I'M BACK FROM THE (ALMOST) DEAD

Why hello strangers! Sorry for such a lack of activity lately... more like the last 3 or 4 months. I've been a bit busy finishing my first semester exams, galavanting around New York, and starting my second semester of university.

I've decided i am going to make a concerted effort to try and blog a lot more often, making time (even when i'm mega busy) to put together small posts about things i am enjoying, or even hating.

I've also welcomed an iPad into my little gadget family recently, which should make blogging a lot easier. I'm hoping i can write posts on the bus to uni and get back in to the swing of sharing my thoughts with the internet.

Jess x

NEW YORK SHOPPING WISHLIST

As i've previously mentioned (and probably won't be able to shut up about in future posts), I'm going to New York in July! I thought I might share some of the things I'm hoping to grab while I'm over there:

1. M.A.C. Lipglass
2. M.A.C. Lipsticks
3. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
4. M.A.C. Paint Pot in Bare Study
5. Real Techniques Stippling and Powder Brushes
6. Bath and Body Works Candles

I know most of these things aren't all that exciting or new, but they are so expensive (if they're sold in Australia), or cost an arm and a leg to be shipped from America. I'm also hoping to come across little things that catch my eye and I fall in love with (most likely in Anthropologie).

WHAT I BOUGHT TODAY

As this week is my mid-semester break from Uni, I decided to have a little adventure in the city of Sydney today with some friends as a break from assignments and reading. The main purpose of the trip was for me to take a massive (and might I add, flipping heavy!) bag of old books to my favourite book store in Paddington, which buys and sells second hand books. Don't worry, they weren't good books! Just reminders of my cringy vampire obsession collecting dust and taking up needed space. 

The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe (Second Hand) - $8.50 // Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish (300 - Bare Bones) - $16.95 // Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum (52 - Vanilla) - $22.40

Have you made any interesting purchases lately? Leave a comment and let me know! 

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Hiiiiiiii everyone!

Welcome to Hogwarts.... I mean, The University of Sydney

I just thought I'd try and fit in a quick blog post between madly trying to get through all of my readings for lectures tomorrow! Speaking of, that's mainly the reason my blog has been virtually non-existant for the past week or so - university!

O-Week (Orientation) was last week, and my goodness was it fun! I made a fair few new friends that have made sitting in massive, jam-packed lecture halls with intimidatingly intelligent lecturers spray words at you for hours just that little bit easier. Myself and two of my best friends stayed in a very cheap hotel close to uni for 2 nights, so we could attend as much as possible without having to worry when the last bus home left. Lets just say... my new adult privileges were utilised!

I started actual classes yesterday, and despite being scared out of my mind, I throughly enjoyed the new type of learning I will be doing over the next 4, 5 or 6 years. Although the work load is starting to pile up (2 days in... gah!), I'm having a lot of fun with English, Sociology, Socio-Legal Studies and Cultural Studies. 

For the first time in a long time, I feel very happy and content with the direction my life is heading. I don't have any significant worries nibbling in the back of my mind, and I feel free to just live in the moment and truly enjoy myself. 

Let's see where the next year will take me.

Until next time, 

Jess

P.S. My only day off from Uni is Fridays, so you can try to expect (I promise I will legitimately attempt to do this!) posts from me on this day!

LEGAL

So, I've now been 18 for 3 days. Has it been eventful? Well, besides the cliche'd buying my first drink in a bar and going clubbing (which I would love to forget all together) - I haven't really achieved that much as an adult.

Before my birthday, I was so focused on finally being able to legally drink and go out to clubs, I failed to see the huge amount of responsibility that came attached with this momentous age. I now have to contribute my opinion on whom should run my country (woo hoo, 8 months of slander and debate to listen to), make sure I follow the law because I can be sent to actual jail, and have to start paying taxes. The list could go on really, and frankly that scares me to no end!

It's not all bad though. There are a lot of exciting things to look forward to now that I am legally considered an adult and (legally) mature enough to make my own decisions.

Whilst I continue having an early-adult crisis, I'll tell you a little bit more about the actual day. In the afternoon, I had about 45 friends and family over for drinks and finger food. I had an amazing time, and received some lovely gifts - my favourites being a Nikon D3100 from my family, a voucher to buy concert tickets and a small bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne.

After this, I went clubbing with some friends in Manly... and I'd rather not eternalise the events that followed on the internet where future employers/the human race may see and judge.

How did you celebrate your 18th birthday?

Until next time,
Jess

LIEBSTER AWARDS?

Here's a pretty picture for you - i'm in my pyjamas and huddled under my doona ('Even though it's summer in Australia?' you ask? Ha! Apparently not!), catching up on all the blog posts i've missed. Then I spot the lovely Anna's post about the Liebster Awards. Of course I have absolutely no idea what these are (blogging noob here!) and read on - only to find out she's nominated me!

So basically, the Liebster Awards aim to promote and learn about under-appreciated bloggers with less than 200 followers. If you're nominated, you have to link back to the blog that nominated you, write 11 facts about yourself and then answer 11 questions designated to you by the blogger who nominated you.

11 Facts About Me - 
1. Even though I tell everyone I really want to become a Journalist, I still have no idea if that is what I really want to do
2. I really want to get a tattoo, but I am way too much of a wuss
3. I feel much happier when I am in bustling places, like the middle of Sydney or concert crowds
4. I still drink tea from my Spice Girls mug, given to me when I was 3 or 4 years old
5. I'm allergic to mosquito bites, and mosquito repellent. I just can't win!
6. My favourite animal is a Giraffe
7. I'm scared of Moths, Christmas Beetles and all Dogs except my own
8. My friend and I once convinced the Ferris Wheel attendant at Luna Park to let us stay on until we got bored. We went around 68 times
9. I cannot stand people that always blame others for their own failings or problems
10. My favourite cuisine is Mexican
11. I'd love to complete a Bar-tending or Barista course

11 Questions For Me - 

1. How has blogging affected your life?

I've become much more critical and analytical with my thinking and how I view the world. Blogging has also made me much more thoughtful and considerate of what I once may have viewed as small or insignificant topics

2. Do you wear socks to bed?

Not every night. Only if it is really cold

3. What's your favourite colour to paint your nails?

Mainly black, but sometimes I like to experiment with top coats of different coloured glitter

4. Favourite Quote?

'If you work hard and be kind, amazing things will happen' - I have no idea who said this, but I saw this on someone's instagram once, and I decided it was going to be my mantra

5. What are your five favourite songs at the moment?

Falling - Haim, Impossible - James Arthur, Dead in the Water - Ellie Goulding, Paint You Wings - All Time Low, Beaneath Your Beautiful - Labrinth and Emelie Sande

6. What is your fondest childhood memory?

We fight a ridiculous amount, and I remember despising her at the time, but it would probably have to be first holding my little sister when she was born.

7. If you could have caught one moment on camera during 2012 that you didn't, what would it be?

My reaction to my HSC results

8. What is your favourite thing about yourself? (You can't say nothing!)

My dedication towards things I am passionate about. If I think the cause is worthy, I will put 110% of my energy behind it

9. Three favourite things on your bucket list?

Live in another country for at least a year, get married, spend all day reading in bed with someone I love

10. What's one thing you want to accomplish this year?

Transfer in to the course I actually wanted to study at university

11. How do you see your life in seven years?

In 2020 (that's a scary thought), at age 25, I see myself as someone involved in the world of media in some way or another, who works herself to death during the week, but enjoys herself on the weekend. I see myself moved out of home, somewhere in Europe, with a supportive, loving and caring boyfriend.

My Nominations - 

Chianne

Kayleigh

11 Questions for You - 

1. Why and how did you start blogging?

2. How would you describe your hometown in 25 words or less?

3. Where was your first job?

4. If you had $1 million, how would you spend it?

5. Do you have any quirky hobbies or talents?

6. Black or blue pen?

7. Your favourite place in the entire world is...?

8. Who was your first celebrity crush?

9. Novel or Movie?

10. What are your 5 favourite songs at the moment?

11. What is your greatest fear?

SO TIRED, BUT SO EXCITED

Last week, I made a decision to attempt to blog every day until I start university.... and it lasted 4 days. That's what happens to creativity and hobbies most of the time... life gets in the way. A sad thought, but very true for something that often doesn't make people enough money to live off (or none at all in my case ha!). When so many people around the world enjoy immersing themselves in music, art and writing that others have shared with them, I am baffled that artists don't make more money.

I've been working a fair bit over the last couple of days, slowly (like, turtle speed) learning how to be a Bra Fitter. Random, i know, but it's a job! (F.Y.I. I work in the 'intimate apparel' section of one of Australia's biggest department stores) There are so many awkward/mortifying/hilarious stories I could share - but that's a WHOLE other post.

The only reason I've accepted extra shifts at work is to fund my upcoming escapades... leading me to the 'so excited' half of the title!

The next couple of weeks look like this -
+ My 18th Birthday (and Party!!!) is on Saturday
+ I'm going to my first Bar/Club with friends that night
+ Orientation Week of Uni starts on the 25th, which will include plenty more outings and alcohol
+ ED SHEERAN CONCERT!
+ Actual University starting on the 4th of March

May I reiterate how excited I am at the moment?!?!?!
Oh, don't worry - I will definitely fill you all in on everything.

Until next time,
Jess

IPOD SHUFFLE

You know you've well and truly become a blogger when you see or hear something and automatically think - 'I could write a blog post about this.'

Well that has been happening an awful lot over the last couple of days, mainly whilst I've spent my days lounging around the house trawling through the depths of Spotify and generally not doing much else.

Music has always been a huge part of my life - singing in the Australian Girl's Choir until I was about 10 and playing the Piano and Clarinet up until recently. Although my passion for creating music has subsided, I still love listening, sharing and experiencing music - new and old, pop and alternative.

90% of the best times I've had in my relatively short life involve music, and I will never turn down concert/gig tickets when they're offered to me.

Anyway, I'm getting off topic and reminiscing unnecessarily - back to the point of this post. I want to share some of my favourite artists and songs at the moment. Please be mindful that I am a creature of change, so this list may well evolve significantly over the next year. But I guess that may be a good thing, as I'll have another blog post to write for you in a year's time.

The Vaccines - Live

The Vaccines are currently the best British band (in my opinion). Each song is so different, I don't understand how you wouldn't be able to like them. If you're a fan of albums with songs you can dance to but also just lie on the floor contemplating life whilst listening, I recommend 'Come of Age'. I saw these guys live when they supported Two Door Cinema Club in Sydney just over a month ago, and oh gosh it was a fantastic 45 minutes.
Enjoy my favourite song -

HAIM is a band that I have literally fallen in love with today and I'm well and truly kicking myself for not listening to them about 4 months ago when somebody recommended them to me. Wikipedia claims they've been compared to Fleetwood Mac a fair bit, and I would have to agree with the people that make those statements. The lead singer has an eerily similar voice to Stevie Nicks (whom I LOVE), and the whole all girl-group thing really makes my inner feminist happy.

Just realising how excessively long and boring this post may be getting, instead of explaining why I love all these songs, I've decided to compile a 'What I Listened to in January' playlist. Enjoy - 

+ Flaws - Bastille

+ Impossible - James Arthur

+ M79 - Vampire Weekend

+ Paint You Wings - All Time Low

+ Now - Paramore

+ Come on Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners

+ Only Love - Ben Howard

+ The World is Watching - Two Door Cinema Club

+ Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran

+ When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars

Until next time,

Jess

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

The 'What's In My Bag?' Tag has been a popular post and video that I've seen floating around lately, but it wasn't until I found Anna's blog (TheRosyFreckle) through SprinkleOfGlitter, that I was inspired to do my own version!
I charged up my camera (it's been a tad neglected since I got my iPhone 4 about a year ago...), emptied out my bag and took some photos. I don't really understand why I, and what seems like the majority of the human race, are so fascinated with other people's handbags - but I thought I would share the contents of mine with you all.

My handbag (Mimco - $249) was a very generous gift from my parents for Christmas. I'd been looking for a very simple, black tote with slightly long straps to use for Uni this year, and my Mum just so happened to pick out the perfect one for me!

(Clockwise) Magazine or book, Diary, Makeup/Medication Bag (H&M Paris), Sunglasses, a rogue Fantail (I honestly have no idea why or how it is in my bag), Lip Products, Compact Mirror, Hand Sanitiser, Headphones, Water Bottle (Less Talk, More Water), Hand Cream, Reading Glasses, Wallet (Bluebird), iPhone, Umbrella, Car/House Keys

Soap & Glory Hand Food ($11.95) and Dettol Instant Hand Sanitiser

MAC Lipstick (Hue), Maybelline Baby Lips (Berry), Rimmel Royal Gloss (Candylicious)

Reading Glasses - Maze +, Sunglasses - Sportsgirl

I really do carry way too much in my handbag, and it will only get heavier when I have to start lugging textbooks and notepads around with me. Oh the joys of student life!

I hope you enjoyed a peek inside my handbag. I'd love to see inside yours too, so link me to your version of the tag in the comments!

I'M GOING TO NEW YORK

Since 2009, my family has been talking about going on holiday to New York. Now, like most things my family talks about doing, it never happened. However, at the end of last year, my Parents decided that 2013 would be the year to do it (mainly because I've finished high school, and my younger sister is still in the years of school that barely matter).

This morning I woke up from a text from my Dad saying that he'd booked flights, and I pretty much fell out of bed. I immediately started a countdown on my phone, renamed my savings account 'New York Shopping Fund' and started creating a list of things I want to do and places I want to visit during my 16 night stay in the city that never sleeps.

The main point of this post is to share the list that I have started, and to see if anyone that stumbles across it has any suggestions for me. So here goes -


Jess's New York To Do List.

+ Ride in a yellow taxi

+ Buy food from a street stand

+ Read a book or write whilst drinking coffee in a Starbucks

+ Go to the top of the Empire State Building

+ Visit the Statue of Liberty

+ Pay my respects at Ground Zero

+ Buy my weight in M&M's from M&M world

+ Make myself poor in Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Forever 21, Bath and Body Works, MAC, H&M

+ Go on the Gossip Girl, F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Sex in the City tours

+ Go to Times Square at night time

+ Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

+ Spend a day in SoHo

+ Ride the Subway

+ Eat at the Cheescake Factory

+ Take enough photos and video to make a video scrapbook

+ Buy a new I<3NY shirt

+ Walk through Central Park

+ Have breakfast on the steps of the Met

+ See a Broadway Musical

+ Museums - The Jewish Museum, The Guggenheim, The New York Historical Society,

+ Visit the Upper East Side


I'm looking forward to exploring the little side streets that tourist books and websites don't tell you about, and being immersed in a different culture and location. Gah, I love travelling! Why is it so expensive?!?

If I haven't got something on this list that you think I should do while I'm in New York, leave a comment below! 

25 FACTS ABOUT ME TAG

After browsing through some of my favourite blogs (which I should really get around to making a page for or writing a post about), such as Zoella and Sprinkle of Glitter, I've been inspired to do the '25 Facts About Me' tag. Even though nobody really visits my little piece of the internet, nor care about what I have to say, this might be a chance for me to really have a good look at myself and what makes me one weird individual. So, here we go...

1. I hadn't left Australia prior to my trip to France in April last year.... that's 17 years and 2 months stuck in the same country. 

2. I set myself a book-reading target at the start of each year. For 2013, its 50

3. My fear of failure has prevented me from trying new things

4. I love seeing people enjoy food that I have cooked for them

5. Since joining a gym in August 2011, I have lost 20kg and hope to continue becoming happier and healthier

6. I enjoy making new friends, but hate having to be the person who speaks first

7. I topped the year in 5 out of 6 of my HSC (final year of high school) subjects

8. If I find a TV show I like, I have to watch every episode available ASAP (finished season 2 of Pretty Little Liars in 3 days)

9. I have 1 sibling - a younger sister

10. Never had a boyfriend, never been kissed

11. My absolute favourite book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

12. I'm currently saving so I can hopefully go on a University exchange to the UK in my 3rd or 4th year of Uni

13. I'm obsessed with Nazi Germany and WWII history

14. When I was 16, I had a chunk of my hair died blonde, so I could die it bright colours. I still have about 5 cm of this chunk in my hair (Worst. Decision. Ever.)

15. Anxious about nearly everything

16. My favourite movies are The Notebook, School of Rock, The Help, Crazy, Stupid Love, the entire Harry Potter series, Dracula and anything Tim Burton

17. From the age of 1 to 5, I had a teddy bear named Teddy. My Mum lost Teddy, and she replaced him with a dog who I named Puppy. I still have him, but he now only has 1 arm

18. My sister and I have 1 million nicknames for our Spoodle, Ollie. He pretty much responds to any noise projected in his direction

19. I played Softball for 5 years, and Soccer for 7

20. My first job was at McDonalds

21. Between 2010 and 2012, I saw just under 50 bands live

22. I've never broken a bone *touches wood*

23. There are over 100 things on my bucket list

24. I wish I was more self-confident

25. I want to will publish a book in the future

To whoever is reading this - I dare you to complete this tag as well. Leave a link to it in the comments below, and I would love to have a read!

Until next time,

Jess

ROAD TRIP

Finally finishing one of the most hectic years of my life, which also happened to be my final year of high school, I thought I would have 5 or 6 months of endless free time and boredom before I started Uni. Oh how I was wrong! Since graduating, I have worked quite a bit, caught up with friends and tried to minimise my ever-growing pile of books I want to read. Having not been as relaxed as I would have liked, 5 of my friends and I set out on a road trip/weekend getaway last weekend.

On Friday morning, the 6 of us piled ourselves and our bags in to 2 cars. We set out on our 2nd road trip after Schoolies in November. Having passed my driving test in December, I volunteered my (lack of) driving skills. This road trip happened to be my 2nd time driving on freeways, with the 1st trip ending terribly (but that's a whole other story I'd rather not have to un-repress the memories of). I'm proud to say that I did alright, and managed to get up and back safely!

Despite it being Summer, and having travelled over 200km to the usually sunny, warm and lovely Forster, the weekend was spent mostly inside due to Australia's currently horribly cold, wet weather. However, we still managed to have a great time inside the apartment, passing the time with plenty of eating (mainly peanut M&M's), card games and a Game of Thrones marathon.

There may have also been a fair amount of pleading on my part for a couple of games of Cluedo. In my family, I ALWAYS win Cluedo, so to say it was disappointing that I lost the first two games of five is an understatement. Having not played in a fair while, my detective skills were rusty, and it took a few games to fine tune them once again. But I was victorious eventually! It was also pointed out that I may need to work on becoming a more gracious winner.... Loser's get upset when you thrust your excellent sleuthing victories in their face. Weird, I know!

This weekend was just another frustrating reminder that my current and seemingly responsibility-free teenage life will all too soon be coming to an end. After being offered a place in a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, I enrolled in the middle of January and will be starting classes in exactly a month. I still have the next month to spend with friends and my family and cherish every moment - including my 18th birthday (FINALLY!!!!!!!). Everything is so exciting, but mildly terrifying, as I attempt to dip my big toe in to the pool of adulthood - although I can't help feeling that there is someone lurking in the shadows, just waiting to shove me in when I am least expecting it.

I'm hesitant to belly-flop straight in, but who knows what great things could be waiting for me once the massive splash subsides?

Until next time,

Jess