The Trendy Creature Collar

Wearing: Trendy Creature's Embellished Contrast Collar Shirt in Pink thanks to Trendy Creature; Supre's Drawstring Shorts; Mollini's Nude Heels; Steve Madden's Clutch

I have been a very lazy blogger. Haven't been taking photos, or checking emails, editing photos, writing down creative ideas or most importantly - following up on the redesign of my website.
Right now I can't call myself a blogger, for I haven't been doing it properly for a good few weeks.
Currently I feel more like a home maker (my mom has been overseas for 6 weeks so I'm taking care of the house), a dog sitter, a gamer, a cook, a croupier, a girl in a new relationship and absolutely In Love.

And perhaps, I should stress that being in love has really made me the most distracted. I am really consumed with my new relationship and the happiness it brings me. Up until now I couldn't tell why people just fall off the face of the earth when they find a true love and now I know why.
I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life, and plenty of questioning myself. I've read books and watched TV shows and movies and talked to countless friends to relive out my pain and happiness, to compare stories, to find meaning. I think although I have my besties to always count on, I've actually related to the Sex and The City series the most. Yup, that's right! A TV series.
It's just something about this show that I get. The girls in this show didn't always get it right when it comes to love but their lessons over the years have shaped them well.
And because I haven't had the brainpower these days to conjure up creative notes to blog (love can be hazy), here are some of my favourite quotes from S&TC that I myself think articulate my life, past and present.

"They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style." Carrie

"After all, seasons change, so do cities; people come into your life and people go. But it’s comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away." Carrie

"When men attempt bold gestures, generally it's considered romantic. When women do it, it's often considered desperate or psycho." Carrie

"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." Carrie

"I will not be the first one to speak. And if he never calls me again, I'll always think of him fondly, as an asshole." Carrie

“Do you have to play games to make a relationship work?” Carrie“His words say no but his kiss says yes.” Carrie

“I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet.” Carrie

“Listen to me! The right guy is an illusion. Start living your lives.” Samantha

"After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh." Big

"Relationships are not about playing games. They're about mature and honest communication." Miranda

"No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you’ll never get through it without your friends." Carrie

"I’m looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love." Carrie

Another perk of the S&TC series was of course, the fashion. In my outfit I think I embody abit of  Charlotte and Carrie. My Trendy Creature Embellished Collar top is a pretty pastel pink and done up so delicately at the collar. I show off some leg with some short shorts just like Carrie would of. Carrie had some great pins on her and she was always my favourite character in the show.

Thanking Trendy Creature for this abosof*ckinglutely fabulous top.

Lady in Milanoo White

Wearing: Jeanswest's Megan Denim Jacket thanks to Jeanswest; Milanoo's Long Sleeve Off The Shoulder Lace White Dress thanks to Milanoo; Steve Madden's Boots

The life in a nutshell these days: I work as a croupier part time, I blog part time - editing photos, taking photos and emails. I'm in the middle of finishing Once upon a Time season 3 (currently up to episode 16). I'm reading 'Happier at Home' by Gretchin Rubin. I'm trying to finish off Legend of Zelda's 'A Link Between Worlds' (I just unlocked the Lorule Kingdom). I spend alot of my free time with my boyfriend while he plays PS4 and I eat dinners with him. I am now comfortable with my manual driving and I don't freak out at hills anymore.. but I still have trouble launching off in first gear. When I'm at home I like to pet my dogs. I msg my bestie Betty and boyfriend all day, every day. I am applying for new jobs, trying to find a way out of Casino Life and back into Design or Buying. I still sleep at odd hours and I get headaches once in a while when I get broken sleep (which is often).

But most of all, everyday I work on trying to forgive myself and to be a little lass hard on me. I am harsh on myself when people try to bring me down. I tend to believe these people and their immature behaviour and harsh words towards me are what I deserve.
So that's something I'm trying my best to rise above from everyday. I'm also trying to follow this life lesson - "I am practising being kind instead of right."

 So, with life I try to sift through the bad and good and concentrate on the good. Like this cute lace dress from Milanoo. It was an easy online purchase - and I do find quite joy in online shopping. Teamed with a denim jacket and boots I found myself walking in this pretty dress to a brunch date with Betty on a Saturday afternoon. Those moments are the good in life and I plan to keep adding them to my little Life in a nutshell.

Cocolatte Innocence

Wearing: Cocolatte Pleated Lace Dress thanks to Cocolatte; Steve Madden boots thanks to Steve Madden, Vintage Bridal Crown; Sportgirl's 'Spring Fling' lipstick

I've had a pretty crazy day today - lots of emotional ups and downs and fights and bickering and apologies and realizations and smokes in between. I almost cracked it at about 4pm this afternoon but I had a friend come over to just sit with me and give me a quick hug. That's all I needed. A quick reassuring hug.

Last night I had a heart-wrenching talk and it was decided that I take a break from my partner so I can collect my thoughts. If he is reading this, I just want to tell you I love you and that I am sorry but this is for the better and I hope in time that we will be OK.

It isn't easy for me too, so for now I concentrate on my blogging and try to remind myself that even without that love to fill my world, I will still have my work, friends and family to fill that gap.

I wish so much to go back to the Natalie that was innocent and full of wonder and hope so I can just feel the pure happiness I felt many years ago as a kid (pokemon, Barbie, climbing fruit trees and rollerblading were my world); but I am also happy to turn out the way I am - strong, wise, clear-headed and spirited. I learn from my lessons and pick the hard road rather then the easy cowardly road. I don't let people walk over me and at the same time I appreciate in full circle what people do for me out of the kindness in their hearts.

Another life chapter for me is going to be written for me, but all in all I hope to keep my passion for blogging alive, whether it's post-editing, styling, photography or writing. I am particularly proud of this set of photos because it shows a lighter, gentler and sweeter side of me. It is rarely shown and only to a handful of people in my life, but it comes out at full force and with open arms.

A Pretty watch from May 28th thanks to Surfdome

 Wearing: Front Row Shop Army Green Jacket thanks to Front Row Shop; Nasty Gal Blouse; Beginning Boutique lilac skirt; Steve Madden Boots; May 28th 12.40PM floral watch thanks to Surfdome; Double Stripe Hipster backpack thanks to To The Nines

I love to be a free soul most of the time, have no-one keep me tied to the ground or control what I do or what I say. But sometimes I want to belong to something solid, be with someone who can be my rock.

And in these confusing times, I feel myself torn and considering things I've never considered before. It's scary when you're experiencing feelings that rarely come at you and sweep you off your feet. It's like the sudden feeling of not wanting to go home but knowing you can't stay where you are. Well I could stay, if it were easily possible...

In time though, I will learn from my lessons/mistakes and recycle my knowledge and try not to repeat mistakes, and in the end, always remember that no matter what happens, I will be OK. Absolutely OK.

And now having been two years of blogging now, with countless outfits and hairstyles, I still encounter the bad outfits and confusing camera pose choices. And again in time, I hope to learn from my mistakes from blogging as well. The most important lesson though it to ABSOLUTELY be yourself.

I'm temperamental about my style, so sometimes I like to wear colours. Thanks to Surfdome I found myself wearing a bright watch from May 28th, called 12.40PM (interesting hey?) combined with lilac, polka dots and khaki. An outfit that makes me look younger, but that's part of my temperamental personality. Yet always try to be yourself today live in the moment, even if your heart will change it's course tomorrow.