Sometimes moral support can come from those you least expect, or in my case, someone you barely know. A new girl recently began working in my office and after a quick chat it became clear that we both had a mutual love of travel and had spent the last few years of our lives living overseas in a blissful yet inaccurate representation of the ‘real world’. We had both found ourselves back in Australia due to circumstances rather than choice, but upon our return our lives didn’t quite pan out the way we had envisioned on that plane ride home. She had a degree in Public Relations, myself one in Journalism, so we both loved to write and in many respects were looking for similar jobs.
I’ve found it tough these past 6 months, being back home and having to swallow the ‘it’s time to get serious about life and start building a career’ pill. I’m pushing through despite my reluctance at times, but according to my new found foe, accepting opportunities no matter how imperfect they may be, is the only way to stop yourself from sinking. After a year of struggling through job interviews and doing work she didn’t particularly enjoy, she’s now found herself in a position she loves and if I asked her today I have no doubt she’d say ''it was all worth it''.
Life’s a funny thing. It’s like this giant roller coaster with no real end in sight, full of ups and downs and in parts consistent plateaus which allow you to regroup and prepare for the next high. My point is, that eventually no matter how far up you go, you’ll have to come back down and that’s always going to be the less fun of the two. Life’s a balance and if you don’t experience the good and the bad, then you’ll never be able to fully appreciate either.
I don’t know what direction my life is going to take and while it’s frustrating and a little depressing; my new colleague gave me a little piece of hope that somehow made everything seem better...even if it was for one afternoon.
February 24, 2011
February 8, 2011
Home Perfect...
Towards the end of last year, I found myself in somewhat of an "interior design groove". I simply couldn't get enough of unusual pieces of furniture, interesting colour schemes and unique finishes, especially when they were combined to create some of the most gorgeous homes and work spaces I'd ever seen.
While searching for my daily dose of design inspiration, I came across a home which made me sit up in my chair and disect every square inch of the space because for the first time, I found myself struggling to find anything to criticise. It was simply a-mazing and I had just found the most perfectly designed house for me.
My love of this lounge room is what got me started. I have posted before about how much I like grey walls, dark flooring and white accent furnicture, and this room...well, it's all those things and more. I think the pair of antique French armchairs are gorgeous and the zebra print bench is a fun accent in an otherwise neutral room. High ceilings, white skirting and oh, did I mention that mirror? I think I'll move on...
Stunning floor to ceiling french doors maximise light.
If you're like me you'd be wondering where they're hiding the TV? Truth is, I have no idea, but I think a big plasma above the fire place would be the perfect spot.
This downstairs bathroom is a beautiful nook with a gorgeous antique basin and detailed mirror.
The flooring in this townhouse is another feature that for me, truly sells the place.
An open-plan design means the kitchen, lounge and dining rooms all flow into one, creating an airy space which counteracts the darker shade on the walls and doesn't make it feel too closed in and pokey.
Kitchens sell houses, or at least thats the theory. While this one is by no means disappointing, I do like an island bench for that added bit of space, but in a room this size and shape, I'm not quite sure how it would work.
This is quite a simple master bedroom and it's probably the room I like the least, but what I do love about it is how there are 2 defined areas- one for sleeping and a comfy corner to sit back with a coffee and read a book.
It fair that this bathroom is bigger than my bedroom. I love the idea of having a his and her's vanity and the mirror splashbacks are right up my alley too.
For a little girls room, this is very pretty. It's a completely different colour scheme and aesthetic to the rest of the house, which I think is important in helping to personalise and define a bedroom.
This home office is quite masculine, but interestingly despite the large pieces of furnicture, it doesn't look crowded.
And now for the piest of resistance. How amazing is this rooftop? It truly gives a new meaning to Jamie Durie's term 'The Outdoor Room'. For a space like this, artficial turf is definitely the way to go. It not only looks great and will stay green all year round, but it won't be affected by the weather and is as easy to clean as carpet. The whicker chairs are perfect for outside and the white seating is so chic.
...and the whole thing is encased behind this modest facade...
February 3, 2011
A Cup Of Lovely...
Being of Italian and Greek heritage, it's only natural that I love my coffee, and collecting my daily cup is as much of a routine as my drive into work. While initially thinking my standards of coffee hovered somewhere around the 'above-average' bracket, I soon realised once I moved to London early last year that I was in fact, quite a coffee snob.
I have no problem drinking from a disposable cup, nor waiting in a cue half way out the door if I know the brew is going going to be worth the wait. What drives me crazy though, is when the person making your coffee struggles to differentiate a cappuccino from a latte (and no, dusting a little chocolate on the top doesn't make the grade).
The thing I found most fascinating however, was the difference in the standard of coffee and cafes for that matter, in Australia compared to England. The British we know are renowned for their tea, and they have truly perfected the art of brewing a superb pot or two, but for a country with such great access to and influences from Italy- the heart of espresso making, it surprised me that coffee in London seemed to come down to STARBUCKS, Cafe Nero and Costa Coffee chains. All franchises, all impersonal and all with a heavy focus on pumping out as many 'triple shot, skim cappuccinos with a dash of caramel and extra foam' (or similar concoctions) as they can. What ever happened to a simple espresso, where the actual coffee is the star, rather than a manufactured sweetener or additive?
Australia, while still a far cry from the 'hole in the wall' cafes which hide around every windy corner on the streets of Rome or Florence, I believe has taken a few crucial lessons from the Italians and the success of our coffee industry shows. For me, enjoying a coffee is not just about the taste, but also the environment you're sitting in and the experience you have while sipping on your drink. A comfy spot to read a book, a big open window that you can watch the world go by, a cozy table for 2 or a space where you can catch up on life with friends- that's what makes the perfect cup! An overcrowded shop with tourists yelling in 100 different languages, kids running around, and other people just there to either get out of the rain or rest their feet from the effects of an all day shopping spree, doesn't sound like the kind of place I'd like to retreat to. Of course we can't discriminate people from cafes based on their motivation to order a cup of coffee, but the vibe and ambiance of a place generally has the power to separate consumers anyway. People treat coffee chains like they do a McDonald's restaurant, simply because they can, but if an environment is created where you feel a need to respect the space you're in because it looks loved and well maintained then I think that resonates.
The best independent coffee houses I found in London were more often than not, owned by Australians. It was a fact that surprised me immensely and got me thinking crazy thoughts like "If I had the money, there'd definitely be a market for the kind of cafe I would surely create". It would be two levels, with a cozy basement downstairs and more of an airy, chic feel upstairs. Candles and flowers are a must, as are big comfy sofas and tables to sit at and write or use a laptop, each with their own unique lighting. Old books would fill floor to ceiling shelves and there'd be a big open fireplace for those cold, dreary winter days. The colour scheme would be warm and inviting, to create an ambiance which feels a bit like your living room yet plush enough that you wouldn't kick off your shoes and put your feet up. An old, rustic chandelier would hang from the ceiling and there'd be a space for young artists to display their undiscovered talents.
Many of you reading this may sit back and think, "wow, that girl takes her coffee way too seriously", but I'll be honest and say that in my eyes, it's not just about the perfect cup, but the perfect way in which you enjoy it.
I have no problem drinking from a disposable cup, nor waiting in a cue half way out the door if I know the brew is going going to be worth the wait. What drives me crazy though, is when the person making your coffee struggles to differentiate a cappuccino from a latte (and no, dusting a little chocolate on the top doesn't make the grade).
The thing I found most fascinating however, was the difference in the standard of coffee and cafes for that matter, in Australia compared to England. The British we know are renowned for their tea, and they have truly perfected the art of brewing a superb pot or two, but for a country with such great access to and influences from Italy- the heart of espresso making, it surprised me that coffee in London seemed to come down to STARBUCKS, Cafe Nero and Costa Coffee chains. All franchises, all impersonal and all with a heavy focus on pumping out as many 'triple shot, skim cappuccinos with a dash of caramel and extra foam' (or similar concoctions) as they can. What ever happened to a simple espresso, where the actual coffee is the star, rather than a manufactured sweetener or additive?
Australia, while still a far cry from the 'hole in the wall' cafes which hide around every windy corner on the streets of Rome or Florence, I believe has taken a few crucial lessons from the Italians and the success of our coffee industry shows. For me, enjoying a coffee is not just about the taste, but also the environment you're sitting in and the experience you have while sipping on your drink. A comfy spot to read a book, a big open window that you can watch the world go by, a cozy table for 2 or a space where you can catch up on life with friends- that's what makes the perfect cup! An overcrowded shop with tourists yelling in 100 different languages, kids running around, and other people just there to either get out of the rain or rest their feet from the effects of an all day shopping spree, doesn't sound like the kind of place I'd like to retreat to. Of course we can't discriminate people from cafes based on their motivation to order a cup of coffee, but the vibe and ambiance of a place generally has the power to separate consumers anyway. People treat coffee chains like they do a McDonald's restaurant, simply because they can, but if an environment is created where you feel a need to respect the space you're in because it looks loved and well maintained then I think that resonates.
The best independent coffee houses I found in London were more often than not, owned by Australians. It was a fact that surprised me immensely and got me thinking crazy thoughts like "If I had the money, there'd definitely be a market for the kind of cafe I would surely create". It would be two levels, with a cozy basement downstairs and more of an airy, chic feel upstairs. Candles and flowers are a must, as are big comfy sofas and tables to sit at and write or use a laptop, each with their own unique lighting. Old books would fill floor to ceiling shelves and there'd be a big open fireplace for those cold, dreary winter days. The colour scheme would be warm and inviting, to create an ambiance which feels a bit like your living room yet plush enough that you wouldn't kick off your shoes and put your feet up. An old, rustic chandelier would hang from the ceiling and there'd be a space for young artists to display their undiscovered talents.
Many of you reading this may sit back and think, "wow, that girl takes her coffee way too seriously", but I'll be honest and say that in my eyes, it's not just about the perfect cup, but the perfect way in which you enjoy it.
February 1, 2011
Welcoming 2011
Hi everyone,
So since my last post at the beginning of December, 2010 came and went and we all welcomed in the New Year with high hopes for a positive future full of happiness and success.
This period for me was quite the roller-coaster ride, with unexpected turns around every corner. After having Christmas in the US last year, it was nice to be back in Australia and enjoying the festive season under the hot Australian sun. When January 1st came around, I realised I had some tough decisions to make and that 2011 was going to be completely different to the plan I had previously mapped out in my head.
The past couple of years for me have been simply amazing. I spent most of 2009 traveling the world with my best friend, which took me through the best of what Europe had to offer and then across the pond to the United States, where a completely different adventure was waiting for us. Last year I conquered some personal challenges and grew-up a lot. I decided to see if I could live independently in a foreign city and London became that place. For 9 months I went on an incredibly important journey through life and faced all its trials and tribulations, but not before falling in love.
It's now 2011 and I'm back in my home town of Adelaide, Australia. It is a far cry from the adrenaline and excitement of discovering new parts of the world, but alas, it is my current reality and as the saying goes, when given lemons...grab the tequila! My conclusion about my situation is simple. Some years are just going to be better than others, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something, or a lot, from the ones in between. All good things take time and planning so I look towards this year as a building block needed in order to create more of those "great years I'll never forget".
Stay tuned, it's sure to be an interesting ride to say the least.
So since my last post at the beginning of December, 2010 came and went and we all welcomed in the New Year with high hopes for a positive future full of happiness and success.
This period for me was quite the roller-coaster ride, with unexpected turns around every corner. After having Christmas in the US last year, it was nice to be back in Australia and enjoying the festive season under the hot Australian sun. When January 1st came around, I realised I had some tough decisions to make and that 2011 was going to be completely different to the plan I had previously mapped out in my head.
The past couple of years for me have been simply amazing. I spent most of 2009 traveling the world with my best friend, which took me through the best of what Europe had to offer and then across the pond to the United States, where a completely different adventure was waiting for us. Last year I conquered some personal challenges and grew-up a lot. I decided to see if I could live independently in a foreign city and London became that place. For 9 months I went on an incredibly important journey through life and faced all its trials and tribulations, but not before falling in love.
It's now 2011 and I'm back in my home town of Adelaide, Australia. It is a far cry from the adrenaline and excitement of discovering new parts of the world, but alas, it is my current reality and as the saying goes, when given lemons...grab the tequila! My conclusion about my situation is simple. Some years are just going to be better than others, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something, or a lot, from the ones in between. All good things take time and planning so I look towards this year as a building block needed in order to create more of those "great years I'll never forget".
Stay tuned, it's sure to be an interesting ride to say the least.
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