Opinion: Thoughts on 'Niche' Blogging

I'm sure you would have come across at least one of those articles at some point. The ones that promise to let you in on the secrets to blogging success, how to gain more readers and how to transform your blog into a reputable brand. And I'm sure that you would have read that one of the most important things to do in order to achieve success is to establish your niche.

Having blogged for just over five years now on various platforms, I have come to realise how much my interests and tastes have changed (and undoubtedly will continue to change) in such a short period of time. I have always struggled with the apparent need to find a niche. I consider myself to be a very multifaceted person. This trait can become incredibly overwhelming at times because I am often left wondering what it is I want in life. I don't have any particular, burning passions. All I know is that I'm passionate about learning as much as I can, doing as many things as possible and living as many varied experiences that I can in life. As a result, I have always been at a loss about what my blog is. It's a reflection of myself, but what even is that? I guess you could say that it's an amalgamation of lifestyle, food, travel and book posts. But even then I feel limited. If I wish to post something that veers away from these topics, I second guess myself. But whose to say I can't post whatever the hell I want? I think me being a perfectionist, I still feel that I should establish a niche so my blog can be more ordered and not just comprise of ramblings about anything and everything. So many 'successful' blogs are the case of what you see is what you get. They stick so masterfully to their craft, sometimes delving into their personal lives, but for the most part their content remains 'stable'. It's truly admirable where blogging can take you these days and I say good work to those who have been able to make it a career. But when I think about simplifying my content, defining my 'niche', I just can't fathom it.

The amount of worrying I did in the past may very well have been unnecessarily self-inflicted, but I do feel there is a bigger pressure to be a certain person in the blogging world. That is, to construct an image and be known for posting particular content. Back when I first started blogging, it wasn't really like this. Blogging was a lot more laid back, and when it all comes down to it, that's how I want to blog: when I feel like it and when my words pour so effortlessly from my fingertips as they are right now. Perhaps that's why I have finally come to realise that it doesn't matter what and how I blog. I blog for myself and for my wonderful readers and it makes me so happy. When it comes to that, I say screw the rules!

So, as it stands, my blog may seem to be a bit of a mess. It may just be a reflection of me trying to figure things out and sharing with you little snippets of my life, my interests, my thoughts and ideas along the way. I have wanted to write this for so long but struggled with how to go about writing it and, most of all, being afraid of posting it for such a silly reason that I didn't think it would be something anyone would want to read. In hindsight, the blog posts that I debated putting up (such as this one and this one) are my favourites. I feel that through them I found an integral part of my 'voice'. I will strive to create more pieces I am proud of. I want to continue blogging about food, lifestyle, travel and books, but I also don't want to second guess myself if I ever want to post about more serious topics, whether they be about my personal life or the wider world. I want to achieve a success that is not determined by how well a post is received, but how true, how honest and how passionate a reflection it is of me and the things I care about.

What are your opinions on niche blogging and the topic of 'successful' blogging?

Things I did in 2015

As I reflect on the year passed, I can't shake the fact that 2015 was the year that saw me grow more than ever before. It's crazy to think that this time last year I was living it up in Paris. I brought in the New Year in the most exciting way possible by being in a foreign city, dancing until the early hours with fellow wandering hearts and marveling at the city of lights while stumbling back to the hostel at 3am. The trip set in motion the promise of a fantastic year and it made me realise that it's my thoughts and actions that determine a fulfilling year. I learnt that I have so much to gain by pushing myself and working hard. Not just dreaming, but doing and approaching my fears full on.

I am so grateful for this year and the experiences it presented. After reading an article in the recent Frankie titled 'What I Did This Year', I felt inspired to create my own list, which ranges from brilliant to somewhat banal. All are moments I cherish dearly. It seemed a fitting way to wave off 2015 but also serves as a reminder for the coming new year that exciting things are on the horizon...as long as I am willing to embrace everything that comes my way and seek out experiences that make me feel most alive. 

1. Went solo traveling for the first time 2. Discovered Paris was everything I dreamed it would be and more 3. Lived with a host family in Vichy and attended an intensive language school 4. Dabbled in freelance work for the first time 5. Bid adieu to my teen years 6.  Got a new job 7. Had a non-fiction piece published in an anthology 8. Went to Sydney to attend the launch of said anthology 9. Veered outside of my comfort zone multiple times, including attending a dinner with seven strangers 10. Made a film for one of my communications units 11. Achieved my highest ever grade of 87% for a unit 12. Visited relatives in the Netherlands, some of whom I’ve never met before 13. Read a decent amount of books of a diverse range of genres 14. Saw One Direction and Sam Smith live (the former being one of the most amazing experiences of my life!) 15. Developed quite an obsession for independent magazines, discovering a number of excellent publications such as Oh Comely and Womankind 16. Probably spent an obscene amount of my hard earned money on brunch and coffee 17. Became more confident in myself than ever before 18. Took part in the Oh Comely perfect strangers package swap 19. Saw many peers and friends graduate and began to feel both excited and nervous knowing that I will be in their position in just over 6 months… 20. Enjoyed every moment of the year, the challenges and the triumphs. 

Tiny Tales from Sydney #2: Shelley Beach, Manly

A trip to Manly initially wasn't on the cards, but we decided to take the fifteen minute voyage one afternoon. We stayed for a total of about three hours. I wish it could have been more. The beach side suburb is full of life with tourists and Sydneysiders both young and old found lying on the shore or eating ice-cream on the boulevard. But there was one place in particular that cast me under a certain spell. A short walk along the mesmerizing coast leads to Shelly Beach, the closest thing to a tropical oasis that I have been lucky enough to visit. Home to a large variety of marine life, Shelley is  popular with Scuba Divers and Snorkelers, but is just as populated with holiday makers and locals. It is the perfect sheltered spot with stunning blue waters and white as white can be sand. Beneath the shade of palm trees and the faint smell of salty sea in air, it felt like nothing could be more perfect in that moment. This is the place that turned me into an enthusiastic beach person. Never have I fallen so in love with the sea so fiercely as I did that perfect Spring day.

Tiny Tales from Sydney: The Grounds

The first day in Sydney, we were up and ready at 8am and I couldn't wait to bolt out the door. I had one place and one place only in mind for breakfast that morning: The Grounds of Alexandria. I discovered their cafe via instagram (generally where I find most hip and happening eateries) and despite getting lost on our way there, that extra mile was worth it. Breakfast isn't the sole draw card. True, I had one of the most decadent chai lattes ever which, despite the $6 price, was worth every cent. My avocado toast was far from ordinary, as the heirloom tomatoes, pomegranate, za'tar and garden mint and micro herbs elevated the simple dish. But what is most appealing about the Grounds is the grounds. It's such a beautiful and meticulously kept space. There's a petting farm with resident pig 'Kevin Bacon', pots aplenty and a florist with the most stunning blooms (I was very snap happy in there). At the weekend, there are also food stalls, selling such things as lemonade and fresh berries. I was a little disappointed to miss out on the produce, having visited on Monday, but overall, it didn't deter from the wonderful morning.

The Grounds is a landmark spot in Sydney, and I'm glad I made the trip. My morning there definitely lived up to the hype.

Lessons From My Former Self

I've noticed that there are quite a few posts in the form of 'lessons to my former/past self' around the web and I always enjoy reading them. It seems like there are a thousand and one things that I wish I could tell my former self that would have made life just that bit easier and my worries seem just that bit less significant in the grand scheme of things. However today, while flicking through a diary from last year, I was struck by what my former self can teach my present self.

The diary entry that prompted this realisation was one in which I wrote about the topic of validation, something I feel I've always struggled with. I suppose it's human nature to seek approval from others, but when it gets obsessive, it can be harmful. This diary entry was the culmination of a few months of feeling like I constantly had to 'please' others, to 'prove' myself; to peers, to family, to friends and, as much as I hate to admit it, to men. I'm going to be honest here and say I have never been in a relationship before, and while this doesn't bother me for the most part, I do feel myself questioning what is 'wrong' with me on occasions. Am I not pretty enough? Interesting enough? Funny enough? What am I doing so horribly wrong? In the end though, these poisonous thoughts make me feel disappointed for ever doubting myself. Former me definitely knew what was up. It may read as being quite self-indulgent, but I admire the fierce belief that validation should not be the precondition for self-worth. I feel this is something of which I should remind myself each and every day. 

I've slowly learnt to empower myself over the past year, to believe that there are no limits in what I can achieve. I may appear quiet and reserved, but I am also quietly fierce, determined and not about to let anything get in my way or bring me down.

Why then, in recent months, have I found myself seeking validation? Validation of my appearance, talents, aspirations, personality. I almost despise myself for indulging in this 'flaw'. But in fleeting moments of loneliness, it can be hard to like and love myself first, and easier to feel happy when someone validates me. I don't want to be this way. I want to love myself wholly and completely without question. I want to prove to myself that I am a woman who doesn't need permission, validation or the opinion of another man. My quest for greatness will be entirely my own and it will be all the more glorious.

I feel it does no good to write off the past completely. It wasn't all doom and gloom, and it was a period which saw we, as human beings, grow and learn every day, as we continue to do now. Through it, we are able to reflect on things which can help shape our current lives. I feel thankful that my former self wrote down moments of revelation as they continue to guide me today.

What lessons can your former self teach you?

Books I Read in July & August

It's been a long time between posts here on Windswept Wishes and it feels odd typing this up now. University has been full on this semester, more so than I expected. First semester was delightful; I still had a lot of work to do, but I also had time to write up weekly posts and do some freelance work on the side. I achieved a nice balance. But this semester it seems that all my hobbies have fallen to the way side and I'm drowning amidst tests, readings, group projects and assignments. As each week passed by, with no posting here, I felt more and more guilty for 'neglecting' my blog. But I think I've realised now that I need to focus on the more pressing matters at hand and just getting through this tough semester. I'll still aim to do a post here and there, although they unfortunately wont be as frequent as before.

Anyway, on to the topic of the books I read in July and August. July was a marvelous month for reading as I went on a mini holiday down south (a yearly tradition in my family). With little to no access to wifi and therefore no unnecessary distraction, I always love these jaunts because they help me to relax and get a lot of reading done in the process. In fact, the first three books listed below were read over the period of three to four days. I got so involved with the stories that returning home and to 'reality' was odd, to say the least. August was a bit light on as I only managed to read one book, but hey, it's something.

So without further ado, here are the books I read in July and August.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock - Matthew Quick

"Not letting the world destroy you. That’s a daily battle.” 

On the day of his birthday, Leonard Peacock hides a P-38 pistol in his school backpack which he intends to kill both his former best friend and then himself with. Before doing so, he must say good-bye to the only people in his life that he feels matter to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate, Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian home schooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school’s class on the Holocaust. Throughout the course of the day, Leonard's troubled character is slowly revealed and readers witness a sensitive soul crying out for help in the only way he knows how. 

This novel is quite touching but also extremely disturbing. Leonard is a very lonely, confused and 'weird' boy. He has a traumatic past, and too many people let him down in life. I both wanted to comfort him but also despised him, loathed him for his disturbing intentions that I don't feel could ever be excusable. Nevertheless, I feel it reveals a lot of problems that need to be more openly discussed in society; about sexual abuse, mental health, suicide and, specific to America, gun control. I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're after something lighthearted, but it is certainly a worthwhile read.

3/5 

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwoord

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Don't let the bastards grind you down.” 

Taking place in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, Offred serves one purpose and one purpose only: to be a Handmaid. She is one of the few fertile women left in an age of declining births and is kept in the home of the 'Commander' and his wife in order to bear 'their' children. Restricted from leaving the house aside from one day a week, Gilead lives a monotonous routine. She remembers the 'years before' spent with her husband and daughter, when she had a job, money of her own, freedom and access to knowledge. Everything that was cruelly stripped away from her...

I want to begin by voicing my disbelief that I had never read any of Atwood's works before this one. I always intended on doing so, but after reading The Handmaid's Tale I wish I made it more of a priority. Atwood's prose is stunning. While the subject matter of this novel is quite frightening, Atwood's writing style had my eyes glued to the page. It's overall a fascinating read with prominent themes, such as religious fundamentalism and women's rights, made easily applicable to problems and scenarios taking place in the world today.

4/5

Left Bank - Kate Muir

Set in modern day Paris, Olivier and Madison Malin are high profile Parisians who live on the Left Bank and have a seemingly dream life in the exclusive neighbourhood. This is until a new English nanny appears on the scene and threatens to endanger the lives of the Malin family.

I picked up this book in a second hand bookshop while on holiday. Having just finished the two very bleak titles above, I was craving some chick lit and this promised to fit the bill. It was an easy read...but honestly, it was a whole lot of nonsense and every single character, par Sabine, the daughter of Oliver and Madison, is unlikable, incredibly self centered and self righteous (or just absolutely insane). The vast majority of reviews on goodreads tend to agree, unfortunately. The only saving grace that I can think of were Muir's descriptions of French gastronomy, but they weren't enough to fully satisfy.
2/5

The Sound of One Hand Clapping - Richard Flanagan

"So Maria Buloh continued walking down the empty street, a young woman clad in an old coat carrying a small cardboard suitcase, the tracks left by her shoes momentarily bisecting that grim, sour, snow-swept camp, her image already losing its earthly outlines in the falling snow"

Fleeing the terrors of war and seeking a new life in the promising land of Tasmania in 1954, this novel tells the story of migrant Bojan Buloh and his family. Working in a construction camp for a hydroelectric dam in the remote highlands, life is far from easy. One night, Bojan's wife, Maria, walks out into a blizzard and is never to be seen again, leaving Bojan to care for their three year old daughter, Sonja, on his own. Traumatized by Maria's disappearance and the ghosts of war, Bojan turns to drink and his actions towards Sonja lead to a strained and painful relationship. Thirty-five years later, Sonja returns to Tasmania where she eventually learns to love again and create a promising new 'lifetime'.

This book is beautiful. I found it was an excellent experience reading Tasmanian literature, as I'm not all that familiar with the Tasmanian oeuvre. Flanagan's prose is haunting, and I felt so strongly that it serves as an accurate depiction of the unique region. I visited over five years ago and was struck by the distinctive landscape, 'an island of high latitudes, of mountains, lakes, mists, clouds and rain; of wastes of awesome scenery' which evoke a certain sense of isolation (Jim Davidson, Tasmanian Gothic). Indeed, the feeling of isolation lingers throughout this novel, not just in the landscape, but in Tasmania's migrant history. An outsider to the 'Australians' yet living in a melting pot of cultures, Bojan struggles to communicate and struggles to fit in where ever he goes. A constant source of pain for him is his inability to express what he feels and to come to terms with the horrors he witnessed during the war. Unfortunately, it's Sonja who suffers at the hands of his torment, and she also struggles to come to terms with the mystery of her mother's disappearance, a family she never knew and a home that never felt like home. The Sound of One Hand Clapping is full of moving moments and is flawlessly put together. It has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.

4.5/5

Oh Comely Perfect Strangers Package Swap

Image: Oh Comely

This month I took part in a very exciting project which is run by Oh Comely magazine. Every so often, Oh Comely sets up a 'Perfect Strangers Package Swap' where applicants are able to sign up to send and receive a package to and from a stranger allocated by the Oh Comely Team. 

Being my first time taking part, I was a bit wary initially about signing up (especially because there is a small sign up fee), but I think this is totally necessary because, in the past, there were instances in which some people didn't receive any packages at all despite creating and sending a thoughtful assortment of gifts. So the fee is there to ensure that the people who do sign up are certain they want to take part, and that really reassured me.

Once you sign up on the Perfect Strangers portal, you can add your details, a short bio about yourself, whether you want to write a letter to your perfect stranger and whether you want to send your parcel overseas or in your own country. From there, you are given a date of when you can send your package. You are also able to let your allocated partner know when you have sent their parcel as well as inform your partner when you receive theirs.

I sent mine off quite early as I was keen to be as organised as I could; so organised, in fact, that I completely forgot to take a picture of the unwrapped contents, so I can't share visually what was in the package I put together. I included a letter, Womankind magazine, some baby socks (my swap partner just had a baby!), a sweet smelling candle, a handmade necklace, a recipe card, a zine and a few stickers.

As for the package I received in return, I could not be more grateful about how wonderful and thoughtful it is! My package also happened to arrive on a day when I wasn't feeling my best, and it brightened my day. My swap partner lives in New Zealand, and she took great care with choosing items that reflected her country. Here is a breakdown of my package:

1. Special edition New Zealand chocolate (just released) in Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle and Nelson Pear and Manuka honey. 

2. Vintage storybook illustration necklace- handmade by my Perfect Stranger (I added a close up shot, how gorgeous is it!?)

3. A novel by a New Zealand writer, Kirsty Gunn. I'm excited to read it as I haven't read any NZ literature

4. Recipe for Vegan Chocolate Tart. I'm just going to make a note to self right now that I need to make this asap. It sounds delicious!

5. Artisan almond and NZ Manuka honey soap

6. A gorgeous notebook, featuring Lancewood leaves. My swap partner wrote that she loves this tree and added that 'it is an awesome metaphoric image. The tree starts off flimsy and jagged and grows into something completely different - unrecognizable - strong and robust'. 

7. Pencil engraved with an Andy Warhol quote: 'Isn't life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?'

8. A wonderful card featuring photography taken by my swap partner with lovely words inscribed inside

9. A post card showing part of the map of NZ (and arrow pointing to my swap partner's hometown. A nice personal addition)

After such a great first experience, I would definitely take part in the Perfect Strangers swap again. There's just something heartwarming about putting together a package for a person you've never met, and knowing it will make them smile. And of course, being at the receiving end is just as exciting! It's a great way to ignite a friendship: I'm hoping to get into touch with my swap partner, as we have such similar interests.

All in all, if you're curious about this project, I'd 100% recommend taking part in upcoming swaps. It was certainly the highlight of my month.

Tiny Tales from Paris #7: Chancing upon Hidden Gems

Sometimes I wonder whether I should keep up these Tiny Tales posts, as they are all so far apart, and my trip feels like it was so long ago now. But they are one of my favourite kinds of posts to write, and each time I reminisce about certain moments, I'm taken straight back to the streets of Paris. I feel that I have gained sustained enjoyment and appreciation of my trip by breaking up my experiences and reflections into small posts. It's an added bonus if readers happen to stumble upon my posts and discover something new about such an incredible city!

As I have probably mentioned in previous Tiny Tales posts, one of the greatest joys I found while in Paris was simply wandering the streets and seeing what I chanced upon. Being a big city, one is bound to discover more than just a few hidden gems if one is willing to do a little bit of exploration. I'd even say getting lost is one of the best things that can happen! You never know what will be around the next corner...

These were a few special spots that stand out in my mind: 

1. The tiny hole in the wall cafe named 'Boot Cafe'. It was a very cold afternoon when mum and I decided to pop in. With limited seating room, we arrived just in time, as a couple upped and left, allowing us to settle down in the warm cafe. I ordered a giant chocolate and walnut cookie along with a steaming cup of apple and cinnamon tea. We spent well over an hour inside, cradling our drinks and chatting with the delightful barista. And then the most magical thing happened: it began to snow! It was my second snow of the trip, but what made the moment so beautiful was that the cold from outside frosted up the windows of the cafe, creating the most intimate, cosy and 'safe' atmosphere. 

2. One of the most unassuming finds of the trips was a toy shop in the 11th found through an easy to miss cobblestone passageway on Rue de Charonne. The exterior alone is gorgeous, but inside a whole range of goodies lay waiting to be discovered. The best bit is that this isn't just any old toy shop: rather than the plastic and mass produced toys that line the shelves of, say, K-mart and Target, it is filled with whimsical children's books (think: Tin Tin and Angelina Ballerina) and carefully crafted trinkets. Thinking back in retrospect, I'd say this toy shop is the closest thing to what I imagine a nostalgia shop (aka the one proposed by Gil in Midnight in Paris) to be.

3. On one particular afternoon alone, I set outside with no plans on where I intended to go and ended up chancing upon Rue Chanoinesse, home to restaurant Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole and Bertie's Cupcakery. While it isn't evident in the picture below (I returned later to take the shot), the restaurant was decorated with festive trimmings that afternoon, which was a gorgeous sight to see. I also remember the smell of freshly baked cake and sweet buttercream icing filling the air, coming from the cupcake bakery next door. It was a nice little moment, one in which I remember being struck by the fact that I was in Paris, after so many years of dreaming. 

Despite not eating in the bakery nor the restaurant, I have really fond memories of this Rue. I'm sure you'll agree that it's quite a cute spot, probably even more so now that it's Summer.

P.S If you'd like to read another Paris post from me, check out my '24 hours in Paris' article I wrote for Pepper Passport recently.

Books I Read in June

This post is a long time coming. I truly did not intend to get behind on my blogging, but I suppose life just gets in the way sometimes. It has been busy recently, but I was able to have a relaxing week away on holiday, so now I feel revived and ready to get back into my blogging routine.

June was a fabulous reading month for me. To treat myself after finishing university for the semester, I ordered 'big' on the Book Depository. This practice has become somewhat of a tradition over the years. Knowing that I'll have books arrive at my door is one of the best forms of anticipation!

The majority of the titles I ordered seemed ideal for light reading (poems, short and lighthearted novels and a quick contemporary read). For the most part, I quite enjoyed the books I read this month.

The Lover's Dictionary- David Levithan

“Trying to write about love is ultimately like trying to have a dictionary represent life. No matter how many words there are, there will never be enough.” 

This novel is a modern love story narrated through series of dictionary-style entries, with each word describing, or rather, serving to define intimate moments that take place over the course of a relationship. Levithan has a real way with words and perfectly matches them with their individual scenarios. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's like I could really feel the effect of the word deeply, taste it on my tongue. Take this passage, for example:

“livid, adj.

Fuck You for cheating on me. Fuck you for reducing it to the word cheating. As if this were a card game, and you sneaked a look at my hand. Who came up with the term cheating, anyway? A cheater, I imagine. Someone who thought liar was too harsh. Someone who thought devastator was too emotional. The same person who thought, oops, he’d gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Fuck you. This isn’t about slipping yourself an extra twenty dollars of Monopoly money. These are our lives. You went and broke our lives. You are so much worse than a cheater. You killed something. And you killed it when its back was turned.” 

His words are so brutal and honest that they really pack a punch (even for me, despite never having been in love or suffered a broken heart).

However, while I enjoyed reading each respective 'entry' on their own, I felt that the book as a whole was too disjointed, and this impacted upon my overall enjoyment. While I understand that Levithan was trying to create a 'collection' of scenarios that can, in some way, stand for all relationships, I craved to know more in way of context regarding the couple and their relationship. Nonetheless, The Lover's Dictionary is an interesting and touching read.

3/5 stars

I Wrote This for You- please find this

“Love, at every opportunity you are given. Be less afraid. Embrace each day (none are promised). Cry when you need to, it'll make you feel better. You were put on this planet to feel every feeling you could, do that. Everything works out in the end, I promise.” 

I Wrote this for You is a gorgeous collection of poems and photos that was written, you guessed it, for you. I think that the intended aim for this book is that each passage will inevitably mean something different to another person and no one will ever read it the same way as you. 

The unnamed author of this book writes with such clarity about highly complex topics such as ways of human nature, pain and emotion. Indeed, it was as if a large majority of my own feelings, that I often struggle to put into words, have been recorded effortlessly, with the effects being heartwarming, heartbreaking, inspiring and comforting. At its heart, this book is resounding in its attempts to understand what it means to be human. It is the perfect read for when you're feeling down; it certainly helped me.

3.5/5

The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins

“There’s something comforting about the sight of strangers safe at home.” 

Being on the bestseller's list for quite some time now, I was eager to get a copy of The Girl on the Train. Many reviews promised its similarity to Gone Girl and, having relatively enjoyed the page turning 'thriller', I was interested to see if The Girl on the Train lived up to this proclamation. 

The novel switches back and forth between the main characters, but mostly focuses on Rachel, a regular commuter on the morning train. During her journey, Rachel enjoys observing people who live along a stretch of suburban roads and fabricating stories behind them. She is particularly interested in what she deems to be the perfect couple 'Jess and Jason'. But nothing is as it seems, and after one shocking event, Rachel discovers that their lives are not so perfect after all.

For me, this book served its primary purpose: I wanted a quick read and I got it, but beyond that, I didn't really understand the hype. I did feel that at some points it was a gripping read, but for the most part, all the characters annoyed me. To no end. Yes, all human beings are flawed, but the main protagonists in this text just seemed ridiculous beyond reason. The whole scenario is kind of bizarre, everyone is mad, but at the same time, I felt that the story maintained a painful predictability. It's not a terrible read, but it is by no means a fantastic one either in my opinion. If you've read The Girl on the Train, I'd love to know what you think!

2.5/5

L'etranger- Albert Camus

“I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.” 

L'etranger is about an outsider condemned to die after committing a senseless act of murder.

In an attempt to keep up my French over the break, I got my hands on a copy, and I was mostly able to keep up, if not maintain a general idea, of what was going on. Seeing as I didn't intend to closely analyse the text (rather, just reading words in French helps to keep it fresh in my mind), I cant give a critical reading, but do understand why this is a popular reading list text for those learning the language. The writing is simple and generally uses just the past and present tense, making it easy to follow along. However, despite its simplistic language, the philosophical issues it presents throughout pose a lot to think about in regards freedom, the expectations of society and individualism.

4/5 

Hometown Hunt: The Jazz Cellar

As much as I love to travel, and daydream about ticking off all those many countries on my 'to visit list', I also love my city. I live in Perth, Western Australia. Compared to other states such as New South Wales and Victoria, Western Australia isn't as 'well known'; especially once you consider that Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world. Over the years, Perth had a bit of a stigma for being 'boring', especially among the youth. I have always maintained the belief that Perth is interesting, you just have to know where to look, and once you're in the know, you'll be amazed by what is waiting to be discovered. This is now even more the case, as Perth is really coming into its own with so many cool restaurants, bars and arts projects popping up. When I talk to my parents about Perth back in the day, they are amazed by how much it has changed. There really is so much to do and so much to discover. I find myself falling more and more in love with my city each day.

I was recently made aware of a project by Eventbrite, an online platform that helps people discover events taking place in their city and also allows people to manage their own events through the website and sell tickets. The project in question is called the Hometown Hunt Campaign in which bloggers share their favourite places in their respective cities. I was eager to take part, so set out to discover a place that is indicative of Perth's colourful and exciting lifestyle and arts scene.

The Jazz Cellar

The Jazz Cellar has to be one of Perth's best kept secrets, and is possibly one of Perth's most exciting live music venues, open Friday nights only. A small underground venue that hosts up to 100 people, the Jazz Cellar was created by Corner House Jazz Band, a group that has been playing jazz for over 19 years. While it is not a licensed food or drinks venue, you're free to bring your own. My companion and I decided to order pizzas from a local joint (which also delivers to the cellar), but I also found myself eyeing off a few of the platters some people had brought along; I'll be sure to bring my own picnic next time! 

A big part of The Jazz Cellar's allure and mystique is the fact that it doesn't advertise itself a great deal and relies primarily on word of mouth. In addition to minimal signage, The Jazz Cellar is a little hard to find as it's located in an alley behind a Salvos and, get this, the entrance is via an old phone booth. I'm a sucker for novelties like this, so to me, it promised a night of thrills. We got there a little early (6pm), and the performance didn't start until 7:30pm. However, The Jazz Cellar is a lovely intimate place ideal for socializing with friends and mingling with strangers. 

Of course, the music was the highlight of the night. Throughout the evening, the band played a repertoire of traditional live vintage jazz that was upbeat and fun, making it almost impossible not to want to dance or to tap one's foot along. Even if you don't feel like dancing, it's just as fun to sit back and enjoy the music and watch the players have a ball of a time; they have such character! I also really enjoyed watching resident dancer Robin dance with different partners throughout the night. He was certainly a hit with the ladies.

All in all, I had one of the most enjoyable evenings ever at The Jazz Cellar. You're assured all kinds of entertainment in the friendly and jovial joint. I was a little sad to climb back up the stairs, exit the phone booth and leave behind a world reminiscent of 1920s New Orleans at the end of the night, but this just means that I am determined to re-visit this hidden gem again.

The Jazz Cellar:

Scarborough Beach Rd & Buxton Street, 

Mount Hawthorn WA 6016

*Tickets can be ordered online or at the door for $25. Visit The Jazz Cellar Website for more information here

*This post was in collaboration with Eventbrite for their Hometown Hunt project.

Life Lately: Little things

I'm going to be honest and say that I haven't been feeling great the past week. This is what usually happens come mid year break: amidst the constant studying I really look forward to the holidays but once they arrive I feel a bit lost on what to do. I am happy that I have picked up a few more shifts at work, but being someone who thrives on always having something to do or a project to work on, I can't help but feel a little useless or like I'm wasting precious time. In addition, despite being an introvert, I love the feeling of going into uni and being surrounded by my peers and seeing their faces almost every day during the week.

With too much time to spare, my mind inevitably wanders and I begin to worry about things like my future, notably my career, and how or if I'll even be able to find a job after University. The days seem to fly by, I've been working on a few freelance jobs on the side, and yet, I still haven't been feeling satisfied. It can be hard when you feel like you're perpetually stuck in a rut.

So, in an effort to take a step back from everything on my mind, I allowed myself to enjoy a morning of fun with friends, and it brightened my spirits like nothing else, and then I took the rest of the day at a slow pace. I remembered that little activities can do a world of good. I decided to write a post dedicated to a few little things that have made me happy and from now on, I hope to seek out activities that will provide meaning for me, no matter how big or small.

1. The most delicious stack of pancakes (and probably the prettiest too!)

2. Finding little snippets of text in a book and having it resonate so profoundly. I've really been enjoying reading I Wrote This for You during quiet moments (best for bus rides)

3. I really love how flowers are back in 'vogue' (even seen plated in cafes and restaurants. See: first photo). These images bring a huge smile to my face. Check out my Pinterest Board Floral Arrangements here

4. I started putting together my package for the Oh Comely Package Swap! I've really been enjoying putting care into the package and shopping for little gifts for my perfect stranger.

What little things have made you smile recently?