Happy Holidays | iv

Wednesday 25 December 2013


Season's Greetings from under the grey skies of South Coast Australia. It's a rare treat to be awoken by rain on Christmas morning and as a winter-bug at heart I was delighted! I have had a wonderful day and I'm sure many can relate to that sparkly feeling that is paired with the company of loved ones, indulging in delicious food and gracious receiving gifts. I would like to wish you all a very merry christmas and I hope you all have marvellous day! 

Out & About | Finders Keepers Market

Saturday 21 December 2013








Source: 1, 2 from Finders Keepers Facebook page, 3, 4 my own fuzzy phone photographs

Last weekend (Saturday 7th of December) I attended the Sydney Finders Keepers markets with my sister. If you aren't familiar with these Finders Keepers it is essentially a showcase of the latest designers I like to think of it as 'real life' Etsy. I wrote a post about the happenings of this charming event and because it is a little lengthy I have split this post!

Happy Holidays | iii

Tuesday 17 December 2013


 I simply can not fathom that Christmas is less than ten days away! As part of my Happy Holidays series I've decided to incorporate Christmas playlists into my blog, inspired by Jessica of Vintage Machine. I feel a sense of nostalgia during this holiday season and always revisit the albums and films of the past (next post will be on Christmas movies). Christmas music is in a league of it's own and is an incredible tool in transforming the atmosphere of the holidays. I hope you enjoy my custom playlist and perhaps (re)discover some old gems. You can follow me on 8tracks at  paperdollchronicles

Tracklist
1. Merry Christmas Baby - Otis Redding
2. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Micheal Bublé
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
4. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
5. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
6. Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley
7. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan
8. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - She & Him


Instagram Picks

Sunday 15 December 2013




| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | ___
| 10 | 11 | 12 | __
| 13 | 14 | 15 | __
| 16 | 17 | 18 | __

I love the micro-blogging aspect of Instagram, which is easily my most used app on my phone. I thought I might share with you a few of my favourite instagram picks of this month so far. You can follow me here 


Happy Holidays | ii

Thursday 12 December 2013



Please Santa....
1. Assorted canvas tote bags

Merry Christmas and welcome to Happy Holidays Part (ii), this second edition to the series will focus on exchanging gifts. This Christmas season is quite different for my family as we are breaking our tradition of traveling overseas. A typical Christmas morning is waking up in a foreign country and spending the day with family, exploring and participating in local community events. I have included a family holiday photo from our travels in Cambodia, this was taken in 2012 in Angkor Watt temple in where I hand fed elephants that my family rode around the ancient ruins. It was my ethical decision to refuse these giants chauffeur service because I respect their beautiful nature and didn't want to fuel the commercial exploitation of them. However, hanging out with these cuddly guys for an hour was a once in a lifetime experience and truly a priceless gift.

Here are a couple of items that I would love to receive but I trust my family's ability to purchase items they think I might like. I am a avid believer that gestures are more significant than buying consumer goods. This year I have been crafting up a storm, designing cross-stitch embroidery, making little Christmas tree ornaments and sewing buntings as gifts for my nearest and dearest. 


List | Weekends

Sunday 8 December 2013



| x | xx |

I hope everyone is having a delightful weekend, as I type this message I'm basking in the dusk light of a  beautiful Sunday evening. Here is a list of things I love about weekends...

+ Local markets
+ Coffee from favourite cafés
+ Spinning records
+ Stretching out the morning routine 
+ Long walks with my pups
+ Taking care of forgotten household tasks
+ Washing bedlinen and drying it in the sun
+ Baking sweet treats
+ Visiting my grandparents 
+ Daylight savings for extended hours outside 
+ Lazy clothing like long cotton skirts and messy hair buns
+ Gardening: seeing too the veggie patch and chooks 



Happy Holidays | i

Friday 6 December 2013

 Source: i | ii iii | iv

Season Greetings darlings, welcome to the first segment in the Happy Holidays Feature! I am sorry this is delayed considering the Holiday Season is well in full swing. Although this post doesn't accurately represent my premature excitement for christmas as I personally wrestled the family tree out of its hibernation  in the last week of November! I have been spending some time on Pinterest lately and oh my haven't I caught the festive-bug! I can't help but admire the modern adaptions on trees which such a old tradition, however these are not everyones cup of tea (my family is still very traditional with its twenty year old battered tree). I hope you get a giggle out of the Snape christmas tree as I did (Oh tumblr you old fiend!)

Reading Carina's blogposts on Christmas we discussed in the comment section the struggle for Australians to experience all the blissful serendipities of this marvellous festive season. Christmas is in our Summer and that 'wintery Christmas magic' of my dreams isn't a reality. However, we make our own traditions and the key elements of being surrounded by family is the most important factor. This 'Happy Holiday's' feature will include some of those details that make this festive season special for me. 




Just A Minute | November

Thursday 5 December 2013




Watching... Catching Fire at the cinemas with my darling sister The Kings of Summer a charming movie about group of friends who escape to the woods in a makeshift cubbyhouse it stars Parks and Rec's Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) The Way Way Back a coming of age story set in the summer holiday town of America who is dealing with family issues and finds solace at working at a waterpark stars Australian actress Toni Collette.

Celebrating.. Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary with a trivia public event with friends, 21st birthday parties, Christmas with upholstering the family tree in the late weeks of November.

Listening... City and Colour I was lucky enough to meet the ever swoonsworthy Dallas Green and see him perform twice at the majestic Sydney State Theatre. I also watched Boy and Bear live (twice this year aren't I lucky?!)

Reading... According to my Goodreads account I am four books behind in my goal of reading thirty five books in 2013 so I might have to get a move on! This month I read The Help Kathryn Stockett Beauty Queens Libba Bray and currently reading On The Road Graeme Simsion

Loving... My new passion for cooking. I have made a vege quiche, Chinese stir fry, sushi, satay vege, rice paper rolls, TVP spaghetti bolognese, fresh salads and a couple of batches of sneaky cookies, banana & coconut cake. I might need additional cooking books as I'm baking up a storm (hint maybe as a Christmas gift)


Feature | Versatile Blogger Award

Sunday 1 December 2013


What delightful news that the sweet petal Emily nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award! Emily and I have cross paths -or rather wires- many times online using on multiple social accounts (tumblr, goodreads, polyvore) and again on this internet blogging platform. Her blog is the charming Miss Black, previously Stardustings and I simply adore her blog updates! I visit Miss Black when I am in need of outfit inspiration or to restore the equilibrium of cute and dreamy in my life. Thank you for this nomination I am entirely grateful and charmed!  

The 'Versatile Blogger Award' is an award given to you from your blogger peers, for writing quality posts that have somehow touched them, having good quality photographs, and the uniqueness of the subjects covered. The award is to honour the bloggers who bring something special to your life. 

This award has a few disclaimers:
1. Thank the blogger for nominated you and share his/her link
2. Share seven facts about yourself that your followers may not know yet
3. Give this same award to up to fifteen bloggers, then comment on their blog to let them know about it

1. You could say I have dabbled in many careers with work experience in nursing, law services, barista, retail, preschool assistant and I'm currently studying to undertake placement in museums or libraries. 

2. There is no doubt that I love food; preparing it, cooking it, watching shows about it, learning family recipes. However, I am one of those people who says 'I'm not fussy' but has a few dietary requirements I am dairy & gluten intolerant (medical) and for six years been a vegetarian (moral). I would like to say this lifestyle is easy but it isn't however, both my sister and my mum are vegetarians. 

3. You might not guess but I have had hair a rainbow of colours. Born with light brown hair I have experimented with dyes and henna potions for a few years now. I have yet to find a colour that I am comfortable to spend more than two/three years with and I thank the beautiful Kérastase haircare products for keeping my hair in tiptop condition. 

4. I have a huge backyard at home so needless to say my childhood featured a few fury, fluffy or scaly friends. My sister and I have had shared responsibility of cats, dogs, horses, fish, tropical fish (the divas of the fish community) birds, tadpoles, stick insects, mice, chickens, geckoes and we have even babysat our neighbours pythons. But I would like to honourable mention a hairy family member who will forever be in my heart, Matese the Stumpy tail Blue Heeler who died last year at nineteen. As of today we have Mozart (Toy Poodle) and Zane (ShitZu) twenty ridiculously sized Koi fish, eight hens (Gaga, Tandori, Bluey, Duck, Paris, Gingy, Picasso and Beyoncé) 

5. According to my family I watch too many shows... here are a few: Parks and Recreation, American Horror Story, New Girl, The Mindy Project, Arrested Development, Buffy, 2 Broke Girls, Breaking Bad, Workaholics, GIRLS, Orange Is The New Black, U.S The Office, Hannibal, Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Call the Midwife, Miranda, QI, Doctor Who, 

6. Photography is an interest of mine no doubt due to my exposure to art from my family and pursuing it in my final year twelve Visual Arts project. I have a couple of film cameras Diana Mini & 35mm, polaroid Instax & 600 models and two digital cameras. I am currently saving my money to put towards a fancy SLR camera but my family is divided on Canon verses Nikon and I am in need of further research before placing my alliance. This one is on my mind but as of late I have fallen under the spell of iPhone photo apps and using Instagram to share snippets of my week. 

7. My room is my favourite project that I am constantly changing and must be a couple centimetres smaller from the amount from when of paint I have lacquered onto its walls. I have a particular penchant for interior design and I can't wait to develop my ideas further into apartment when I move out of home at the end of next year! 

I have nominated Jessica of Little Henry Lee and Anna of 11:11


Anna Hollow

Saturday 30 November 2013








Please excuse my abscense from blogging for the past couple of weeks, after finishing university and my library course my schedule got even busier. Here are some snaps from one of my favourite photographers Anna Hollow from her blog 11:11. This eighteen year old has a sparkling photography career, she shoots in Southern California and other various destinations around America. I simply can not get enough of her updates she creates magic with these beautiful photographs.



Spotlight | lovestar

Thursday 14 November 2013




Oh my! Haven't I fallen head over heels in love with Lovestar! This quirky take on floral displays have me reaching for my Visa card, the only problem is which one to purchase! I always have fresh flowers in my abode and if these images are anything to go by, they would make perfect addition in my life! Visit the lovestar website to buy your own or simply click here.

Queen of Hearts clear heart vase AU$150 & AU$69
Limited Edition Queen of Hearts AU$69 
I Heart Pina Coladas etched pineapple vase AU$89


Mood Board | Pinch of Pink

Friday 8 November 2013



Source We Heart It via Pinterest // my Instagram // 
thankyouok.blogspot Via Pinterest // Via Daydream Lily

Who doesn't love a pinch of pink in their life? Whether it's muted tones of coral, salmon magenta, mauve or rose I will always adore this feminine colour. Trawling through my Pinterest feed I was filled with these dreamy images which it immediately lifted my mood and I hope it lifts yours. I'm looking forward to finishing off this week, between now and next weekend I would have to submit two assignments and one university history exam. However, my sister and I have tickets to see Boy and Bear on Friday night and I'm attending a 21st birthday so I shall be rewarded for my hard work. Looking forward to developing this blogging space in the upcoming weeks some exciting projects are in the works! Have a lovely weekend, 


Health & Fitness | Challenge

Sunday 3 November 2013

via Here Comes the Sun

During November I would like to set myself a running goal to run 40km, which is going to be quite a challenge with my academic and work commitments. I am currently completing one/two 5km runs a week with times ranging from 40-47minutes and my goal is to reduce this to an average run time of 35 minutes. I will use my time management skills to make sure this program will be a priority, also tracking my runs via the Nike+ Running app. I'm excited to have a goal and am excited to complete the challenge, wish me luck! 

Just A Minute | October





Watching.... American Horror Story season three, Bill Murray in Broken Flowers, Hyde Park on Hudson & Lost in Translation, Trailers: 

Listening
Vance Joy - 'Riptide'


Buying... The Wes Anderson Collection  - Such a darling companion book to one of my favourite directors Wes Anderson who made the cutest film Fantastic Mr Fox, the ever swoony Moonrise Kingdom, the most depressing The Royal TenanbaumsTickets to see Daughter play {is it really February in three months?!}

Reading... The Girl With a Pearl Earring - Vanessa Diffenbaugh Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? - Mindy Kaling The Language of Flowers - Tracy Chevalier

Loving... How I have almost finished my Certificate IV in Library and Information Services. My growth in athletics and running ability {hello ten kilometre weekly runs}

Ta for reading,


Film | Mud

Wednesday 23 October 2013













My goodness, October has been such a busy month for me! My acedemic persuits have me bouncing from two campus' and studying around twenty hours a week whilst juggling a casaul job. Sometimes I need to pause and have a time-out, watching movies offers that respite. I recently watched Mud (2012) directed by Jeff Nichols it follows Ellis, just your average forteen year old boy living in Mississippi and the proceeding events after the discovery of a mysterous man on his island playground.

I love stories that follow that young adult 'coming-of-age' plot formula, however this film subverts some traditional ascepts whilst presenting a film that you just can't help to love. The cinematography in this film is outstanding and captures every imaginable detail of the town Arkansas needed to place yourself in the scene. There are some really fragile moments in this film and although I feel uncomfrotable with the portrayal of women I feel like the redemption of the film is in the fabulous acting and beautiful shots. If you're a fan of films like 'Stand By Me', even Huckleberry Finn or mystery dramas, please go see it.

Ta for reading,

Mood Board | Mad for yellow!

Tuesday 15 October 2013



Mad About Yellow! (pt1)

Mad About Yellow! (pt2)
  







Ive recently developed a penchant for yellow. I simply can not explain it. Perhaps I can put it to the warmer weather that spring has bestowed upon us in lovely South Coast? As a bonefide Inside Out, Vogue Living, magazine hoarder and Grand Designs fan, I am enchanted with the world of interior design. In almost all magazine features this past S/S 13 yellow is killing it! I just can't get enough of it. Spring is the season for makeovers and the past few shopping trips to Domayne and Freedom Furniture and perhaps the (sneaky geeza online see: Urban Outiftters) I am cateloguing the stand-out examples of yellow. Here are some of my notable favourites and I emplore you to join me with this yellow madness.


(a) Orla Kiely Multi Stem Shade, Domayne (buy it here)
(b) Studio Floor Lamp, Domayne (buy it here)
(c) Amber Glass Lamp, Domayne (buy it here)
(d) World Globe, Domayne (buy it here)
(e) Studio Floor Lamp, Freedom (buy it here)
(f) Geo Chevron Lamp, Domayne (buy it here)
(g) Bahamas Lamp, Domayne (buy it here)
(h) Gumball Desk Lamp, Urban Outfitters (buy it here)
Ta for reading,

Out & About | City Adventures

Monday 14 October 2013








(i)









(ii)
 
(iii)




(iv) 



(v)

(i) Mini-photoshoot outside the Sydney Vintage Fair featuring a steam train, myself (left) and my darling friend Charlotte (ii) Another shameless candid inside the fair with Charlotte & myself (iii) My autographed ticket (iv) Weekend nostalgia a collection of memorabilia (v) Foals - Milk and Black Spiders  

I've used this blogging space before to document my musings and share special moments, however this has taken me quite some time to clearly print in words my absolute happiness expressed on the last weekend of September. Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th are two days that still bring a smile to my face, it was when I ventured up to Sydney to reunite with my darling friend Charlotte who now studies and lives in the city. During these two days we planed to visit the Sydney Vintage Fair held at Australian Technology Park Eveleigh which was such a lovely convention cateloguing treasures from the past. We both had visited an earlier vintage fair before however this blew those out of the water! The stalls were filled to the brim with beautiful antique trinkets and the stall keepers eftpos friendly and more than willing to chat. We were both throughoully impressed by the range, the quality and prices offered; this was further exceeded when the venue hosted a mid-afternoon vintage fashion parade that was fun, flirty & frilly! After strutting (what seemed like 50 laps of the venue) in our heels we decided to shashay I to the neighbouring city of Redfern for gin & tonics and retire for the afternoon. 

As afternoon transcended into evening Charlotte trotted off to visit her partner & I busied myself with getting ready for a concert I have been counting down on my calender for months! Foals has been a band that has supported me lyrically & acoustically through some rough times. Their albums are filled with moments in music where the instruments climb to ascension and fill me with a surge of power. This year I have upped my live gig game and have seen some of my favourite bands play music such as ALT-J, Snakadacktal, Jinga Safari, Josh Pyke and a few more local bands. Foals did not disappoint the gig was phenomenal Yannis crowd surfed twice, managing to dive into the crowd from level one designated seating balcony (risky) and the band played a awesome set. This was experienced from a fence position right up the front of Jimmy at a sold out show. Besides some minor issues with drunken guys pushing and being rude the night was amazing. I caught the guitar pic and managed to meet to boys & the support band Alpine after the show who were happy to chat and sign my ticket. The hour I spent chatting with my favourite band will go down in history. I always tried to envision how I would react when meeting a celebrity and now I can say I kept my cool and tried to act as down to earth as possible. I didn't have a camera with me on the night to take photos however regrets are pointless and I loved the night.

The next morning we rose late and ventured into Newtown stopping in at Goulds bookstore, then a pit stop at Campos coffee before popping in and out of boutique stores picking up miscellaneous goodies along the way. Both of us live busy schedules and trips to the cinema are rare so when the Dendy theatre on King St advertised Mood Indigo we jumped at the chance to view it! I am a big fan of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind directed by French cinematographer Michel Gondry. We both adored it and couldn't have thought of a more perfect way to wrap up a lovely weekend. I took the train back down the south coast and back to reality. (Sigh)

Ta for reading,