♥ Much Love ♥

first morning stroll

2012-02-02T01:02:00.000+11:00

Camera: wide-lens superheadz, film: Kodak Portra 400 VC

Photos from my first morning in Tokyo (long overdue, I know), taking in the sights on the way to the train station.

much love monday

2012-01-30T17:15:00.000+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: fuji superia x-tra 400 (pushed to 1600)

loves: ♥ a nice kitchen (above is not mine, but that of the house I stayed at in Tokyo) ♥ a summer picnic ♥ getting film photos developed ♥ when the photos turn out better than expected ♥ green tea latte ♥ the muppets movie ♥ the people who are there for you when life stinks ♥ discovering new music ♥ staying up for the tennis ♥ the Australian Open men's final (seriously, how INSANE was that match?!! Totally worth staying up for, and an awesome treat to start the week!)

so what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday, I will delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

burger mania

2012-01-29T16:07:00.001+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: Kodak 400TX Black and White

One of the best meals I had in Japan was at Burger Mania. The burger was mouth watering, the onion rings were the best I've had in my life, and it may have been the first time I've had burgers served with a pot of tea!

starting from the back

2012-01-26T08:48:00.004+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: Kodak Portra 400VC

I finally got most of my hundreds of film photos from Japan developed. Yay :)

We went to the most gorgeous park on my last morning there. I don't know what that sign in the last photo says but I like the illustration (anyone know Japanese?).

much love monday

2012-01-23T18:53:00.001+11:00

love: the ice sculptures we saw when we went to the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.
Also, I just got most of my film photos developed and can't wait to start sharing them with you this week!

so what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

stuff about me

2012-01-20T22:41:00.000+11:00

My friend Jen tagged me in a little blog tag, and I thought I'd play along. At the same time, I thought it'd be a nice way to give a bit of an update on me and my very recent Japan travels.

The rules are here.

Part 1 is where I write things about me:
1. I just got back from Tokyo yesterday afternoon.
2. I caught a cold on my last day there, so the long trip back to Melbourne was not the most comfortable experience. Boo..
3. Apart from the cold, I had the most amazing and wonderful time there!!
4. My taste buds are grateful for the onigiri and matcha latte I had in a local cafe. When I left the cafe, I practiced my very minimal Japanese, and told the girl at the counter "oishii!" (delicious). I could tell from her giggle and look of surprise that she appreciated it.
5. I was impressed by how polite and quiet people are, especially on trains! You're not allowed to talk on your mobile phones because it annoys others.
6. I bought the latest Frankie magazine at the Gold Coast airport before boarding my Tokyo flight. It had a feature on life in Japan. The lady that sold it to me was Japanese too. Perfect.
7. I took the above photo at Ghibli Museum... which was an AMAZING place! That's Mei from Totoro :)
8. I took loads of film photos, and I just dropped them off today to be developed. So excited to see how they turn out!!!
9. I went to a "Meow" exhibition, which as you can tell from it's name, was all about cats! I met one of the artists and told him his work is "kawaii" (cute). Obviously I like giving out one word compliments!
10. I love the small streets in the suburbs better than the huge cities.
11. I miss it already!! Not crazy about going back to reality just yet. Wallowing a bit.
12. Today I went out to look for a proper Japanese bento lunch and a matcha latte in Melbourne (any Melbourne peeps know any good places??)

Part 2 is where I answer the questions:
1. What is the last thing you ate? soup.
2. If you can be anywhere you want right now, where would it be? back in Tokyo!!
3. What is your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe right now? my green winter skirt.
4. What is the last thing you do before you go to bed? brush my teeth.
5. Most important lesson learnt in 2011? that amazing people exist.
6. What is your favourite thought (the one to get you going)? learn from the experience.
7. What is your favourite "craft tool" (pen, hole punch, etc) and why? the humble pencil. How would I sketch out ides without it?
8. What is an example of what you do to relax? on the couch, with a cup of tea, and watching the tennis.
9. When you think of "the perfect morning," what does it involve? sleeping in and a big breakfast.
10. How do you define "love"? that thing that makes your heart happy.
11. Which movie have you watched a few times? Amelie.
12. What is your favourite thing to say to people? arigatou gosaimas!
13. If you could give something to your co-workers/fellow students free of charge, what would it be? hugs and fist bumps!!
14. What is one of your favourite words? sayang (Indonesian for love, affection)
15. What is a favourite activity when you have a bit of extra time? photography
16. How do you define success? when you've achieved something that you worked hard for, believe in, and that you are proud of.

I don't know who to tag, so if you feel like playing along, please do so! Let me know in the comments :)

much love monday

2012-01-16T10:00:00.003+11:00

love: Tokyo!
I've been having the time of my life here in Tokyo, and it's only been less than 3 days. The first couple of days I've been exploring the little streets and laneways in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. I love the style and decor of a lot of the shops and cafes here - super lovely and sweet! Actually everything is amazing here. The things to see are endless!

so what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (this has happened from time to time), I will delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

sayonara

2012-01-12T20:53:00.000+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: lomography 100

Tomorrow I will be going to Japan for the first time ever!! No amount of exclamation marks can really express my excitement.
My plan is to have an amazing time, and I'll bring you back loads of photos! x

breakfast on the balcony

2012-01-11T07:53:00.001+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: lomography 100

Breakfast of cereal, toast, tea, and orange juice on the balcony of Annie's Shandon Inn in Brisbane. Love that place.

much love monday

2012-01-09T14:00:00.005+11:00

loves: getting ready for my trip to Tokyo (leaving this Friday!!), which involves:
♥ listing the places I want to go to (there's a lot to fit in to 5 days!).
♥ listing the photos I want to take of (note to self: must remember to look for love hearts).
♥ attempting to learn key Japanese words ('chicken' is 'chikin' ..and yes, that is important to know!)
♥ packing plenty of warm winter clothes. Thermals, gloves, scarves - oh my!
♥ having Studio Ghibli DVD marathons (got tickets to the Ghibli museum next week!).
♥ packing heaps of film, many coming from milk&miel because of the competition I won (yay!)

so what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

outside an old inn

2012-01-06T23:15:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

If you thought the inside was sweet, the outside of the inn I stayed at was even more so. Dollhouse-like blue and pink in the midst of a grey city. Suh-weeet!

inside an old inn

2012-01-05T23:22:00.002+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: fujifilm 200 (top) and lomography 100 (bottom)

The inn I stayed at in Brisbane was very old (apparently it's over 120 years old and said to be the oldest surviving B&B in Brisbane) but so charming. I was quite in love with my room's floral curtains and doorknobs. Yes, I still need to work on focusing with my camera.

window seat during sunset

2012-01-03T22:42:00.001+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: lomography 100

Travel tip: get a flight that lands during sunset, and make sure you get a window seat. Be prepared for a stunning view!! These photos don't really do the sky colours justice. It was so much more vibrant.

The travel bug has bitten! Camera Obscura said it best:
Let's Get Out of This Country by Camera Obscura on Grooveshark

much love monday

2012-01-02T13:39:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

So, it's the first Much Love Monday of 2012! What am I loving today? I'm thoroughly enjoying staying in and away from the 40C Melbourne heat today, keeping cool with iced tea while watching Ghibli's The Cat Returns and the tennis. Simple pleasures!

and what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

holiday with the lc-a

2012-01-01T21:44:00.002+11:00

Camera: LC-A+, film: fujifilm 200

During the week, I took a little solo holiday trip to Brisbane and Gold Coast. I used to live there years ago, so it was really nice revisiting familiar (and new!) places and catching up with old friends. I took my new LC-A+ and got to use up my first roll of film with the camera. These photos were taken in Brisbane.

I've been using the FujiFilm Superia 200 film so much though, that I'm now itching to try something different. I might try slide film or get something with a higher ISO (because I want to take more photos in low-light conditions). Any recommendations??

Also, what do you think of the new layout? I thought that the new year would be a good time to try a fresh new look for the blog. I'm still going to tweak it a little more later on though.

thanks for the ride, 2011

2011-12-31T21:58:00.003+11:00

Camera: wide lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

It's the last day of 2011 and to be honest, I'm a little sad of letting it go. Goodbyes are never easy (that was quite a theme for me throughout the whole year). It's been a pretty big year for me. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, in fact it's probably been one of the most challenging years I've had to go through, but it's those challenges that makes it exciting and made me learn and grow the most.

There are many things I'm grateful for in 2011. I landed my first ever full-time job in a field that I've been working towards for years. I feel like I'm taking the right step in my career. I became financially independent, and it felt right. I took part in Frocktober for the first time and reached my goal for the charity. I took too many photos, and bought a new camera to take even more. I learned so much that it's too difficult to list them all. I took a step closer to being a confident grown-up, yet ironically at the same time I feel I've grown more emotional than before, making me quite the crybaby sometimes! I met people who I connected with in ways I couldn't imagine, and I'm pretty sure they made my heart expand a little (which should explain my emotional moments). I met creative souls who inspired me; Sweet and funny people who constantly brigtened my days; Kind people who listened to me; Encouraging mentors who believed in me more than I believed in myself; Generous people who helped me raise money for charity; Neighbours became friends; Strangers became brothers; Old friends and family stay loyal and true. With hellos came goodbyes. Some come back, others won't. Some sting a lot more than others, but it's the one that stings the most that means they've just made a huge impact in my life, and I'm grateful for that.

Speaking of loyalty, thank you to all my loyal blog readers. I'm sorry I haven't been the best at regularly updating the blog and replying to comments, but I promise I'll be better next year. Thanks for sticking with me, and I truly hope you all have a happy new year!

So thanks for the ride, 2011. You've been awesome. On your way out, can you tell 2012 to take good care of me too? Yeah? Thanks. xo

once

2011-12-30T13:52:00.005+11:00

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová on Grooveshark

If you've never seen the movie Once, do yourself a favour and see it. The soundtrack alone is excellent reason enough.

much love monday: 2011 round up!

2011-12-26T19:16:00.002+11:00

2011 is quickly coming to an end, so I thought it would be fun for this year's last Much Love Monday post to be a collage of all the MLM hearts I've posted throughout the year.
2011 has been a huge year for me. It has been challenging, exhausting, emotional, wonderful, eye-opening, life-enriching... and I love it for all of that. I wouldn't change a single thing. Not a single tear or a single giggle. It was all worth it.

How has your twenty-eleven been?

and what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

Please note and respect: this space is for Much Love Monday blog posts ONLY, not a promotional space. If I notice that your link has nothing to do with Much Love Monday (unfortunately this has happened from time to time), I will have to delete the link.

You can also add your Much Love Monday photos to the Much Love Monday Flickr pool.

japan

2011-12-24T00:26:00.000+11:00

photos via Sleepwalking in Tokyo

I've booked my flights to go to Japan in January! JAPAN!! I've been dying to go for ages, and the opportunity is finally here. All the planning and everything is a bit last minute (it's almost January already!), and I still have things to take care of before I can go, but I'm so super duper excited and NEED to make this happen. I'll only have about 5 days there, so will likely spend most/all of my time in Tokyo... but I'll make the most of it! It's going to be brilliant.

I've been checking out these blogs for visual inspiration:
Narumi
Sleepwalking in Tokyo
jollygoo
Hello Sandwich

Any other blogs I should check out? Also, if anyone has any Japan/Tokyo travel tips...places to go, things to see, cute little shops I'd be a fool to miss, things I should take photos of (everything, right? hehe).. please share with me!

hey life, I know you tease me sometimes, but you're still wonderful. I love you.

2011-12-20T22:28:00.000+11:00

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

Chin up. These are great days.

much love monday

2011-12-19T13:00:00.012+11:00

loves: ♥ playing with my new LC-A+ ♥ holiday travel plans (exciting details to come!) ♥ being trusted ♥ getting a cute frock from a generous friend ♥ that people are already saying 'Merry Christmas' ♥ my chocolate advent calendar ♥ fist bumps

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

take too many photos

2011-12-17T23:38:00.001+11:00

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

What's that saying about life being too short so we should take too many photos? It's a good piece of advice, I guess. When you get that itching urge to document your surroundings, when there's that little detail that catches your eye that you know you won't come across again tomorrow, when something is happening right this very second and you want to remember it, go for it.

I think I've been developing a style that I can only describe as "quiet" (perhaps it's a reflection of my personality, I don't know) - I like taking photos of wide empty spaces and tend to take a few seconds to slow down, and frame my photos just the way I like it. That being said, I'm thinking of trying something different and being more spontaneous. Action shots. People shots. Capturing more moments, more movements. It's always tricky with analogue photography, because you only get one go - well 24 or 36 depending on your film roll, but you know what I mean - there's no delete button. Do you have a photography style? Do you like to take your time or go for a quick shot? Any tips on taking good action shots?

In related news, I just bought a new camera! I got the Lomo LC-A+!!!! EXCITED.

polly woodside

2011-12-13T21:12:00.003+11:00

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

I finally used my 3rd, and last, redscale film. I don't know if 3rd time's a charm, or it was a good choice to take this roll to a different (and slightly more pricey) photo lab, but I'm much happier with the photos from this set compared the ones before - which usually had more misses than hits.

These photos are of the Polly Woodside at South Wharf, Melbourne. Stunning old thing. Extra dramatic in red, huh?

much love monday

2011-12-12T14:00:00.004+11:00

love: making pizza with a pal on the weekend. Of course I had to make mine in a shape of heart! Then I can say "You can have a pizza my heart!" *giggles* I am lame :)

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

featured in Huff magazine

2011-12-11T12:44:00.002+11:00

I'm so happy to have my photos featured in Huff Magazine, which is an "online based collective magazine focusing on contemporary visual art", created by my dear friends Miy and Dito. Well done on a fantastic issue guys!!

Read/download the latest "dream" issue for free here (my feature is on page 20-25!). A few sections are in Indonesian.

More about the magazine and past issues can be found on the Huff Magazine website.

midnight in paris

2011-12-10T06:07:00.000+11:00

Yes, Midnight in Paris was great! Really funny, different, and I like how it explores the concept of nostalgia and the delight of the past. Also must say that Marion Cottilard sure knows how to rock those cute 20s outfits.

angus & celeste

2011-12-07T22:09:00.003+11:00

Gotta love the gorgeous jewellery by Australian label, Angus & Celeste. I have that love heart (of course) necklace!
You can browse and shop their collection online. They make amazing things for the home and garden too.

much love monday

2011-12-05T14:00:00.005+11:00

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: Redscale XR 50-200, location: Queen Victoria Market

love: cheap movie tickets at Cinema Nova on Mondays. That's where I'm off to tonight. A couple of friends and I are going to see Midnight in Paris. Should be fun, and it's made me look forward to Monday (not something that happens very often!).

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

mellow yellow

2011-11-30T22:08:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

naomi murrell

2011-11-29T19:30:00.000+11:00

Trip the Light Fantastic , Ahoy There

I adore these illustrations by Naomi Murrell. I love the clean simplicity. The few line strokes and the minimal dollops colours are put together so elegantly.

These art prints are available from Naomi Murrel's online shop.

much love monday

2011-11-28T13:00:00.003+11:00

love: a good bargain.
Snagged this top from the Kinki Gerlinki sale on the weekend. You'd think that considering my blog name and my growing obsession for love hearts (at least every Monday), that my wardrobe would be filled with clothes with heart prints. Nope. This is the only one. Even I'm surprised.

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

those were rose coloured times

2011-11-26T08:11:00.002+11:00

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

There are so many film photos from months ago that I've never uploaded anywhere. I should probably make better use of my flickr, or my lomography page, or Google plus, or just the blog, or... ugh.. You see, this is why I hardly upload photos, there's too many sites, and I don't know which ones are worth it! Advice?

Anyway, these photos were from way back in August, when I spent a Sunday at Camberwell market with blogger Claradevi. I'm down to my last roll of redscale film.

omelette

2011-11-23T19:53:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

My friend has a yellow bike that she names "Omelette". Cuteness! She and Omelette make for excellent photo subjects, as you can see :)

much love monday

2011-11-21T12:00:00.003+11:00

love: seeing my best friend who was in town for a week.

(p.s. I like to think that puddle looks like a love heart, although it's not exactly obvious is it?)

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

shadow shot sunday

2011-11-20T11:25:00.000+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200

Looking through the window of Dorothy & Evelyn, a sweet little shop on Sydney Rd, Brunswick. The hanging bottles make for nice shadows. So does my head (not really, but can you see it? In the middle).

Linking this up for Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday.

Hope your weekend is a lovely one. xo

time has flown and you..

2011-11-17T21:57:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200.

...you were always there.
(just reading bits of art scattered on the side of the street)

giveaway winner

2011-11-15T18:24:00.000+11:00

The winner of the Susannah Tucker calendar giveaway is #7: Lauren. Congratulations Lauren! I'll be in touch with you shortly :)

Suddenly I feel like a cup of tea...

much love monday

2011-11-14T11:00:00.001+11:00

loving: the new Florence and the Machine CD, Ceremonials.

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

empty spaces

2011-11-11T00:55:00.001+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200.

I just got my latest roll of film developed, and I realized I take a lot of photos of empty spaces. Apart from visually liking the sight of blank spaces, and the "quietness", I suppose it's easier to pull out my flimsy old camera when no one is around to make you feel self conscious for taking photos of your own feet!

P.S. just a reminder, today is the last day to enter the Susannah Tucker calendar giveaway. Get to it!

double rainbow

2011-11-08T21:44:00.000+11:00

Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200.

I swear, this was a double rainbow! The camera only managed to catch one of them, because the other was too faint. It was a pretty fab view to have on my way home, I have to say.

much love monday

2011-11-07T13:00:00.003+11:00

loving: ice cream for lunch

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

on the morning of november 6th...

2011-11-06T08:52:00.000+11:00

I gave my heart on the morning of November 6th

Oh everybody's looking for a fix

- Clean White Love (Lisa Mitchell)

You have no idea how long I've been wanting to post this song on this date because of that piece of lyrics. Tee hee.. *grins*

It's going to be a hot 32C here in Melbourne, so I'm off for a playdate with a friend and cooling frozen yoghurt. What are you upto this weekend? Have a great one! xo

'the daydreamers tea party' calendar giveaway

2011-11-04T19:35:00.002+11:00

I'm really excited to bring you this giveaway! One of my favourite Etsy sellers/ photographers, Susannah Tucker, is kindly giving away one of her gorgeous 2012 Calendars - "the Daydreamers Tea Party" to a lucky Much Love reader. You really need to check out this calendar. It's a collection of dreamy and whimsical polaroid photos from 'The Tea Cup' series. Gorgeous!!!!

For your chance to win, simply leave a comment in this post telling us what your favourite item from Susannah Tucker's shop is. Please make sure you also leave an email, if it's not already on your blogger page. Giveaway ends Friday, 11/11/'11 and is open to everyone worldwide.

Good luck!

links and things

2011-11-02T20:24:00.006+11:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

Song: 5 Stars - Sally Seltmann

See my complete 31 days roundup of Frocktober in my Google+.
More of my black and white film photos are also there.
I really really like this book quote.
I just saw the movie Submarine, and it is absolutely brilliant.
Frocktober is over, and now it's the guys' turn. Know any dudes doing Movember?
Even the Queen takes the tram.
What will you be doing on 11.11.11? Join One Day on Earth's major documentation.

much love monday (and the final Frocktober roundup!)

2011-10-31T13:43:00.003+11:00

loving: completing Frocktober 2011!

As you may know, this is the last day of Frocktober. So along with the usual Much Love Monday post, this is also a roundup of the final 4 frocks I've worn this month. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my fundraising efforts throughout the month, in every shape and form! I couldn't have done it without you :) There's still a few hours left to donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, if you like.
(P.S. today's love heart is in the exclamation mark of my Thank You sign.. it's tiny, I know!)

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

when the pirates came to town

2011-10-30T10:48:00.000+11:00

Photos for Shadow Shot Sunday. Camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: fujifilm 200.

Several weeks ago, I spotted people dressed up as pirates outside the state library. Pirates like to read too, you know.

frocktober roundup: day 22 - 27

2011-10-28T22:36:00.001+11:00

Here are the frocks I wore from day 22 up till yesterday, day 27. Wow, I can't believe there's only a few days left of Frocktober! I've been having a blast doing it. Although I must admit, I am really starting to miss wearing my jeans and my skirts (I decided that my definition of "frocks" would be one-piece dresses only).

Who would've thought that wearing dresses for 31 days straight would be challenging? I always knew that the hardest part was spreading the word and getting people's attention (very hard when you're painfully shy and prefer to stay away from any kind of spotlight!), but people have been incredibly supportive, especially at work. One of my workmates has been regularly buying boxes of ice cream to put in the freezers, and inviting everyone in to donate to my Frocktober charity for every ice cream they take. The ice creams have been wonderfully popular, and he's already raised SO much! Almost as much as I've been raising on my fundraising page so far. I've also been having fun with a "frocking" swear jar I've put up in our team's section. Mind you, I work with a bunch of guys, so getting them to wear a frock with me was a tough one, and this was the second best thing I could think of to get them to help me raise funds!

Have you been enjoying my Frocktober blog posts? Perhaps you'd like to make a kind donation too? Frocktober aims to raise much-needed funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. You can donate any amount through my fundraising page (getting closer to my goal!). Thank you SO much to every one who has already. You are ALL frocking awesome!! :)

just a minute... in october

2011-10-26T22:45:00.002+11:00

Watching... New Girl and Ringer, and catching up on Mad Men: Season Two
Reading... finished One Day by David Nicholls
Finding... art installations on the street (pictured above)
Listening... Foster the People (embedded a song above)
Drinking... Pumpkin spice tea
Enjoying... Frocktober frocktober frocktober!!! This has very possibly become my favourite month of the year.

Feel free to play along and tell me what your list is like, either in the comments or in your own blog post! :)

much love monday

2011-10-24T13:21:00.001+11:00

love: (1) telling someone how much they matter. (2) being the one being told that.
Never underestimate the power of a good honest conversation.

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

frocktober roundup: day 16 - 21

2011-10-23T21:47:00.002+11:00

Gee, my pose is getting boring.. sorry about that peeps!

Did you know that not only is this October the month of Frocktober, but it's also Buy Nothing New month? As the name suggests, it involves... umm.. not buying anything new. Or in their words: "It’s about taking October to reassess what we really need, think about where the stuff we buy comes from (finite resources), where it goes (landfill), and what our alternatives are.". I did think of participating in Buy Nothing New but I pretty much failed on the first day because I had to buy new slips to wear my frocks with! I do know some people who are participating though, and kudos to them! Although I'm not completely participating in it, I've decided not to buy any new frocks for Frocktober. Instead, apart from wearing my own, I've also been borrowing (e.g. red dress on day 17) and opshopping (e.g. green dress on day 18). I'd rather donate the money I could use to buy a brand new frock to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation instead.

Would you like to donate too? You can do so through my Frocktober fundraising page. Thank you so much to everyone who has already!

frocktober feet

2011-10-22T18:00:00.000+11:00

A sneak peek at the floral dresses I wore this week. Proper round-up coming up tomorrow!

Happy weekend friends. x

unfinished business

2011-10-20T20:45:00.001+11:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

Partially undeveloped black and white film photos.

candy pink

2011-10-19T22:29:00.000+11:00

One of the best things about doing Frocktober is spreading the word and seeing how it's gotten people around me supporting the cause as well. My clever workmate Karl makes these super nice keyboard skins for android phones, and this month he's donating ALL profits from this Candy Pink design to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (yep, the same cause as my Frocktober!). How cool is that? I've downloaded it myself, and my keyboard looks so cute now, like it's all frocked up for the month with me ;) If you have an android smartphone, I highly recommend this keyboard skin (it's only $0.99!) especially since it goes to an excellent cause!

Now I will leave you with a photo my friend took of another friend (who lent me the dress I am wearing there) taking a photo of me, during Frocktober day 15. Why? Because I like it.

much love monday

2011-10-17T11:00:00.001+11:00

loves: a nice long brunch, with good food, tea, and excellent company. That's how I spent my Saturday. By the way, the love heart(s) is on my friend, Jen's, dress (in case you haven't noticed already!).

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

halfway through frocktober! update: day 10 - 15

2011-10-15T23:11:00.004+11:00

day 10: back to work in blue // day 11: the thrifted opshop dress I got for $1 (yep. talk about value) // day 12: a vintage pink dress, a love heart, and not covering my face // day 13: couldn't decide between calling this colour orange, yellow, or gold // day 14: recycling day 10's blue dress // day 15: a borrowed polka dot dress for a weekend brunch.

Frocktober is a fundraising event during which I have pledged to wear a dress every single day throughout October. The aim is to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Donations are more than welcomed through my Frocktober page.

- Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer diagnosed in women and the second most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer
- Every year approximately 1,200 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, most of them with an advanced stage of the disease
- On average 3 Australian women are diagnosed every day
- One in 90 women will of develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime
(OCRF.com.au)

Donate here. Pretty please?

thursday tunes

2011-10-13T21:08:00.000+11:00

friends for frocktober

2011-10-11T22:40:00.001+11:00

A girl should always feel beautiful when she puts on her favourite dress, right? Let's celebrate that. In the spirit of Frocktober, I have asked a number of my blogger friends to show off their favourite frocks, and tell me about it. So a big thank you goes to the following 10 super gorgeous ladies for helping me out.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Marianne: "I looked for so long for a black winter dress, covered in red roses and in the New Look full skirted style, that I thought I was never going to find it! I was so pleased to finally see this one, and it is my size exactly. Even though e are well into spring, it is still very cold and wintery here in Melbourne, which means I get to wear this dress a few more times!"
Ana: ""The cut of this vintage dress reminds me of Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep but the slightly sparkly fabric and sequins puts me in the mood for Diana Ross in the 60s. I love how unlikely that combo is."

Claradevi: "Sometimes a dress signifies a certain emotion. This maxi polkadot always makes me feel carefree and happy. I wish every woman can have one dress that makes them feel special!"
Liss: "My favourite vintage dress from Gary Pepper Vintage. I love the subtle geometric pattern and the pleats also love pink!"

Emily: "This brown floral frock is easily the most worn item in my wardrobe. It's as comfortable as it is versatile and I literally wear it all year long."
Kelly: "This dress is vintage & has a 1970s-does-1920s feel to it. The parasol print is just so unique and it is definitely my most treasured frock!"

Jennifer: "This is one of my favourite dress because the colour is so unusual. Then there is the lace collar and of course, the polka dots!"
Miy: "The floral dress is my current favourite. Made by my boyfriend's sister. I love that braided detail on the neck."

Rhianne: "As Frocktober is during Autumn in the UK, my staple items for this month have been - thick wooly tights, waterproof, sensible shoes and lots and lots of scarves and cardigans. Luckily it hasn't been too hard for me to layer these with skirts and cardigans and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I've loved taking part in Frocktober with Anna."
Amanda: "This dress was a gift from my friends at Kings of Carnaby and is my most loved and most worn item in my wardrobe. I love the pleats, the collar and the sheer sleeves."

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, perhaps you'd like to spread the word about Frocktober and make a kind donation through my Frocktober fundraising page. Proceeds go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (a great cause!!).

much love monday

2011-10-10T13:00:00.003+11:00

loves: getting to wear a frock every single day ♥ the word frock ♥ seeing the unexpected generosity of people ♥ Lion King in 3D (yes, I bawled when his dad dies!) ♥ being complimented: "you're better than the internet!" (says a friend, after I told her about a hidden shop in the city). hehe...

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

frocktober update: day 5 - 9

2011-10-09T18:11:00.001+11:00

It's only been a little over a week of Frocktober, and I've already reached the halfway mark towards my $500 goal! I have been floored by people's kindness and ideas! Thank you so much!!! You know who you are. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I am so glad I decided to take part in this event.

Frocktober aims to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to support research for an early detection.

Some stats on Ovarian cancer (from the OCRF website):
- Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer death in Australian women
- Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death from a gynaecological cancer
- The five year survival rate for Australian women with ovarian cancer is only about 40%. In comparison, the five year survival rate for breast cancer is about 88%.

If you'd like to donate too, you can do so through my fundraising page. Thank you! x

happy birthday mum

2011-10-08T10:00:00.000+11:00

As you can see, my Mum was (and still is) super gorgeous. It's her birthday today. Join me in wishing her a happy one, please?

Happy birthday Mum. Love you. xoxoxoxoxo

spoonful 5

2011-10-07T19:00:00.002+11:00

Spoonful issue 5 is out now.

"Spoonful is a short and inspiring little publication which, in light of our insanely busy lives and increasing 'oh no, I must find time to read x' can be finished by the end of a train ride. It's quick to consume, beautifully soft, & after reading will genuinely make you smile."

sugar rush

2011-10-06T04:30:00.002+11:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

frock yeah! (days 1 - 4)

2011-10-04T22:07:00.000+11:00

Here's an early update to my Frocktober progress (I had previously planned to post the outfit photos at the end of each week, but decided that more frequent updates would be better).
day 1: braving the wet and windy Melbourne weather on the first day // day 2: jumping for joy in a vintage striped number! // day 3: first day of Frocktober at work, and realizing how dirty my mirror is // day 4: today's work dress, and notice how I've cleaned the mirror :)

If you don't know what Frocktober is all about, please check out the website. All proceeds go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Donations are more than welcomed through my fundraising page.

Thank you SO much to all my kind supporters so far! The donations are climbing up, and I must also thank the wonderful bloggers who have taken their time to blog (and even wear dresses!) for me: Angie, Rhianne, Jennifer, Miy - you are all frockin' awesome! Another friend has even offered to lend me some dresses to wear this month. Yay! Every now and then, I'm really blown away by people's kindness.

Would you like to donate or blog too? Please do!

Also, I have a special Frocktober-related blog project coming up very soon, involving some of my favourite bloggers. Stay tuned! I think you'll like it :)

much love monday

2011-10-03T13:00:00.006+11:00

love: my new android smartphone - my life has been changed!! My friend introduced me to this pixlr-o-matic app, which is such fun to recreate dozens of vintage/film style photos. Don't worry, I'm not giving up my analogue cameras though! I still love the real deal too ;)

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

Frocktober

2011-10-01T23:13:00.000+10:00

Pictured above is what I wore today, the first day of Frocktober
(Probably not the best idea to wear a short dress when it was as wet and windy as it was! Still smiling though - as I struggle to hold down the hem in the wind!)

This month is not October, it's FROCKtober! What is Frocktober, you ask? Frocktober challenges participants to "frock" (dress) up during the month of October, to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research. So this month, I have decided to wear a dress every single day to support this cause. I'll take photos every day to document my progress, and will blog a round-up of these photos at the end of each week. You can help by donating through my Fundarising Page (click on the "donate now" button).

I'm very excited to do this, but ~~a bit~~ very nervous too!! Wearing dresses isn't hard (that part is actually fun and quite self-indulgent), but it will be challenging to spread out the few dresses I have over 31 days without being too boring, wondering if I'll be able to raise anything at all, and the hardest part is probably telling people about what I'm doing (being shy has it's downfalls!). But anyway, it's all for a great cause, so I'm going to do my best and have fun with it! So any form of support would mean so much to me. Please do donate, if you feel inclined to do so. It all goes to a fantastic cause, and even the tiniest amount would help. Words of encouragement are welcomed too!

The cause (taken from the website):

According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), “one woman dies every ten hours from ovarian cancer in Australia.”

For many women with ovarian cancer, the disease is already well advanced when they are first diagnosed.

Unfortunately, there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.

Frocktober aims to help improve the outlook for women with ovarian cancer by supporting the quest for a suitable early detection test through fundraising for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Do you have any ideas on how I can make this challenge more interesting? Would you like to see the outfit posts once a week, or more frequently? Are you participating in Frocktober too? Have a good one! xo

being elmo

2011-09-30T04:30:00.001+10:00

This is definitely going in my "must see" list. Because seriously, how can anyone not love Elmo? Especially those of us who grew up watching Sesame Street!

"When a puppet is true, and good, and meaningful, it's the soul of the puppeteer that you're seeing"
(I like to think that this quote can apply to any artistic creation in any field).

the woods on a holga

2011-09-28T21:52:00.001+10:00

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: fujifilm 200

Photos taken on my Holga, on the day of the picnic that I told you about before. I had no idea what to expect from this film roll, but I'm really pleased with how these photos turned out. I think it shows glimpses of the place's serenity quite nicely. Notice the pop of warm flower colours against the earthy browns and greens? See my friend's tip toeing feet in the background of the 3rd photo? I like those details. The last photo is a double exposure that wasn't planned, but worked out nicely in capturing a moment between a sweet couple in their Javanese garden.

midi skirts and ponytails

2011-09-27T22:20:00.000+10:00

... is all I want when I see these images from Revu. That's all.

much love monday

2011-09-26T14:00:00.004+10:00

love: finding the skirt I had a massive crush on last month (but was too expensive at the time), and it's now half price. Swishy pleated plum-coloured skirt, you are mine!

what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

when/that advice

2011-09-25T13:27:00.000+10:00

A shadow shot for Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday.

1. When it's a sunny day outside? Step away from the computer screen and go out there.
2. That old friend who you keep telling you should catch up over coffee with? Set a time this week to do it.
3. Those times when you feel like crumbling? It's okay, even the strongest ones do.
4. When you're done? Pick yourself up. Also, if the crumbling involved tears that had to be wiped with your cardigan sleeve (because we don't always have a tissue on hand, do we?), remember to wash said cardigan. Then do #5.
5. That cute smile of yours? share it with the people you love, and maybe even a stranger or two.
6. That girl wearing the prettiest outfit you've seen in a while? Tell her you think so.
7. That Sunday morning when you're craving coco pops instead of muesli? Get those coco pops.
8. When there's something you've been dying to tell someone? Either let it out or let it go - ASAP - because keeping it in for too long will drive you crazy.
9. That movie you really want to see but have no one to see it with? Go alone. You'll love it.
10. That promise you made? Keep it.
11. That thing your friend said that offended you? Chances are that wasn't their intention (if it's playing with your mind, see answer for #8).
12. When you feel like you need a hug? Ask for one.

Happy weekend!! x

painting the town ...

2011-09-22T22:02:00.000+10:00

Camera: Holga. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

this is what our sunday looked like

2011-09-21T17:30:00.001+10:00

spotted some fashionable ladies and the prettiest pleated yellow midi skirt.

browsed the art market.

saw a bunch of pirates outside the library.

had sushi for lunch. Yum!

touched the water wall at the NGV.

found a dancer ("dragonfly") in a quiet garden behind the art centre.

P.S. Check out the the Picnic Girl's latest blog post to see more photos from my visit a few weeks ago, and the super duper sweet things she writes about me!

victoria

2011-09-20T17:30:00.001+10:00

images from Style.com

Confession: I loved Posh Spice long before she became Mrs B., but I swear that has nothing (okay, maybe a little) to do with why I love this Victoria by Victoria Beckham collection. It's the yummy colours, the adorable shift dresses, the easy-to-wear-but-very-chic look, and above all else - check out the clouds and the cat print!!

much love monday

2011-09-19T13:00:00.002+10:00

Love: a good friend and a good weekend = nice combo.

Hope your weekend was nice too, readers. Are you ready to face a fresh new week now?
Start it off by telling me: what are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

shadow shot sunday

2011-09-18T10:09:00.001+10:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

this is a new day today/

snapping your fingers, tapping your toes/

you are humming a tune, you know you know/

- On the Borderline, Sally Seltman
Heart That's Pounding

Linking this up for Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday

thursday tunes and thoughts

2011-09-15T23:03:00.001+10:00

This week's random thoughts/facts:
♥ Just started listening to Sarah Seltmann's album, Heart that's Pounding, and it's making me happy. For example, see above video.
♥ A lady sitting across me on the tram leaned over to look at my polaroid badge I was wearing (3rd one in this post), and complimented me on it. I thanked her and told her "That made my day!" just before hopping off my stop. Random compliments are awesome.
♥ I had a cupcake for lunch today. Because I can.
♥ I like Pip's list of 'Things I Know'.
♥ People and culture fascinate me to no end.
♥ Worrying is exhausting.
♥ A smile can be extremely contagious.
♥ ... unfortunately, so can a cough.
♥ When you don't know what to think, it's probably best not to.
♥ Never trust Melbourne's weather forecast. The day I decided to detach the hood off my jacket and leave my umbrella at home had to be the day it rained.
♥ "Seriously?? It's like you're Photoshopped!!" is the best line from Crazy Stupid Love (in a scene that also involves a shirtless Ryan Gosling. Yeah.).
♥ Life's too short to not wear your favourite vintage outfit more often.
♥ I read better on the train more than anywhere else.
♥ I've been adding cinnamon to my tea because it's good for you (thanks for the tip Diana).

How has your week been, readers? Share some of your random thoughts with me please.

a picnic with the picnic girl

2011-09-13T22:22:00.000+10:00

During my trip home, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my favourite bloggers (and now a new dear friend), Miy, aka the Picnic Girl. Miy is incredibly lovely and clever, and it was such a joy talking to her about everything from blogging, her cafe/bookshop/gallery, the local art scene, the magazine she co-created, cameras, and basically all things creative and inspiring! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love meeting creative people. Their passion makes me heart smile. Miy was also kind enough to take me to her gorgeous "secret garden" for a picnic. It was so much fun - yummy nibbles, the best magazine collection, and toy cameras galore (and I got to wear my thrifted, but newly-altered, floral dress!). How can I not love that?? Thank you again Miy for the inspiration-overload and eye-opening day, and many thanks to Dito for taking these terrific photos!

much love monday

2011-09-12T12:00:00.002+10:00

Love: Cinta.
This sweetie's name is Cinta (meaning "love"!!), and my friend Miy introduced me to her last week. Look at how beautifully white and fluffy she is! Someone pointed out that her nose in this photo looks like a love heart, so that's good enough reason for me to feature her on Much Love Monday.

What are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

a chocolate house and childhood besties

2011-09-10T21:40:00.000+10:00

One of the highlights from my trip home last week was catching up with my best friends from childhood (we've known each other since Primary school and junior high, so it's been a good 10+ years now!), and we made a trip to a local chocolate shop/factory in Jogja. It's called Monggo, and they make the finest chocolate from Indonesian cocoa beans. They taste SO good, and I ended up buying so many! The dark chocolate are to die for, I tell you.

The place was really nice, and hardly looked like a chocolate factory at all. It was more like a cozy little house, and it was decorated with bits of our Javanese culture - and nothing's more Javanese than our Batik and Wayang puppets. The word for chocolate in Indonesian, "cokelat", also means the colour brown, which I also notice is the dominant colour tone of the place. Nice and earthy. There's something nice about getting in touch with my own culture, and seeing familiar sights that I hardly see when I'm living abroad... and to appreciate that with the friends I grew up with years ago, was just lovely.

You will notice that this is one of the very rare posts where I am actually showing my face. I'm the one in the brown polka dot skirt, by the way.

taking flight

2011-09-09T18:34:00.000+10:00

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

I'm not usually a fan of long flights, but I was lucky that Garuda had some great in-flight entertainment to make the 7 hours fly by (excuse the pun). I discovered the brilliant mini-series Mildred Pierce staring Kate Winslet, and almost wished that the flight was longer because I only managed to watch 2 out of the 5 episodes! Also, I loved that I got to see Last Night (Keira Knightley + Guillaume Canet = swoon), which I've been wanting to see for ages.

And when all the movies are finished, there's always the pillow of clouds out the window.

on the mend

2011-09-08T13:52:00.000+10:00

Ugh. Being sick with a headache and sore throat is no fun. So I'm looking after myself by drinking lots of tea, with generous dollops of honey and huge slices of fresh lemon.

What's your sick day remedy?

popperca

2011-09-07T03:00:00.000+10:00

Popperca is a sweet shop I visited last week in Jogja. They make clothing and accessories from recycled fabric pieces.

P.S. The holiday is all over now. It was awesome and brilliant, but all good things come to an end. I feel like I went from the highest joyous high to crashing back into reality. I have to readjust to so much (culture, routine, time, work, being independent and alone) in so little time, and although I know this is where I need to be, I'm not quite ready for it yet. Sigh.

much love monday

2011-09-05T22:33:00.002+10:00

Love: meeting creative people, and being amazed by how their minds/hands/heart work. I had the pleasure of meeting some amazingly creative people during my visit home to Jogja last week, including a blogger/shop owner, a photographer, a puppet artist, a painter, and each one were multi-talented and inspiring. Just being surrounded by creative people is a joy to me. Maybe a part of me wishes that their talent could be contagious.

What are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

august break day #31

2011-08-31T22:18:00.000+10:00

camera: compact point and shoot film camera, film: fujifilm 200

I missed august break #30 yesterday (internet issues!), so I'm sort of making it up by posting 2 photos today - which also happens to be the last day of August, hence the last day of the august break series. Can you believe a month has gone by already?? I'll be posting more "regular" blog posts starting from next week. Until then, I'm still on holiday, and I'm treating myself by trying to stay away from the internet while I can! I guess you could say I'm extending my August break a little bit. I hope you don't mind too much!

P.S. photos taken in Jogja, outside a cute shop I visited a couple of days ago with some old friends. There was another shop I took heaps of pictures in (think florals, handmade, and general cuteness!), so you can expect to see a blog post about that one when I get back.

much love monday: august break day #29

2011-08-29T11:30:00.009+10:00

love: Comfortable international flights (Garuda Indonesia, you are so good!!). Being home. Not having to worry about grown-up responsibilities for a week. Breaking fast with my parents. Finding awesome clothes from my mum's wardrobe that she let me keep (it's like shopping, but without the spending bit. Brilliant!). Buying/getting stuff done for a tiny fraction of what they would cost in Australia. Being fascinated by people and culture. Getting my hair cut. Warm weather. Wearing pretty house dresses all day. Catching up with my childhood best friends today. People's joy and kindness during the holidays.
.... all that, and I've only been here for less than 2 days. Still have a whole week to enjoy! Now this is what I call an August Break. Loving it.

What are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

august break day #28

2011-08-28T13:00:00.002+10:00

Camera: Holga 120 GCFN, with a 35mm adapter. Film: AGFA 400 ISO

It's Sunday, so it's Shadow Shot Sunday time!

august break #27

2011-08-27T13:30:00.000+10:00

camera: compact point and shoot film camera, film: can't remember

At the time this blog post is up, I'll be on a flight to my hometown of Yogyakarta, Indonesia to see my family for the holidays. SO excited! Any of you Indonesian readers will understand how much this classic song speaks to me right now, as I "mudik". I'll be there for just a week, but I'll do my best to savour each second that I'm there. Of course I'm bringing my cameras (three!) and will take loads of photos!

august break #26

2011-08-26T09:00:00.001+10:00

Camera: Yellow Wide Lens Superheadz; Film: Kodak Colorplus 200

I took my blogger friend who's visiting Melbourne, Claradevi, to Camberwell market on the weekend. Read and see photos of us on Claradevi's cute fashion blog :)

august break day #25

2011-08-25T13:00:00.003+10:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne.

august break day #24

2011-08-24T13:00:00.004+10:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

My friend Penny.

august break #23

2011-08-23T13:00:00.002+10:00

camera: Olympus OM-10

Graffiti in one of Melbourne's laneways.

Also, a splash of some artsy music videos for Tuesday's Tunes. Great music, nonetheless.

much love monday: august break day #22

2011-08-22T13:30:00.002+10:00

love: looking forward to going back to Indonesia this coming weekend! Spending the holidays at home will be blissful. You know when you're at school, and can't wait for the end bell to ring so you can go home? It's like that, times a hundred or so. I've been counting down the days to this trip for months!

What are you loving?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

august break day #21

2011-08-21T18:22:00.000+10:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

Following the theme of camera reflections, here's a half reflection of my fingers and Superheadz camera on the fuzzy train window. See?

This weekend has been so nice! Melbourne was kind enough to turn on some lovely sunny weather for a change.

august break #20

2011-08-20T23:50:00.000+10:00

camera: Olympus OM-10

ALMOST forgot to do day 20! With about 10 minutes to spare :)

P.S. See my camera reflection in the window there?

august break day #19

2011-08-19T12:30:00.000+10:00

My faithful Superheadz camera, shot with an Olympus OM-10

Did you know that today is World Photography Day?

august break day #18

2011-08-18T13:00:00.000+10:00

camera: Olympus OM-10

Long-time Much Love followers might recognize this photo to being similar to my House of Deer postcards.

august break day #17

2011-08-17T12:00:00.000+10:00

Camera: compact 35mm point and shoot. Film: Fujifilm Fujicolor Superia 200

Happy independence day, Indonesia. Can't wait to see you soon - in less than 2 weeks! x

august break #16

2011-08-16T14:00:00.001+10:00

camera: Wide Lens Superheadz, film: Lucky black and white film, SHD 100

Waiting for Spring.

much love monday: august break day #15

2011-08-15T14:00:00.002+10:00

(much) loves: ♥ swishy skirts ♥ white space ♥ unpacking stacks of takeaway food and feeling like Rory/Lorelai of Gilmore Girls ♥ the documentary Making It Handmade on ABC2 last night ♥ giggles and catch ups with good friends ♥ making a mix tape (CD) for someone.

Your turn to tell me, what are you loving today?

Much Love Monday is a weekly blog post series, intended to start off each week with some positivity instead of the typical Monday blues!
To join in Much Love Monday, simply do a blog post that includes a picture of a heart and mention something you love. Then leave a link of your blog post in the space below, by clicking on the "Add your link" button. If for any reason you can't add your link, please put it in the comments instead.

I'd really appreciate it if you do link back,
either by a text link or simply grab this button:

<a href="http://muchlove-anna.blogspot.com/search/label/much%20love%20monday" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/anna3805/muchlovemonday.gif" /></a>

august break day #14

2011-08-14T15:51:00.000+10:00

Camera: wide lens SuperHeadz. Film: Redscale XR 50-200

Melbourne city in hot red. Linking this up for Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday too.