JANUARY FAVOURITES

After coming back from 6 weeks in Europe I have been rediscovering my favourite summer things. It's a little bit of a sweet assortment of many different items and bits and bobs from all over the shot.


COCONUTS
Thanks to my lovely little friend Madi, I can not go a week without consuming at least 2-3 coconuts... At our local fresh food grocer- Harris Farm- they happen to be $2-3 and they work well for a post-workout treat. They are most definitely my guilty pleasure and I will forever be in debt to Madi for introducing me.

BLENDER 
I use this everyday. I make juices, smoothies, icec-ream, treats etc etc and I luuurve it.

(Concoction pictured: 8-10 pitted dates, water- I always just shuck in however much I please, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence and cacao powder on top and it tastes like a caramel/vanilla/DELICIOUS milkshake).

AND

I also love watermelon, ice, oranges, lime and a little bit of chilled water chucked into the blender. 

AND

I love 2 frozen bananas and a tad of water and ice all blended up into the thickest, yummiest, most delicious vegan ice-cream and (sometimes vanilla essence or cinnamon is good with it too).

WATERCOLOUR PAINT
I have gotten more and more back into watercolour painting and ink and pen drawings and I'm loving experimenting with different colours and textures and paper and pens, WEEEEEE.

(I'm kind of all over cheap, two dollar shop watercolours. If you find the right ones, most colours are reasonably pigmented and when you mess around and are a perfectionist like me, they are a much cheaper investment. If I'm feeling more adventurous then I'll jump straight into using my precious 'Windsor and Newton' watercolour paints). 

T2 TEAPOT AND GREEN TEA
For christmas, my bestest bud EVER gave me the sweetest little teapot from T2 and I absolutely adore it. I'm also becoming increasingly obsessed with green tea, especially home made iced green tea.

LINK to the same one here. 

FLOWY TOPS AND DRESSES AND CLOTHES
Summer is incredible in Sydney but the humidity is something that takes getting used to and it's given me a little shock since being back SO of course I've resorted to flowy tops, lace bralets, bikinis and dresses.

This dress is about 3 years old and I wear it at least 2 out of 7 days and I've broken and self sewed it together again twice now. It's from DISSH but I doubt you'll find it now.

Little Bralets... from COTTON ON BODY. For small boobs they are extremely wearable but for anything bigger than a B cup they would offer zero support. Nonetheless, they show some NIP but that doesn't both me... 

ORGANIC CHILDREN'S BUBBLE BATH
I actually discovered the day after we landed in Sydney, after my first gym session since getting back, I did the whole 'quick zip to the shops 5 minutes before it closes' and discovered this bubble bath too soothe my tragically underworked to quickly overworked 'muscles'. If you happen to have sensitive skin like me, it is extremely soft and doesn't create redness etc etc etc.

LINK IF YOU WISH: http://www.naturesorganics.com.au/our-brands/funtime

(In Australia, you can just find it at Woolworths or IGA or Coles- easy peasy).

I spilt this on my fking bedspread...

BODY BALANCE/YOGA
I cannot think of anything more fulfilling than a yoga class with a 5 minute relaxation/meditation/sleep at the end. And I am SO keen to try hot yoga in the very very near future.


BLACK RICE SUSHI
I eat sushi about 2 times a week and will now drive the extra 10 minutes to find black rice.

It should definitely be called purple rice sushi.

SLAM POETRY

Slam poetry is a new discovery of mine... My dad kind of introduced it to me a few months ago but my interest got buried beneath many other priorities. I now have a little bit more time and it's my 'I'm at home on a saturday night so i'll get caught up in the youtube black hole and vortex'. I watch it into the morning and it ignites in me, my passions and anger and new found interests. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuzKs6-vrtnTPHacAP5ywZQ

This channel has an assortment of incredible people reading their personal stories through the execution of slam poetry. 

ANYWAY.

Let me know if you enjoyed this, I enjoyed making it, it was quite fun.

TATA for now, 

Elena x.

My Top 10 Songs of All Time

I'm lacking a little bit of inspiration but have decided to post my 'Top 10 Songs of all Time' with a little review.

1. Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve

This is my exponentially, nostalgic song that reminds me of dancing around our living room in our house inAlbion Street, Pennant Hills with my best friend Steph after our weekly Ballet lessons with Mrs Hediger at 'North Shore Ballet'.

2. Everyday People- Arrested Development

This is a family favourite. My dad is extremely liberal in his music tastes and has always introduced us to an assortment of different genres. It reminds me of trips to the beach as naive 7 year old. 

3. Dry Your Eyes- The Streets

An incredible powerful song about heartbreak and all things RELATIONSHIPS (something that I'm not so experienced in) BUT it's also nostalgic as this was another household favourite. (He looks like Mr Bean in this video...sorry). 

4. To Build a Home- The Cinematic Orchestra

Only listen to this song if you really want to play around with your emotions. It reminds me of the loss of loved ones, my favourite place in the world, Manyana and a mask.

5.  Scar- Missy Higgins

I love absolutely everything Missy Higgins. I personally interpret this as a song of rebellion, about realising you've trusted the wrong people and misinterpreted them and finding a way to benefit from the scars you've left behind. 

6.  Afire Love- Ed Sheeran

Incredibly relatable and it tells a story. For those who don't know, it's about his grandfather who had Alzheimers and passed away last year, he finished it on the day of his funeral. I will forever have a soft spot for Ed Sheeran.

7. Wayfaring Stranger- Ed Sheeran

I love this guys voice, he has soul and the composition is incredible (I think it's Ed Sheeran's composition... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buAzVkcH4YI... which is also incredible).

 

8. Home- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

The words are straightforward and have simple meaning but they trigger deeper feelings. They have such a calm, chilled out vibe.  

9. Youth- Daughter

Generally, I believe this song is about growing up. A scream of pain directed to 'ignorant' adults as she opposes strongly to the general illusion of a carefree youth. 

10. I can't choose the last one yet.....

TATA for now, Elena x

Vulnerability is Strength

A wellbeing alignment.

I'm a reasonably personal person (BUT HEY, I still write a blog). I have trouble putting things into perspective, sequencing my life into a place where I can feel content and mollify my own thoughts and worries. Its all about perception and vulnerability...

I'm trying to accept the notion that vulnerability is my ultimate strength, that it provides me with a power that nothing else possibly can. I'm trying to accept that vulnerability is the doorway to discovering my 'positive' characteristics that are disguised beneath perceptions. My self protective defence has been unconsciously erected since I was young as I've constantly retreated behind a partition of self protection, self stability and comfort, my comfort zone. I've subconsciously created a mental and emotional wall that has blocked my self awareness of my 'true' self.

"All should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions and to build confidence." - Ansel Adams

On the exterior I've always felt as though my disinclination to accept reality is there to keep harm out. But I now think of it differently, in a positive way. I can reflect on the clamped, claustrophobic feeling that was uncomfortable and confining to create change that allows me to embrace my insecurities and my vulnerable side to grow as a person. So I'm learning, slowly and carefully to accept every situation as it is, including my feelings and how I respond physically, mentally and emotionally.

I'm also excessively aware of the fact that vulnerability is learnt and and embraced in layers. I'm just about at step 1 out of 100. But I'm excited and so willing to embrace new ideas and if they don't work out completely then so-be-it.

SOME LINKS TO LEARN MORE:

• TED TALK- Vulnerability
• BOOK- Bene Brown- The Power of Vulnerability
• MEDITATION- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYnfPRQuh8s

Thankyou once again for putting up with my thought processes.

Elena x

Revolutionary Feminism

Feminism.... Please don't make an uninformed judgement before reading. 

I wrote a blog post about a year and a half ago but never posted it because it was so messy and I was only begginning to learn about gender equality, maybe I was ignorant and uninformed, however it has suddenly just become that little bit more relevant. Here it is. 

"'I’ve grown a heart-wrenching, stomach-churning obsession with feminism. I have flirted with its exhilarating ideas and explored its mind-broadening content. I have begun my romance with feminism, and have found ‘The Female Eunuch.’" 

I actually wrote this paragraph for my HSC Society and Culture Personal Interest Project. But I've started to challenge something that I thought I was incredibly certain about... obviously you can see this by my immense passion (totally put on for the Board of Studies). 

However, I think I'm lacking authenticity, a full on belief in feminism. How can it be defined as equality of the sexes when it stands on the basis of women's rights. Men aren't exactly completely equal either. There are so many situations I can think of when men have been oppressed by our patriarchal society. How can be expect men to join the feminist bandwagon when it almost discriminates against their right to stand up for the opposite sex?

I can't say that I wholeheartedly believe in feminism now. I mean I most definitely believe in the values but the definition does not quite suit me.

In addition, it also a concept that was made up in the 1970s. We are now products of a 21st century society. How can we still be living and believe in something that was a product of it's time. Is it not time now to create a new radical, extreme movement that follows the basis of gender equality and feminism? Think about it... we can't get away with calling it gender equality because anyone can identify with it (no discrimination intended) but any Johny Billy Bob can say that they agree in gender equality. I'd say (sorry no statistics) that 90% of people believe in gender equality. However, those 90% of people aren't making change. We need change. We need a new radical movement, a new word that defines the evolution of gender equality, a word that is relevant to the 21st century. I mean, I'm not going to create one, as much as I would love to unfortunately I don't hold that kind of power over our society... possibly one day?

I also think that there are countless negative connotations associated with feminism today and to make change, they need to be extinguished. The mainstream associate feminists with people who don't shave their legs, wear doc martens and listen to punk music. 

We need a new word.... I think. 

This is a little bit of a thought process. Hopefully one day I can establish an ultimate, uniquely individual perspective and create change."

I feel as though since then I've developed a little bit with the help of increased free time, new role models and a hell of a lot of reading. A few days ago a young adult, Caitlin Stasey released a movement called 'herselfdotcom' and talks controversially about all things surrounding sexual liberation in association with feminism. Moreover, many more 'celebs' have come out stating their support for the feminist movement including Ellen Page, Taylor Swift and Emma Watson and in doing so have increased the publics awareness for gender equality and I think it's amazing. These celebrities are using their immense power and fan base in order to make positive change for women and it's all in the name of feminism.... A 21st century feminism. I feel as though my wish to create something more relatable in the 4th wave of modern feminism is being established and my prior wish for something new may not be so much needed anymore.... 

A thought process... Any feedback, opinions etc is much appreciated. 

Elena x

http://herself.com/caitlin/

(Photo- Caitlin Stasey)

(Photo- emma Watson- he for she)

(Photo- Taylor swift)

http://huff.to/1G8LcXi

http://thr.cm/49pXIE

Malala Yousafzai, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize today. She won the prize for her work as an activist fighting for the right to education in parts of the world where it’s often denied (especially to girls).

In her acceptance speech, she said: 

It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change. 

I am here to stand up for their rights, raise their voice. It is not time to pity them. It is time to take action so it becomes the last time that we see a child deprived of education.

Travel- England (Week 1)

England. The queen, tea and flourishing green landscapes.

London day #1- 5th January 2015

- Euro star from Paris

- Oxford Circus

- Oxford Street

- Regent Street

- Leicester square

- Picadilly circus

- The Globe Theatre

- The Tate Modern Gallery

- The Millenium Bridge

- The tower bridge

- Convent gardens

- Somerset house

- The Shard

(13km walk)

London day #2- 6th January 2015

- Regents park

- Camden markets

- The British Museum

- Oxford Street shopping

London day #3- 7th January 2015

- Buckingham Palace

- Hyde Park

- House of Parliaments

- Westminster Abbey

- 1 Downing Street

- British Tate Gallery

- Harrods

- Oxford Street shopping 

London day #4- 8th January 2015

- Victoria and Albert Museum

- Portobello Road

- Portobello Markets

- Hyde Park

- Oxford Street Shopping

London day #5- 9th December 2015

- Brick lane

- St Pauls

- Portrait gallery

We are now on our last week of travelling, heading up the north of England to where my dad grew up in the Lakes District. I'm kind of looking forward to going home... Just the basic home comforts and our puppy.

Elena, x

4 Things I've Realised in 2014

This year has been an absolute whirlwind, as I've mention various times before and through hardships and failures and happiness and loss I've had a few imperative learning curves. I have incurred some major changes in my life and reflection and hindsight are wonderful things...here we go.

1. You can learn from loss.

I can't deny that loosing someone you love is one of the most hardest times in your life. Mourning and grief is universal and as the five psychological stages pass, you can realise that such a weary emotional and mentally straining process can turn into a positive lesson. I learnt a great deal of resilience. Resilience during the moments when it was too hard to talk, to write, to communicate. Resilience when everyday, a pile of emotional baggage was dumped onto an already impending heap. 

But I learnt a lesson, a personal coping mechanism that when life gets tough, it's gets easier when you become increasingly more positive and resilient. 

2. Being optimistic isn't as bad as people tell you it is.

Me, being self disciplined and planned and linear is not easy and I've always been told that is a terrible characteristic for a person to have... It requires a lot of self control, something that I lack in. I believe that when you go with the flow, when things are unplanned and full of spontaneity, you have the ability to live your life to the full extent. It allows you to do things naturally, you ignite yourself through the things you love and the things you incidentally find yourself passionate about. I feel energized. And I haven't embraced this characteristic until November 2014 and it's honestly created a lot more for me. I think people who know me personally can agree that sponteneity makes everything all that much more exciting. My life has its own energy, as does yours and when it is abused, we feel lost and feel the need for unesecary control. 

3. Meditation is powerful.

When the chaos and calamity of the real world gets too much, meditation has the ability to place me in a state of calm, stillness and consciousness whereby I can gain a sense of relaxation from being psychologically  and spiritually centered. I used to view it as a 'hippy- herby thing' and underestimated its power. With the recommendation from good friends when times got increasingly overwhelming, it worked, most of the time, to aid reasonable and relative  thinking. 

4. Spending time alone is a good thing.

I preach this most indefinitely. It is underestimated. The most advantageous way to think and reconsider and reevaluate. My favourite thing to do is to go surfing. To drive for an hour to Freshwater beach with my music blasting , to slip into my wetsuit, grab my board and paddle out the back. I find the water therapeutic... I find nature therapeutic but the water is my safe haven. And as much as I hate being the only girl surfing, I sit and wait for the perfect wave and I have some time to think. 

Minds change like the weather and I hope you'll remember one thing: today is never too late to create something brand new.

Elena, x

Travel- Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic and evocative places in the world, a priceless treasure...

Day #1- 30th December 2014

- Walk around

- San Marco

- Bisilica

Day #2- 31st December 2014

NEW YEARS EVE

- Murano Island

- Glass making exhibition

- Glass shopping

- Dinner at an Italian restaurant

- Gelato (at -3 degrees Celsius)

- Drinks and fireworks from Venetian apartment

Day #3- 1st January 2015

- Lido beach

- Peggy Guggenheim Gallery

-Leather shopping

Day #4- 2nd January 2015

- SHOPPING DAY

- Unknown gallery

- Artisan quarters

I loved Venice, so much and can't wait to return one day (preferably with the love of my life).

TATA for now, Elena x