I'm aware that joke doesn't really hold up when it's actually been quite a while between posts, but what the hell?
December is always quite a hectic month, for everyone. Christmas can be pretty time consuming and in general just a very consuming occasion, so this is why I'm just going to combine the past two months together. Seems do-able and, well, I'm doing it!
 |
| Is it even an Aussie Christmas without a Pavlova? *fight me on this, I dare you* |
 |
| Flashback to one of the best breakfasts I've had in a looooong time. When in Sydney, I highly recommend you go to The Grounds of the City - just stunning! |
2018 was one of the most challenging and eye-opening years of my life, so I was very happy to wave goodbye to it in the comforts of my bed without a hangover the next day. My condolences to all those who vowed to never drink again after that night.
So here I am again, back in the blogging saddle, with goals to make writing a priority for 2019. Keep me on track guys, a good push never hurt anybody.
Bits & Bobs
Funnily enough, I always find this section of my favourites the hardest to write. Mainly because I forget the things I discovered, the items I loved using and so forth. However, one thing that I can mention is how obsessed I have been with chilli lately.
Yes, it seems very odd to mention my love of the red spice that burns the mouths of many, but it's been quite a turning of tables. I never used to be able to handle much heat, but now this girl loves her Sriracha and Korean chilli oils (which I do go to an Asian mart to find). Seriously, if you ever get the chance to go into an Asian grocer, do it. It's cheap, there is so much to discover and you end up making amazing food as a result.
I've Been Binge Watching...
Schitt's Creek | Season 1-4
I have to give a massive shout-out to my friend for recommending this show to me, because it has quickly become my my whole house' newest obsession.
For me there is nothing more cathartic than watching TV shows that highlight the dysfunctional nature of humanity, especially when it is directly targeted at the family dynamic.
When a seemingly wealthy family gets stripped of their lavish possessions, left with the bare-necessities and told to live life in a town of yobbos (basically, the nicest humans on earth), you're left with a family at odds with themselves, each other and the town they are left in. It is hilarious, heart-warming and has re-established my faith in humanity a little bit.
I also think that David and I are meant to be friends in real life and it really saddens me that he is a fictional character.
Where to watch: Netflix (Seasons 1-4)
 |
| Source: Kveller.com |
For me there is nothing more cathartic than watching TV shows that highlight the dysfunctional nature of humanity, especially when it is directly targeted at the family dynamic.
When a seemingly wealthy family gets stripped of their lavish possessions, left with the bare-necessities and told to live life in a town of yobbos (basically, the nicest humans on earth), you're left with a family at odds with themselves, each other and the town they are left in. It is hilarious, heart-warming and has re-established my faith in humanity a little bit.
I also think that David and I are meant to be friends in real life and it really saddens me that he is a fictional character.
Where to watch: Netflix (Seasons 1-4)
You
This particular pick of the past few months isn't exactly unexpected. It seems most people who have access to the internet and a Netflix account has probably watched this show. Some have loved it, some have hated it. I gladly sit on the fence.
Basically this show follows Joe Goldberg, played by good ol' lonely boy from Gossip Girl (Penn Badgley), a book-store manager who becomes infatuated with aspiring writer, Beck. All seems innocent enough until Joe's infatuation becomes obsessive, with stalking on the internet turning into a real life stalking nightmare.
Whilst there are a LOT of plot holes in this show, which you will discover if you watch it, the general theme kept me interested. It was creepy to see how easily technology can be used against us and definitely made me double-check my privacy settings and locks on social media and other technological devices.
A second season is in the making and in all honesty, I'm not sure where they can go with it, but we will just have to wait it out and see.
Where to Watch: Netflix
 |
| Source: Netflix UK Twitter |
Basically this show follows Joe Goldberg, played by good ol' lonely boy from Gossip Girl (Penn Badgley), a book-store manager who becomes infatuated with aspiring writer, Beck. All seems innocent enough until Joe's infatuation becomes obsessive, with stalking on the internet turning into a real life stalking nightmare.
Whilst there are a LOT of plot holes in this show, which you will discover if you watch it, the general theme kept me interested. It was creepy to see how easily technology can be used against us and definitely made me double-check my privacy settings and locks on social media and other technological devices.
A second season is in the making and in all honesty, I'm not sure where they can go with it, but we will just have to wait it out and see.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Flipping Through...
When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
Death to me is one of the scariest elements of life. It's an inevitable course that all of us will eventually take, but to know that this very moment could be our last is terrifying.
When I picked up this book I didn't know what to expect. For starters, it was an assigned book club read (and I'm notorious for not reading the assigned book, ever). Secondly, it's a book that explores death.
A book about death? Yeah, no thanks. However, I persevered and what I found within the pages of this book was not an exploration of death, but rather an exploration of humanity and life. There were many times I'd put this book down, mesmerised by Kalanithi and his incredible view on life, especially as his was falling apart around him.
This book is a testament to Kalanithi and the incredible, yet unfortunately short-lived life he lived and a testament to the inevitability of life, with all it's unpredictability, uncertainty and beauty.
I cried, I laughed and I smiled - I recommend you pick this book up and do the same.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars - Heart-breaking, but the kind that is necessary in order to learn.
 |
| Source: Gatesnotes |
When I picked up this book I didn't know what to expect. For starters, it was an assigned book club read (and I'm notorious for not reading the assigned book, ever). Secondly, it's a book that explores death.
A book about death? Yeah, no thanks. However, I persevered and what I found within the pages of this book was not an exploration of death, but rather an exploration of humanity and life. There were many times I'd put this book down, mesmerised by Kalanithi and his incredible view on life, especially as his was falling apart around him.
This book is a testament to Kalanithi and the incredible, yet unfortunately short-lived life he lived and a testament to the inevitability of life, with all it's unpredictability, uncertainty and beauty.
I cried, I laughed and I smiled - I recommend you pick this book up and do the same.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars - Heart-breaking, but the kind that is necessary in order to learn.
200 Women | Who will change the way you see the world - Geoff Blackwell & Ruth Hobday
Earlier this month, on a day when we were told power would be out in our house for the day, my family and I decided we would go to the local library. I haven't stepped into our local library since high-school, which is close to 5 years. So, it's been quite a while.
I forgot about the beauty of scouring a library for the sole purpose of leisurely exploration. There is a lot of unfamiliar books, with their alluring titles and a few weird ones in amongst the dividers, but there are also books that catch your eye. This for me was one of them.
It's what I consider my type of coffee-table book. It contains gorgeous pictures of a diverse range of women from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life, but it also contains interviews. To me this is gold. It's a coffee-table book that should be read and enjoyed thoroughly - not just skimmed over.
Each of these women are given the same set of questions regarding life, happiness and misery and it's amazing to read the responses of these remarkably strong women. It truly inspires you to aim to live your best life, uninhibited by the walls put up by antiquated societal norms and systems that speak to a patriarchal view that should be broken down.
Every time I read a new interview, I feel a sense of hope in humanity once again - it's nice to feel that in a society that often shreds you of such hope.
I have yet to finish the book - but it's already deserving of a full five-star rating. Simply inspired.
 |
| Source: Caviar & Cashmere |
I forgot about the beauty of scouring a library for the sole purpose of leisurely exploration. There is a lot of unfamiliar books, with their alluring titles and a few weird ones in amongst the dividers, but there are also books that catch your eye. This for me was one of them.
It's what I consider my type of coffee-table book. It contains gorgeous pictures of a diverse range of women from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life, but it also contains interviews. To me this is gold. It's a coffee-table book that should be read and enjoyed thoroughly - not just skimmed over.
 |
| Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (left), Ashley Judd (right) - Photographs taken by Kieran E. Scott |
Each of these women are given the same set of questions regarding life, happiness and misery and it's amazing to read the responses of these remarkably strong women. It truly inspires you to aim to live your best life, uninhibited by the walls put up by antiquated societal norms and systems that speak to a patriarchal view that should be broken down.
Every time I read a new interview, I feel a sense of hope in humanity once again - it's nice to feel that in a society that often shreds you of such hope.
I have yet to finish the book - but it's already deserving of a full five-star rating. Simply inspired.
I've Been Listening To...
December was a little bit of a slow month for music, as I was unashamedly listening to Christmas carols on repeat. It left little room for other music artists to really chime in, I am a sucker for a bit of Michael Bublé at Christmas. *wow, this chick is such a basic white bitch*
In January, however, I vowed to get back on Spotify and get the ball rolling. You will notice that my January playlist has quite a range of genres and musical talent, a testament to my lack of boundaries and mood swings. You're welcome! 😉
Also, I'm a bit late to the party here, but I have been seriously loving Khalid & Billie Eilish these past few months. What is it with these incredibly young but wise musicians?
I can guarantee at 17, I was not as emotionally in touch as these artists, it is incredible. Highly recommend checking these youngsters out - they are giving the older musicians a run for their money.
In January, however, I vowed to get back on Spotify and get the ball rolling. You will notice that my January playlist has quite a range of genres and musical talent, a testament to my lack of boundaries and mood swings. You're welcome! 😉
Also, I'm a bit late to the party here, but I have been seriously loving Khalid & Billie Eilish these past few months. What is it with these incredibly young but wise musicians?
I can guarantee at 17, I was not as emotionally in touch as these artists, it is incredible. Highly recommend checking these youngsters out - they are giving the older musicians a run for their money.
How has the start of your 2019 been? Have you stuck to your 'New Years Resolutions?' 😉
No comments
Post a Comment