tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86865799614443938282024-03-15T01:42:56.419+11:00Suited Up and BarefootNicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-60690548073120795022019-01-13T12:39:00.000+11:002019-01-13T17:26:18.579+11:00THE UNUSUAL YEAR THAT WASI've been meaning to write about my 2018 for a while, but everytime I started thinking about what to write I got so overwhelmed I kept moving it from one to-do list to the next.<br />
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Today's the day I guess - much determination, no plan, no idea what the upcoming will look like; that kinda was the theme last year too.<br />
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This week last year I was made redundant. It sucked to be told that I didn't have a job anymore and I did have a lot of love for the business, but deep down I also knew it wasn't meant to be forever. I felt under-utilised while caring way too much. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next either. So I took it as a sign that this was my chance to redesign my work world - this task we never seem to get around to because we're too busy/exhausted/distracted; this was the universe saying, you've got no excuses now.<br />
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Little did I know that not only my work world, but my whole world was gonna undergo a fair bit of redesigning. Relationship, family, friendships, identity - the challenges really lined themselves up last year. I learned so much, life has never so clearly shifted and evolved as it has over the last 12 months.<br />
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I learned that to a certain extent my partner and I are so fundamentally different that we will never be able to avoid offending each other at times. I realised that many things I was taught by my parents to hold as truths, are quite often not other people's truths - not because they're bad people, but simply because they grew up elsewhere, with a different set of parents, living life in a completely different way. I learned to ask "why" again - out of curiosity and eagerness to understand, not out of anger and frustration. I learned to remember that beyond every person's here and now, the words they say and the actions they take today, are history and experiences that guide their present being, whether they're aware or not and whether they were in control of that history or not... that doesn't make everything excusable, but once you realise what the roots look like, there are better chances of growth and forgiveness.<br />
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I learned to look at my own history, realising that beliefs and values are like glasses you put on; you need them to view the world but you can indeed change them. While it's hard to not believe that our parents want the best for us and know what's up, what they instil in us isn't the only way to live life. I learned that sometimes something expected to be earth-shattering can be the exact thing that clears the path to change. I learned to communicate with my family in a way where they have no choice but to "listen" - via messaging. I learned to love my family for the humans they are, rather than get frustrated at the expectations of what our relationships are meant to be.<br />
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I learned that anti-specialists aren't losers, but are called multipotentialites. I learned that I am one; one of those who scroll through general education electives at uni and wish they could do them all. I learned that owning a business doesn't motivate me, but running a business well does. More so, I learned that what I truly care about is supporting people's wellbeing and evolvement. I learned that it's ok to start over, as it is ok to stay put; it's more than ok to do a bit of both too. I learned to be a bit less stressed about situations out of my control, that thoughtful preparation can go a long way but no preparation can help you get something that's not meant to be yours. I learned to manage my time better so I can work on multiple projects at once, but also learned to move on swiftly after something is done, especially if it turned out to be absolute shit.<br />
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I learned that new routines can help one climb out of something that felt a lot like depression, that making one's bed and cooking breakfast in the morning can indeed count as an achievement for the day when nothing else seems to materialise. I learned to love journalling again, something that helped me release grudges and bitterness and self-pity, and made space in my heart to fully focus on my journey forward. I learned that when you're stuck, you need to let go and come back tomorrow. I learned that it's crucial to know who to call when you need unconditional love as well as honesty - not everyone knows how to provide you with this, but the ones that do will give you more than what you ever thought was possible in friendship.<br />
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I learned that perfectionism might earn me praise from others, but causes stuckness within me. I learned to do a bit more of "just get it going and see what happens". I learned that even if I don't continue on, I would've still gotten <i>something</i> out of it, and that there's nothing wrong with not continuing on if it doesn't feel right. I learned that chipping away at tiny goals every week, even if they don't amount to anything big, is a better use of time than agonising over the feasibility of some grand plan and deciding you can't do it. I learned that I, you, we can do it; we might hurt along the way but we can indeed do it if it's what we want - as they say, no pain no gain.<br />
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I learned that you really don't need much stuff to live a nice life; it's the environment, people and your state of mind that count the most. I realised we buy crap to fill other voids or make up for other shit we haven't dealt with in life; however I also learned just how much joy a purposefully selected item can bring. I learned that there are lots of fun and useful free resources out there that we don't seem to have the time to find and make use of, from libraries to podcasts to movies to education... there is really no excuse to ever feel bored again.<br />
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I learned to finally exercise regularly.<br />
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I learned to gain momentum by telling myself that I only have to do something for 15 minutes.<br />
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I learned to love listening to the news.<br />
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I learned that if you're willing to listen and give attention, you don't always have to know what to say.<br />
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I learned to accept that there will be plenty of people that don't get me, don't like me, think I'm weird or suspicious or confused or flaky... not everyone needs what I can give, and that's ok - more for the ones that do.<br />
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I learned that people can change your life with the smallest, most unassuming, least calculated gestures, so it pays to deliberately practise to be the best version of yourself until you just are; you will genuinely and naturally change lives in ways you will never be able to expect or plan for.<br />
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I learned that anything important in life will take a lot of time, and energy, and brain juice, and heartache, and patience. You know how important something is to you by your willingness to get up again, however long it takes to do so, after every single fall. <br />
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And I learned to get a bit better at trusting the universe, and myself.<br />
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Despite all the strangeness, I wouldn't have wanted to change anything last year. All relationships in my life, including the one I have with myself, have genuinely evolved. I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin, and my compassion for others has taken on new meaning too - I guess it's just like learning about something new and then you start seeing it everywhere in the same environment you've always been in; the world has always been the same but <i>your own world</i> in it has expanded.<br />
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Good times were aplenty. I got to see new places, and spent many happy days at home, enjoying every moment of this incredibly special space. I fermented things, and made way too many choc chip cookies. I spent beach mornings and movie nights with friends, as well as hours upon hours on the phone talking about life, the world, and the most bizarre and fascinating things people get up to. I made some new friends, became closer friends with some existing ones, and connected with strangers. I went to pottery classes. I finished a game of Monopoly for the first time, and even won; what was most joyful though was feeling the heat around the table and feeling so damn grateful that I got to spend all these hours having fun with people I really care about. I got to visit the capital for the first time; I finally sat behind the steering wheel for the first time. I spent many hours in the car talking with Toby about things we had never talked about before (obviously not me behind the steering wheel). I spent quality time with family members I'd never had enough time for before. I ate street snacks with my sister that our parents always told us to stay away from (we didn't get sick). I got to spend time with Toby's whole family for the first time. I slept in a caravan (in Toby's parents' driveway, still though!). I instigated a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrJFYnsl8af/" target="_blank">pop-up market</a>, and <a href="https://nicole-ngo.com/mindful-christmas-cards/" target="_blank">created mindful Christmas cards</a> with friends. It really doesn't look like much, but as I mentioned before, once you strip things right back you realise quickly that it doesn't take much to feel true joy and gratitude.<br />
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What felt rather important to me was to write this while I'm still in limboland so to speak. We often open up about our struggles once we come out on the other side, celebratory and successful. We don't really talk about the days where things are just quietly simmering away, unsure of how long things will take or if they even amount to anything. I've been speaking to people about work, but nothing has been locked in yet. I've applied for uni, but I haven't completely made up my mind yet. I did bring some projects to life, and have pages and pages of notes on other ideas, but what their future looks like only time will tell.<br />
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I know that internally, I've got quite a bit of my shit together, but to the outside world it can look like I've done fuckall all year. I wanted to learn to be prouder of the things I have and can put out into the world, to be a bit more forthright when it comes to shining a light on myself for others to see. So I decided to finally put <a href="https://nicole-ngo.com/" target="_blank">my own website</a> together - a home for the type of work I want to do and have done, and a place to show everyone that doesn't know me that closely as much as possible of who I am and what I want to represent.<br />
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I learned that things can be shiny on the outside, but when things are rotten on the inside, only you know. The choice and effort to revive the inside is yours only - nobody knows, and hardly anyone cares. It's up to you to decide whose feelings, pleasure and wellbeing are more important; I hope you know it's yours. It's a whole lot harder to try and get things right for ourselves than to please others, but the ones that truly have your best interest at heart will cheer you on... I will too.<br />
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Finally, while the year-end and year-start always seem to be an obvious occasion to stop and reflect, don't let the calendar year dictate when to set goals, make changes, invest time in your development and how to define your achievements. Dates are all but a reference tool - keep moving and take rests as you need. I've never made any new year's resolutions, but I also lived life for many years without any resolutions at all; these days I review my resolutions almost daily. Find a rhythm that keeps <i>you</i> going.<br />
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If you made it all the way to this sentence, THANK YOU for making time for me. It's a little scary to put all this out there, but we're all a bit scared sometimes aren't we? I wanted to share something that's not cool and glitzy, but rather boring, longwinded and a bit raw - hoping it might give someone else comfort, spark some conversations and maybe inspire some new connections. Message me if you want to get something off your chest and need an attentive ear... we will be ok.<br />
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<br />Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-74185113642998818812018-09-13T16:35:00.002+10:002018-09-14T15:33:44.825+10:00SCROLLING TO (IN)FINITY: 5 THINGS TO TRY TO GAIN BACK CONTROL OVER YOUR (SOCIAL) MEDIA CONSUMPTION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is inspired by all the people that leave unconscructive comments all over the internet ("Nobody cares"; "I don't even know who these people are"; "5 minutes of my life I can't get back", and so on and so forth), but really is dedicated to those that don't but feel like their time on social media (or on their phone in general) can get a bit out of control sometimes.<b> </b>Like a great con artist, it lures you in, makes you stay and get cosy, then leaves you with nothing. Being human just like everyone else, I'm too familiar with this trap... after a long time of letting it dictate my downtime, I've tried a few things to take back the steering wheel (I still go visit obviously, but I'm driving myself there thanks). Here's where I'm at currently:<br />
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<b>1. Decide which medium is meant to serve which purpose, then unsubscribe/unfollow ruthlessly</b><br />
Every now and then I'm loathing that we have to be part of so many different social channels to get the right(-ish) mix of content and connection, but then I also realised that nothing should stop us from continuous content finetuning on each channel. Just like each social media platform is meant to serve a relatively specific purpose, we don't go to everyone we know and/or like for everything in life either.<br />
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I decided that Facebook is mainly for staying in touch with friends, family and acquaintances (and keeping tabs on who's now got children); Instagram is for creative inspiration (and memes involving funny kids and animals), and Twitter is solely for following a few artists and recording some of my random fleeting thoughts that no one needs to know about - so I've "cleaned up" accordingly. I've unsubscribed from all newsletters I hardly ever touch, and if it's from a business I do like I go follow them on a channel that suits (I've actually moved a lot of them onto my LinkedIn follow list). It also pays to spend a few extra seconds and untick all marketing boxes when signing up for something online, or hit unsubscribe as soon as you do even just an internal eyeroll when a newsletter arrives.<br />
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This works for me - depending on your preferences, you might want to go for a bit of a different strategy. The point is to work out who and what to "follow" for what purpose; don't let FOMO or worrying about what anyone thinks about your movements stop you from seeing/reading/watching/participating in what <i>you</i> want to be involved with. Particularly with individuals we personally know, it should be about whether we like them enough to invite them for coffee, not whether we follow each other's every online move. (If you wouldn't even want to go for coffee with them - good sign you don't need to bat an eyelid about the decision.) If exiting the social media scene isn't something you desire (I salute the ones that do, but I certainly don't want to) but all your feeds are saturated with things you scroll right past without a second thought more than things that grab your attention, this could be a good first step to get some better value out of your downtime screen time.<br />
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<b>2. Curate your own news</b><br />
I personally have only used <a href="https://feedly.com/" target="_blank">Feedly</a>, but there are so many content aggregators out there you'll surely find one that works for you (google "news apps"). This is an excellent way to keep up with news, websites and blogs you enjoy reading by having all sources saved in one place, rather than getting distracted by newsletters (some of which you can now unsubscribe from if they're only feeding you links from their main site) or waiting for their turn on your social media feed. Again, it promotes content consumption with intent - read what you want to read when you want to read it, rather than giving in to dem click-baits and feeling frustrated about it after. Even if it's a trashy/useless site you like to indulge in every so often (I'll own right up to it, I'm a sucker for pop culture), don't feel shy to link it to your news app - at some point you would've caught up on all the new posts, rather than close one screen only to be back on that endless chain of noise.<br />
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<b>3. Listen to podcasts</b><br />
I find it rather mindblowing how much quality content there is out there in this format - whether you want to keep up with news and commentary, get deep into specific topics or genres, learn about something new or simply be entertained, you'll find it and it's all bloody free! What I love so much about podcasts is that while they don't have to be about any intellectual topics at all, each episode goes for a long enough period of time (comparable to a TV show episode) to provide you with solid insight and thoughts to ponder on. I do wonder whether it's because one is engaging by listening only or because it's one finite conversation at a time, that it doesn't feel draining either (think movie vs. jumping around on YouTube). It's certainly much harder to get distracted or lured into the next thing because there is obviously no recommended content for you to click on; moreover, perhaps because you can just get up and do something else while it's playing, it doesn't seem to have that anchoring effect that social media has either (unless you're listening to <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/season-one" target="_blank">Serial</a>, then you'll be sitting there for 12 hours with your mouth agape, listening to every single word). Obviously I'm a huge fan and would recommend it to everyone as a radio alternative or as low-impact, low-commitment entertainment where you can even shut your eyes... I've fallen asleep listening to podcasts before, and thanked myself for getting some rest rather than ending up feeling more dazed and confused after some lazy social media bingeing.<br />
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<b>4. Collect items/topics of interest to revisit at a later stage</b><br />
So often I come across content where I go "ah I'll look at this when I'm free", then I just never do and go on social media instead (to probably think the same thing about new stuff I come across there). For me, scrolling time is essentially "miscellaneous" time - anything goes, just talk at me and let me wind down a bit here. Start collecting these "I'll look at this when I'm free" items in a centralised spot and introduce a bit of deliberate miscellaneous time here and there - at least you'll be getting into things you're moderately interested in without exerting too much effort, until your brain wants memes and late night comedy videos again. There will be functions on your news app to tag or flag articles to read later; start a note on your phone; or if you're a freak like me and need every single thing in your life categorised, start a new folder or document on <a href="https://evernote.com/" target="_blank">Evernote</a>.<br />
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<b>5. Make it a teeny tiny bit harder to mindlessly distract yourself</b><br />
Man I get it, sometimes we just want colours dancing in front of our eyes; sometimes looking at dumb shit online that makes us mildly lol is more comforting than staring out the train window into the dark. While it's important to know how to sit with our thoughts or daydream sometimes, we've needed entertainment and engagement from the moment we were born (especially when we're tired and grumpy) so purposeless screentime is only natural. However, just like we were told as kids that too much TV is unhealthy, it's undeniable that too much passive/subconscious media consumption makes us feel lethargic, gets us involved in crap we never wanted to/should be part of in the first place, and too often takes us away from the things we could/should be doing - even if it's simply a quick snooze to refuel for the remainder of the day. Our brain is lazy by default (I'm not saying this, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/books/review/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-daniel-kahneman-book-review.html" target="_blank">Daniel Kahneman</a> is in <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/9780141033570?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=AU&utm_content=Thinking-Fast-and-Slow&selectCurrency=AUD&w=AF45AU99ZT78B3A80RYM&pdg=aud-298410630902:pla-104398008339:kwd-104398008339:cmp-680104063:adg-35441289072:crv-151945028117:pid-9780141033570:dev-c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpsXo1Ka33QIVhrfsCh0M4QPYEAQYASABEgLSfvD_BwE" target="_blank">Thinking, Fast and Slow</a>), and hardly anything we do in life is easier than clicking on that social media app and getting on that infinite scroll. So do help yourself and put in place some small hurdles: leave your phone in a different place/room when you need/want to get things done; delete some of the apps and use the browser version; turn off notifications. Treat it as a treat, and invest some time to refine your feeds so that it's actually a bit of fun rather than just whatevs. Own your guilty pleasures and consciously give yourself that free pass sometimes, as you'll be done after a much quicker dose of it than scrolling through your social media channels until you happen upon one of their posts, go down that rabbit hole and then return to scrolling. Don't get annoyed at a lame post and make a salty comment - just unsubscribe and head the other way. As they say, don't hate the game... just change the players.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-37248343553425198372018-07-19T13:11:00.000+10:002018-07-19T16:26:17.307+10:00CONFESSIONS OF AN UNFIT PERSON: 5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED BY DOING THE SAME EXERCISE EVERY MORNING<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.lorynbrantz.com/" target="_blank">Loryn Brantz</a> knows what's up.</span></div>
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Before anyone comes at me because that's not how one is meant to exercise, I just want to clarify that I haven't ever truly pursued any proper exercise in my life (except for the bare minimum at school, a few yoga classes and a semi-decent run of No Lights No Lycra last year, which barely counts. Yoga with Adriene didn't work out either, as much as I liked her vibes - see post from 2013 lolz). Physical activity and I have always had a hard time becoming friends - he really exhausts me and I'm really good at ignoring him. However I'm highly aware that without it, I'm very likely to have a challenging time when I get a bit older; I look at my mum and for as long as I've been able to process her complaints, she's been constantly feeling unwell and has pains and aches that I don't think anyone only half-way through their expected lifespan should be having (however she did start exercising several years ago, so good on ya mum).<br />
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After multiple occasions of trying and failing to pull through, I've now set myself one single goal with the lowest bar possible: to exercise every single day, doing the shortest, simplest routine I've come across. I know myself well enough now to understand that no further intentions or goals will be able to motivate me in the initial stage of (hopefully) creating this new life-long habit of daily movement: screw the beach body, the ability to walk on my hands or any type of peer pressure. I'm happy to report that for the past month, I have not missed a single day. I still don't really enjoy it, but at least I've learned a few lessons that seem to keep me going.<br />
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1. <b>If you've never done it, you gotta allow yourself to keep things simple and take your time.</b> Previously, my activities used to involve either having to leave the house (one hurdle too many), or routines that take about 30 minutes (about 20 minutes too long when I "don't have time"). All I've been doing for the past month is a bit of stretching and the Start Up Benchmark exercise on <a href="https://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/nike-plus/training-app">Nike Training Club</a>: 3 sets of 20 star jumps, 15 squats, 10 modified push-ups (on the knees) and 10 lateral/side lunges. I've told myself that all I need to do is the above bare minimum, however it MUST happen every day. On good days I've even increased my reps; on grotty days I let myself take as many breaks as I need - I decided it was better to maintain quality rather than just getting it over and done with. If you simply can't see any pleasure in it, give yourself the easiest option that feels embarrassing to even think of skipping.<br />
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2. <b>Make it part of a routine and write it down for extra unavoidability.</b> I developed a bit of a morning routine during a time when I had absolutely no direction for my days, let alone my life - it indeed gave me some sense of achievement each day going through this list, even if it was only as simple as making my bed and doing some tidying (which on most days is putting away the dishes). However I did put "exercise" on there, and it's all written down on a sticky note in my journal which I look at every morning. As basic as it sounds, there were certainly days I conveniently/unintentionally forgot that I was meant to exercise if it wasn't for the sticky note - that combined with the semi-joke of a routine really gives me no choice but to do it... you just know you gotta be better than <i>that</i>.<br />
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3. <b>You really learn to listen to your body.</b> It's quite incredible how I now find myself "acknowledging" parts of my body I've never paid attention to before, and pick up on observations that are completely new despite all these weeks of doing the exact same movements. The areas that are still sore after stretching, the joints that keep clicking, how to land in a star jump so you don't muck up your ankle... you also realise immediately if you're a bit under the weather or over-tired, as the exercise could go from relatively light and easy to a real drag overnight. I remember previously, all I ever wanted was to finish the session; I never felt any significant improvement in mood, clarity or energy (let alone cravings for soreness?! Baffles me everytime people say this) to spur the desire to try again either. Now at least I get to marvel at all the different things my body is starting to tell me, and learn how to attend to whatever it needs.<br />
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4. <b>The improvements take their sweet-ass time... but they do show themselves eventually.</b> Besides having a slightly easier time going up hills now, things like squats still feel as hard on my legs as day 4. This is why I think it's totally okay not to be too hard on yourself as a complete beginner; if you have crazy expectations of half your love handles disappearing, or slightly more realistically, not hating life after a HIIT session in a month's time, it's just gonna crush you (I haven't tried - this is an educated guess based on my history). It's best not to focus on anything but the fact that you are now doing something for your physical health daily, which is a real achievement if you never did before; by continuing to observe your movements and how you feel, you will eventually pick up on things improving. I do seem a bit more awake these days after exercising, so that's a great start. I'm also happy to report that I've gone from being unable to attempt any form of push-up, to being quite ok at modified ones, to now slowly fighting my way lower with the real ones. One day...<br />
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5. <b>Three must really be the magic number.</b> There are so many days when I start my routine and think, can it please stop feeling like I've got bricks hanging off my body? It keeps on going like that until I get to my third set and like a miracle, it's as if someone has come to collect the bricks!? Can an exercise person please explain? Perhaps there is a scientific reason behind it; whatever it is, do try at least three rounds before you retire for the day because mysteriously, it does get better.<br />
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If you're also seemingly allergic to exercising and have some tricks up your sleeves, I'd love to hear them (hashtag fitspo) x
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-85763503839284539362018-07-14T19:36:00.000+10:002018-07-14T19:51:02.898+10:00WE CAN ONLY GET BETTER: WHY I (ALSO) WANT TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I came across <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://medium.com/stories-for-the-people/tagged/mental-health-ftp" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">these beautiful articles</a></span> about the journey of creating a company mental health policy by the team at <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://forthepeople.agency/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">For The People</a></span>.
I was so moved and inspired, I decided I had to write some form of
response in support and to join in on the efforts of continuing this
conversation. I’ve done a bit of writing since but haven’t been pleased
with most of what’s come together; I know the topic is so dear to me,
however none of it yet truly reflected my sentiments when I talk about
it with people face-to-face. So I tried again, this time asking myself
the simplest question: <i>why</i> do I want to write about mental health?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First and foremost, because I care, and believe wholeheartedly that <b>the more we talk about such publicly “uncomfortable” matters, the more comfortable it’s only gonna get.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Image taken by me; Austin TX / June 2016</span><b><br /></b></div>
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I’m inspired by the likes of <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80233611" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hannah Gadsby</a></span> and <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://www.cameronesposito.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cameron Esposito</a></span> who are sending powerful messages – that <b>more people need to share their “too personal” stories</b>;
more people need to realise the issues behind the detrimental emotions
and psychological costs these individuals endure; more people need to
“get in the way” of people turning a blind eye and letting these issues
get swept under the carpet. <br />
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I’m inspired by my beautiful friend L., who I love dearly and have
such a strong bond with, while understanding the reality that I would
never be able to truly know what it’s like to deal with her mental
disorder. I want people to stop being afraid of the mere mention of
“mental disorder” or “mental illness”, as I have the honour and blessing
to be such close friends with someone that manages one. I’m proud to
share that she’s one of the kindest, funniest, most determined,
generous, hardworking, stylish and emotionally intelligent people I
know. I want individuals like herself <b>to live in a world where
the focus lies on all the wonderful things she is and can do; where
instead of feeling any need to hide her mental health experiences, she
knows that everyone is rooting for her progress</b> – the way we root for people that want to manage their physical illnesses and disorders.<br />
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I don’t live with a disorder, nor have I lived through any hardship
or trauma. However I want to be part of this conversation because my
heart breaks for the ones that do; the ones that have to contain these
experiences within themselves and their homes as they worry people will
distance themselves, or reduce them to this one aspect of their life if
things come to light. I want for us to open up our hearts, remember our
own pains, and ask ourselves what we wished for when we felt it: I’m
sure we hoped for it to go away, and perhaps for someone to show up,
embrace and assure us that it’s okay. I want us to remember the moments
we felt lonely – when no one checked in, no one understood, no one
bothered to ask. I want us to realise that just because we got over it,
it doesn’t mean that it didn’t fucking hurt at the time. <b>Please embrace others; bother to ask.</b><br />
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I hope to encourage others to recognise that mental health is part of
everyone’s life just like physical health is; that actually, <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">health = physical + mental + social wellbeing</a></span>.
That it can be delicate and easily affected, because it covers such a
broad spectrum of our being and hence can be susceptible to anything and
everything; <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">that mental health issues aren’t a choice but an outcome of conditions and influences</a></span>. <b>I hope for more and more people to ask “why” and look for the roots</b>,
rather than only know to look at the “what” and feel challenged by the
symptoms. For us to remember that the unknown is always a little scary,
but the ones that have to go through the unknown are even more scared.
For us to start viewing our external position as one capable of powerful
support: that we might not know exactly what it feels like, but that we
have the capacity to remain calm and offer some calmness, objectively
look at the whole situation and help untangle things, as we aren’t
enduring the pressures of the person going through the actual
experience.<br />
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I hope for everyone to trust that<b> if there is an issue and we know the cause, there will be a way to work with it.</b>
That we realise if we just leave the issue to exist and go somewhere we
can’t see it, it doesn’t actually go away. That there are many ways to <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://www.sane.org/roads-to-wellness/20-navigating-the-mental-health-system" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">heal, recover, manage the situation</a>, and <a href="https://www.uhs.umich.edu/tenthings" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">get stronger</a></span>.
That it’s okay if we don’t know the answer – but we should care enough
to help each other find someone that might. For us to ask ourselves,
would I brush it off if this were someone I loved dearly? For us to be
reminded that we’re <i>all</i> human.<br />
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I hope for us to realise that we don’t have to go out there and change the world, but that<b> it starts with our own attitude</b>.
That if we listened rather than avoid the situation, asked questions
rather than offload our opinion at the nearest opportunity, remembered
our own loneliness rather than send someone off saying “you’ll work it
out”… we would already make a difference. It’s not about doing
everything for others, but about supporting them to get to a place where
they know what to do, and helping them believe that they can do it. The
gesture can be big or small; nonetheless any gesture is better than
none.<br />
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I really hope for us <b>to shift the focus from “problem” to “improvement”</b>, to talk about mental health the way we do about physical health – without much hesitation.<br />
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I hope for us to be more attuned to our emotional and psychological world, and be curious about why we feel the way we do. <b>For us to actually get to know ourselves better, and acknowledge our good as much as our bad.</b>
For that to get us thinking about whether we want to do something about
what we don’t like, or whether it’s just easier not to deal with it.
That hopefully, we learn to love and respect ourselves more than that.<br />
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I hope for us to recognise that <b>the only way we can shift our attitude for others, is for us to first shift our attitude <i>for ourselves</i>.</b> That we’re not perfect, but we <i>can</i>
get better. That everyone has flaws, and that it would give all of us a
chance to breathe a little if everyone was brave enough to own theirs.
Doesn’t mean that you aren’t amazing at other things. Doesn’t mean that
the flaw has to stay that way – someone might have something really cool
to show you when they realise you want to progress. Doesn’t mean that
anyone can ever take your goodness away from you – when you give some of
it away, it magically continues to exist in its wholeness. <i>We can only fucking get better.</i><br />
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I hope for us to stop being so squirmy about feelings, emotions, stuff that goes on in human minds. <b>Just because we can’t hold it, see it, smell it, doesn’t mean it’s not real… it is, because everyone can <i>feel</i> it.</b> Just because you don’t experience that many, or you bury them and don’t deal with them, doesn’t mean you don’t have any.<br />
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Invite them in. And you know what you can do when something seems scary? You get a friend to do it with you. <b>Be both the person letting your emotions in, and the friend</b> (not at the same time… although it’s possible; try a diary). Like they say, it’ll get easier with practice.
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-39272249240367455762016-08-14T20:42:00.001+10:002018-07-19T16:24:25.256+10:00THE CASE OF CRUMBLING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN US AND WORKAfter leaving my previous work to take some time off for travelling and working out what I want to do next, I’m facing a fear I’ve never experienced before: the fear of joining the wrong workplace. Searching for a new role, I’ve realised the particular responsibilities isn’t necessarily where my main focus lies anymore. Sure, I’d still want to be interested in the tasks and feel that I have the capacity to fulfil them, however whatever they are I know that I’d be giving 100% to get them done as thoroughly as I can. My main concern has shifted to whom I will be working for: I want to work for someone that truly believes in what they do, knows why they do it and inspires their team to commit to this journey with them. I want to be part of a team that takes their work seriously, looks out for one another, feels safe to challenge the circumstances and does this with their best intentions. Unlike knowing the type of responsibilities I’m signing myself up for when applying for a job, how can I be sure of what kind of work environment I’ll be in for?<br />
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The interesting thing is that currently I’m surrounded by people who are going through related issues: people in their “dream jobs” burning out because there isn’t enough support; people wasting time trying to piece together their available resources or keeping up with the changes because communication within the organisation is poor; people with high potential being placed in challenging roles but being provided with little to no structured development plans, mentoring or consistent feedback. All these people are really close to me and I know they take their careers seriously. Why are our relationships with our workplace breaking down?<br />
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<a name='more'></a> It’s definitely a two-way relationship between us and our workplace – both parties are meant to give and take. Not unlike being in a romantic relationship, you do become one unit with the other party while maintaining your own identity and voice; you work towards common goals together, but as an individual you are able to make unique contributions that can help the unit achieve those goals faster or better. There are going to be conflict and fallouts, which may or may not be resolved.<br />
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At work though, you’re in a relationship with a whole bunch of people, each of whom you have a different type of relationship with. Relationships within a relationship: already sounds like a disaster. Is that perhaps why nobody wants to talk about how the workplace-employee relationship should really work? Is that why often when problems arise, the surface gets scratched, maybe a bandaid gets slapped on, and off you go back into the battlefield until you either bulldoze over your opponents or drop out yourself? Are we just expected to get along with everybody at work, “get on with it already”, “talk it out like adults” because in reality the system is way too complex and no one wants to deal with it?<br />
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Like in any relationship, each individual has his or her own personality, goals, priorities and attitude. However unlike in a romantic relationship where two people are working towards finding common ground and learning to love/accept/tolerate each other’s differences, at a workplace you have lots of these individuals under one roof, which is meant to have its own mission, objectives and values as well. It’s like a bloody Reddit forum: you’ll need moderators to keep shit under control, but also respectful, considerate contributors who understand that they’re not the only ones entitled to be there and get something out of it.<br />
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It feels like people from both sides in the workplace seem to forget (or ignore?) that it’s very much a big, messy relationship that requires love, care, understanding and effort from everyone. I’m not saying it’s like that everywhere – there are indeed people out there who love their workplace and/or put a lot of energy into making it a healthy environment for their team. We need more of them sharing their learning and practices to inspire their peers! Nevertheless, what myself and the people around me are going through shows that many do view work as a Lego game: gaps get filled and every block is just meant to fit with the other. Some structures will just look like shit through because the colours (i.e. personalities, objectives, intentions) might be all over the show.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pupils on Rue de Rivoli, Paris, 1978. Photo by R. Doisneau </span></div>
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Again, just a bit like in a personal relationship, there is nothing and no one regulating what it means to be a healthy workplace; there are some compliance boxes that need to be ticked, but work satisfaction and loyalty are all based on how people feel, which is rather hard to consistently measure. I’ll leave it up to you to decide how important it is… all I can say is that it’s hard to deny the role it plays in productivity, which in turn affects the bottom line. In an ideal world, here are questions that I strongly believe all parties need to frequently ask themselves and work on to play an active part in building a healthy workplace for everyone: </div>
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<b>Company decision-makers – questions around the company’s identity and values, the importance of their people and their hiring process</b><br />
<ul>
<li>What is our true mission and how do we ensure we don’t get sidetracked from what we are meant to achieve? E.g. at our very core, do we exist because we want to be a hospitality company that delivers the most unique experiences, or is our true priority to just gain as much power in the industry and profits as possible? (I do understand that people are in business to make profit for one reason or another, however the mission does dictate much of the approach and direction of how things are executed)</li>
<li>What are our values, how do we ensure we embody them as a company and that all staff is on the same page? What kind of culture do we want for our company and what kind of behaviour will be expected from everyone?</li>
<li>How much do we need our people? What exactly do we need them to achieve for us and in return, what could they possibly need and want to perform their best? Is it in our best interest to keep employees as long as possible, and if so, what could they possibly want to have a fulfilling career and work life?</li>
<li>How do we hold people accountable when there are not delivering on any aspects – tasks-wise, culturally or morally?</li>
<li>Do we want feedback from our employees? How do we ensure people feel safe to raise issues and what’s the process to make sure those issues are resolved?</li>
<li>Do we fully understand everyone’s positions within the company? Are our roles and company reflected accurately when hiring new people? Are our expectations clear and reasonable for what we provide in return?</li>
<li>What can we do to ensure we find and hire people that can do the job, fit into our culture and respect what we stand for? Who are the people their performance and behaviour will affect most and should they be part of the recruitment process? Are there any creative ways to get to know the candidates better (and also give them a realistic taste of what it’s like to work for us) before hiring them?</li>
<li>Can we do our work without everyone else in the structure? If not, why should they be doing it with us and not someone else?</li>
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<b>Employees of all levels – questions around their own objectives, priorities and the ability to work with others</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Why am I applying for this job: because it’s the responsibilities that I want for my career development, it’s a company I want to work for, it’s the title and/or salary I want, it’ll help me pay my bills, I need a change from my current role, or I’ve been told to apply?</li>
<li>What do I want out of my next role and workplace? What could they possibly want in return? What do I know about the company and do their objectives and values seem to align with mine?</li>
<li>What are the things I would like to know before I start working for someone new? Am I prepared to ask those questions in my interview or have I thought of any other ways to find out?</li>
<li>Am I aware who I will be placed to work with and therefore my performance and behaviour will be affecting, and vice versa? (i.e. will I be working under someone alongside other peers, be in charge of a team or will I be mostly working independently?) Do I enjoy being part of a team, do I have the skills and empathy to lead others or do I rather enjoy working alone?</li>
<li>How do I deal with conflict or confronting situations? What’s my way of being reasonable and fair, and where do I draw the line? Do I have someone I trust to speak to when an issue can’t be resolved on my own? </li>
<li>Do I take pride in my work? What are my true strengths and weaknesses, and how do I seek to improve yourself?</li>
<li>Am I ok with the fact that at work, it should be as much about me as it should be about everyone else?</li>
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By no means do I have all the answers to this, but I do know one thing: going in blindly from any direction will cause issues in one way or another. I hope to spark a fresh conversation around what is hurting our relationships with our workplace and what measures we can take to change this… or do we live in an era where work is rather considered a transaction, and whoever doesn’t like it should just go and start their own thing?<br />
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-81863161232913424572014-03-22T19:17:00.000+11:002018-07-14T18:45:53.537+10:00HOBART, YOU LITTLE STUNNER. A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TASSIE'S CAPITAL<div id="fb-root">
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I know our trip was a few weeks back now, but it's not like I've been able to stop thinking about it.<br />
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Here's what we saw, ate and did. I say "beginner's guide" meaning a guide of a beginner to Hobart, but I expect to become an expert at some stage - already thinking about when to go back next...<br />
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The city of Hobart is very, very charming: colonial architecture, big boulevards laced with smaller, cosy streets and alleyways, hilly scenery, and a gorgeous harbour. Food is fresh and in abundance and so tasty; it's definitely a bit of food heaven down there (as you should know we base our destination decisions on how good the food reputation is). Art is everywhere too, it's definitely not just MONA. People are cheeky, creative and superbly chill. They just seem to have a really, really good life there.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Where we stayed:</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.alabamahobart.com.au/">The Alabama, Hobart</a></span><br />
One word: brilliant. It was a budget boutique hotel so only had the necessities (crazy comfy bed, super indulgent natural soap, and shared but really cute and spotless bathrooms), but the place was decked out with some pretty mad art, and had the most welcoming communal area and terrace - all in the middle of the city. Kelly and Aedan who run the place were so great to us, with cool recommendations and funny stories up their sleeves. If you're a spoilt brat that needs instant coffee in their hotel room then forget about it, otherwise - don't miss it.<br />
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<b><i>What we ate and drank</i></b> (ooooh here we go):<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.brunyislandcheese.com.au/">Bruny Island Cheese Co</a></span>: There's a little shop in the city and the main attraction on Bruny Island, both stocking their own, most beautiful cheese selection, as well as other local meats, jams, honeys, oils and other condiments. If you're in a hurry this is a good one-stop-shop for your all your belly satisfaction needs, as they sell Tassie booze as well (I know, we were amazed too by the fact that you're allowed to sell alcohol basically anywhere, given that it's from Tassie. #represent)<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.garagistes.com.au/">Garagistes</a></span>: spectacular fine dining; modern Australian with a Japanese touch (menu matched with sake anyone?). Understated space, surprisingly calm even on a busy night, huge kitchen and bar, with seats at the bar from where you can observe all the action. Service was perfect... no everything was perfect, including the bathroom sinks towards the front windows.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.garagistes.com.au/sidecar/">Sidecar</a></span>: Garagistes' little baby sister, where you sit around the bar and they slice Garagistes' cured meats for you to devour eagerly (even if you would've just come from Garagistes, unable to breathe). Again, super cosy and welcoming spot, where drinks and snacks are served with great knowledge, good chat, and a lot of pride. Makes you wanna come back again and again.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.larkdistillery.com.au/cellar-door">Lark Distillery</a></span>: There's so much hype around Tassie whisky, and this is where you can experience it all, minus all the extravagant schmick. Tasting flights of Lark's own award-winning booze for a mere $10, an absurdly large range of single malt whisky, and a fine selection of bottles to buy for your consumption at home - all happening in this shed-like, super down-to-earth bar. Just make sure the boys don't get sucked in all day.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/standardburgers">The Standard</a></span>: Rad American burger joint, in an alleyway/loading dock in the middle of Hobart city. Apparently it had only been open for a week when we went there, but it's hard to miss: crankin' hiphop can be heard from the main street, and the wall art along the laneway makes people stop for a second look. A small selection of simple, solid burgers, awesome fries, and shakes so thick the girl at the counter calls it ice cream. Grab a milk crate to sit in the sun pocket and it really feels like you're away from it all. Genius.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.smolt.com.au/">Smolt</a></span>: beautiful restaurant in Salamanca Place, serving mediterranean-inspired dishes and some seriously good-looking pizzas (that I saw the guys across from us have). We hit up the seafood, and the mussels were to die for. Service was really really lovely, and the location was pretty awesome for people-watching, including spotting Kochie coming in for dinner!<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PropertyOfPilgrim">Property of: Pilgrim</a></span>: This place is crazy. The effort that goes into what they serve for breakfast is really what you'd more expect at a nice dinner venue (confit duck? Slow cooked beef cheeks? Anyone?). That said, of course everything was sensational, including the stunning fit-out (theatre seats!! These guys are too clever) and warm service. By the way, their coffee sizes are perfect, medium and large... don't you embarrass yourself and order the wrong one here.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.newsydneyhotel.com.au/">New Sydney Hotel</a></span>: the vibe there on a Sunday night was amazing. Old and young were dancing to rad live music, families were having dinner, couples were having a beer at the bar - everyone was just having fun time, and the demographics really amazed me. Everywhere we went people were talking about this pub, how good their beer range is and how we should check out the bands playing there. The streets were dead that night and the pub was full - we guess this is where half Hobart hangs out.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackman-and-McRoss/139201119459938">Jackman & McRoss</a></span>: The venue we visited downtown was this very elegant, rustic and French-inspired bakery/patisserie, with pastries literally everywhere when you look through the huge windows, which I of course couldn't take my eyes off. From substantial breakfast dishes to pastries, cakes and bread, they've got everything your dough-loving heart desires (cherry chocolate coconut danish was soooo yum). Go for a very European experience, sitting outdoor in the sun, leaning against the black-painted brick facade, imagining yourself in Paris.<br />
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<b><i>Other things we saw:</i></b><br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Shops</b></span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.salarts.org.au/">Salamanca Arts Centre</a></span> caters well for a relaxed stroll to admire unique gifts, clothing and other objets d'art (I was too focused on the Bruny Island Cheese Co. shop that's located there as well, so I didn't have too much headspace for the other stores). There are also lots of antique shops which we came across while exploring the city, however I can't quite remember where they were; if you're desperate I'm sure a google search can help. For quirky clothing and homeware/stylin' bric-a-brac, pick up a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://wearehobart.com.au/">"We are Hobart"</a></span> guide when you're there.<br />
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- <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Public art</span></b>: It's everywhere, and it's amazing. North Hobart was a bit of a highlight for me.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Hobart_Events/Salamanca_Market"><b>Salamanca Market</b></a></span>: I think whole Hobart + its tourists come down here every Saturday morning. It's the biggest outdoor market in Australia, and it sells absolutely everything (conveniently, most of the stuff is Tassie made). As expected, we really loved all the food-related stalls, including fresh produce, Tassie condiments and booze (yes, booze at 9am in the morning at a market; only in Tasmania), and lots more that I couldn't keep track of; my head was buzzing by the time we got out of there. Don't forget to try the scallop pie from the pie van - so delicious. When it all becomes too much, walk up Kelly's Stairs and have a wander through <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Battery Point</span>, Hobart's oldest residential area.<br />
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- <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.brunyisland.org.au/">Bruny Island</a></span></b>: this is a very special one. I first read about Bruny Island on Feast Magazine, and had never wanted to go somewhere this bad. Hire a car and drive about 30 minutes south to Kettering, where a ferry takes you over to Bruny. Give it at least a whole day (but keep an eye on the ferry schedule) - the scenery is quite breathtaking and dreamy, and the island is a solid 100km long, so don't expect to get through it all on a tight schedule. Food again is a huge highlight, with of course Bruny Island Cheese Co. based here, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.getshucked.com.au/onsite.html">Get Shucked Oyster Bar</a></span> within a baby distance (FAQ: "Where do you get your oysters from?" - "Across the road"), as well as much more, which we unfortunately didn't get to check out. Of course you can't miss the "Neck", where you can take a set of stairs up to an outlook point, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the ocean coming in on both sides of this thin strip of land, connecting North and South Bruny. I almost cried when I saw it.<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><a href="https://www.mona.net.au/">MONA</a></b></span>: Oh MONA, how could anyone resist visiting you when in Hobart. It was a pretty outstanding experience, from the James Bond-like ferry trip, to the massive space and venue, and of course the art on exhibition; it was all a bit surreal - when you get back to "mainland" Hobart you almost want to wonder whether that all really happened. A lot of the art was quite interactive, but some was also a little dark; the underground venue doesn't really help with the mild panic I might've gotten walking into somewhere pitch black. The museum has its own vineyard, brewery, restaurants, Saturday market and hotel, so you could technically spend days here. If that's not your jam, at least a half-day visit is a must, because you gotta see it to believe it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;">1 At Salamanca Arts Centre * 2 + 3 North Hobart * 4 + 5 The Standard * 6 + 7 North Bruny Island * 8 Get Shucked Oyster Bar * 9 Bruny Island Cheese Co. * 10 + 11 The Neck, Bruny Island * 12 What The Alabama used to look like * 13 Bruny Island Food Pork Rillettes * 14 Streets of Hobart</span></div>
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<b><i>Other places we would've loved to check out</i></b>:<br />
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- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://pigeonholecafe.com.au/">Pigeon Hole Cafe</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrumbStreetKitchen">Crumb Street Kitchen</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://ethoseatdrink.com/">Ethos Eat Drink</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://bertahobart.com.au/">Berta</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://farmgatemarket.com.au/">Farm Gate Market</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/">Mount Wellington</a></span> (we tried to drive up there but the streets were blocked for a cycling race)<br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://www.brunyislandsmokehouse.com.au/">Bruny Island Smoke House</a></span><br />
- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://nutpatchnougat.blogspot.com.au/">Nutpatch Nougat</a></span>, Kettering<br />
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So if you haven't been and are after a relaxing but still active holiday, I can't speak any more more highly of Hobart - you gotz to go. If you're an old Hobart lover already, let me know what to check out next time I'm down there! x
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-23275040071710380392013-10-26T13:24:00.001+11:002013-10-26T14:40:57.546+11:00THE CHRISTMAS GIFT BUYING GUIDE<div id="fb-root">
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}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1-</span></b> I know what you're thinking - "It's only October dude! Fuckin' chill the fuck out." But what's the most hated thing about Christmas? Running around like a maniac doing last-minute Christmas shopping (and for the receivers, getting shit gifts as a result). So first tip: <b>Start early</b>. I think we're already behind now that it's end of October, because two years ago by mid November I had all my presents wrapped and it felt pretty damn good.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>2-</b></span> ... Because this way you can <b>put some proper thoughts into your gifts</b>. Write down all the people you'd like to get a present for, next to which you can also record their interests, as well as your ideas and finds. Starting early gives you more time for brainstorming and browsing for the best gifts. Also, keeping track of who's already got a present and who still needs one gives you an idea of how much time you've got to cover the list.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>3-</b></span> <b>Be selective about who gets a gift</b>. It's all about the thought anyway! If there's people in your circle you won't be able to wow with a great gift (because of budget reasons or you don't love them as much anymore or whatever), don't give them a mediocre one that'll clutter their home. Write a nice card or give them some home-baked goodies - way better than some stupid business card holder...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>4-</b></span> <b>Let the internet be at your service</b>. Seriously, if there's free or cheap shipping offered to send your gift to a friend at the other end of the world, just do it - opening a parcel is just as exciting as ripping off wrapping paper (just send a separate greeting card if you find it too impersonal... whatevs). By the time it makes it to your home, you wrap it and send it off again, it mightn't even make it to their house this season because it took you too much effort.<br />
If you have no clue what to get (especially for those people that already have everything), let pages like <a href="http://Svpply.com/">Svpply.com</a> give you a hand with cool shit that's trending around the world; it's also an amazing source for unique stores. On the other hand, if you know what you want to get but it's sold out where you saw it (mainly clothing and accessories), hit up <a href="http://Polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a>, which will spit out all sorts of stockists and price points for you to pick and choose. Of course <a href="http://www.ebay.com/">Ebay</a> is a trusted old friend that can assist with all sorts of occasions (and bargains), as does <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> with vintage-y, hand-madey things.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">5-</span></b> <b>Don't underestimate the wrapping paper...</b> because if you leave that to the last-minute too, you might end up with some tacky supermarket stuff (and cardboard boxes only work if shipped via air mail). If you wanna go all out, do your rounds at the likes of <a href="http://www.pulpcreativepaper.com.au/home.php">Pulp</a>, <a href="http://www.kikki-k.com/">Kikki K</a> and <a href="http://www.paper2.com.au/home.php">Paper2</a>; if you're a hipster cheapskate like myself, a roll of brown paper from the news agency and some twine should still land you some oohs and aahs.<br />
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I'm not claiming to be the best Christmas gift giver, however I know I'm much better at it if I get into it early and prepared (as opposed to my boyfriend for example... just kidding. He's actually getting pretty damn good at it - maybe just for me though because I set the bars so high). If you do need a little help with ideas, check out my gift guide below (many of which I'd like to receive myself... HINT HINT NUDGE NUDGE).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">From left to right, top to bottom:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1- <b>Kinfolk</b>: <i><a href="http://www.kinfolk.com/shop/book/the-kinfolk-table-cookbook/">"The Kinfolk Table: Recipes for Small Gatherings" cookbook</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2- <b>Cuisinart</b>: <i><a href="http://www.victoriasbasement.com.au/Product/Details/76957">Ice cream maker</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3- <b>TMOD</b>: <i><a href="http://tmod.com.au/product/black-chalkboard-kit">Chalkboard paint kit</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4- <b>Ambre Botanicals</b>: <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/91668284/rosemary-thyme-and-mint-invigorating?ref=shop_home_active">Rosemary, thyme and mint invigorating herbal bath oil</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5- <b>Voluspa</b>: <a href="http://www.shopsaison.com.au/products/1180/voluspa-baltic-amber-scalloped-candle">"<i>Japonica</i>"<i> scalloped edge glass candle</i></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">6- <b>Jimbobart</b>: <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/62389439/the-sandwich-defender-bear-side-plate">"Sandwich Defender Bear" side plate</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">7- <b>Monocle</b>: <i><a href="https://monocle.com/shop/magazine/gift-subscription-one-year/">One-year gift subscription</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8- <b>Copernicus Toys</b>: <i><a href="http://hungryrobot.com/collections/toys/products/crystal-growing-saguaro-cactus">Crystal growing: Saguaro cactus</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">9- <b>Kareena Zerefos</b>: <i><a href="http://www.signedandnumbered.com.au/limited/kareena-zerefos/beyond-the-menagerie-winged-detail">"Beyond the Menagerie" print</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">10- <b>Less & More</b>: <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/57624835/cosmetic-makeup-organizer-wood?ref=fp_featured_item">Cosmetic make-up organiser</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">11- <b>Eliza Spell</b>: <i><a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/accessories/lithium.html#">"Lithium" brass bracelet</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">12- <b>Henry Langdon</b>: <i><a href="http://www.henrylangdon.com/Cocoa-and-Chai-3/Cocoa-and-Chai-Spice-22/">Cocoa and chai spice</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">13- <b>Natalie Marie Jewellery</b>: <i><a href="http://www.nataliemariejewellery.bigcartel.com/product/tiny-pyrite-ring">Tiny pyrite ring</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">14- <b>Laguiole</b>: <i><a href="http://www.westelm.com.au/mrk-laguiole-cheese-knives-d563.html">Cheese knife set</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15- <b>F</b><b>j<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">ällr</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b>även</b>: <i><a href="http://www.ilovemykanken.com/shop/products/kanken-dual-ox-red-royal-blue.htm">"Kanken" Classic backpack</a></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16- <b>Nixon</b>: <i><a href="http://www.nixon.com/au/en/womens/watches/the-kensington-A099.html?sku=A099897-00">"The Kensington" watch</a></i></span></span></div>
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Don't shop too hard. x<br />
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-7674668177355841442013-09-19T20:36:00.002+10:002018-07-19T16:28:07.853+10:00MY THEORY OF HAPPINESS<div id="fb-root">
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If your answer is "yes I'm quite happy because my boyfriend and I didn't fight today", it unfortunately doesn't count, because it seems like if you had asked yourself the same question yesterday and the day before and the day before that, the answer would've most likely been no. "I'm alright" or "not too bad" don't count either. It's either an "absolutely yes, everything is going the way I want"; everything else will go into the "no/not quite/things could be better" category.<br />
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<b>2. Are you not completely happy today because you're working on achieving something?</b><br />
If your work isn't the most amazing but you're doing it because you know you will gain skills, knowledge and experience that will help you break into the field of your desire, that's alright. If you're away from your loved ones on a work assignment and miss them dearly, but it's something you've always wanted to do, it's alright too, because you're doing something that makes you happy today, and know the day you're returning to more happiness. If you're doing something that's not ultra fun, but with a great goal in mind, you're on the right track - there needs to be an "expiry date" to "struggle time", leading to something you want. However, if it's a chain of average/boring/not-worth-thinking-about days with no end in sight, something needs to change.<br />
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<b>3. Define what truly makes you happy, and go for it</b><br />
Whether you feel good today or not, it's always worth sitting down to think about what makes you happy in life - things you're passionate about, your favourite people and activities, your goals, even the little details in your life and the things happening around you. Alternatively, you can start with your current concerns, and ask yourself how you would like things to be differently. You'll be surprised how this can help you draw your very own roadmap, taking you to exactly where you want to be.<br />
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Now there's two things you need to commit to: Firstly, you have to be absolutely honest with yourself. Nobody's listening, nobody's judging, so you have to listen to your very own voice, and shut everyone else's out. Forget about commitments and responsibilities for a moment - this is about what you, your heart, truly wants.<br />
Secondly, you have to be specific defining the things that make you happy. Ask all the W questions: what, who, where, when, why, and most importantly, how? If you sit there and say "I'd be really happy if I had loads of money coming into the bank without having to go to work", you can keep sitting there and say to me "as if that's gonna happen just by writing it down", or you can ask yourself why you think that easy money will make you happy, and how you can get it. Create your game plan to achieve all those different goals, and be prepared to find yourself in point 2 for a while - however, you know where you're going and you will be happy doing it.<br />
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It might take some time for you to pull together your game plan; it's not easy to be completely honest with yourself sometimes, because we grow up with different influences of what is expected of us and where our place is supposed to be in this world. You gotta be brave and make yourself understand that in this precious life you were given, you gotta be happy and wouldn't want to look back at anything regretfully. No one can look after your own happiness but you, and no one can give your happiness more meaning than you.<br />
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I know that someone's gonna say, "I know I'm happiest when I'm in a relationship, now I can't force XYZ to be my boyfriend, because he's the only one I want!" Of course you can't. But knowing what kind of person you would like to be in a relationship with will have you patiently wait for the one that ticks all the boxes - you wouldn't want to be with anyone just for the sake of being in a relationship, and then have crappy ones, do you? Same with looking at famous people and wanting to be like them - what would you like to be famous for? And how famous would you like to be? What needs to be done to get to that fame?<br />
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Once you work out the whys and hows, it's time to take action. Normally you should be happy to work hard to get where you want to be - if the road seems too rocky for you to commit to, it might not be your true happiness after all. Even if you're lazy and don't want to lift your finger, you gotta know what to do and who to know to make things happen for you. Basically, if you want to wake up every day and think "life is really, really good and things are going the way I want", you gotta follow the formula: Happiness = hard work and patience + knowing why you're doing it.<br />
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By the way, there's the old family commitment hurdle that I'd like to mention, something I know too well from my own culture. Often times you are made to feel guilty for thinking about yourself only, and get the "selfish" label tacked onto you, "after all those years we cared for you". I'm not saying this out of disrespect - I have utmost respect and love for my parents who have supported me all this time (despite all the clashes during my teenage years). But if there's something you want for your life that could refresh your selfish sticker once again, you just have to know what you're talking about. You gotta know why you want to pursue whatever you chose and have to be fully committed to it. They might get hurt, they might not let you, but be patient, and be reasonable - it will get you nowhere if you just stubbornly scream back at them. However, don't give in: you will resent them for not letting you follow your happiness, and it could kill your relationship. Make it clear to them that you could care for them no matter what you do or where you are, or you could listen to what they say but couldn't care less about them. There are many tricky situations and it could take you a lot of time and energy to figure out what's best to do, however with every compromise you make you need to find that silver lining for yourself.<br />
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It takes some experience, but a lot more thought to understand what you want in life (= happiness), and knowing that you have no choice but to take that road to get there; after all, nothing will ever measure up to what you've set your heart on. It won't be easy, but you will feel on top of the world, because you get what you want, or you're on your way there. Not to say that your definition of happiness will never change in your life; however, knowing that you're doing things to fulfil yourself always makes the journey worthwhile. Today, I'm happy, as I was yesterday and the day before: being with my boyfriend, who is a genuine, generous, hardworking and loving man; living in the most amazing apartment, spacious, full of natural light, with the coolest landlords I could've never imagined; in my new job (fairly new now) that is the first stepping stone into the direction I want to go, working for a really great boss that cares, and doing different things every day which has pretty much made me forget the word "bored"; being surrounded by caring and inspiring friends, being in touch with others across the world, having a stronger connection with my family more than ever (even though we don't talk that much), and having taken solid first steps into a healthier lifestyle. It took a lot of time, energy and even tears to establish this is what I want, and it took even longer to get to where I am now, but the journey is so much more bearable, knowing where I'm heading. I'm not saying I'm leading a better life than anyone in any sense, and I'm not saying I've got more experience than anyone else... but I know I'm happy and I'm proud of it, every day.<br />
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And I wish you to be happy too.
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-50514164947073890882013-08-24T11:35:00.003+10:002013-09-20T19:40:50.039+10:00[I DIG] YOGA WITH ADRIENE<div id="fb-root">
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I'm pretty notorious for not enjoying sports at all. I like pretty trainers, but I wouldn't use them for anything faster than walking, or maybe riding my bike. So yeah, I'm that person that would watch your bags when you go swimming. (However, ironically, I do like the beach.)<br />
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I always knew that my attitude towards sports doesn't really help my health, but any athletic activities just never felt natural to me, so I was never like, "yeah! Let's do this again in half an hour!"... until I tried yoga. The idea of it being a more holistic practice for your body and mind, and that you can take your time to adjust and rest - it's not about faster, stronger, sweatier - appealed to me. I got myself a trial pass for a local yoga studio and loved it, as I left every class feeling warm, energised and clear minded.<br />
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However yoga classes are sooooo expensive, and I stopped for quite a while, longing for the day I earned more money to buy monthly passes. Nevertheless I was also concerned with whether I was doing the poses in class correctly; since classes usually do full flows and welcome students with different levels of experience, there was never a huge focus on explaining the positions in detail. One day I thought, I should've come up with this earlier - why don't I look for yoga videos online? Everyone exercises by watching videos these days! After some intense searching for the right beginner videos, I found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene">Yoga With Adriene</a> and it was love at first sight.<br />
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Many people say when it comes to yoga, you have to like and feel comfortable with your teacher, which I really do when it comes to Adriene (as much as I can like someone that I only see on YouTube anyway). She's got a nice pace for rookies like me to keep up with, explains everything in a lot of detail (especially why you do certain things), is pretty damn funny, and her videos are pretty too! She's got a series of foundation poses which were very helpful for me, and a collection of flows (including some belly fat burning ones yeehaa) so there's something for everyone. See you on the yoga mat?<br />
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-71169919369393115352013-07-29T19:47:00.001+10:002013-07-29T19:49:28.896+10:00[THOUGHTS ON] SEARCHING FOR THE "REAL THING" WHEN TRAVELLING<div id="fb-root"></div>
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Came across <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/travel/searching-for-the-real-thing-20130620-2ok0b.html">this Sydney Morning Herald article</a> on "Searching for the real thing"when travelling. It gave me the chuckles - not because I didn't agree with the writer, I fully do; it's more about whoever doesn't seem to find the "real thing" and complains about it.<br />
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I believe that travelling is what you make it: some travel to finally see with their own eyes all the iconic sites and scenery that they've learned about; some travel to simply get away and be in a completely foreign environment, in order to get back refreshed and energised; some do to enjoy new cuisines, fashion, languages etc; it could be a combination of many and of course there are millions of other reasons why one takes themselves to a new place. All will be experiences that are very real to the traveller as they are going somewhere to satisfy a want - they can be good or bad, however definitely, well, real.<br />
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People that want the "real thing" on their holiday, I gotta say are either lazy or ignorant. What is supposed to be real - non-touristy? What the locals do? Something mind-blowing that hardly anyone knows of? Whatever you want it to be, anywhere in the world there would be plenty of it. You need to look, ask, do research, embrace. But most importantly, you need to be very open-minded and accept the fact that "real" does not always mean "the most exciting time of your life". I guess it can be, but if you're that kind of person that will make your travels the time of your life, you wouldn't sit around waiting for the "real thing" to happen.<br />
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Put it this way: what would be the real thing you'd want someone to experience when they come to your own town? Now if the question was "what would you recommend them to experience" it would be a different thing, but since you find things on your own trips quite unreal, we'll be just as picky with your answers. So you live in Sydney: Opera House, Harbour Bridge - isn't that super touristy? Having breakfast at your favourite cafe - can't I do that back home? Go to a rugby game - I've been to crazier things, like the World Cup (hypothetically). Throw some kangaroo on the barbie - but I thought locals don't really eat much kangaroo? Go to the pub - isn't the pub English anyway?<br />
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So you see, <i>real</i> is very subjective - only you can decide what the real thing is. And as it was mentioned in the article, it's less of a thing, but rather a whole authentic experience. Whether you decide you want to do what the locals do, see things that don't exist anywhere else in the world, or eat yourself through your destinations, so be it. However, the richer you want your experience to be, the more you have to talk to different people, the more you have to read, and above all the more you have to be prepared that not every single thing will be crazy cool and super fun. Just because someone says it's their absolute favourite it doesn't have to be yours too; moreover, in your "real" daily life, not everything is perfect either, is it? However, it'll be very real, very authentic; it'll be things you <i>happen</i> to experience, learn and understand about the destination rather than something choreographed by someone that believes this is what you should see. Actually, that may very much be something that other travellers would want to see - you just have to be smart enough to know what <i>you</i> want.<br />
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What does travelling mean to you? What kind of expectations do you have when you go on a trip and how do you prepare for it? Do you think it's a bit of a "first world problem" to complain about not seeing the real thing on holidays while we should consider ourselves really lucky to have the opportunity to see different parts of this rich beautiful world? Would love to hear from you guys - you can actually log in via Facebook to leave a comment, it's that easy :)<br />
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x<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">My T, with night time Pretty Beach behind him</span></div>
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-30214725707155053232013-07-09T19:01:00.000+10:002013-07-09T19:02:45.190+10:00[I DIG] FLUME<div id="fb-root"></div>
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Oh baby it's cold outside... let's dance. (around the house while cooking dinner)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F96379023" width="100%"></iframe>
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If you don't know him yet (WHAT!), he's this 21-year old music god from Sydney's Northern Beaches that won't take too much longer to make everyone else around the world go crazy for him. All you kids in Europe and the US better go see him at one of his gigs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flumemusic/app_190322544333196">now that he's touring</a> or else you'll really regret missing out... I always make the mistake to discover artists after they finish their concerts in Sydney, so don't follow my example.<br />
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In the meantime, go on <a href="https://play.spotify.com/artist/6nxWCVXbOlEVRexSbLsTer">his Spotify</a> and star the shit out of him already.
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<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://suitedupandbarefoot.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/i-dig-flume.html" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="true"></div>Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-32756385077696555912013-06-29T12:13:00.000+10:002013-06-29T12:15:28.459+10:00[HOME-MADE] ORANGE WALNUT OLIVE OIL CAKE<div id="fb-root"></div>
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It's been really icy and rainy in Sydney... weather that makes you crave wintery and Christmas-y food (in a Northern hemisphere sense I guess. Christmas food here often means barbecue at the beach). I've also been trying to make lots of sweets and desserts myself, since I'm hoping to cut down store-bought food as much as I can, and really I can never get enough of baking anyway. It's so calming - your mind is not really thinking about much besides making sure you're getting the steps right, and it gives you this satisfying, pad-on-the-shoulder type feeling when you watch your ingredients change form, colour and volume, and come out of the oven as these perfect things that lift everyone's mood for the day.<br />
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So I reached out to one of my favourite any-day-of-the-week cake recipes again, from the <a href="http://www.lottieanddoof.com/"><i>Lottie + Doof</i></a> blog that I so dearly admire. The orange and walnut mix takes me straight back to my childhood winters in Germany, and since I discovered baking with olive oil, it's become my preferred fat in cakes ("fat in cakes" sounds so classy by the way... not). It's a simple recipe yet delivers such a fulfilling product, and doesn't leave your kitchen as a bomb side after making it either. AND make sure you watch the egg and sugar mixture turn all creamy, almost custard-y; makes me all giddy thinking back. It's not the greatest looking fella but but no one will really think about it once they have their first bite.<br />
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So if you have a spare half hour with nothing to do one day, need an emergency cake that needs to impress (whenever that might be) or just simply want to warm your home and fill it with Christmas-y smells, please don't hesitate.<br />
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<b>Orange walnut olive oil cake</b> (slightly adapted from <a href="http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2012/01/orange-walnut-cake/">Lottie + Doof</a>)<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups walnuts</li>
<li>1 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 tablespoon baking powder</li>
<li>4 large eggs</li>
<li>1 1/3 cups sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (roughly 2 oranges)</li>
<li>1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated orange peel (roughly the peel of the two oranges used for the juice)</li>
<li>1/2 cup olive oil</li>
</ul>
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Preheat oven to 180C. Butter a 9-inch springform pan (I use oil out of laziness) and line with baking paper.<br />
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Grind walnuts in food processor until roughly ground, resembling breadcrumbs. Combine ground walnuts, flour and baking powder, and set aside.<br />
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In a separate bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer until frothy, around 2 minutes. Slowly add the sugar, and beat until thick, creamy, pale yellow, around 4 minutes. Slowly add nut-flour mixture, then orange juice, peel and olive oil, mixing until just combined (if your bowl gets too full, use a spatula combine all in order to avoid splashes).<br />
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Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Let cake cool in pan before transferring to a platter (it doesn't need to cool completely, but while warm it needs to be transferred carefully as it breaks more easily); dust with icing sugar before serving (optional), or just dig in straight away like myself.<br />
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Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-81241060414163870282013-06-23T20:54:00.002+10:002013-06-23T20:59:15.150+10:00ONLY THE BEST WILL DO<div id="fb-root"></div>
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Some close a chapter of their lives as they have a new one lined up. Some close a chapter and are lost. Some enter their new chapter and then realise they're lost.<br />
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After finishing some sort of school,work or even a relationship, there are lots of questions to ask. What is it that I want to do? How do I want to lead my life? Am I gonna have/earn enough money? Is money actually what I need? Am I gonna have enough time to see my friends/family/go out drinking? And then you realise your ideal job at your favourite company isn't available just because <i>you're available</i> now. You know your family is always watching and you don't want to disappoint them. You don't get to see your friends often at all because everyone's busy with their own life, and when you do get to talk to them about your concerns, everyone starts to confuse you because they all have different ideas.<br />
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What is it that we really want? Often times we don't really know. We have an idea, but we don't know the particulars. Sometimes we need to pay bills/feel lonely so we just go with the best available for now; we tell ourselves we'll find the time to think about it later. Sometimes we don't want to be judged by others. Sometimes we feel too comfortable to give up all the conveniences and make an effort to do better - let everyone else have a piece too! And sometimes, it's simply too hard.<br />
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Surely every single one of us has come across this feeling - when you know you really, really like something, and you're so, so sure you want it. It could be a bag, an apartment, a person. It's that feeling of leaving and knowing you'd have to come back. Nothing will ever measure up to it. And surely at some stage in your life you've also felt that something doesn't feel quite right. Those stupid studs on the bag. The old bathroom. That weird laugh. How often though have you gone with it just because you thought you'll be able to live with it, it won't be too bad?<br />
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It won't be good enough. We all know it but we want to prove ourselves wrong, until we've had enough. It needs to be the first feeling. You need to be sure, no flaws, and if there are flaws, they need to be ones that you enjoy. Think of your values - what kind of person do you strive to be? Do you want to be fair, kind, honest, happy, loved? You don't want to be wasteful, disrespectful, depressed? You have to go with what fulfils those needs the most. They're gonna be long journeys, very difficult and draining ones too, but think about it - you'll be the happiest when you get there. Nothing will ever be able to measure up to it.<br />
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The way I have learned to do it is to listen to my heart first (what I have talked about above): am I absolutely sure about it? Am I in love? If I choose the other way, might I please someone else, but feel miserable myself? Afterwards, you have to establish in detail what it is that you want, and how you want it. I want love, and I want my partner to be this, this and this. I want a successful career, and I want to do this, that and the other. I want a healthy and happy life, which includes such and such. Make sure you tick all those boxes - you will need to keep listening to your heart. The journey might challenge you, you might have to do all sorts of things to keep yourself afloat in the meantime, but never take your eyes off what you want. Be honest with yourself, and commit to what truly makes you happy.<br />
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After closing my chapter of those beautiful college years, and waiting for my new visa, there was a lot of confusion going on. What is the career path I want to pursue? And why so? What job do I want to start out with, and for whom would I like to work? There's all sorts of pressures coming into it and it makes you wanna pack up and leave to somewhere far away. I had the same conversation with many friends... It wasn't until some good friends had recommended a few books they swear by and I read The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, that I realised I've done all this before (big thanks to Pia and Gery!). I knew I wanted to grow as an individual away from home, and managed to come to Sydney without my mum's full support in the beginning; I knew I wanted to be with my boyfriend because he represents everything I want in a partner, and we managed to work through our problems after a long, long time. Yes, I felt lost at times. I felt like I was breaking someone's heart, which broke mine. I felt like it was just too hard and nobody could ever make sense out of what I was going through. However, strangely, what you truly believe in deep down in your heart, that particular thing that pushed you onto that journey, never fools you. Now I lead the most fulfilling life in a breathtaking city, the most peaceful and gorgeous home, with the man I love, ready to take on the new challenge.<br />
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Don't give up. Second best will never do.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>[image sourced from Tumblr]</i></span></div>
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<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://suitedupandbarefoot.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/thoughts-on-only-best-will-do.html" data-send="true" data-width="450" data-show-faces="true"></div>Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-77697329643562780682012-09-27T22:31:00.000+10:002013-01-03T16:20:28.540+11:00[SUITED UP] JENNI KAYNE SPRING 2013 + MANLY BOYS FOR WORLD CLASS BARTENDER 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first saw this collection I just went omigodomigodomigod. Even everytime I look at it again I still can't help going omigodomigodomigod. Can you imagine having these pieces in your work wardrobe, especially that pink perfection of a suit? The square cut of the jacket, the red detailing and the ankle-length pants are so mad I'll definitely get something like this tailored next time I'm back in Vietnam. Yes, in hot pink. Or burnt orange. Maybe both. Anyway, fell head over heels in love with <a href="http://jennikayne.com/">Jenni Kayne</a>'s new spring collection (which has been floating around everywhere on Tumblr and fashion blogs) - sleek, timeless cuts meet rockstar/retro punch in the face. It's so down my alley I think I'll have all of them tailored next time I go home.<br />
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I know that everytime I post something new I say I haven't written for two million years. I finished college about a month ago (for good!!) and kinda went through this crazy meltdown for a while, where I was just exhausted and literally felt like doing nothing all the time - at some stage I didn't even feel like talking that much (which is weird for me). But am recovering now and made cake again yesterday, hahaha.<br />
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To conclude on a(nother) happy note, please go vote for our amazing Manly bartender friends Hayden (<a href="http://www.hemingwaysmanly.com.au/_.html">Hemingway's</a>), Davide and James (<a href="http://www.hemingwaysmanly.com.au/_.html">Harlem</a>) to become <a href="http://au.worldclassbar.com/">Australia's next World Class Bartender</a>! (Well, only one of them can win, but let's just vote and let them worry about that later...) Apparently voters get the chance to win something too, but who cares. Manly represent!<br />
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XNicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-47488687596906812422012-06-05T17:50:00.001+10:002013-01-03T16:48:39.072+11:00[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] THOUGHTS ON: SPARKING THAT FIRE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://thatonelastpieceofcake.tumblr.com/post/23228015274/calivintage-imogen-cunningham"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">[image by Imogen Cunningham]</span></a></div>
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I started my last term at college this week, and we were asked by one of our lecturers today to introduce ourselves, as many of them usually ask us to. Name, age, where from, what we hope to do in the future. I gave my generic answer, and expressed my passion for the F&B industry and that I'd like to get involved here in Sydney.<br />
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During the day, I couldn't stop thinking of this photograph, which I reblogged not long ago on my tumblr. Everytime I see it, it speaks to me, gives me that breathless second.<br />
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I see grace and poise; it makes me want to be like them. I want to dance. I want to witness moments like this, shoot a moment like this, be able to call a work like this my own. I feel inspired; I feel hungry for growth, creativity; I feel there's so much to learn and see. And I realised the way I feel about this photo, all the things it triggers in me, I want people to feel the same about what I do, what I create too.<br />
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I want to appreciate people for who they are, what they do, what they expect; I want to listen, understand, and create something that both myself and others see parts of them in it, value it and think it is special, think it is what they want, lightens their day. I want people to start seeing more of the good and positive things in life through my work, I want them to feel good and positive about themselves when they see or experience my work, I want them to discover emotions they would've never expected, or rediscover long forgotten ones. I want my work to encourage and motivate others, in whatever way; I want them to feel some emotional attachment to it, appreciation and passion for it, and gratefulness for it, just because it takes their soul to a place where they know they want to be. And I hope to do the same for all the relationships I have in my life: I want to care, share, understand, appreciate, and motivate people to do the same.<br />
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I work hard, whatever I do. But for what? Well yes, to do what I want to do, to see what I want to see, to experience what I want to experience. It just happens that what I want to experience is what I feel about that photo; to listen to songs that make me want to cry, to attend classes of teachers so gifted and enthusiastic that they want to make you study more and harder, to be happy and thankful for what I am given and to strive for bigger and better things. So I want to do the same - give others that experience, whatever I do. And the most precious reward for that is to be thanked for it, be thought of for what I do and to inspire.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-67754376799854720972012-06-02T01:31:00.000+10:002013-01-03T16:50:52.028+11:00[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] THE F&B DIARIES OF A MELBOURNE ADDICTLet's be honest: there are so many restaurant reviews out there I don't think I need to be the 185638524th person to, say, take a photo of Bodega's fish fingers, list its price and rave about how good it is. My love for Melbourne's wining and dining scene, however, is unable to stop me from sharing some of my favourite destinations with you, especially as a non-local. Feel free to cross check with your trusted food blogger.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>* <a href="http://popejoan.com.au/">Pope Joan</a> [77-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East]</b></span><br />
<b>Go for:</b> <i>that brunch you don't deserve every day because it is too good</i><br />
<b>Expect:</b> travelling a fair bit out of the city to be rewarded with breakfast heaven. The dishes are so beautifully prepared and plated and are definitely well-portioned too, to make sure you'll roll out the door completely happy - think smoked salmon, parsnip croquettes, red slaw and slow cooked egg (all in one dish, that is). If you seriously can't stand eggs for breakfast they have a range of sandwiches and cakes and other sweet dishes that looked fantastic as well. To me it was probably the most impressive breakfast/brunch ever, and the girls on the floor make sure you're looked after too!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">* <a href="http://www.hanoihannah.com.au/">Hanoi Hannah</a> [180 High Street, Prahran]</span></b><br />
<b>Go for:</b> <i>Viet street food, Prahran style</i><br />
<b>Expect:</b> authentic Vietnamese (<i>REAL</i> spring rolls! Grilled beef in betel leaves! Veeeeery loooovely pho!) and fun spinoffs of some favourites in a very cute, Melbourian setting - rustic and funky and cosy, without forgetting that trademark Viet painting on the wall and the chilli sauce and cutlery holder on the table. Get the coconut lychee slushie too - oh em gee so refreshing! It kinda felt like I was eating at home again, only to walk around the corner back onto Chapel Street. Jackpot.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>* <a href="http://www.thewoodsofwindsor.com/">The Woods Of Windsor</a> [108 Chapel Street, Windsor]</b></span><br />
<b>Go for:</b> <i>hunting lodge meets anything elegant</i><br />
<b>Expect:</b> a venue hard to describe but suitable for anyone that's after anything good really: a casual drink, a proper sit-down dinner, something before or after the main meal... Similar to Porteno in Sydney, it's one of those venues that you know you can come in for all sorts of occasions and have an amazing time, while things are still done properly and formally. The big shelf along one wall stocks a whisky-focused bar, as well as books, taxidermies, and all sorts of other beautiful things to look at. Comes with a matching "forresty" and "autumny" menu - had drinks and dessert and actually can't wait to be back to try more.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>* <a href="http://cumulusinc.com.au/">Cumulus Inc.</a> [45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne]</b></span><br />
<b>Go for:</b> <i>the good stuff, all day long</i><br />
<b>Expect:</b> the sleek, clean-cut Melbourian type of venue with bangin' food - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've been back every time I went to Melbs so that must say a lot, doesn't it? Exciting flavours and ingredients are prepared in a very honest style of cooking, and most of the menu is to share but can be cut down into single portions - well that's pretty much my kinda style of eating. Went back last to have breakfast and just couldn't get over their bloody tasty blood sausage and smoked tomato in the English breakfast. Don't miss the canelés at the little pastry and takeaway section on your way out!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>* <a href="http://portellorosso.com.au/home.html">Portello Rosso</a> [15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne]</b></span><br />
<b>Go for:</b> <i>Tapas that are, uhm, pretty crazy?</i><br />
<b>Expect:</b> a menu the size of which you'd probably underestimate, and feeling like Julia Roberts in "Eat Pray Love" when she was eating up in Italy - I just felt so alive working my way through the dishes. I honestly don't remember everything we had - I'm sure you can order anything and you'll be perfectly fine. I guess you'll have fun at any tapas restaurant if the food is good, but as I've said that Eat-Pray-Love feeling hit me so hard that all I can say is just go already. The team was so so nice too I felt so bad not finishing my dinner (because I was so stuffed!).<br />
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<br />Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-48537970309451824412012-04-24T22:01:00.000+10:002013-01-23T14:42:30.342+11:00[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] THE PIG HOTEL, HAMPSHIRE UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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[All photos from <a href="http://www.thepighotel.co.uk/">The Pig Hotel</a>]</div>
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What are you, a dream?</div>
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So I was browsing the web last night (as I do most nights) and found this amazing amazing amazing hotel on <a href="http://www.kinfolkmag.com/journal/?currentPage=2">Kinfolk</a>, or well, as they say, "restaurant with rooms". The restaurant sets its menu based on what's coming from the garden, which means that it could change several times during the day, and shit did you see what the place looks like? That rustic, comfy, elegant vibe is just soooo british. Let me put on my imaginary Burberry trench coat and Hunter boots and book my flight there already.</div>
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As you may know already, I'm a huge fan of boutique hotels (see <a href="http://suitedupandbarefoot.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/suited-up-public-chicago.html">my rave about The Public Chicago</a>), and although it depends much on the location what you can do and provide with/at your establishment, this is the ultimate concept isn't it - small number of rooms, imperfectly beautiful and comfortable, providing only essential facilities but rockin' dining and entertainment. Oh when will this day come for me...</div>
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For more drooling over The Pig Hotel, click <a href="http://www.thepighotel.co.uk/">here</a>!</div>
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Sorry for being absent for a while again, been busy busy busy at college, been at work too, but most of my free time I've been sleeping and doing nothing heaps because it's been on and off hot and cold. That must've kinda messed with my active/lazy switch - but I'm back again now! x</div>
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(Update: The Pig Hotel has extended, now running a second boutique hotel and opening a beach venue in 2013. Check their website <a href="http://www.thepighotel.com/">www.thepighotel.com</a> for the ultimate drool)Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-15727276761188074482012-03-15T18:17:00.000+11:002013-01-03T16:56:24.815+11:00[BAREFOOT] MANLY MORNING MEALS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*At Infinity Sourdough Bakery</span></div>
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I loooove breakfast. More so going out for breakfast. Yes of course it's not hard at all to slice up an avocado and put it on toast at home, but it's the whole sitting-in-the-sun, having-amazing-espresso-coffee, having-the-choice-to-order-anything-you-want and people-watching-while-eating kinda deal that makes it such an exciting activity. And I never have avocado nor toast ready at home for brekkie anyway because most of the time I wouldn't get to them for the second time before they go bad/become stale/get mouldy. :(<br />
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So as the weekend is coming up again, hopefully the weather will stay nice for you (because I'm going to work so it doesn't really matter to me *sobs*) and maybe we can catch up for breakfast in Manly. (Well I work in the afternoon. You can go to the beach afterwards you lucky bastard!) If you prefer to avoid my company, here are four great breakfast spots that are a little different from the usual eggs on toast joints, which you can check out for yourself. I can't promise you won't run into me though.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belgrave-Cartel/201957393494">Belgrave Cartel</a>, where you get spoiled Italian style</span><br />
Sometimes I wake up in the morning and the first thing that comes to my mind is their chicken schnitzel panini (with avocado, rocket, cheese and pesto mayo, OMG). I might even smell it too, that's how much I love it. Their Bircher muesli is my absolute favourite, and I'd smash a panini and the muesli in one go. Pasta of the day, tuna rissoles and corn fritters make it really hard to decide as well when you're super hungry. It's cosy and relaxed, and the mismatching tables and chairs just make you feel so much at home (well, that would be my home). Perfect little hideaway for a rainy day too. Plus little in-house art installation!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2- <a href="http://www.infinitysourdough.com.au/">Infinity Sourdough Bakery</a>, for a simple sunny morning</span><br />
If you feel like something easy (such as my beloved avocado on toast, or in this case, avocado on sourdough), this is the place to be. Obviously their breads are the highlight (I remember bringing a loaf to my relatives' with some bruschetta and nobody could stop); add Little Marionette coffee and a sneaky little pastry and you're set. It's just off the Corso, but so quiet and calm that you'd just forget about the weekend hustle and bustle one street down from you. Bring a paper and soak up the sun!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3- <a href="http://adrianozumbo.com/patisserie-manly/">Adriano Zumbo</a> + <a href="http://www.barefootcoffee.com.au/">Barefoot Coffee</a>, for a fancy little one</span><br />
Both couldn't have ever chosen better neighbours for themselves - it must've been fate. As much of a superstar Zumbo has become and I've kinda gotten over the macaron hype, you just can't deny that their sugarland is damn fantastic (although their bread and pies are really good too). Grab a croissant or a berry brioche (dessert for breakfast!) and pop next door to Barefoot, where they never - and I <i>mean</i> never - fail to deliver a perfect coffee. If you can't snatch a seat at the ever-busy cafe (where you can eat your Zumbo purchase too), head across the street to sit in the grass and watch the ferries and boats and stand-up paddleboarders.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jah-Bar/117243294956546?ref=ts">Jah Bar</a>, for an all-day fiesta</span><br />
It's the real Spanish deal. No bacon and eggs, no salmon benedict, but tortillas and breakfast empanadas, and bloody marys and breakfast martinis, just to get the morning started (and to get you stay into the afternoon ha!). This would be the place to be on a lazy weekend, when you're in no hurry to get anywhere else and wouldn't mind getting some more friends in for an afternoon sangria. Or wine. Or cocktail. The morning menu is small but definitely different and beautiful (you know my opinion on Jah Bar food already), so if you're up for some fun, go!<br />
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By the way, what I mean by breakfast is "first meal of the day". Having breakfast past lunchtime is really no uncommon ritual for me. Just can't start your day without the morning coffee hey, whatever time it may be.<br />
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XNicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-28004389087507648162012-03-12T20:59:00.000+11:002013-01-03T16:57:24.532+11:00[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] FRESH BREAD FOR DINNER<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14354661?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></div>
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Stumbled upon this video on my tumblr dashboard, and I've fallen in love - with the whole concept really: "real", artisan food, great passion and fine skills, and wonderful aesthetics. Everything that requires such beautiful craftsmanship, whether food, drinks, or anything else, should be celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest. Not only is the whole world moving towards a healthier, more organic, more "home-made" life, but also do these amazing people - who are definitely gifted, but also are just as "familiar" as your mate or your neighbour - show that with enough passion, persistency and love for what you do, you can be successful too. I wanna become one of them.<br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.tartinebakery.com/index.html">Tartine Bakery & Cafe</a> (makes me wanna go to San Francisco!), and <a href="http://www.themakersproject.com/">The Makers</a>, which documents the daily life of wonderful craftsmen in Brooklyn, New York.<br />
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Sorry for the recent lack of personal posts and photos; I actually have been spending amazing times with amazing friends but keep forgetting my camera. Sad face.<br />
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xNicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-87128125075602697092012-03-05T22:33:00.000+11:002013-01-03T16:57:59.731+11:00[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] BEGGING FOR SUMMER TO STAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1- <a href="http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com/">Jeffrey Campbell</a> <i>Gomez</i>, as seen on <a href="http://www.solestruck.com/jeffrey-campbell-gomez-tan/index.html">Solestruck</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2- <a href="http://www.swedishhasbeens.com/index.php">Swedish Hasbeens</a> <i>Duck Toe Sandal</i>, as seen on <a href="http://www.asos.com/au/Swedish-Hasbeens/Swedish-Hasbeens-Duck-Toe-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2075901">Asos</a></span></div>
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Oh please come to me. Although I've been having very healthy relationships with several pairs of flat leather shoes since last year (with the latest addition of <a href="http://www.fashiolista.com/item/3877122/">Shubar's Harmony</a>) and am barely wear heels anymore, these two pairs have been floating around my mind, and are my desperate cry trying to hold on to a very moody Sydney summer, while slowly making friends with the idea of autumn being just around the corner. I'm staying faithful to my love for brown shoes too (well, almost). The weather is rather asking for something like <a href="http://www.solestruck.com/jeffrey-campbell-vee-black/index.html">this</a> though.<br />
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Been listening to a lot of Black Keys and just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boozehound-Obscure-Overrated-Spirits-ebook/dp/B003E8AJ24">Boozehound by Jason Wilson</a>, and am feeling quite cultured and even a little autumny. The book explores the stories behind a number of "rare, obscure and overrated" spirits; we've learned about the basics at college but I myself have never worked in a bar before, so it was really really interesting to get an idea of what's behind those liquors and even build some expectations of what they should taste like. The best thing about the book is that the author tells you little stories about his journeys and tastings rather than just bluntly explaining the spirits, and moreover he has a pretty cool sense of humour. Can't go wrong with a bit of fun in books.<br />
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Kinda feel like a drink now. Something a little autumny.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-56622485714937629212012-02-27T18:47:00.004+11:002013-01-03T16:58:29.990+11:00[BAREFOOT] SUNSHINE CAKEI've been baking disturbingly a lot recently. Valentine's Day, lunch party at relatives', second attempts because the first batch didn't turn out as expected, and simply because I was bored and didn't feel like doing anything else. I know the last one does sound quite disturbing, but don't worry, there are days that I don't feel like doing anything but staying in bed and watch movies just like everyone else too.<br />
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I usually look for recipes for cakes or other pastries and desserts that are easy to make, look fairly simple and rustic, and preferably have some sort of fresh fruit in them. I don't like icing, don't like cupcakes, don't like food colouring. Too cutesy, and I always worry I might get some sort of food poisoning when food is neon green or baby pink.<br />
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I felt like poppy seed cake the other night (yes I tend to bake at night and beat eggs for around 8 minutes, sorry neighbours), and found <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/01/poppy-seed-lemon-cake/">this amazing recipe</a> for lemon poppy seed cake on Smitten Kitchen. Being a smartass I already bought my ingredients before I found a recipe and therefore only had oranges, but it still worked absolutely fine.<br />
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I also thinly sliced up one orange to put on top of the cake - gives it quite a festive look, and balances well with the rich cake. For those who are interested in making it, I used a regular springform pan (the cake will become hollow in the middle but who cares when the cake is so good), zest of two oranges and a whole pack of poppy seed (which would be around 1 1/4 cups). I don't mind a lot of poppy seeds at all - I kinda miss German poppy seed cakes, which are pretty much black. But anyway, this cake is absolutely lovely, probably best enjoyed with a cup of tea, and I think it tastes nicer when it's cold too. Polly's friend Marsha definitely liked it because she had it twice, and it was pretty impressive to watch Nilly have her belated birthday cake last night - I don't think she shared much of it, and the quarter of the cake was gone before she knew.<br />
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I read <a href="http://www.dailylife.com.au/dl-food/food-features/baking-as-therapy-20120221-1tkj0.html">this article</a> last week that says baking is like therapy. So true! You have to pay attention to all the steps and also don't want to waste time running around the kitchen to find shit, so you have to be fast and organised. But it's a really calm kind of concentration and gives you enough time to think while not getting too involved with it. I loved watching the texture of the 8 egg yolks and one whole egg for this cake change during the 8 minutes of beating. Whatever my problems were, it was pretty satisfying to see the end result, which really was "pale yellow and very fluffy", almost like whipped cream.<br />
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I guess some would really find me disturbing now.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-78277808599583767372012-02-22T22:41:00.000+11:002013-01-03T17:14:14.750+11:00[BAREFOOT] ONE OF THOSE TUESDAYS OFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just us cruising around the city on a day off. We usually go out for dinner, so we thought we could do with a bit of daytime Sydney for a change and had yum cha for lunch at <a href="http://www.zilver.com.au/flash/main.html">Zilver</a>, shopped around liquor and kitchenware stores (so Toby, such a workaholic. Although I immersed myself in the bakeware section straight away too ha), had afternoon drinks at <a href="http://www.stitchbar.com/">Stitch</a>, and enjoyed the long walks in between. By the time the city crowd could take over the eating and drinking houses we were back at home, cooking dinner and watching a movie. Yes, that's all we need to have a happy day off.<br />
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Well that Tuesday just happened to be Valentine's Day. We both agreed on how shamelessly commercial that day can be and decided to keep it low key (I tend to say every day should be Valentine's Day and am pretty satisfied that the actual V Day wasn't much different from our other days off). It's almost a dilemma: it would be kinda weird not to think of it as "Valentine's Day" and not wanting to do something nice together, but it's just so gay when shop assistants ask if you're after a last minute gift or what your plans are for tonight, see people rush down the streets with shopping bags (just like when they do last minute Christmas shopping!), and go to completely packed restaurants to enjoy some romantic time with another two million couples sitting shoulder to shoulder to you. Like totally romantic.<br />
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My boyfriend gave me a bicycle. One that he built, with an old frame of his, and the prettiest and most thoughtful details (Brooks leather saddle! Cork handles! Shopping basket! Flat pedals so I can ride barefoot! And even one of the original wheels!). He kept it cool all morning and didn't say anything, just mentioned he had to see one of his friends at his bike shop before we'd go to the city (thanks Karl for taking part in the mission!), and there it was. I couldn't stop grinning all day. It was almost a V Day crime to make the day so memorable with such an amazing gift. On the other hand, thank God it's not memorable because he gave me roses and chocolate; I would've been so disappointed. I'm just trying to sound cool here - my heart still jumps whenever I see it in my sunroom or take it out for a spin. I'm in love with it and super protective of it, and I guess you can imagine why. Last night I didn't speak to T during our ride home from Hana and Jason's because he jokingly said I should take better care of my bike when I put my bag in the basket and the bike fell over.<br />
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It's so beautiful. <i>You're</i> so beautiful.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My Bumblebee (now that the black details are gone I renamed it the blonde Bumblebee) and T's Mady. They get to stay in the best room in the house!</span><br />
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My presents were pretty lame compared to Bumblebee. Well at least now T has a nice box to store his watch and cufflinks, and you might spot him wearing my tie at work some time. All carefully selected after raiding numerous Salvos stores. Didn't we agree on low key?<br />
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XNicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-4682588236889055802012-02-22T12:24:00.000+11:002013-01-03T17:14:41.624+11:00[BAREFOOT] LITTLE DRAGON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lunar New Year, 2012</span></div>
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It was lovely to be at home again after another year in Sydney, especially to see my sister, who's grown up so much while I'd been gone. It was a quiet and simple new year's this year, with a lot of time spent at my grandma's beautiful house, travelling with my dad's family to Phan Thiet and reuniting with my cousins, and hanging out at home heaps (simply because it was way too hot outside), rather than preparing crazy feasts and seeing thousands of relatives and acquaintances when you really just wanna chill out with your loved ones.<br />
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I dearly miss my little monkey (who is a little too full of energy for me though; my parents have been doing well in switching off and ignoring her non-stop babbling and jumping around), however spending two weeks at home made me realise how comfortable I've been here in Australia; I can't wait for my family to come see me and get to know the life I've built in Manly. In a way it was still strange though, to come home and not feel completely at home anymore. Now I have to wait for the moment that "this is where I belong" feeling hits me again.<br />
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College started again last week so I've been a little slow with posting, sorry. I actually didn't manage to tick any of the Fast Five boxes for the last week before uni, pretty slack.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-71908440027510343332012-02-12T16:33:00.000+11:002013-01-03T17:15:03.668+11:00[BAREFOOT] MELLOW MELBOURNE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maybe not so much on the last photo, ha.<br />
Sneaky little getaways are awesome, although this was the third time I went to Melbourne and the trip lacked the magic I felt last time I was there, probably because I already saw a lot during the previous trip (Check out my birthday trip to Melbourne <a href="http://blooming-sunday.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/melbourne-round-2.html">here</a>). Nevertheless it was amazing to feel so familiar with the city; walking around town was more about exploring little details this time rather than trying to get an idea of what the city is about.<br />
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T and I went to see his oldest brother and his family (again a super laid-back and happy team), and just walked and ate and drank as much as we could. It was just out of new year's so many places were still closed, but coffee at <a href="http://brotherbababudan.com.au/">Brother Baba Budan</a> was soooooo beautiful, and I got to go back to a few of my favourites like <a href="http://cumulusinc.com.au/">Cumulus Inc</a> and <a href="http://cumulusinc.com.au/">Movida Next Door</a>. It was warm, and fairly quiet - as usual. Melbourne always seems a tad slower and more relaxed than Sydney, which is refreshing for me everytime I go there. Not that I'm saying my life in Manly is any hectic though!<br />
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See you again, soon.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8686579961444393828.post-40102810830802337622012-02-09T10:56:00.000+11:002013-01-03T17:15:27.825+11:00[BAREFOOT] OLD FASHIONED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBP9iZTTBChqWOy53doyBelYV2sgGg0kTNzvtQNMXZO0FOr7cnUmvpC0xD7hCFgBUr3KNfpYVVWoohD2IaG_2ugOur6h6f972Zsx70HRHoVPGDW8sh71PMHthHlP7XKBno3RbYXizCLU/s1600/DSC_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBP9iZTTBChqWOy53doyBelYV2sgGg0kTNzvtQNMXZO0FOr7cnUmvpC0xD7hCFgBUr3KNfpYVVWoohD2IaG_2ugOur6h6f972Zsx70HRHoVPGDW8sh71PMHthHlP7XKBno3RbYXizCLU/s640/DSC_0165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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T's little bar in his men's corner, and bike in my sunroom.<br />
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This and more daily inspirations on my scrapbook <a href="http://thatonelastpieceofcake.tumblr.com/">that one last piece of cake</a>.Nicole Ngohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01443988049898172307noreply@blogger.com0