say though, it is odd watching Patrick Dempsey change between the hot professor to the older Mr. Quebert. He's still pretty dreamy though... 😏

Where To Watch: Stan 

Friends | Season 1-8 

Source

So you're probably thinking I'm a little late to the game here and I'd have to agree. I've known about Friends and have watched it on multiple occasions. It's a classic, I don't live under a complete rock.

However, whenever I had watched this show in the past it was on in the background or it was a show that I'd randomly flick on without any knowledge of what season the episode was apart of.

Now that I've quite successfully binged through 8 seasons (with 2 more to go), I have to say that there is much value added to the show when you watch it in order. Things start to make just a tad bit more sense. ALSO, the humour is even better than I remembered. This show came out and was popular in the late 90's, when I was basically a toddler. Even Ben was older than me.

Now that I'm older I have a greater appreciation for the many jokes Chandler makes, I understand the whole "we were on a break situation" (soz Ross, you were in the wrong bud) and I have found a new love for Joey, who is much more than the handsome idiot he's made out to be.

It's a great show & I cannot recommend it enough...

Where To Watch: Stan (All Seasons, 1-10, available)

Flipping Through...

Boys Will Be Boys - Clementine Ford

I'm always trying to find new books that will inform, challenge and empower me. I have for a long time followed Clementine Ford on Twitter and have read her multiple articles and work, which is usually rooted in gender politics and feminist non-fiction. 

Her work always gets me fired up and teaches me so much about issues right under my nose, issues that I have not yet noticed or fully understood before. Boys Will Be Boys is my first dive into her books, and I have not been disappointed yet. 

This book explores the toxic bonds of mate-ship that exist in our society (especially in Australia), the unrealistic expectations of boys and girls, male entitlement, privilege and how toxic the idea of 'masculinity' can be and how it trickles down into everything we do. 

I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone. I feel like there is something to be gained by all communities from reading a book like this, as it places a microscope up to some of the ugliness that our society accepts as 'normal' and reveals just how twisted we, as a society, have got it.

I've Been Listening To...

Turn around now if you're looking for a playlist full of a wide-range of tracks that bounce between genres. 'Cause I'm here to tell you that the main thing that has been playing on repeat this month has been the phenomenal soundtrack from A Star Is Born. 

If you know me, you will be aware that I am a HUGE fan of Lady Gaga. I consider her one of the most talented, unique and empowering individuals ever. So, whilst I may be bias in saying this album is incredible, I can attest that many others agree with me. 

I have not yet seen the film, which is slowly killing me, but I know all the songs and know I'm in for a hell of a ride (many tissues will be needed). Do yourself a favour and check it out.

What have been some of your October favourites?  x :)