The Motivation Struggle

Since March has begun I have been very busy and how one of my favourite people would put it, I’m busy ‘hustling’. I kind of consider myself nearly as busy as Margaret Zhang. Just a tiny bit. 

From all the chaos of having 3 jobs and one unit at uni with deadlines and schedules, one of the hardest things for me was maintaining my motivation and keeping on top of my game. What I learnt was that focus and consistency is everything, and that inspiration is everywhere. 

I’m constantly on the go - checking emails, replying to emails and thinking of new things to write for this blog and for my future projects. It’s a lot; so this post is dedicated to quotes that have helped me keep motivated and inspired, Hopefully they will do the same to you. 

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop – Confucius

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can – Nikos Kazantzakis 

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence – Helen Keller 

If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary – Jim Rohn 

The struggle is definitely real but life is something to be lived at it’s fullest. Experience new things and go out of your comfort zone, to learn more about yourself as well as other people and the world around you. I have always wanted to be better and that’s what I’m striving for. Of course, you have to believe you can achieve anything, that you can achieve your dreams – as little or big as you dare to dream! It all starts with you and for you to take that leap of faith. 

Mon x

Photo by Esra 

March Baby

My birthday is kind of a day that I dread for a lot of reasons but I love the people who made it special this year and in turn made me feel very special and loved. You know who you are - I thank you and love you lots!

At the beginning of March I kept thinking of doing something but as much as I love being organised and organising things, I just didn’t have it in me and I felt like nothing could compare to last year – I think last year was the best birthday ever for me.  So what I did was spend it with two of my best friends, family and I have some photos, which I will share with you all. 

On Friday 6th I got myself 2 presents and once they’ve healed, maybe I’ll show some pictures (hint, hint). After having a mini nap, I ventured to the city to have dinner, dessert and I did not get home til 3am. I haven’t done that since my early years! 

Dinner was at Old Hong Kong and we were so upset that we couldn’t finish dinner. Normally we’re beasts! After staring at the food and having good conversation, we went to Passion Flower and oh lordly, I couldn’t finish my waffles! We specifically went there for the waffles too, except my best friend who ran for the durian ice cream. 

It was such an amazing night and she’s an amazing friend <3 

Now on my actual birthday on the 8th I had work then spent the rest of the afternoon with my beautiful E and as usual, we cause chaos with selfies and random conversation that share the people surrounding us. We had lunch locally and we ate so quickly that we couldn’t take photos! Lunch was okay but I think conversation is always the best and as always, she’s someone who will always make my days brighter. Someone who understands me when the only thing to come out of my mouth are mumbles and jumbled letters.

My overall weekend was amazing and great. I spent it with the people that I wanted to and it definitely put a smile on my face. 

Mon x

Adventure is Everywhere

Hat by Cotton On | Top by Deus | Shoes by Vans

I spent a day venturing the city on Tuesday and my perspective was very different to how it normally is – I unleashed my inner Tomboy and usually that means having a very different attitude. My quirkiness, bubbliness and personality come out by 10 and I’m sorry to my photographer; I made him laugh when he was supposed to make me laugh. 

Especially when I was trying to do the Mario jump. 

This is one of my favourite basic and simple outfits because it still has some style and comfort. My favourite pieces have to be my hat and my slides. They are both in my opinion staples and a hat is always an amazing choice as an accessory. I try not to complicate things too much or mix too many patterns but hopefully with time, I get a lot better at this and I can get out of my comfort zone. 

Overall it was fun doing this shoot; it was my first time shooting with him and from being sick with a high fever the day before from the flu I was told to take a ‘lazy day’. This meant wearing whatever I could grab with being the most comfortable.  

We searched high and low to find this brick wall in the heart of the city. We didn’t want to venture too far so on the way to walking to Darling Harbour I saw this wall and thought, let’s try it! I wanted a blank canvas and I think this was it. We did some stupid things in front of it, it was too fun that we kept going regardless of how people saw or thought of us. Could this be one of the reasons for so many similar shoots? I’m kidding of course. 

I’m always on the hunt for the next adventure. 

Mon x

Photos by Ramy 

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

It is the last day of January and I know it's only the end of the month but the presence of Valentine's Day is everywhere and very present. In saying that, of course preparation is key when it comes to the most romantic day of the year. 

With the day fast approaching, my reaction and attitude towards it all is pretty much the same as last year – very chill and I have no idea what I’m doing. The only thing that is very guaranteed is that I am working on the actual day, which I’m not too fussed about. My question will always remain the same, what are your plans and can I please become your 3rd wheel? 

Being as it is the most romantic day of the year, I chose some amazing outfits, which I hope inspire you. I love each outfit and I focused on blush tones and tulle because both elements are very cute, quirky and chic. It’s something that can’t go wrong in any situation (in my opinion) and they’re outfits I think everyone can get a little inspiration from. 

I just love how each outfit can be worn at different occasions, not just Valentine's Day but then can apply throughout the entire day of it as well. I don't have a favourite, although I did try to pick just one. It was too hard but I will say that I am trying to hunt down a tulle blush midi tulle skirt! I probably won't give up. 

So for my plans this year, I do have some lined up to spend the evening with friends, nothing flash and of course, there’s going to be food involved. Preferably pizza, please! Now, although it won’t be romantic, it’s always a day where I spend it with those I love and are very thankful to have in my life. Happiness is hard to come and sometimes, we don’t know it was a happy moment til we look back and smile about it. Please don’t think about it and become sad. It can also be a day where you spoil yourself and pampering yourself is never a wrong option. 

Mon x 

Floral Wonderland

One of the most important things I had to do this year was to visit The Grounds at Alexandria. Now this may not be such a big thing but I felt like I was missing out and I was only hearing amazing things. One of the things I kept hearing was, ‘Mon! You have to go! You’ll love it!’ only made it worse. Thanks E.

I finally got the chance to go as I had planned a lunch date with a good friend of mine. The funny thing is that we both had interviews in the morning and from there we ventured to The Grounds - a good spontaneous thing! It literally blew my breath away. It’s beautiful! The flowers, the greenery and the food! I visited on a Tuesday and it was so busy. We got our table buzzer (I have no idea what they’re called) and we were initially told there was a 45 minute wait, which was fine. We walked around, we took a trillion photos at the florist, walked and sat in the shade and stared at all the adorable puppies.  

It’s an amazing place and the day was eventful. I purchased some flowers for home - the middle arrangement in my photo below and sadly it was near death on the way home but if you haven’t been, it’s a must visit. The food is delicious, the lemonade just as good and the venue itself is what draws you in because if you don’t want to sit at the restaurant to eat, you can get something from the carts or the take away eatery under the shade near the garden.

I definitely will go back and hopefully the next time I will have my trusty camera instead of my phone so I apologise for the quality of them. I tried my best editing them.

Mon x