#2/100: Be bad until you're good.

I admire creatives who can write on a regular basis and can keep their audience interested and content fresh... I'm working on it ;)

I have learnt that I should jot or have a fair idea of what I want to say or cover, to help ideas flow and to make it easier on myself.

5 quick tips to to help content generation!

1- Keep a notebook or notes app.
Whenever I have an idea or something worth noting, write it down so when it comes time to write, you have a starting point.

2- Make time.
Like right now it's 8pm and the house is quiet and I've got a nice hot cuppa boba tea. It's easier for me to focus without distraction or worry, lets the writing juices flow!

3- Read more.
The more you read, the better your vocabulary will get too. You find you will start to use more interesting words that you've learnt in more situations too. So not only does that make you smarter, but grows & matures your writing!

4- Find inspiration.
For me, I will look on Pinterest or scroll Tumblr for images or conversations that I can add commentary to. This can also apply to people, locations, situation etc...

5- Do whatever you want!
It's easy to get caught up in what every other blogger is talking about or what your audience wants to hear - find your own voice and what works for you! Especially for new ones like myself, I'm just trying to find my niche and that's good enough for me!

Cheers to the journey,

#1/100: Life Update

Hello digital land!

Long time no chat. How's it going? Missed me? I thought not.
A lot has happened since my last post, here's a quick recap.

* I decided to go back to study! For a while now I've been really interested in Marketing and wanting to pursue this career further. After a few unsuccessful attempts of trying to entering the marketing industry, I decided that best option was to dive head first into the year long Sales and Marketing post-graduate diploma at Manukau Institute of Technology. I hope to share some commentry on this course, or at least give you some tips.

Beautiful large tapestries hanging from the ceiling at the MIT business school

* I got married! Honestly the luckiest girl in the world, marrying my best friend and forever hype man. We tied the knot in March, in the sunniest country town; Opononi, New Zealand. We have some family land up there, close enough so both of or families can attend - and it turn out perfect. We were praying for sunny weather and light winds on the day, and oh man did He deliver! I might share some photos in a later post, i've been dying to share my experience!

Hokianga Heads at sunset. Photography by Chasewild

 * I'm teaching design classes! Church is a big part of my life, and what comes with that is giving my skills and time to help build the House of God. Part of that is expanding the design team and taking on others who want to learn a new skill. It's been an interesting experience, I never thought I was the teaching type, nor had anything worth contributing but I've really enjoying imparting into others and helping them think creatively and problem solve more in their fields. It's more philosophical than technical at the moment, but these guys are so hungry to learn!

* This is an (unofficial) 100 day challenge! I kept saying that I want to get back into blogging, whether it was contributing to another space, post design or blog lifestyle. And with many awesome ladies around me who are so good at what they do, I was constantly comparing myself to them and was thinking 'would anyone even find value in what I say?'. So after discovering that there was a #100day challenge being organised, I thought it would be a good excuse jump in and just do something, anything, utilising this space.

So here we are. I have no plan with what I am going to say for 100 days - but I know something good will come out of this. If not, it was nice knowing ya! kidding, but thank you (if you got this far) for reading, I really appreciate it!

Cheers to the journey!

5 Things I Am Grateful For

Well hello and Happy New Year to you all! Aint this just an unfamiliar sight.
I am back with a renewed look at this platform! If you know me, I'm very sporadic when I comes to content. I don't particularly think my life is interesting enough for content, but there's no any better way to ring in 2016 than to reflect on the year that was, and the beautiful things that I have experienced.  

1. Good Friends

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17
So thankful to have an amazing network for friends that have your back. They won't gossip or backstab, they won't let you make a fool of yourself, and they WILL let you know when your playing up. Been rolling with my cliche for years now and to be able to see each other grow our strengths, gifts and talents, sharpening each other, takes a special bunch to hang around after all these years. Truly blessed to have my #wolfpack sisterhood.

2. Knowing Who I Am

"Better to have stood for something, than to fall for nothing". It might come with the maturity, but knowing who I am and my values, has helped me recognize what I stand for, what is important to me and what can be left behind. I can easily say that I am a church girl where my God and church comes first, an optimist that doesn't do things to please people, creative thinker + brainstorm extraordinaire, and is all for change for better (and easier) way to do thing. Anything that doesn't fit into that - buh-bye! 

3. Family
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 

With my Mum overseas and my Dad a couple hours drive away, it isn't easy having your family so far away, so I am always grateful for the time I do get to spend with them. Sometimes communication is a hit and miss, where are lot of experiences and opportunities are missed because I don't get that one-on-one time with my wider family. I will say that the MIL, is my rock at the moment with all these wedding plans + timelines and organising the logistics of it all - she's been a good middle-woman with the other side of the family. I really do appreciate you Cindy! x

4. The Struggles
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
Sometimes, well a lot of the time - it's the mountains and the Goliaths we face, do realise just how much power we have. Whether it's getting up early in the morning, stopping that bad habit or letting go of some situations - do we see that we CAN do a lot, and that we have the faith in ourselves to enable that power within. For me, my faith is a large part of my everyday. Relinquishing a lot of things to God with the understanding that our battles are already won, we just need to turn and face them.  God won't give us anything we can't handle, that behind that seeming impossible task is a reward far greater than I know now. 

5. Mr DTW

"Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

Cheesy I know, but this man has taught me a lot in the 4 years we have been together. The biggest one - patience. Which mainly came down to waiting to be proposed to, but even patience in communication and not rushing into everything, that is is ok to step back and get a good look at things. I would say that is his realist perspective on things, sometimes crushing my optimistic dreams - but it's healthy to have that balance or what I want and what will work (which has proven during wedding planning). But there is no one else I'ld rather fight, laugh and cry with, than my awesome man x

Cheers to another year of blessings and greatness! 

OOTD // Grey + Leather

Hat: Borrowed from the flatmate // Leather Jacket: Mirrou // Grey Dress: Mirrou // Necklace: Lovisa Jewellery // Shoes: Portmans

Explore // Japan: Sky Tree + DisneySea

I wish I could post everyday but truth is I'm having too much to even think about blogging about my trip, but I'm trying to post my highlights through photos. (Ps I am blogging from my phone so I have no idea what these posts look like on the computer - apologies! 

Finally made it up the SkyTree in Tokyo. We went there at night and the view was amazing! I could really define where the other Ferris wheels and the rainbow bridge was. On the way down we found Cold Stone Ice Cream parlour! It's a glorified ice cream shop with an option where you can have waffle bowl. Since it was our first time there, the girls there were kind enough to sing to us, I have the video up on my Instagram @divinelimits. 

A few friends had told us how much they loved DisneySea and wanted to spend more time there. From that advice, we decided that we were going to only go to DisneySea. Which probably was the best idea. DisneySea is perfect for those who want more exciting rides. 

We left 'home' about 8am... Which meant an interesting experience with rush hour train traffic. Had a bit of a laugh watching 3 train guards pulling the doors open to while another 2 pushing people into a carriage... I had heard about rush hour, but seeing it was another experience. It's exactly what you think! Think trying to squeeze your luggage into a small suitcase... Busting at the seams. 

Everything about the Disney experience was amazing. To the Micky mouse shaped windows in the tram, to the each area themed immaculatly from the rides, gift shop, lavatories and food.... 

My favourite ride was the Indiana Jones Ride ((see above ride photo) which we waited patiently for 90mins I might add), and the Journey to the Centre of the Earth ride (with a fast pass). No regrets on my Disney souvenirs, my mini mouse ears and Mr Potato Head popcorn bucket. 

While I'm on popcorn, each area has its own flavour popcorn - our favourite was the White Chocolate and Strawberry flavours (don't knock it till you try it!)

Lunch was in the Aztec area which meant taco set for ¥1200 - 2 wraps, a drink and sponge log (which is LEGIT!) I have to note that the Japanese have a thing with filling up cups half with ice. So if you prefer drinks with a little bit of ice - ask. 

This was my favourite day so far, 9am - 8.30pm. A long day, but ended on a high with a premier fireworks show. 

Explore // Japan: Harajuku

Day 2 in Japan, we trained out to Harajuku for a spot of shopping. 

Sooooo many cool little places down alleys. Seemed very high street / Ponsonby-esqur down certain side streets, but basically - it's craaaaaazy cool. The styles are what you would expect - some are crazy colourful, while others are immaculatly dressed in knits and layered textures. Here there are subcultures within subcultures (if that makes sence). 

I really admire that they wear what they want to wear and you don't get strange looks or laughs like what you get in NZ. And they rock it!

It's Halloween here so a lot of the retail workers were dressed to theme. And they're all so friendly. 

There's a store called ABC Mart... I would describe it like footlocker, at No1 shoe warehouse prices! Purchased my first pair of nikes and a pair for my brother. 

Unfortunately, they often don't have women's sizes after 6, so it can be a mission to find myself a pair. However, most sneakers can be unisex, so shopping via men's sizes ain't much of a hassle. 

There was a man with a pram full of (dead-but-drugged-up-cats) which was a concern. Took Chelsea prodding them to get them to even stir. But how gorgeous is this cat though? Plus saw pizza and carbonara flavour sorbet. Pass haha. 

 

Explore // Japan: Blue skies

Landed in GC after a 3 flight from Auckland. Overall wasn't too bad. (Note that I flew with JetStar and I made it here on time!) Got an aisle set so I could stretch out a bit more compared to the poor guy in the middle. 

Once your in the air, I love the moment you breach the clouds and it's piercing blue skies, no matter the weather. Just gives you those good vibes of summer. 

My best friend at the moment is my gold polka dotted travel pillow that I purchased from Typo. I totally recommend getting one of your travelling this season... But here's a tip. Instead of wearing it around the back of your neck, place the pillow around the front and it keeps your head from dropping down and keeps you wedged between the seat. (Top tip from Drew Maama). 

I'm currently waiting in the furtherest corner of the GC airport trying to get wifi and charge my battery. 

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The flight to Japan... 9hours. I would never wish that upon anyone. Plan of action was to sleep majority of the flight, but only mangaged to get in 4 winks... Contemplating sleeping pills for the return. The sunset was beautiful though. Blues, purples and oranges. 

Flying over Japan was surreal. All your could see was city lights for miles. 

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Currently day 2, I'll try remember to post about the train system. Efficient but crazy hard to first get your head around.