Funny/Interesting/Awesome (13/3/15)

Hello lovelies! Another week, another Friday...


1. While photography is an endeavour everyone should try at least once in their lives, it is important to be aware of your surroundings when you are chasing that perfect shot. These are some great tips on how to stay safe when shooting travel photography.

2. Reddit, as well as being the bottomless pit of the internet when it comes to cat pictures, sometimes gives a useful insight into what other people are thinking: "What is a social norm you feel is outdated?"

3. I love this transformation! Read about how this couple turned an unwanted bedroom into a cosy library.

4. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Asap Science explains the biology behind your sleep preferences (and why I'll probably nocturnal forever. Sad face).

5. Here's an awesome game that tests your geography knowledge AND demonstrates how the Mercator projection affects the shapes of countries.

6. This is one trend I'm all for: Head-to-Toe Red.

7. Hmm, an interesting experiment from xoJane: is it possible to remove your online presence?

8. Thinking about bleaching your hair? Make sure you know how to NOT end up with fried hair.

9. If the weather is too cold where you are for a trip to the beach, don't worry! Here's how you can get the perfect beach waves from the comfort of your own home.

10. An Australian love story... meet Penguin, the magpie who bonded with the family who rescued her.


Happy Friday!

Outfits Inspired by The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship (Part 1)

Have I ever told you about my love for The Lord of the Rings books? My undying, to-the-moon-and-back love? They're also my favourite films ever (and yes, I cry every time Frodo says goodbye at the end of Return of the King) and no matter how long Peter Jackson makes the movies, they will never be long enough.

Unfortunately, Middle-earth will only ever stay between the pages of a book (or on a screen), but that shouldn't stop you from taking a pinch of inspiration from it. You may not want to wear Frodo's baggy trousers, or Gandalf's unwashed blanketrobes, but there are other ways of inserting a bit of fantasy in your every day life without having to resort to medieval hygiene standards!


Look 1: Gandalf

Source: imgkid.com

Gandalf is a wizard who alternates his time between advising kings and hanging with the hobbits. He has a soft spot for all living creatures, especially those as sweet and innocent as the residents of the Shire. As powerful as he is, Gandalf often prefers to err on the side of caution. His grey robes earned him the name 'Gandalf the Grey', and he is respected by both elves and men alike.

Channel Gandalf's voluminous robes with this comfy coat, sweater and jeans combo. You can even go with a pointy wizard hat if you'd like, or stay with a wool hat that's more in trend with the season. Gandalf likes to keep his hands free for his sword and staff, so wear a backpack to store all your odds and ends. Add the finishing touches to your outfit with a ring that looks like Narya, the Elven ring entrusted to Gandalf.


Look 2: Frodo

Source: Pinterest

As the unlikeliest of heroes, Frodo is tasked with the duty of carrying the ring all the way to Mordor to cast into the fires of Mount Doom. Along the way, the burden of the Ring transforms him from a bright and cheery young hobbit to one that is tortured by the Ring's power. In spite of his size and utter ineptitude with a sword, Gandalf still recognises his strength as Frodo is able to resist the Ring when greater men could not.

Frodo's outfit has a lot of earthy autumn tones, so replicate it with this red velvet dress and camel cape. The leaf earrings represent the leaf brooch Frodo wears at his throat, gifted by Galadriel. Finish off your look with these gold rings, a green bag (like his cloak), and a hint of black on your nails as a reminder of the dark power of the Ring.


Look 3: Aragorn

Source: Imgarcade.com

Aragorn is the last descendant of Isildur and the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. He is first introduced to the hobbits as a mysterious Ranger named Strider, and as time progresses, is revealed to be a selfless leader and unrivaled commander who later leads his army into battle in order to hide Frodo from the Eye of Sauron. His love interest is Arwen, the daughter of Elrond, and he wears the Evenstar around his neck to remind him of her when they are apart.

Aragorn's look is probably my favourite out of all of the Fellowship - it features lots of dark leather and armour with a very lived-in look. Capture some of Aragorn's austerity with this all black outfit and wavy flowing locks. A replica of the Evenstar and the tree ring will hint at his roots, while the sword earrings are reminiscent of his prowess with in battle. Finally, finish your look off with a dash of red lipstick to break up all the black. 

So there are the three outfits inspired by the Fellowship. Which one was your favourite? Tune in next week for the next part of the series!

Funny/Interesting/Awesome (6/3/15)

What's that? It's Friday already? YAY!


1. If you've ever been a victim to overplucked eyebrows, here's a great guide from Vogue AU on how to get them back to normal.

2. Anyone who's ever needed to reference their research material knows how much of a pain in an ass it is. That's where this handy tool comes along to make your 3 a.m. all-nighter a little less miserable!

3. Being a chemistry student, I find this a great resource on what elements look like when they're in their pure solid/stable forms (I've also wondered what some of them taste like, because sometimes they look exactly like candy. I'm looking at you, copper sulfate).

4. Hmm... do fish drink water? The answer is both yes and no, as Scishow explains.

5. Check out this AMAZING Gem Mirror DIY from A Beautiful Mess. It totally looks like something you buy out of a store for a very pricey amount!

6. Again from A Beautiful Mess, this interesting wall hanging you can make in an afternoon.

7. Why does February have only 28 days while every other month has 30 or 31? The answer is a lot more convoluted than you may think.

8. Really loving this DIY Skateboard Shelf  from A Pair and a Spare - in fact, you can do this with any flat, long object (like a cheese board, perhaps)!

9. Don't you hate it when you try to fold up your sleeves, only to have it cut off your circulation to your arm? Refinery29 has another way to cuff your sleeves and still look as good as ever!

10. This otter can juggle better than I can...


Happy Friday!

DIY Denim Bow Tie

I don't know what's come over me, but lately I've been rather obsessed with bow ties. They imbue upon you a sense of class no other accessory can give. And who can deny something loved by both Bill Nye and the Doctor?

So here's a little DIY I did with some scrap denim I had lying around. I can't wait to wear it with my favourite button-ups!

What you'll need:

• Some denim fabric
• Matching thread and needle
• Scissors

1. Cut out two pieces, the larger one 20 x 12 cm and the smaller one 20 x 3 cm. 

2. Taking the larger piece, fold it in half with the wrong side facing out. Stitch along the open edge and then flip it back right side out.

3. Have the seam sit horizontally down the centre. This will ensure your bow looks smooth.

4. Fold the edges in towards the middle. You can glue it down, but I find that stitching in together is more secure.

5. Turn it around and pinch the middle so you get the three folds in the centre (like in the image). Stitch through the centre to secure the shape of the bow.

6. Take the smaller piece and fold it so the raw edge is hidden, then stitch or glue it flat. Wrap it around the centre of the bow, secure and cut off the excess.

There! Nice and simple. You can either attach a safety pin or ribbon to the back so you can wear it around your collar (or put it in your hair?). Then we can all be as cool as the Doctor ;)

Looking good, Matt.

Image: Variety.com