Quotes That Got Me Through a Hard Time

Hello hello hello! I just started year 12 (gahhh!) and I thought that, while I have the time, I would put together a little post for you before the workload starts piling up!

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now but I was never really sure how to do it. I'm finally in the right place to share it with you, and I thought I'd post today just a select few of the quotes that really did help me through a hellish 9 or so months. For me, I was going through a very tough first breakup, that took until recently to start feeling better about it all.

I put together a Pinterest board a few months back called "Words to live by". I don't know if anyone else has ever been in this position but I was saving a lot of really negative, helpless quotes to my phone that would only make me cry. I decided that I needed to uplift myself otherwise I was never going to get out of that place. I would, and sometimes still do, fall back to those quotes that really get me nowhere (kind of like listening to sad songs when you're crying). Having these positive, uplifting reminders helped me to make a bit of sense of my mind and lift myself back up and I highly recommend finding some (there's a world full of them on Pinterest).

So, I picked just a few of the quotes to post today that are on this board. They aren't specific to break-ups - just happiness and life in general. They quite literally are the words I live by and I try to remind myself of them often. I hope you can take the time to read a couple of them and hopefully, if you aren't feeling too great, you will experience the power of these words and how positive you can end up feeling. And remember to DM or email me if you ever want! I love talking to you all. Much love, Taila xx

LINK TO PINTEREST BOARD : HERE 

(also I must apologise to those of you who are like me and can't deal with the fact the photos don't line up... I tried.)

Fiji Photo Diary

Hey hey hey hey,

So I guess there is a positive side to being stuck at home sick... blogging and planning and writing! I have used the past 2 days at home as a chance to sort my blog out, plan some stuff and stay on top of my game on here!

As promised in my last post, I have put together a Fiji photo diary that many of you were keen to see. We stayed at the Intercontinental, which was incredible, and spent every hot day in the ocean and reading on the beach. It was so nice to escape Sydney's winter!!

My two swimsuits are both from Cotton On, and my current favourite black dress is from Bardot. I'm thinking of starting some more fashion posts - is that something you'd like to see? Let me know :)

I hope your week is fab and I will see you all very soon!
Taila xxx

PS: if you're not following my instagram - find me here! 

Cambodia Photo Diary + Video

HELLO!

It is FINALLY the end of term and I cannot. tell. you. how. happy. that. makes. me.

Year 11 has been craaazy to say the least but I am super super excited for 3 weeks break AND I'm going to Fiji which I'm very keen for.

But let's reminisce on a previous holiday first, only 7 months overdue! This post brings back so so many mems and I talk about it a lot on my Instagram stories etc but Cambodia was incredible. I've had a few people DM me saying they are going to Cambodia and I am honestly so jealous of them - it is such a good trip. I put together a couple of (dodgy?) collages of a few of the thousands of photos I took (no exaggeration there) which snap just a tiny weeny bit of my trip. I also made a short clip with all the videos I took, which you can watch here: 

I can honestly say that, despite the awful sickness that came along with it, my trip to Cambodia was unforgettable and so special. I would love to go back one day and if you ever get the chance I definitely recommend going!

I might pile together some photos from the rest of my December/January summer hols in another post, but I hope you enjoy the photos and video (all taken on my iPhone btw, and a couple on a disposable)!!

T xx

Q and A #1

Hello hello! Today's post comes to you thanks to procrastination and a tonne of work to do, but I thought I would do a little bit of a Q&A post so you guys can get to know me a bit better and ask me anything you want! I did have to cut down on questions but thank you so much to the overwhelming influx of q's, and if I didn't answer yours in this post feel free to send me another message and I will happily answer for you!

Taila x

What's your favourite subject and why?
I love music because it's so different to all my other subjects. It gives me a chance to do what I love (sing) and be creative by writing songs and singing all types of songs. It's also the least stressful subject for me and I don't really count it as doing "work" or "study".

What was your favourite part about visiting Cambodia?
Probably the fact that it was so different to anywhere else I've traveled to. I'd never been to a third world country and done the activities that we did so it was a completely new experience for me and that was the most exciting bit. I got to teach in the schools, go on group tours and travel with my friends, all of which I normally don't get to do when I go on holidays!

What inspired you to start blogging?
All the way back in 2015 a friend of mine had a blog and I thought it would be a really fun personal project where I could combine all the things I love- writing, photography (being creative in general), music, social media - and I've been able to make so many friends from all around the world which is so cool. I didn't really know much about blogging but as I got deeper into the world of blogging and instagram and found blogs that I loved and I was constantly inspired.

Best study tips?

Keep your notes up to date and summarise them throughout the year, so when you get to end of years or any other exam you've done the hardest bit and you just have to learn it! Also making the use of spare time, like sitting on a bus, to study. Using voice recordings, palm cards etc that you can take anywhere and have that constant reminder. 

What's your workout routine like?
I'm not religious at exercising but I love to play sport and rotate between tennis, netball and basketball throughout the year. I also workout around 2 afternoons a week with my favourite app Sworkit which is so good for people like me who don't always have the time/can't be bothered. It's the best because you can do it for 15 minutes or an hour or however long you want, and you can completely customise what you're doing in the comfort of your own home.

Where in the world would you like to go in the near future?/ What do you want to do after school?
I'm really keen on going straight to uni when I finish school (in just over a year), and I really want to go to uni in Melbourne studying something along the lines of psychology. I definitely want to travel eventually but I'm not sure where to yet... I'd love to go around Europe and back to my favourite places I've been to like France and England but also to somewhere similar to Cambodia.

Which social media platform do you use the most and why?
Definitely Instagram... it's my time filler. I sit on snapchat a lot and also go through hardcore Pinterest phases when I can't get myself off it!!

just a little life update - when everything turns to crap

H E Y !

Well... it's only been a few months! I do feel bad, but I can honestly say my life has been nothing but hectic and blogging has, unfortunately, been my last priority. I've popped up every now and then on instagram to stay in touch with you all but there has hardly been any medal worthy attention to you guys so I am sorry. Thank you to all those who are still here!!!

Some of you may know just how quickly your life can change. Something comes along and poof, everything is out of whack. That's been my year so far, coming off an absolutely amazing 2017 it was a hard hit to my world. As well as everything going on in my personal life, coming into year 11 has really shocked the system (any other year 11ers agree!?).

Anyways, I have a couple of messages. Firstly, hang in there (if anyone else can relate). Secondly, if you're one of those people please feel free to DM me, I would loooove to chat with you guys :) And thirdly, as assessments are cooling down now I WILL make an effort to blog for you guys (typical Taila promise, right?) But really, I think it would be good for me and I would love to hear your suggestions/comments/thoughts on what I should blog! 

The past few months have been adventurous and a huuuge learning curve for me. Because, not everyone you lose is a loss. Cryptic, I know, but maybe one day I can go into a bit more detail and explain to you guys just how much you learn about yourself and develop when your world is kinda flipped upside down. But, this is basically just a "yep, I'm still here" post that will hopefully make me feel guilty each time I look at it so I post more ;) and I promise I will be back with much more.

See you soon, and feel free to DM me!
Much love, Taila xxxx

Also, here is a board on pinterest that is full of quotes that I am, quite literally, living by. Feel free to follow :)
https://pin.it/vrukebxjkh3eik

what i've been listening to / jan - feb '18

Hey hey!

Finding music is one of my favourite things to do, scouring through the endless playlists on spotify and constantly shazamming stuff I hear. 

And monthly my taste in music changes.. does this happen to anyone else?!?! I thought I'd start (restart.. I used to do mixtapes back in the day! Find them here - autumn, winter) sharing some of the tunes that I'm always playing, and I would also love for you to share a few of your favourite songs by commenting so I can check them out!  You can also find the link to my spotify to the left of this post along the side if you want to listen to more.

Let me know if you listen to any of these and what you think!

Taila xx

A BIT OF AN UPDATE ..

Hello!!

To say 'long time no see' would be an understatement, it's been about 4 months since I posted for you and while I've been uploading a lot to Instagram I've pretty much neglected my blog.
I've been trying to stay engaged with you by posting what I love to Instagram, but I've promised myself that 2018 is the year to bring TBD back!

I could blame my lack of success and growth on the annoying Instagram algorithm stuff, or on my lack of time, but I must admit I haven't been as fully invested in the blog as I was when I first started (in 2015!!)

SO. I hope that by being honest with you guys we can restart together. A refresh of the blog will happen and I will gather content. But not because I feel like I have to. I WANT to, which is why I think I've let myself down a bit with it. I want to chat to you guys and share my life and my creativity with you, and be inspired by you all just as much.

Have any of you ever experienced a similar thing? I've thought about shutting the blog down completely, but it'd mean losing a little bit of that creativity that I love so much.

I'd love for you to DM me or email me or comment below about your thoughts and also any ideas that you would like to see on the blog. I'll leave it here for now but I will see you very soon.
Here's to 2018!!
T xxx

free study timetables + tools

I am aware that this isn't a normal, up to scratch blog post BUT I wanted to get these up for you as soon as I could so you could all start using them! Technology also was not my friend so I had to take the photos on my phone, I'm so so sorry! :(

I've made a few different styles of timetables for you to pick and choose, there's also one with an extra column for you to put a time in if you fancy. I've also put up there a blank weekly goals list that you can print off and use for individual subjects or however you want. I've put the subject at the top of the card above where it says week one. They're freeee for you all to downlaod and I'd love for you to decorate them and stick them up and send me a photo! I'll try to feature as many as I can on my instagram!
The link to them all is below.
Good luck studying!! Taila xxx

PS: if you're wondering the subjects on my timetable in pink are ones that I'm going to try and study if I get some extra time that day. Let's see how that goes... 

download /  you can download the timetables and study tools following these links:
timetable one
timetable two
timetable three
timetable four
weekly goal cards

disclaimer / I designed these calendars by myself and are only available for personal use, so please do not resell, replicate or steal. Thank you!

interviewing tash

Yayyyy! It's been a while since I've posted an 'interviewing..' post - almost a year! I've said this before but this is probably my fave series on the blog, interviewing some of my favourite instagrammers and bloggers and hearing their tips and tricks and a bit more about them!

Sooo today I asked Tash Bonniface, an instagrammer with 15.5k followers, some questions. Her colourful photos and fashion inspires so many and if you aren't following her already, here's the link to her instagram! 

If you missed the other posts from this series, you can find them here -
lauren / @laurenaustralia
kate / @prettydressesinthelaundry
chessie / @freshlypickked

  

When and why did you start your instagram? /

I started Instagram back in 2014 or 2015 I believe, it was just the next big thing since Facebook and everyone I knew had just discovered it so obviously I was tempted to make an account!

How much has your Instagram changed since then? /

Well... don't be too tempted to scroll back to then but I used to take selfies and add the Valencia filter and upload like 4 times in a row. My Instagram now is like a wee job on the side of my real life - back then it was just for a laugh.

Who inspires you and who are your favourite bloggers/ Instagrammers? /

The people who inspire me the most are my family and friends, just everyday normal people trying to make it through! I also am inspired by people who can completely just be themselves and be comfortable with it. My favourite Instagrammers would be @wethespies @abbyplested @ashowens_

How do you edit your photos and keep a good and consistent feed? /

I edit my photos with VSCO cam! I feel like my feed is so messy, but I just try keep it colourful and fun and use the same filter most of the time!

What’s your favourite way to interact with your followers? /

I really just love if I do an Instagram story and someone replies to it saying they can relate or that they love this. It's only small but means so much, little gestures are the best.

What is the best present you have ever received? /

When I turned 21 I was obsessed with boo the dog and my best friend got me boo the dog merchandise EVERYTHING for my birthday.. the dream!

A funny or embarrassing story? /

I will honestly never forget this story... I must've been about 12/13 at the time and I was with my neighbour selling cookies to raise money for her netball team. Anyway, we knocked on someone's door and this BIG dog came running out straight at me and I got such a fright I literally took a wee all over their front doormat... the person came out and gave me the most disgusted look before I had the chance to run away, hahaha I will never live it down.

What is the best thing about Instagram? /

Just being able to connect with like-minded people and being able to be as creative as you like and people enjoying your creative work. It has lead me to work with so many cool people and brands.

What 3 things make your day? /

1) A GOOD FEED (I am such a foodie. Always thinking about dinner, including now)

2) Dogs. Seriously if I see a dog on the street or see videos of dogs online it instantly makes me feel a little better.

3) Laughing with the people I love. Nothing can make you feel as good as a good laugh can.

What is the favourite thing in your room? /

My favourite thing in my room would have to be this snow globe my nana got me as a gift, it says I love you to the moon and back with a moon inside that spins when you turn it.. and glitter goes around the moon. So cute. I also have photos of my parents and best friends next to my bed that I love.

Your perfect day looks like… /

My perfect day would be around 29 degrees, sun shining but a little breeze, packing a picnic with cheese and wine and sitting on the grass under the harbour bridge with either Stevo or my besties.

Thank you so much to Tash and I hope you all enjoyed reading and learning a little bit more about her!
Feel free to comment any requests for the next post in this series!
Thats all for now, see you next time!! xx Taila

kangaroo valley

Hello hello!

I've had these photos stored away for months and I'm so happy to finally upload them! These here are the selected few from the billions of photos I took on our getaway to Kangaroo Valley last holidays. Ahhh take me back to this peacefulness and isolation.

I've put a link below to a reader survey that I would love you to all do if you have 2 minutes. It's just to help me work on my blog and make it better, and the best way to start is seeing what you all want! Feel free to also message me if you have ANY suggestions, I love chatting to you all!

See you very soon, Taila xx

Create your survey with SurveyMonkey

blues + greens

Jeans and tee - Ghanda Clothing

Adidas Stan Smith

Ahhh omg finally!! I can honestly say that I have been trying to upload these photos for MONTHS and I've finally had some success!! Blogger was being a bit of a pain, and I can tell you I tried every trick in the book to get these on here (I ended up screenshotting the original!) They aren't the most amazing quality but the fact they are up makes me happy enough (and hopefully you too :))

I think I'm so lucky that these ocean views and lookouts and greenery is all literally at the end of my street! I love heading down here and watching the fishers below, as well as taking a walk along the bush track through all the greenery. The clothes I'm wearing here just shows how long ago this was (it looks kinda warm!), and features pretty much my every day go-to outfit. Ask my friends, it's a typical Taila outfit.

Now that this post is up I'll continue working on all the other photos and posts I've stored up over time! Expect more to come hopefully soon!

Taila xx