5:45am Sunrise Call

Boy oh boy did I regret this decision at 5:45am this morning when my alarm went off…

After binge watching Harry Potter and (lowkey) my favourite TV show in the world Dance Academy (No shame, look it up if you haven’t heard of it before you will not be disappointed omg) I thought I was overdue for an excuse to get out of my pj's and see the outside world. 

We were the first ones to dock ourselves on the pier  (At 7am on a Tuesday morning, I would've however seriously questioned if there was a mass crowd.) The view was definitely worth the early rise I must say. We may have lost feeling in all hands, toes and nose’s but we made it through the day.

I feel it’s important to establish a friendship with someone where you are so comfortable (occasionally too comfortable) with one another that you are able to convince them that 7am trip to the beach in the middle of winter is going to be a good idea. I like these types of friendships. Everyone should have a friendship such as this one.

Claire Louise xxx 

The Birth of NOVELLA

*Inserts drum role please* 

After weeks of drawn out planning and slaving away, ladies and gentlemen we finally did it!!

I ultimately and officially have a new blog which I am so so proud and excited for what is yet to come. 

Novella (meaning a short novel or a long story) is a place where I intend to share a corner of my life on the internet. 

From quirky cafes, thrift shop bargains or the impulsive and occasionally unnecessary Sephora trip’s; I wish to share this with you all. 

A massive massive shout out to my dear friend Daina for this beautiful drawing! How talented is she?!?! 

(I am going to try this thing where I tell you guys I will be posting once a week, maybe more depending on my schedule and I hope to swear by this and actually stick to it.) 

Stay with me guys, I’m just getting the hang of this blogging universe. 


Claire Louise xxx

INSTAGRAM UPDATE!?!?!

The day has finally arrived...

Months ago, the internet went into frantic mayhem when the photo sharing app Instagram announced a drastic update, changing the way we scroll through our newsfeed. 

Overnight the Facebook owned app have changed there logo and layout without giving a sudden warning, leaving Instagram uses confused and disappointed. 

Ian Spalter, Instagrams head of design said on Medium "The Instagram icon and design was beginning to feel, well... not reflective of the community and we thought we could make it better. "

What has actually changed this new app that has the internet in a frenzy? 

The polaroid lookalike app has a complete makeover, now a white image of a camera, with a colourful background to compliment it. 

Spalter recognises that "Colour has always been a huge part of Instagram-" therefore a change to the logo was crucial. 

In addition to the modernised logo, Instagram has also improved the navigation icons, including the home, search, camera, activity and profile buttons which now all have a new look. 

Uses have taken it to Twitter to express there disappointment. 

What are your thoughts on the dramatic change? 

Claire Louise xxx

Relay For Life

This weekend my family and I participated in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life. It is a 24 hour relay to raise money and awareness for those who are suffering or are no longer with us due to Cancer. 

The idea surrounding Relay for Life, is that hopefully in years to come, our generations children, and those after them, no longer have to hear the words 'you have cancer,' due to the money that has been raised towards helping create a cure. 

Together as a community, approximately 98 teams had registered, and over 1300 registered participants walked from 12pm Saturday afternoon, and some into all hours of the night, until 12pm Sunday. 

The weather didn't wash out the smiles and music as team members walked on reaching their goals. 

I sucessfully walked 50 laps on a 400m athletics track, with the help of my sister and best friend. Together we walked for hours on hours. Although we are all run down and extremely sore today, the day after. It was all worth it. 

If you would like to donate to the Cancer Council, all proceeds, not matter how big or small are appreciated. 

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/ 

Claire Louise xxx

2016!

2015 you have been an unbelievable roller coaster ride and I want to thank you for the amazing accomplishments that I have mastered this year, however I gladly open my arms to 2016 looking forward to what the future holds.

2016 begun successfully spending the night with my closest friends celebrating the greatness and challenges we together shared throughout 2015, and I could not have asked for a better night. 

Promising yourself a 'New Years Resolution' is something that I do not quite believe in, however, I do believe in a clean slate. I believe that since entering a new year, opens the door to new opportunities and unfortunately challenges which need to be overcome. It is the chance to change whatever you were not entirely content within the previous year and is the chance to focus on all of the positives which you experienced throughout your journey. Those who you wish to eliminate out of your life, 2016 is a clean slate, they do not need to enter the new year beside you, however, can stay with the memories that you shared with them. 

After the welcoming a new member to my family, completing my schooling career, meeting and taking in an exchange student for 12 weeks, experiencing the thrill of becoming a 'Beliber' losing someone who I never thought I would have to say goodbye to, and making new friends however rekindling the older friendships 2015 was a year that I thoroughly enjoyed and will never forget.

I wish everyone the best of luck for 2016, may we only focus on the positive and uplifting events throughout the year and grow from the negatives that come our way.  

Claire Louise xxx