The Week That Was #18: baby steps

I am at the start of my last semester of my 'masters' (I use the quotation marks because it makes me sound more qualified than I actually am, ha!) and got a little jittery because it hit me how big my undertaking is going to be for my project due at the end of the semester. But baby steps, baby steps.. I'm going put everything I've got into it because it means so much to me. Now, onto some favourites and discoveries this week...

Lyric: "I stood for nothing/so I fell for everything", Katy Perry, Roar

I know, I know cheesy pop song but my doggy ears perked up when I heard that line. It just summed up so many things in my life, and answers my insecurities. Time to turn them around and give them better meanings.

Hobby: writing and reading blogs

I know, um, duh.  But I started doing this with music in the background and it was like my two loves at once. Whenever I listen to music, I feel like myself, but for the last few years, for many and confusing reasons I stopped. I didn't realise how much of me was missing until a few months ago when we reconciled. Life is so much better now *happy face*. Now added during blogging time, bliss.

Song: 'Not Even the King', Alicia Keys

Love this girl and this new album has some absolute gems. Was just milling around today when the first lines of the songs caught me. 'Some people so poor; all that they've got is money'. I'm always on a budget and am always thinking about the future, since a creative girl isn't necessarily destined for riches. But that line made me remember how little money matters. I made a pact with myself a long time I wasn't going to live for it, and insecurities have clouded this promise. This was a beautiful reminder, love this song.

Moment: Wednesday

Oh, just one of those days that starts like crap, and then somehow just suddenly turn around and things fall into place. Sometimes all you need is just patience. :)

Now I'm off to relax.. wild saturday night :P

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The Week That Was #17: So it took me a.. YEAR?!

So this ain't the 17th week of the year, *grins*. After a few, confused months I didn't know if I wanted this segment on the blog, but I'm glad to say (without any awkward sob stories) that yes! It is here to stay, even if no one is reading (I don't blame you, haha).  

Movie: Almost Famous

I just watched this a few hours ago and I love it. The Gen Y in me did mean that I was doing other things while I had it on but it definitely got me and I'm definitely going to watch it again. Not sure why I waited 13 years after its initial release to finally watch it, but it's a gorgous movie, with beautiful characters and set in a 'period' which is always one of my favourite types of movies since I love history. It's not as serious a film that initially imagined it to be, but it is thoughtful and on the light-hearted side of things which made it all the more enjoyable. 

Blog Posts

These are from the last few weeks as I've bookmarked a few knowing that I was going to start my TWTW posts again. 

Miranda Kerr, Into the Gloss: This coincided with my Natural Standards Tag. Definitely feelin' where Miranda is at when it comes to health and indulgence, and finding a balance. I love that she's aware of ingredients but isn't about being strict, and admire her for being honest about not saying "always" or "never", because we are imperfect beings. 

FashionRocksMySocks Asos Preview: Gawd I love Asos. While A/W is almost over here, it's my favourite season to dress and so I always find the looks gorgeous.  I love how Rhiannon put the video and pictures together and just love her aesthetic and its expression in general.

BloominBeautyBlog and Essiebutton's peachy and coral posts have got me in the mood for the coming warm Oz months. I love, love, love warm blushes - can't wait!

Moment

My Bar Broadway gig on Thursday - fricken hilarious and the first time I felt like I performed to the wave of the audience. It had been a long time since I felt the buzz of performing and this gig has got me excited again.

My Blog

I've had my blog for awhile now, and while it's just a little fish in the huge ocean, I love having one. I can't even remember when I actually started it because I started, restarted, then started again. I couldn't decide if it was a beauty blog, a personal one, and this see-saw'ed pretty much for the past year (and each time I was convinced that I got it, ha!) so yes, it took me a year to figure out what I wanted to do with it!. Am I that fickle? I actually think it's just the process of figuring yourself out. For me, I feel like a chicken that just hatched and ran excitedly everywhere and this blog reflected that. This week, it clicked. Finally! In short, it's a smorgasboard of things I love, thoughts, an inspiration board and a place to express myself. This blog is one of the triggers that made me realise that at the core, I am a creative person. Yup, I'm a chicken that just hatched.. whoopee!

x mai-anne

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TWTW #16 - New Discoveries

There's nothing to photograph this week but this is one of my new favourites on tumblr that I'd thought I'd share. Now, onto some new favourites I've discovered in the past week. Branching out methinks...

Blog

This is quite an established blog but earlier in the week I really dug into Love of Cloth (cute blog name too). I love Kim's simple, slightly quirky style and that she seems to really love each piece she wears. I'm usually not as much about the individual pieces as the piecing of pieces but Kim's blog has somehow made me appreciate the individual garments side of things more and in a non- consumeristic sort of way.

Beauty

Later in the week I was very inspired by We We Raised By Wolves and had quite a dig there too. What inspired me was how varied her beauty blog was with products ranging from mainstream to green products, high and low end, but done in a friendly, fun and informative manner. I've felt a weird need to over-justify myself in my head (and possibly in this blog) as my feet are both in the green and mainstream beauty world, but Evelyn's blog showed me that there is no need for that and you can enjoy both without feeling guilty or restricted and I am grateful. I feel like I've found my track now and am so excited to keep going on it!

Music

I've followed her for years but I really enjoyed Marie Digby's newest cover of Zedd's Clarity. I'm not going to lie, I don't know the original song but I really liked the arrangement Marie (and possibly another contributor) put together.  I've also found a new favourite song which is Gabrielle Aplin's Salvation, I just love that chorus.. my my.

TV/Movie

The Jane Austen obsession continues and I've fallen in love with the 2007 movie version of Persuasion. The story is a little darker and more sad than her other stories but there is a real thoughtfulness about it that I really appreciate. Definitely very keen to read this book now. 

Looking forward to a fresh new week tomorrow! :)

picture from: http://lovee-xox.tumblr.com/post/52223201122

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TWTW #14 - Figuring it Out

Every time I think I'm starting to figure myself out, something hits and I'm lost again. Tis the path of life I guess, and I don't think I'm ready to be "sorted" anyhow (though if you ask me, I really would have wanted to be in Gryffindor and would've begged the hat to get me out of Hufflepuff! :P ).

Beauty

The Makeup Area (a sneak peek!)

Ahh, I de-cluttered and simplified my on the table stash and I'm lovin' it. Too many products out and I feel guilty and overwhelmed. I started feeling like I had too much makeup (damn youtube) after talking to a friend who is just starting to get into it, but it honestly is one of my loves and I put a lot of thought into what I buy. Self-justification...

Music

Mariah Carey + Miguel - Beautiful / Lana Del Rey - Young & Beautiful

Oops, didn't realise how similar these titles are but both songs are gorgeous. I just love the production on MC's new song and it's been awhile since I've loved a new song of hers. She was my absolute idol in my young in' years and I'm not ashamed to admit that anymore. I'm not a huge fan of LDR but a piano student of mine showed me this song and it's got me. I initially couldn't take her seriously since I saw that video on SNL but there is something so unique yet authentic about her voice that I love in this song. 

(Home / ) Inspiration

My little room is starting to feel sorted, with of course space to grow. I moved some bits around and have found a little corner to be able to store things for fashion inspiration. Now I'm not a big Harper's Bazaar reader, I'm not a high fashion girl at all, but I'm definitely looking forward to collecting magazines to help me 'hone my style' so to speak, and above all, to be inspired. I don't like the word fashion, but clothing is definitely another creative outlet for me so I'm glad to have found this spot to well, stir that pot..

Hope you've had a lovely week!

love, mai-anne

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TWTW #13: Be Yourself

Nawww how sweet. Hehe, in all seriousness, I've had a soul-searching past few weeks and this month has been about getting my sh*t together. At home, uni, life etc so I'm sorry for ally my "deep and meaningful" posts, it'll get more fun soon :P

Beauty
Wayne Goss Eyelash Tutorial

Lord I've got stick straight mamas hanging off my lids. I've also got thick hair so my lashes are the same and they don't have too bad a length on them but this combination means that most mascaras drag them down almost instantly. I decided on a whim to find some answers on youtube and Wayne Goss (you beaut) answered me. This technique works. *fist pump* Now I just have to find a better mascara that doesn't flake on me. On the other hand, doing this without mascara does keep my lashes curled all day so it's good for those lazy days. 

Music.

Microsoft Zune, 30gb

Yup, I spent $55 on "old" 2006 technology. What?! I missed having my home travelling with me - I've gone from a walkman, to a discman, creative zen, an ipod classic to just an iphone and it wasn't cutting it.  So I decided to get a fat mp3 player to bring it back and I love it, makes me feel whole again. It was actually hard finding something like this. You would think old technology like would be easy to find and be cheap, but most devices are such multi-taskers that simple devices are hard to find (without a hefty price tag). It don't look pretty but I like that - makes me worry less about scratches and an extra device means that I can always have my headphones wrapped around them. Lazy bones..

Find / Book

Blog Inc by Joy Cho

I've been itching to get my hands on this book and I'm so glad I got the physical copy and one for my kindle. I've loved having a blog and even though it's a small fish I know I need to have it in my life. But I've really struggled with direction since I've been in such a strange place in my life. I'm only in the beginning chapters but it's really got me thinking in ways I didn't expect. I think everyone would benefit from this book, with or without a blog, as there are some really interesting points and stories that Joy shares. It's really helped me find my feet with myself and blogging.

Lesson

Well the titles does say it all. We're always making steps and leaps at becoming ourselves and I was reminded again this week, thanks to Joy Cho's book. It is so important to do things that we believe in and fight for it, in whatever situation, big or small. I'm a very happy duckling at the moment, feeling settled and determined, a cool combo.

There isn't much in this week's post as I'm in the midst of a uni paper and assessments, which may explain the more introspective posts these TWTW can turn into.. how have you been fairing? :)

x, mai-anne

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TWTW #12: Brave

Music. 
Sara Barielles - Brave

I just discovered this song the other day and it somehow put me back in my place - in a good way. It helped me put back in focus what my heart is about aside from all the distractions, I am grateful. I love how Sara crafts her lyrics and how strong she is when she performs. Inspired.

Beauty. 
My Ethos

I think I finally am able to express where I am at with my beauty ethos and it's taken me awhile. I went from being a green-eyed monster, to wanting to rebel against myself like a geeky teen in highschool, since I discovered makeup shortly after and felt like I was "missing out", to feeling guilty about that and to where I am now. I've hesitated calling myself a green blogger (or even a beauty blogger) because I'm not completely perfect about it and was afraid of the judgement if I wasn't - silly, I know.  I've also started a move towards cruelty-free products but I really don't know anything about it, so I'm no resource and therefore not a very good activist. But I've come to realise that for me, its not necessarily about "converting" or "switching" into an eco, cruelty-free person etc, but appreciating companies that are thoughtful and not just profit driven. It's not about the rules per se but the thought put in when purchasing, blogging etc. And it keeps it fun - I don't just buy green products because it's good for you, but because I genuinely love it and appreciate them, sappy. 

TV. 
Gilmore Girls / Kim Sam Soon

I started watching Gilmore Girls again, this was my favourite show back in highschool. I still find Rory inspiring, and it gets me going with my blimmin' uni work. Kim Sam Soon? Well whenever a big change in my life happens and I'm feeling a bit, well, emotional, I seem to gravitate to this series and its soundtrack. I'm not hypo about Korean dramas but this is one of my favourites, if not THE favourite and I highly recommend it. Think Bridget Jones but Korean :P

Just some little snippets from the week. I love these posts, it's a nice way to look back while writing it and someday in the future as well, I hope.

x mai-anne

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The Week That Was #10 - Be Vulnerable

Friday Favourites has become 'The Week That Was'. It's more of a reflection of the week rather than on product favourites (especially since I don't always have actual tangible favourites to discuss!). This is a notebook after all and I would love it to expand sideways into more things.

Music

I'm planning to embark on her new album next week but I just Alicia Key's 'Brand New Me' this week and it's exactly how I feel.  I am a bonafide late bloomer and I have changed so so much in the past 4 years because I never let go when I was growing up.  It took a long, long road to get here / It took a brave, brave girl to try. 

I'm still trying :)

Beauty

I got a haircut! Yup I shed my dead, fraying ends and even got a sideways fringe cut. I needed a change and cutting your hair can be so therapeutic.  I went to my local Hair Warehouse and was really pleasantly surprised by the service the girls offered and the tips I got, including how to train my fringe to stay at this acute angle to the side. The secret? A long, skinny hair claw - genius.  I've been wearing it to bed every night! I am still working out how I want to style my hair as right now I feel a bit like a Japanese doll, and while it's a nice look, it's not really me.  I'm enviously looking at girls with tousled, beachy locks.. how do they do that..? My hair is just so thick..

Lesson

Emma Watson did a really good job with her speech at the MTV Movie Awards when she accepted the Trailblazer award. The line I loved was when she spoke about how much can come from when we are vulnerable. Vulnerable - that word is a word I feel like my brain forgot. We, particularly women, nowadays talk so much about being strong, I do - all the time. But there is something about being vulnerable, being open to chance and trying something outside our comfort zone. We don't have to always muscle our way through life and we also don't always need our security blanket with us. I'm going to let myself be vulnerable again, and take a chance, again.

How was your week? I always get so philosophical at week's end..

x mai-anne

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Friday Favourites #9 - Believe.. Harder

There was a bit of theme this week, it came up a few times in different places. It's funny how life is like that.

Music. 'It's Time' - Imagine Dragons

I know, this song is old. But it's a bit of a rediscovery. I just love the chorus, I love melodies like these, and while the lyrics aren't so original, it doesn't sound cheesy and still communicates. I'm very much feeling the song's theme. I feel like I only just started living a few years ago, and really truly started discovering myself in the last half a year that I'm just not ready to "grow up".  

TV. Emma (2009, BBC)

I'm not sure what's wrong with me. I'm getting obsessed with all things British. I'm always playing Downton Abbey in the background, I'm subscribed to so many British youtube channels and blogs and this week it was BBC's Emma's turn. While I don't love it as much as Pride and Prejudice (how could anyone?!) I still love the story and this was quite a good adaption (charming actors too, especially Romola Garai) and I love that they didn't make Mr Knightley seem really old. I don't mind weird age gaps but golly, the amount of much older men to women in Downton Abbey are so many and they go undiscussed because it's normal. Just shows how sexist things were, and how men of any age could link themselves to young women.  If it were the other way around there would be outrage.  Oops, I didn't really talk about Emma much here did I...

Beauty. Stila In the Light

By George, I finally get it! I finally understand how to use this thing on me! I've stared at it longingly for months, wishing it would suit me to find that so many of the colours pulling so red on my skin. Red just doesn't work for my skin tone and hooded eyes. Even 'Gilded Gold', which looks olive in the pan pulls incredibly red (or red-brown). But alas some more experimenting has meant that I can finally use frosty shades like kitten and champagne all over the lid. I feel a need to talk about this more so I think I will do a full post on it.. :P

Blog. Sofia's Journal

I just discovered this blog this week and I adore it.  I love how this is her journal and she shares all of her thoughts and loves and seems like a genuinely lovely person. Her blogging tips post was such a great read, it was interesting and inspiring to read about how much she believed in her blog even back in its early days.  I love hearing about stories like that.

Lesson. 

I know, cheeeesey!! But do you see the theme? :P

This is the Aussie version of The Voice, and while I hate how these franchises look exactly the same in each country (really? we couldn't have a different looking stage, colours or anything?) it's incredibly fun to watch.  I'm not a huge Seal fan but he said something that really struck me during the show. He said how the 4 judges may not be the best at what they do, but they believed harder than everybody else and that's what got them to where they are. I really believed him as I saw it there for myself - those four judges really aren't the best singers in the world but yet they are so successful and unique. The most successful people in the world aren't always the smartest, prettiest, most talented but they are the ones that persevered despite that. I stopped thinking about how important it is to believe as I got caught up in it for so much of my life that I did very little about it, and so I have spent the last few years just doing things. I think it's time to combine those two powers - to work hard and to believe in oneself. We've got to believe harder when times get rough, and believe that what we do is worth it. 

 Oh and one more lesson/quote I wanted to add: you're not going to please everyone. A common saying, but it has struck me more this week, especially when it comes to blogging. I'm still in the wee early, evolving days and this quote has made me feel easier about what I write and love.

I hope you've had an enjoyable week, what have you loved and learned this week? :)

x mai-anne

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Double Friday Favourites! 7+8

Week 7 was quite a jam packed week and so week 8 became the recovery week, justifying a double FF :D. No hangovers, just a case of being overwhelmed! I'm going to aim to get these back on time, after watch Lily Pebbles' latest video here, it has inspired me and made me realised how dedicated one must be to get a blog going (probably a big duh to everyone else!). So here I am, tired but determined to get going.. !

Music/Gig: Candy Rat Guitar night with Maneli Jamal and Owen Van Larkins

Two world-class, virtuoso guitarists on our little stage, it was an inspiring night. It was the first time meeting Maneli, and for a guy still in his 20s, he's lived. The stories he told, the places he's lived in, and his music! The ease of his skill and the lyrical flow of his songs were incredible to watch and listen. And of course, Owen. I champion Owen as he is the newer, and lesser known of the two and our Aussie! His technique inspires me, not so much to be a better guitarist (hah!) but to be so dedicated in what I do. Plus his songs are catchy.. I let these guys off a fee we usually charge (long and well justified story) and asked for their cds as compensation. Win!

Beauty. New Makeup Storage Bits

Please forgive my flamin' s*#@ photos tonight, my eyes were just not working! I picked up the plate and napkin holder in a recent Urban Outfitters Haul here and they dress up my makeup area nicely. I like this area pretty and inspiring over functional, especially since I don't have that much make-up (for a beauty lover that is!) and that's the way I feel about makeup.

Outfit. An Engagement Party

So many people are getting married this year, it's ridiculous! I'm going to be at least 30 I think! Anyway... one of my good buddies just got engaged and I had no idea what to wear until the morning of. I love clothes, but I'm not very girly so dresses just aren't my thing. I ended up ditching my initial idea of a pink polka dot dress (!!) for this long sleeve, navy dress with a cute peter pan collar. My dear cousin in Vietnam made it for me and I proudly MacGyver'ed it that morning, cutting up the sleeve stitching so I could roll the sleeves up. Might be why I like this outfit. I paired it with a pair of wedge sneakers, a belt I found in my dad's closet, black stockings and I was one happy boyish girl that day!

Moment.

I gigged again in the past fortnight, in fact I played 3 gigs in 3 days (1 was unexpected). I haven't gigged in ages since I pushed myself so hard trying to play so much last year that I ran out of steam and excitement for it. But the little flame inside me has been lit again and I'm dying to get my technique sorted and learn how to be a disciplined person (hence the current 12am clock.. :P).  I'm starting to slowly figure out about how I want to go about my life but that's another post.. 

Hope you had a fun past fortnight, what have you loved/learned in the past week?

x mai-anne

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Friday Favourites #6 - An Assortment of Finds

A very late Friday Favourites this is! I almost didn't post but I realised I found some cool things this week so it was worth a post!

Beauty. 

Oh RT stippling brush, you little champ you. I love this brush for foundation and now I love it for cream blushes! So many people have used it for this purpose but I was stubborn and just stuck to the Real Techniques' 'Expert Face Brush' because it seemed to make sense to. Because the Stila convertible colours are rather tacky, that brush tugged on my skin a bit much when applying so whilst I loved the blush the whole thing didn't sit with me and I never knew why. I finally cracked and experimented with the stippling brush and *doi!* why didn't I do it earlier!? It works a treat! Now I finally feel like I can enjoy cream blushes more and perhaps I'll pick more up...

Health.

I really recommend everyone to pick Swisse 'Super Greens' up or at least something similar to add to their diet. I add a teaspoon to juice and it makes me feel so healthy and light, and helps with bloating  (tmi?!). I often have an upset stomach and digestion problems but this has really helped with all that without any side effects.. you know what I mean ;)  Swisse is also a great brand that make organic vitamins and skincare, I picked up 2 backups this week, they were 40% off! 

Hygiene. (lol)

I've been really liking this PlusWhite 5 Minute whitening gel, it works! This is the first time using any bleachy ingredients on my teeth and I'm really starting to see a difference. *whoop whoop* I hate the teeth guard it comes with as it doesn't fit all my crooked teeth in there so they don't all look like one colour, but at least it's telling me that it works! I also haven't experienced any sensitivity which is great. It's not natural but I might get my teeth in shape first and then find some alternatives once I'm happy.

Home.

I starting loving home decor a few months back and am about to embark on a project for my wall. This LP is a bit of a clue to what that is. This is my first ever vinyl, I get so happy whenever I look at it.  I adore Gladys Knight (and the Pips!) and this LP has all my favourite songs on it. I know, I know, I'm the d-bag that is buying records without a record player but one day.. I promise I will get one. That would be awesome!

Lesson.

Honesty is the best policy. I was wretched for 2 whole days because I semi-tried to get away with something, hoping my boss wouldn't ever find out. I was so shaken that I knew I had to confess my albeit small, crime. He's not always the nicest person in the world so I thought it might be okay to do it once, but I know now I can't. I have always valued honesty, even if brutal, so it was really out of character for me to do something like that. I won't ever again! (And he didn't even give that much of a s@# in the end..)

Hope you have had a lovely week! I'm going to plan some more blog posts, I think that's the best way to keep on top of things!

x mai-anne

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Friday Favourites #2

Damn, haven't posted all week. Still trying to figure blogging thing out! I think I'm going to take a leaf out of ViviannaDoesMakeup and plan my posts at the start of the week instead of just seeing what happens. How she manages her time is beyond me, she's really is born for this!

It's been a really interesting week this week, I've been so inspired and it's sparked my fire to work hard and just go for what I want. But first, onto the favourites!

Favourite Beauty Product
I'm going to give a shoutout to a well raved skincare item and it's the REN AHA Glycolactic Mask.  I bought the sampler pack for Normal Skin and have been really impressed with the range even though I generally have dry skin. This mask just leaves my skin looking so fresh and awake - I love it! I will be doing a comparison review at some point too so that's enough chatter about this one!

Favourite Song/Album
Slightly cheating here but last Saturday (after my first FF post) I sound engineered a live gig at where I work and got to watch guitar maestro Owen Van Larkins perform. My guitarist friend and I just freaked out watching him - he was amazing! My jaw literally hung open the whole time, whilst my buddy just shook his head the whole time in amazement. I've seen one other guitarist like him before who I thought was amazing but Owen did not just have his technique down, but his songs were gorgeous. Check him out! We're very proud that there is an Aussie addition to the CandyRat Records bunch!

Favourite Miscellaneous Find/Item
Had a small shopping trip with my mum today and while my mum was on shopping fire, I was my usual frugal self. (I just hate inflated Aussie pricing and refuse to pay it.) I picked up these two items, the earrings were $4.95 and remind me of the Marc Jacobs daiy, and this top was down to $5 in Myer (even though I paid $4 since my mum had $1 left on her voucher card *whoop*). While summer is almost over, this singlet was just too pretty (and inexpensive!).

Favourite Blog/YoutubeChannel
I'm sort of falling in love with Sara Bareilles again - love this girl! She's ridiculously funny and her songs just get me. I love this song and hope that I can speak to crowds so confidently and authentically like she does. All girls need to hear this song: "Beautiful Girl". We've all been there.

Memorable Moment/Lessons to be learned
Jeez, so many lessons this week. First one is to be your own be affirmation, don't put your hopes on others to help your own self-esteem. Two is, well not a lesson per se but that the fire in my belly has been lit again.  I've had a slow last few years but this year, my determination to succeed is back. Three is "no expectations". I definitely am a culprit to the crime of expecting/wanting a certain specific outcomes as opposed to just living in the moment.  I want to just step into.. and enjoy what comes.  This one might take awhile to sink into everything I do, but I hope to really open my mind and enjoy the ride instead to hoping it turns out a certain way.

How is your week been? I'm really enjoying these posts, and I like the idea of series - it also makes sure I keep posting! I love blogging but certainly don't have it down pat!

love, mai-anne

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