Windswept Wishes

I felt like a bit of a change. Not really sure how to explain this sudden desire; but I have always been a bit restless.

I hope you will join me on my new venture:

windsweptwishesx.blogspot.com

Love Carina

A room of one's own

Hello lovelies,

I have been wanting to post a 'tour' of my room for quite a while now; as I thoroughly enjoy gaining inspiration from the many room tour posts found throughout the blogosphere, I hoped that you could also gain some inspiration from seeing little peeks into my humble abode! I would describe my room as shabby-chic above all else- a number of features that make my room so special to me were painted/created by my lovely artistic mother! I just love having a variety of aesthetic visuals to keep me inspired, especially since I have spent a large majority of this year in my room due to the demands of year twelve!

***

1. A peek inside my wardrobe and my favourite dresses. Honestly though, the rest of my wardrobe isn't too spectacular; it depicts something like a jumble sale the majority of time

2. I keep my makeup and perfumes on a white decorative tray atop my chest of draws. 

3. A beautiful Parisian style mirror draped with jewely hangs above my chest of drawers and then opposite I hang my flower 'crown' so the wall doesn't look too bare

4. I keep all my Lush and bath products in a darling ornamental bird cage-I think it is the cutest thing

5. A painting (by my mum) that hangs above my bed

6. An overview of my bed. To the left I have a hand painted bag rack where I also display cute little ornaments 

7. Another of my favourite paintings

8. An overview of my desk area. A few things that I like include my inspiration board where I pin a few of my watercolour art works, two masks that were purchased in Venice, the bunch of dried lavender that I keep in a glass jug, an old doll from my childhood, the stack of Lula magazines with my favourite box of recipes from Lauduree sitting on top and a hand painted box to store treasures in. As you can see, at the time I took this picture I was keeping up to date with Valeria's latest blog post on Gilded Butterflies!

9. The 'chandelier' style lights that hang in the centre of my room

xx Carina

Things to read, clothes to wear, movies to watch and places to dream about

 

I have officially finished all of my mock exams and the good news is I didn't even fail any-always a plus! So obviously my life hasn't been very exciting of late, although I did just want to compile this post with photos of little things that have kept me happy.

1.) A new pair of wonderful Mary Janes bought for my graduation dinner

2.)  Dreaming about fanciful things such as Paris and lavenderfields in the spring

3.) Fawning over the latest issue of Lula Magazine (my favourite article of course would have to be about Clemence Posey and Shakespeare and Co. bookshop)

4.) A recently thrifted blouse picked up at the markets

5.) Happiness is Wish magazine. I was so glad I decided to buy it, it is one of the most marvelous magazines I have had the pleasure of reading

6.) Watched the BBC movie Toast the other day. It was simply beautiful (photo credit: ghostsailors)

7.) My collection of Beatrix Potters Tales continue to grow, and so does my love for the timeless childrens classics



I have technically graduated from high school (and enjoyed a marvelous grad dinner on Sunday spent with the most amazing people, leaving me wondering where on earth five years of schooling went) but I still have one last long haul of five external exams which are required for university entrance. Here's hoping I remain calm and sane! I'll be heading off to Melbourne at the end of it all so the prospects of indulging in bakeries (such as this one), shopping trips, exploring the city and what not is keeping me going.

I hope you have all been well and had an eventful October! I am jealous of those who are experiencing Autumn right now.
xx
P.S I was wondering if anyone would be interested in me doing a 'room' tour post sometime? I for one love gaining inspiration from seeing the humble abode of fellow bloggers.

Moi Je Jue

Today I decided to channel the inner 60s girl in me. After another trip to the markets, the top I am pictured wearing instantly caught my eye at one of the first sellers. I have been meticulously searching for the perfect gingham dress for a while, so I got rather excited when I saw this! Despite it obviously not being the dress of my dreams, I think it is just as cute. The minute I saw it, these words popped to mind: Bridget Bardot, '60s, beehives, picnics, summer and strawberries!

With spring finally here and summer about to show itself, I like to think that this is a very appropriate outfit for hot summer days and cloistering humid nights, don't you? I have never been one to expose my midriff, but hey, may as well be brave and try something different. I think this outfit is a perfect mixture of classic charm and cheeky while remaining conservative.

I also pictured a little gift I received last week. My Literature teacher decided to buy my whole class a secondhand book that she thought may appeal to each individual, and I absolutely love mine! Although she knew that I have read Tess of the D'urbervilles (and if you haven't you really must!) she thought I would appreciate the copy, which dates back to 1930. I absolutely adore the spine the most. This is one of the most endearing gifts I have been given, and i know that I will carry it with me throughout my life. It makes me so sad to know that I will soon never attend my favourite class in high school.

Anyway, I must be off to do some study. It's always nice to find time for a little spot of blogging. It really does make a world of difference to have a creative outlet like this.

Ode to Spring

It's time to say hello, as days grow long,

to daffodils and tulips on the stem,

to peepers as they sing their morning song;

as we awake, we smile and sing with them. 

I'll see you when I get there

***

Just a quick post to say that things will be a little quiet here (more quieter than usual). I'm nearing the end of year twelve, with mock exams coming up in three weeks, graduation and final external exams shortly after. I'm a mixed bag of nervousness, excitement and sadness. I cannot wait until it's all over; then again I'm afraid for when that time comes.

For now I will leave you with a few bits from my journal. In sparse moments of free time and during inspirational spurts, I find it so calming to note down my feelings, dreams and record some momentous memories.

(Almost) Wednesday Wishlist

It's 10:50 at night and, as an early sleeper, I have reached saturation point. So, I have averted the little attention I have left on study towards creating this wishlist compiled of a few things I have been pinning after for a while, but also some new discoveries. Yes, some of the items are a bit extravagant, but oh how a girl can dream. And after a long day, that seems enough at least. 

01. Ideally, I would own the whole Spring/Summer collection by Sretsis. Their pieces are too beautiful to be true!

02. A trip to Paris 

03. A Beg Bicycle *sigh*

04. This gorgeous skirt by a brand called PinClove

05. Yet another cookbook that I have been deliberating buying, even if I don't really need it...

06. Finally, this was one of tonight's discoveries (ah the wonders of Etsy). Honestly, I need that purse in my life. As a massive fan of Beatrix Potter, this is the creme dela creme of all purses. 

Do you fancy any of these wishlist items? Do share what's on your list at the moment.

xx Carina

Market Finds

Over these past few months I have learnt something that should be of valuable use to me in coming years; that is, the markets is an amazing place to find incredible clothes (some never even worn) at cheap prices that accommodate for a student budget! I have become so much of a dedicated market-goer, never missing my opportunity to scrounge every Sunday morning at 7:30am, whether there be rain, hail or shine. I wanted to share with you some of my recent and beloved finds and would love to hear from those who op shop/shop at the markets what treasures you have been picking up. Also, sorry that the photos aren't all that great, I have somehow misplaced my camera card...

01: A pair of denim shorts from H&M for a measly $2 and Forever New polka dot shorts (I can never say no to anything with polka dots)

02: I am normally a bit hesitant when it comes to purchasing shoes, but these two were immaculate. The price of $2 per pair was hard to refuse.

03: Three gorgeous dresses! I cannot wait until Spring so I can wear the minty number in particular; although it doesn't show up too well, the colour is much more vibrant

04: A dear little cardigan that I noticed originally came from a vintage shop in England

05: A bag and a tartan skirt by Sportsgirl that is two sizes too big for me. Paired with a large belt though, this problem is easily fixed. 

06: A peter pan collar dress from Asos. I styled this in a previous post here.

07: Finally, just last week I picked up a waffle maker for $5. As the machine isn't really a lovely subject to photograph, I took a picture of my delicious breakfast instead. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xx Carina

I love you as certain dark things are loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul

Jumper & Skirt: Dotti| Beret: Morgan & Taylor| Boots: Betts| Key: gifted 

Every now and again, the dreamy and helplessly romantic adolescent in me requires nourishment in the form of cliche chick 

lit novels. Just the other day I finished reading  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins and it definitely satisfied my inner, giddy teenage self. As much as I do adore classics, I always find it nice to settle down to an easy read, one that you can get totally lost in. The novel is typically formulaic of most reads in the genre; a teenage girl from America moves to study in France for a year against her own wishes, and of course, falls in love with a handsome guy who is unfortunately off limits. As if my affinity with the idea of studying overseas in France wasn't already bad enough, the swoon worthy love interest of Anna, Etienne St. Claire, makes me want to hop on a plane right this moment, fly to Paris and pursue my own perfect British/American and French speaking gentleman. Despite the fact i found this novel sufficiently cheesy (but hey, who doesn't love a bit of good 'ol cheese?) it was one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in a long while, and what set it apart from other YA novels I have read was the depth of each character who I came to love. So today, as a result of this novel filling my head with dreamy Parisian scenarios, I felt inspired to don my beret and stripey jumper. Oui Oui!

What have you been reading lately? I would love to know. Yesterday I picked up a copy of Anna Karenina at the library; I'm sure it will keep me occupied for a while... Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S I recently added Instagram to my list of places you can find me, my account name is Carina_maree_m.

P.P.S This is stunning...

                              

Oh wow, lovely

A good part of my holiday has entailed discovering the UK show Skins. I had wanted to watch it for a while, and so I finally bit the bullet and had a full on marathon. I adore generation 1 the most, in particular the character Cassie Aimsworth. What's not to love about her dreamy, despite sometimes crazy, personality? She is also a bit of a style icon for me. I wanted to fill out a list of sorts inspired by her therapy video (watch here). The owner of The Little Blog of Happiness credits herself for creating the 'Cassie Therapy Tag'; it is a lot of fun, you should give it a go!

Abracadabra, wow!

I like boys who work in bookshops and girls who keep dream journals

I like forgotten treasures

I like books that break your heart

I like water droplets on rose petals

I like swift glances exchanged with strangers

I like lighting candles while listening to mix tapes

I like watching a film in an empty cinema

I like people who never smile. Ever. And I like people who smile

I like ribbons tied around wrists

I love peter pan collars

Today I went to a small art gallery displaying print works by a French artist

In some ways, I love everything. It's less, it's less of a thing to like, it's less distinct, it's less particular. I like things I like but I love everything. There's more choice in like cos' even the worst things have things you love in them. I love things so much I feel like I could float away. I don't know what you mean about things I hate.

I hate this in between, of wanting to get the hell out of school but also never wanting to say goodbye to everything I have known for so long

I hate when health experts tell us what we 'should' be eating, and their contradicting ideas

I hate taking my medications

I hate war and conflicts

I hate when I feel like I can never be good enough

I hate how the word 'love' is so overused but in a way it would be nice to think that we all have so much love to give

I hate shopping centers

I hate when things change

I hate this...wow sorry

Snowflake

***

I wish I could preserve these fleeting moments. Perhaps i could shape them into intricate snow flakes and enclose them in a snow globe to sit proudly on my shelf. Every now and then, I could gently shake the globe, and with wide eyed wonder watch the delicate white flecks whirl; everything I had ever cherished, a glitery snowstorm.

Passing whimsies

Beautiful, sad things:

• abandoned books
• dead flowers
• the diving bell and the butterfly
• forgotten hopes and dreams
• letters from soldiers to their sweetheart
• nostalgia
• old porcelain dolls
• Peter Pan
• photo albums
• sad eyed boys
• starry skies
• the knowledge that childhood has slipped by
• the old woman who tries to sell her antiques every Sunday
• the rare occasions you see someone cry
• the titanic wreckage;
• treasures at the bottom of the sea

***

A few whimsical wardrobe wishes, passing thoughts; over tea and Dustin O'Halloran 'We Move Lightly'.

I fell in love with your sailor mouth and your wounded eyes

This dress is possibly one of my favourite market finds thus far. Not only due to the fact that I have an affinity with collars (which consequently make me weak at the knees) but the bow at the back 100% stole my heart. I really am constantly amazed at what I walk home with almost every Sunday; it is fair to say that probably half my wardrobe is second hand, or coming close to it. This beautiful number was initially floor length, but of course there's nothing a bit of sewing can't do!

Anyway, I held my end of the deal with Jane from A Tale of Two Buttons; that is taking some photos outside of my comfort zone (literally being outside!) The rest of my weekend will entail baking and icing about fifty chocolate cupcakes for a masquerade birthday I shall be attending Saturday night (very, very excited) and finishing off my research essay on William Blake.

xx Carina

Rose and white chocolate cupcakes

One of my favourite past times is baking. I have far too many gorgeously bound cookbooks that reveal a plethora of cupcake, biscuit, macaron, tart and cake recipes... you name it and I probably have a recipe for it somewhere hidden on my bookshelf. Apart from the fact that I could very happily flick through my many cookbooks without actually baking anything and remain more than content, my love affair with baking is mainly due to the fact of how calming it can be. When I am particularly stressed out I look no further than the kitchen. The act of creating something that will not only be enjoyed by all but is also aesthetically beautiful helps me to focus and not think about everyday worries for awhile.

I think this quote by Xanthe Milton (author of one of my favourite books Eat Me!) sums up all the reasons as to why baking, for me, is so important and special."Few things in life give you as much satisfaction for so little effort. There is something so joyful about taking a batch of cupcakes from the oven and smelling their warm, heady aroma. It is ridiculously pleasing to see how a batter prepared from everyday ingredients rises to such exemplary proportions, bringing gasps of admiration from all who see the results... There is nothing quite like a freshly baked cookie or cupcake to bring a sense of comfort, belonging and completeness".

And so, I wanted to present to you a recipe for some cupcakes I baked recently. I experimented a little and was quite pleased with the results. Let me know if you would like more recipe posts from me! As you can probably tell, it is something I get really excited and passionate about!

batter adapted from Katiecakes
125 ml milk

4 Dilmah Rose and French Vanilla tea bags (I added a dash of rose water too for good measure)
110g unsalted butter
225g granulated sugar
2 large eggs
125g self-rising flour
120g plain flour

White Chocolate Ganache

2 X 180g packets white cooking chocolate, chopped

125ml (1/2 cup) thickened cream

2-3 drops pink food colouring 

Method:

Preheat oven to 180c/ gas mark 4.  Line a 12 hole muffin tray with cupcake cases.  

Heat milk in a saucepan over a medium heat until it begins to boil. Remove from the heat and add teabags. Cover with a lid for about 30 minutes.

Cream butter with sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and smooth. I found this took quite a long time because of the quantity of sugar.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.  Scrape bowl with a spatula to make sure that the mixture is well combined.

Combine the flours in a separate bowl. Add a third of the flour to the butter and sugar mixture and beat well. Pour in a third of the milk/tea mixture and beat. Repeat until all the flour and milk has been added.

Carefully spoon mixture into cupcake cases, filling each one two-thirds full.  Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. Test to see if they are cooked. Leave in tins for 10 minutes, then place on wire rack to cool.

To make the white chocolate ganache, place the chocolate and cream in a medium heatproof bowl over a medium saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir occasionally until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Place in the fridge for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until ganache is spreadable. Add the pink food colouring and stir until well combined. Use a round-bladed knife to spread cupcakes evenly with ganache. Sprinkle with cachous to decorate, or sugared rose petals.

They had lights inside their eyes

Jacket: market stall| Blouse: Dotti| Skirt: City Beach

I have been eager to share a few things. One is the gorgeous leopard print jacket that I snagged for $4 at the Rotary markets (where else?). Another is the beauties that I picked up this morning at the second hand bookshop and newsagent which I plan to indulge in now that exams are done and dusted. I have only been looking absolutely everywhere for Lula magazine since it came out, so I was overjoyed when I found it.

I also wanted to share the song 'Dead Hearts' by Stars. I cannot stop referring to it, and it barely ever leaves my thoughts. Whenever I listen to it, I feel as if it stands as a reminder to hold on to my dreams and to never let them die. They're what make everything worthwhile. 

(And they say eyes are windows to the soul. Don't ever let the light fade.)

xx Carina