Wedding Song

I've found my wedding song. I may not even get married but if I do one day, this is the song we'll do our first dance to. It's SO BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT. The groom doesn't get a say, this is it.

Also, I want to date Ed Sheeran.

xx

OK STOP LOOKING I'VE FOUND IT

I have found the best tasting peanut butter in existence. Chantal organic whole peanut butter - crunchy. AMAZING. It's so deeply rich and tasty and I can't get enough! My golly. This stuff is really darkly coloured and has half peanuts in it and it's just divine. I think it retails for about $7 so it's fairly pricey but I think it's totally worth it. Mmmmmmnom!!

GO BUY IT PLEASE!

20 things I love

• When a baby holds your finger
• Stepping on a crunchy leaf
• Onesies
• Sleeping on freshly changed sheets
• Waking up and realising there are hours before I have to get up
• The originality of each person's handwriting
• Opening a brand new book
• Laughing so hard my stomach hurts
• Discovering a fantastic new TV series
• When my food comes out at a restaurant
• Realising you've made a new friend
• When I run an orange light and the car behind does the same
• Having an outfit already planned
• Sliding across the floor in my socks
• A clear and clean kitchen bench
• Getting home to a package in the mail
• Effortless, intelligent conversations
• The feeling you get after a good cry
• Freshly vacuumed carpet
• People watching

xx

FRIENDS XO

A fantastic read

I just finished a book that I can’t get out of my head. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It’s a beautifully written novel about one man’s search for redemption, set in the backdrop of a turbulent Afghanistan (the shift from monarchy to Taliban rule). I think it is quite possibly the most poignant book I’ve ever read. I cannot fault it, it is just fantastic.

The crux of the novel is the protagonist’s search for atonement, after an event during his childhood had continuous repercussions on his life. But while this is the continuous theme running through the novel, the various relationships that are explored, along with the intersection of Afghanistan’s political situation, make for many layers to sink your teeth into.

This book is a lesson in the persistence of the past, of friendship, love and tension, the abuse of power and personal growth. There’s just so much to learn from this novel, so many ways the lessons apply and make us evaluate our own life. It’s a definite tear-jerker as well.

Because I think everyone needs to read this book (and also because I do not want this book review to become too gushy), I won’t say much else other than that I’ve read many great books in my life, but this one stands out considerably. Please read.

xx

Suits

I have a new addiction. It’s a television show called Suits. And it is amazing. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Never before have I seen such wit, intelligence, handsomeness and class done so well. The show is about fictional Law firm Pearson Hardman, their cases and the various relationships and characters within the firm. One of the main characters, Harvey Spector (played by the very good-looking Gabriel Macht) is like the ultimate man. I’m in love with him. He’s quick witted and owns just about everyone he comes up against. His saucy red-haired assistant Donna is similarly fantastic. Suits is a show that I can really sink my teeth into, and that I feel smarter for watching. And on top of the glorious script and acting, all of the men wear suits. And I don’t think there’s anything that looks better on a man than a suit.

If you do nothing else today, watch the pilot of Suits. You’re missing out on some serious televisual brilliance if you don’t.

xx

Rocking the Braid

Last week I went to the salon for a hair treatment and because I was waiting for over half an hour for my appointment to commence (not that I really minded, they were all stocked up on the latest magazines), my amazing hairdresser Joanna did a free hair-up on me. She did a braid that started at my fringe and went all the way around my head. I loved it! Take a look:

Pretty aye!! She's such a talent.

xx

Lyrical Love

When life leaves you high and dry
I'll be at your door tonight
If you need help, if you need help.
I'll shut down the city lights,
I'll lie, cheat, I'll beg and bribe
To make you well, to make you well.

When enemies are at your door
I'll carry you away from war
If you need help, if you need help.
Your hope dangling by a string
I'll share in your suffering
To make you well, to make you well.

Give me reasons to believe
That you would do the same for me.

And I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You would never sleep alone.
I love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.

When you fall like a statue
I'm gon' be there to catch you
Put you on your feet, you on your feet.
And if your well is empty
Not a thing will prevent me.
Tell me what you need, what do you need?

I surrender honestly.
You've always done the same for me.

So I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You would never sleep alone.
I love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.

You're my back bone.
You're my cornerstone.
You're my crutch when my legs stop moving.
You're my head start.
You're my rugged heart.
You're the pulse that I've always needed.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum my heart never stops beating...

For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on.
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You would never sleep alone.
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You would never sleep alone.
I love you long, long after you're gone.

Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum my heart never stops beating for you.

And long after you're gone, gone, gone.
I love you long after you're gone, gone, gone.

(Phillip Phillips - Gone, Gone, Gone)

Ugh..the most lovely lyrics!!
xx

That song

Do you have one of 'those' songs? A song you can't listen to without getting tears in your eyes? While I have never cried in a movie or book (I know...odd...), there is one song on my ipod that never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It just moves me every single time. It is called Pieces and it is by a band called Red.

*sniffle*

xx

Non-fiction must reads

Not sure if I've really communicated on here how much of a fan of reading I am. But I most definitely am. Reading is, in my opinion, one of the best and most worthwhile pursuits on earth. Though I do admit I haven't done much of it (for leisure anyway) in the last few years whilst I've been at uni, I'm getting back into it again now and have re-discovered why I love it so much. I grew up with a love for reading and books, to which my lovely mother can attest. I was a complete and utter bookworm. I would read over 100 books a year, easy. I want to be like that again. Because, while I did entertain the notion that being a bookworm was 'geeky' and 'uncool' for a while there, I now think that people who read are far more attractive than people who don't. To be able to have a decent conversation with someone about books is a rare gem these days, and when it happens, it's like an instant attraction.

Anyway....I tend to read fiction, just because that's what I've always enjoyed. But I want to get into reading more non-fiction. Not only is it informative (therefore making you smarter), but it can be super interesting!!  Here are my favourite non-fiction books to date:

In Cold Blood - Truman Capote
An absolutely brilliant read that details the 1959 homicide of a family in Kansas. Capote actually befriended the killers and we get an interesting insight into their minds and how they cope in prison awaiting death. This book is excellent, highly recommended.

The Innocent Man - John Gisham
Another tragic but brilliant book. I read this when I was 14 and it has stuck with me ever since. It's a poignant tale of gross injustice, written by an excellent author. Grisham doesn't usually write non-fiction, but he proves in this book that his talent for writing is not limited to fiction. Read it.

The Sweet Poison Quit Plan - David Gillespie
I read this book recently because I saw it at my sister's flat one day and was intrigued. I never read self-help/diet books so this was different for me. I found it really interesting though, and it shocked me a bit (in a good way). It's pretty much about how bad sugar is for you, and why we need to cut it out of our diets. Oh and the author lost 40kg just from cutting out sugar. Wow. A book I needed to read.

Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain
I've always been interested in cheffing (ask anyone who grew up with me) so this book appealed. I also enjoy watching Anthony Bourdain's shows on TV so it doubly appealed. It's written exactly the way that Bourdain speaks, and gives a raw insight into the hard life of a chef. It's a fascinating read about the underbelly of the kitchen industry, and all of it's horrors.

Open - Andre Agassi
Also am a fan of tennis, and this guy. This book was well written and made me feel quite sorry for Andre. His father was a pushy parent who pressured him into going far with Tennis. Yet while I felt sympathy for Andre, I also got slightly annoyed at his selfishness. I find it interesting to read about well-known people and get to know a bit of what they're really like. Enjoyed this read.

Can you recommend any other great non-fiction reads?
On a side note, just received my copy of The Great Gatsby from The Book Depository! Yuss! When I finish the book I'm currently reading, that's me.

xx

Gatsby

So I went and saw The Great Gatsby last week. I don't even know which word would accurately describe it. Perhaps something like sensational, epic, amazing, fantastic, brilliant, visionary, dazzling, magnificent, majestic. Yet these words still don't grasp just how great it was. The cinematography was beyong brilliant, the casting perfect and acting exceptional. The costumes were gorgeous and the music contemporary yet somehow still of the time (1920s). Argh. I don't think I have ever been so in awe of a movie, and still so in awe of it a week on. And here I was thinking Leonardo DiCaprio was past his best. Oh no, my love for him is completely reaffirmed. I wrote a review for it which featured in the Guardian on Thursday the 13th June. If you're interested, read it here (page 20).

This movie was just delicious. Definitely go and see it on the big screen. It needs to be done.

xx

Sail - Awolnation

This song is simply brilliant. I can't get enough of it at the moment. There's just something about it that is really moving and just gorgeous. Love. Love. Love.

Hope you fall in love with it as much as I have.

xx

This movie gets me every time.

So much truth. Best movie ever?

500 Days of Summer <3
xx

Chivalry

So my friend and I watched The Notebook the other night (prob my 6th time or so). While the movie itself made me sad, something else that made me sad was noticing just how dead chivalry is within modern society. The way that Noah chases Allie and woos her is just adorable, and made even more so to modern viewers because it's such a rarity nowadays. I know the movie is set in the 40s and society has changed, which is to be expected of course, but this is something that shouldn't have changed. These days if a girl holds back at all it's "too much effort" and they're quickly forgotten. That's not to say it's all the fault of males though. Girls are definitely 'easier' these days too, meaning the guy doesn't have to make as much effort and therefore gets used to making less effort....it's a vicious cycle.

I know this is not always the case, and there are exceptions (though few and far between). One of my close friends is actually currently being pursued by a guy who is making every effort. It's super cute. Unfortunately she isn't really keen, but still, I commend his efforts and respect his determination!! And you never know, all his efforts might just pay off in the end.

I wish we could go back to the days where guys took girls out to dinner and the movies and bought them flowers and made all sorts of efforts to win them over. And I don't think it would be too hard to get back to that, cause if a guy really likes a girl he will make an effort. And if girls weren't so loose then guys would have the opportunity and motivation to do so.

You may agree or disagree, which is fine, but you can't argue with the fact that chivalry is rather rare these days. And I think that's sad.
xx

Truth

The many gems (such as the one above) that this movie offers is just one reason that it is pretty much my favourite movie ever :)

xx

A salute to the suit

I don't think there is any outfit that looks better on a guy than a suit. They just look so crisp and clean and sexy when they're worn well. And it's such a rare occasion these days to see a guy (especially in NZ) in a suit. My dream is to one day go to some super swanky event in a beautiful designer dress with a man in a suit on my arm....the kind of event that has live music, champagne, delicate little nibbles and all that jazz.
Bahaha...a girl can dream, right?

Join me in my appreciation of the beauty of the suit...

Liam Hemsworth

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (I have a massive crush on him)

Eddie Redmayne (love this guy)

The Cloonster...always so suave...

Matt Bomer

If that spread doesn't convince you then I don't know what will. 

I hereby salute the suit :)

xx

Coldplay

So, last Thursday I journeyed up to Hamilton and then to Auckland on Saturday to go to the Coldplay concert at Mt Smart Stadium. Having never been to a big concert before, I didn't really know what to expect, though I'd heard that they put on an excellent show. I don't really know how to describe it other than in single adjectives: Amazing. Mind-blowing. Extraordinary. Fantastic. Brilliant.

Every song was a hit, Chris Martin was perfect live (and mega energetic - had to change shirts about 4 times due to sweat soakage), and the crowd were soooo into it. Such a buzz. My personal favourite was Princess of China because the band relocated to the front of the stage (it was a runway sorta shape) which was super close to us!!

Also very cool were the different coloured wristbands that every audience member got. These lit up during certain songs, in time with the music!! Soooooo awesome. The stadium looked like a Christmas tree (minus the tree part hah). The show also included fireworks, confetti blasts, a laser show and these giant inflatable ball thingys that were sent through the audience. It was truly spectacular.

After my first concert experience I can definitely say I am keen to go to many more in the future. And I love Coldplay very very much :)

The Temper Trap (most famous for Sweet Disposition) who opened for Coldplay were also amazing.

All in all, a great experience. I want to go again. 

xx

An amazing song

So I have fallen completely and utterly head-over-heels for the song It's Time by Imagine Dragons. I heard it on the radio the other day and was wondering for ages where I'd heard it from before. I finally worked out that its on the trailer for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I've watched multiple times. Anyho...bought the song yesterday and have pretty much had it on repeat ever since! It's so beautiful in both composition and lyrics...

I don't ever want to let you down

I don't ever want to leave this town

'Cause after all

This city never sleeps at night

It's time to begin, isn't it?

I get a little bit bigger, but then I'll admit

I'm just the same as I was

Now don't you understand

That I'm never changing who I am

If you haven't heard it, please have a listen! I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have :)

xx

Nailed It

One of my good uni friends, Jessie, has gotten into nail art this year and every time I see her I'm intrigued to see what design she is currently wearing. She is amazingly talented at it, and I always marvel at the patience she must have to painstakingly paint each different design.

Here are some of my favourites...

Floral Pattern

Cute cat pattern

Sneakers! so cute!

Despicable Me minions!

Pacman - amaze.

Watermelon

Pretty florals 

My personal favourites - rose pattern :)

Ain't she talented! Check out many more amazing designs and the tutorials for them on her blog and be sure to check out and 'like' her facebook page!! She's an awesome chick too :)

xx 

Parental Appreciation

I'm working heaps this week, starting at 7am everyday, because the lady who usually opens up recently had her father pass away. It was really sudden, my boss was telling me that he just got out of the shower and dropped dead while he was drying himself. I reckon that would be the worst, for it to happen so sudden like that. Though of course it will be extremely difficult whatever the circumstances, at least if the person has been sick for a while you can sort of prepare yourself, and spend lots of time with them during their last days.

I honestly can't imagine how I would cope if something like that happened to my parents. I'd be utterly distraught, and I don't think I'd be able to function for ages. I'm really close and have a great relationship with my parents, so to not have that would be so so strange. Just writing this is making me tear up!

I guess the motto here is to enjoy every moment you spend with your parents (or any of your close ones for that matter!) cause you never know if it will be the last. Don't fight, don't leave on a sour note....cause imagine how much regret you'd feel if that was the last thing you ever said to them.
Love you ma&pa
xx