mojomade

Stripes & Fur Fix Everything

2013-05-21T10:30:00.000+10:00

Boots @ Market HQ | Clutch @ Sportsgirl | Old stripes and eBay fur.

It's been a chaotically creative couple of weeks at Mojo HQ... I've managed to fit in everything from music rehearsals, trying new recipes, home wares DIY's, wardrobe de-cluttering, stylist jobs, website design, drinks, breakfasts, business meetings and jewellery design sessions. My boy has been busy filming and doing actor-man things so I've had a lot of time to reflect with morning strolls around the Harbour and nights rugged up under the covers with my little Memphis Dawg.

We took these snaps on-the-go to a meeting about a new project I'm going to be involved in - as a stylist and designer... It's only in the very early stages so when the time is right, it will land here on my blog. One thing I haven't had time to do is laundry - so I had to throw something together to get to this meeting - and I learned that stripes and fur may just be the answer to everything.

And V8 juice. Seriously.

Egyptian Sunset

2013-05-14T11:00:00.000+10:00

Leggings: Gypsea | Shirt: UNIF | Shoes: Windsor Smith | Bone Ring: House of Harlow 1960 | Skull + Bones Wrist Junk @ Market HQ | Necklace + Leather Ankle Cuffs: Made by Me

The grass is always greener on the other side, right?
We always want what we can't have.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Trust me to (now that we're galloping towards winter) be dreaming about sunsets. We were just there, basking in a summer daze, and now as the leaves fall, I'm dreaming of that glow again. But you know what? I think I like it like that... The idea of what's on the other side of the moment... Some people might call it a personality flaw - to always be thinking about what's coming next... but I think it's more like hope and excitement for the roller coaster of life.

Don't get me wrong, it's a fine art of patience, understanding and flexibility that can allow you to think about what isn't right in front of you whilst still sucking the juice out of the current moment in life. And it's taken me a long time to get here. To the now.

But while I'm here enjoying this journey every step of the way, I've always got room for what I see on the horizon. I've just learned to trust that no matter how much I may want it to be here right now... It'll come around soon enough and then it will be gone. Onto the next thing.

So right now I'm enjoying making things (like this necklace and ankle cuffs) and letting the 'hands-on' side of me lead a little more. I've been cooking, designing and studying some of the things I loved learning about when I was younger, especially Ancient Egypt (hence the necklace). I've also been downsizing the clutter in my wardrobe, jewellery box and office space, but more on that later.

I recently found a bunch of rings that mean a lot to me... Not really my style anymore to wear just a single ring, so I stacked them all together and have totally given them a new life! The two matching diamond bands were my Grandmother's wedding and eternity ring and the the emerald and diamond ring was a 21st birthday present from my Mum that we designed together.

Now every time I wear them I feel some kind of a connection to my roots... some kind of comfort from afar.

Top 5 Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts

2013-05-10T11:00:00.000+10:00

M o r g a n & K a t h l y n

Mother's Day is one of two days a year that should be all about your Mum (the other is her birthday of course!). It's one day a year that you can put aside all your own stresses and petty worries to thank the woman who gave you life! For me it's getting harder and harder each year when Mother's Day rolls around, because I'm so far away from my Mum. *Sad face*

I'm an only child who grew up with a Mum that was more like a friend, definitely a confidant, and most importantly my biggest supporter in all the dreams I wanted to chase. So moving to the other side of the country is a hard choice to live with at this time of the year...

In the past I've sent artwork gifts to her, organised massages, made video messages and secretly had old photos scanned into Photo Books, all posted and delivered in time. But I will admit that this year, the whole thing has really snuck up on me! Even my boyfriend managed to organise and post a gift to his Mum in time (but that's OK because it's never happened so I'll give him this one)

Anyways, it got to thinking of all the other Mum's and daughters who will be spending this special day apart from each other and the dream-chasing daughters who need some quick and instant ideas to spoil their Mother's rotten - from the other side of the country....

So here's my list of Top 5 Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts all with no waiting or delivery times!

1. MOET Pamper Hamper
alittleluxury.com.au
Flowers are nice and all that, but they just sit there and then they wilt away. So if you go for chocolates and Champagne she can get all sauced up while you guys chat on the phone and eat all the sugary goodness.

2. "Gift This Album" on iTunes
iTunes.com
Did you know that you can choose albums by artists your Mum loves and "Gift" them on iTunes? You can add a personal message and they'll email your Mum on your behalf - then all she does is download and enjoy!

3. Magazine Subscription
magshop.com.au
What better way to give a little reminder of your love than having your Mum's favourite magazine land on her doorstep all year round. More excuses to veg out on the weekends and try new recipes!

4. Gold Class Cinema Tickets
everythingbutflowers.com.au
Since you may not be able to enjoy the actual movie with her you may as well make it an incredible movie experience. Get your Mum two tickets from Everything But Flowers so she can take your Dad or a friend (or a date!) to enjoy all the laid back luxury that Gold Class has to offer.

5. Photo Book Voucher
snapfish.com.au
I love, love, love the printed photo albums at Snapfish! And I think the best part about photo albums is actually putting them together - you spend all your time thinking about the stories behind the photographs, laughing and reminiscing. So if you get Mum a voucher (and send her all those digital pictures from your last trip that are just sitting in iPhoto) then she'll get to have a laugh whilst making it herself! And if you're really tech-savvy, you could do a Skype call and screen-share while she makes it!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women out there who gave us life!

Galaxy Fur Dreamer

2013-05-09T09:35:00.000+10:00

Denim shirt: Somedays Lovin @ Market HQ | Galaxy Skirt: Evil Twin | Boots: BooHoo c/o Park Avenue PR | Double Skull Bangle @ Market HQ | Necktie: Fremantle Markets | Fur: eBay | Skull Ring: Lotus Mendes

Now, I'm a Leo born and bred on the West Coast, so I love me some summer sun... But I've got to be honest - I like winter. I like the scarves, the layers and the leather jackets. Don't get me wrong - I don't like being cold, I just like all the symptoms of it... The cuddling under the doona, the nights in front of the heater, the gloves, the beanies, the fur!

So at this point, in the Autumn transition where the days are sunny, but the leaves are falling and it's getting chilly, I'm dreaming of all things wintery - and planning a creative attack on rainy day D.I.Y's. My first step into cold is this fur vest I found on eBay.

That's the other thing I love about winter... all the online shopping excuses.
What's your favourite thing about winter?
x

Self Portraits in Print & Music...

2013-05-08T10:30:00.000+10:00

The following artwork is for the limited edition packaging for my EP Borrowed & Blue which is now available exclusively in my online store! It's free postage, worldwide. I'm so excited to share my original artwork with you... and the story that goes along with it...

SELF-PORTRAIT.

Pencil, Paper, Water-colour, Photograph and Graphic Design via Photoshop...

I've never done a self-portrait before. I found the process interestingly weird.

When the topic of CD packaging came up with my label, I was thrilled when Sony said they really wanted to embrace my artistic side... So we came up with a unique, one-off packaging design that unfolds to reveal my original artworks.

GRAPHIC LANDSCAPE.

Sketch and Graphic Design via Photoshop.

Weird scenes inside the gold mine... Let the pictures and the music take you on a trip...

I've spent the last 6 years of my life writing, recording and releasing my original music as an independent artist. Putting together packaging and working to specs in Photoshop was just part and parcel of being the indie artist - firstly because there was no one else to do that stuff (and I couldn't afford to pay a graphic designer) and secondly because I've always felt that the imagery helps in setting a tone for what I was creating with the music. So to continue that process for my Borrowed & Blue EP was just a logical step...

In music, I started out with just my acoustic guitar, then moved onto jamming songs out with my band... Both pretty straight forward when it comes to the recording process. Then I began to explore a new aspect to my solo, live performance: the loop pedal. And that's when, in the recording studio, I hit a brick wall.

I was writing song after song and recording demos with a bunch of different producers and nothing was turning out like what I felt in my heart, how I performed it live, or what I heard in my head. The music I wanted to make just wasn't being captured in the recording studio.

I hit that dreaded slump...Writers block.

So I stepped back from writing songs and I started creating a collection of stripped back tunes by different artists; re-imagining the beats, the chords, the harmonies and all the parts of a song as if I had created them myself. And through that process I re-educated myself on what it is to be a musician. Before now I really only knew half the picture - the lyrics and the melody... but now, after producing this EP (with an awesome co-producer and engineer Adrain Breakspear) I have a completely new take on things.

As someone who has only ever recorded and released original music I never thought I'd release a collection of covers, let alone be proud of it! And yet, this entire process has been the most gratifying, satisfying, challenging, eye-opening and rewarding experience I've ever had.

What I learned is that the things you think you can't do are usually the things you need to do to break through the doors of perception. And that nothing much good comes of always saying no.

Be challenged. Be uncomfortable. Be wild.
And then see if you know yourself.

Limited edition packaging for Borrowed & Blue looks like the size of a 7" vinyl record and unfolds numerous times to reveal a final art piece containing the CD, measuring 54cm x 36cm.
Buy a copy here.

Make a Run For it

2013-05-02T11:17:00.000+10:00

Rushcutters Bay, Sydney

The past few days in Sydney have been basking in some of the most glorious weather we've had this year. My little "home office" looks over Rushcutters Bay Park, so whenever that sun is out to play I always feel the need to take advantage of the incredible spot that I live in. And Memphis is always ready to go for a run.

I'm going through another "orange phase" at the moment - and I'm dying for a pair of these Nike lightweights. I had the best pair of runner's last year that I stupidly took to LA (yeah right, like I was ever gonna go for a run in Hollywood) and consequently left them in the hotel room. Now I have a shitty pair because I can't justify spending what I could spend on a new winter coat on another pair of Nikes. So until next summer, I will just have to keep the dream alive with Polyvore.

Work Out in Style by mojomade

Mink Pink elastic waist shorts to keep the sparkle alive, H&M racerback sports bra, UNIF tank because it's awesome, NIKE lightweight shoes / Ray-Ban folding sunglasses so that after your run when you're blowing it out at the coffee shop, you can shove them in the tiniest of pockets.

...And it Was All Yellow

2013-04-30T10:29:00.000+10:00

Blazer: Hunt No More @ Market HQ | Boots: Betts | Shorts: One Teaspoon | Rings: Lotus Mendes

Spent yesterday scoping out venues to film my next music video... We're doing a couple of live videos, so you guys will get to see the whole set-up I use on stage then. Anyways, the day included a lot of walking around Sydney-town, hence my studded Warhorse Boots from Betts, and with the sun shining a glorious bright veil over the whole city - I couldn't resist getting my legs out for one last dash before they grey of winter settles in.

One thing I have learned about Sydney weather since moving here 3 years ago is that no matter how bright the sun, how hot the air, or what the weather app on my iPhone says... You must always take a jacket. ALWAYS. Because even if it's 40 degrees at lunch time, chances are it'll be like the winds of Antarctica if you find yourself in the shade of a building. No better way to feel as bright as the sun than with a show stopper in your back pocket like this fluorescent yellow blazer by Hunt No More.

Lucky I have a rad BF... he takes the pictures AND lets me steal his clothes.

Back Into The Swing... of 2013

2013-04-28T11:24:00.000+10:00

I've been away for nearly 6 weeks doing the thing I love most - music... But now I'm back on the ground and have so many things to catch up on. For one, this blog needs a little love and attention! Secondly, my wardrobe needs a new injection... (first world problem, I know)

And I have all new goodies to add to my online store (clothing, music AND jewellery).

So, to get that inspiration fire burning again I've been collecting images for a new mood-board, getting me back into the swing of where this creative head is at in 2013... I always like to start with pictures to get a vibe... then everything grows from there. So far, my 2013 has been all about music and performing... And streamlining my home/work life. Luckily for me, my home and "work" life are pretty intertwined - but that can also be hard... Anyways, more on that later.

The first quarter of the year has ended and the artistic side of me has been waiting in the wings... but it's about ready for the spotlight now. The most important thing I learned in 2012 was patience, and I think I'm getting used to it. Haha.

"Create Your Best Year Yet Giveaway"

To kick off my 'getting-back-into-the-swing-of-things' splurge, I'm very excited to announce the lucky winner of the recent giveaway I held... This lucky lady has won ALL of the following goodies, thanks to some very generous sponsors including Mother & Father PR and Park Avenue PR.

$150 to spend online with Bless'ed Are The Meek

A choice of shoes from BooHoo.com

"The Huntress" necklace from the incredible Wild & Free Jewelry

A collection of scrumptiously scented candles from BeCalm Soy Candles

An exclusive copy of my new EP Borrowed & Blue and MojoMade goodies

AND THE LUCKY WINNER IS:

Sonia De Macedo, of Melbourne

"2 huge scoops of whirlwind travel adventures overseas + 1 brand spanking new cannon 5D to document everything + a dash of sass to jazz up my wardrobe for the following months!"

... is how Sonia is going to make this her best year yet. Congratulations!

And these three creative lovelies will each get a copy of my new EP Borrowed & Blue and something special from MojoMade.

Leah Renee Clarke, Adelaide

Sophie Hebert, Canada

Margot Parker, UK

Look out for an email from MojoMade to claim your goodies xx

*Images in this post collected from Google

There's no Business Like Show Business

2013-04-26T14:48:00.001+10:00

A variation of what I wore each night on stage for the Newton Faulkner national Australian tour.

Bodysuit: Amercian Apparel | Boots: BooHoo | Leather Cuff: MojoMade | Tringle Ring: Lotus Mendes

I grew up on the stage. From four years old I was singing, cartwheeling and tap dancing under the lights. Quick changes, dress rehearsals, costumes of glitter and sequins... Once you join that club - it never really leaves you, that need for a roller-coaster existence.

The chaos and craziness of what goes on behind the curtains followed by the adrenaline of being centre stage. The connection and magic of entertaining a breathing audience is so ancient and so raw - it's a feeling that never gets old.

The brilliance of being in the spotlight and the darkness of waiting in the wings is all one and the same.

You can't have one without the other and no matter what happens on or off stage, the show must go on.

From the stage at The Metro, Sydney.

There's No Business Like Show Business.

On the Road with Newton Faulkner - Tour Diary 1

2013-04-23T11:53:00.001+10:00

Forrest Fairy on the Central Coast. Wearing One Teaspoon

Changing guitar strings will never be the same after the Champagne-on-arrival welcome

@ The Emporium Hotel, Brisbane.

Newton Faulkner and I before going on stage.

Obligatory mid-flight shot.

Ridiculously good-looking-pancakes at St Edmonds Cafe, Melbourne.

[154 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181]

Obligatory mid-tour selfie, wearing Lotus Mendes bling.

What I see at my feet every night... Lola, my Roland Loop Station.

After sound-check at The Prince Bandroom, Melbourne

Obligatory "I'm-at-the-airport" shot.

Virgin Australia all the way (because they let me take 2 bags!) and my go-to ROC Boots.

Walking Disco Ball thanks to Evil Twin & Market HQ

Sound-Check at The Tivoli, Brisbane, wearing The Story Of pants.

Just before going on stage for the last show of my recent national tour with Newton Faulkner, I said to one of the roadies:

"Ahhh... Last show tonight... Then it's back to the real world"

Looking at me with a deflated roll of the eyes "Yep," he groaned.
"So, whats the real world for you? What's the day job you have to go back to?"

"Oh... Um... Actually, just more of this."

You will never hear me complain about my life.
I consider myself a very, very lucky girl.
And I have a sneaking suspicion that the world is plotting to do good against me.

Stage Outfit 101

2013-04-13T10:00:00.000+10:00

American Apparel bodysuit | DIY Maxi Skirt | Boohoo Boots c/o Park Avenue PR

Gypsy arm bands by Backstage

Whilst everyone else has been planning a plethora of show-stopping fashion combinations, instagraming their #OOTD’s and sharing cat-walk images from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia… This is what I've been wearing.

When you're on the road, living out of a suitcase, touring with a bunch of boys there is way too much fun to be had to worry about a new outfit every night. Not to mention my suitcase is filled to capacity with musical goodies. So I crafted a perfectly Mojo outfit to carry me through the 11 shows with Newton Faulkner.

I apologise for the lack of posts lately. I'll be back soon :) x

About to step on stage...

Live at The Abbey, Canberra

2013-04-04T10:30:00.000+11:00

Images by Mark Turner

I have no words to say how amazing a night it was at The Abbey.

The place. The people. The vibe. All of it.

Thank you Canberra.

The Last High | Music Video

2013-04-02T08:00:00.000+11:00

I'm excited to share this magical little music video for The Last High, one of the tracks from my new EP Borrowed & Blue. It's not often in life that you get to dream big and then, whilst your dream is becoming a reality, actually get to enjoy the fruits of your labour with your close friends... But I am one of those who is very careful about what I wish for, because I work really hard to make it happen! And so do my awesomely creative friends at Dreaming Tree Productions - whose film CARGO was a top 16 finalist in this year's Tropfest.

We turned the space above The Works in Glebe into what you see, and styled by yours truly, a group of my gorgeously creative friends put this video together... Red wine by the full moon and an all-night-shoot later, this is what we got...

The Story Of Bodysuit

Three of Something top thanks to Park Avenue PR

Limedrop Kimono Cape c/o Mother & Father PR

Two of my favourite people in the world, my boy Blair calling some shots and my BFF Ashley making sure I look good. A very lucky girl am I.

House of Harlow 1960 earrings @ Market HQ

If you want The Last High and the rest of my music on your iPod, you can grab it on iTunes :)
And join up to the mailing list (below) so I can let you know about touring and a very special ONLINE concert this year!

It's Rare to Know a Shooting Star

2013-04-01T12:12:00.002+11:00

The view, Yallingup, Western Australia.

Tree House.

The Cave.

Dress made by me, Triangle cuff by Lotus Mendes.

Reflections in the cave.

Hangin' on the vine.

Spinning top.

Dance.

After midnight... we gonna let it all hang down.

The morning after.

It's rare to know a shooting star. Those people that, no matter where you're at in your own life or how much time goes by, will always be who they've always been. Those magical souls who leave a sparkle in your heart. Sometimes, two of them will match up and you'll be lucky enough to witness those shooting stars collide into a wildfire that allows you to see everything for what it is. Cosmic.

And the wildfire will feel familiar.

And the explosion will feel like home.

And you will notice the sparkle in your heart again.

I was lucky enough to jump on the raft to celebrate the enchanting wedding of Dale and Marissa. A wedding that spanned four days of music, ocean, feasts, laughter, fresh air and beautiful souls. The wedding itself was in Yallingup, South Western Australia, in our own private outdoor cave - a spectacular pair of stars, surrounded by a galaxy of equally special people. It's something that will stay with me forever, and I know that no matter where I'm at in my life, I'll always be able to go back to the island.

This wildfire revelry feels like home.

Packing For a National Tour

2013-03-31T10:30:00.000+11:00

To make live loops on stage I use a Roland RC-300 Loop Pedal & Sampler

One of my strongest memories as a little kid is spending school holidays at my Grandmother's house. I'm an only child which meant I had to keep myself occupied, so my imagination has always been a big part of my life. I remember always packing a million activities into a suitcase to take to Gran's house just in case, God forbid, I ever actually got bored.

As I pack for a national tour of Australia with Newton Faulkner - I realise nothing much has changed! Instead of a huge suitcase full of colouring books, Barbies and my tap shoes - I've packed it all with this stuff. The stuff that makes my live show a whole lot more than just a girl with a guitar. Surprisingly, for someone with such a love of fashion, my clothing takes up not even a quarter of my suitcase - if you can believe it!

Hope to see you somewhere on this trip... You can find gig details here.

NATIONAL TOUR DATES THIS APRIL

Tuesday 2 April
The Tivoli - BRISBANE, QLD

Friday 5 April
Lizotte's Central Coast - KINCUMBER, NSW

Sunday 7 April
Lizotte's Newcastle - NEWCASTLE, NSW

Monday 8 April
Lizotte's Newcastle - NEWCASTLE, NSW

Tuesday 9 April
The Metro Theatre - SYDNEY, NSW

Thursday 11 April
The Prince - MELBOURNE, VIC

Saturday 13 April
The Bended Elbow - GEELONG, VIC

Sunday 14 April
Caravan Music Club- MELBOURNE, VIC

There's Something in The Water

2013-03-25T12:55:00.001+11:00

What kind of magical place is this?

Somedays Lovin bikini

The waters of South West Australia... they have some kind of magic.

Breakfast never looked so cute @ Sayers, Leederville

Peace & Leather... MojoMade RAW collection coming soon :)

"Why are you just sitting there? There's dog things to do!!" - Memphis

Got my eye on you.

"Agh! Got my hair wet - I KNEW that would happen..." - Memphis

I love the friends I have gathered on this thin raft

Never lose sight of your shadow.

I miss the sunsets over the ocean... nothing beats a West Australian coast-line at twilight

Contemplating.

Indian Ocean.

Follow me on instagram @morganjoanel

Took a trip to my old stomping ground... Perth. It's the first time since I left my whole life behind three years ago that I have truly understood the magnificence of the place I grew up. How lucky I was to have that west coast air filling my lungs each and every day. I hear people talk about the Perth folk and how there must be something in the water... And I have to admit that before I left, the simplicity of dipping my toes in the West Australian waters felt like any normal every day thing - but this time, it felt like magic, and after 2 weeks of sunsets over the ocean and the "down south" air of Yallingup - something has changed in me.

For some reason I feel at home. Not in any one place in particular.
But in myself.

Have you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho?
Yeah, it's like that.

So it's been a busy few weeks. Busy with all the right things - full of relaxing, beaching, road trippin' and hangin' with some of my favourite people on the planet. I've been to Western Australia and back to Sydney and now I'm in Radelaide, on the road for my national tour with the awesome Newton Faulkner - So I'll try my best to be a good blogger and keep you up to date with on-the-road shenanigans and what the style situation is. Haha.

If you're in Australia, keep your eye on my Facebook Page as I'll be giving tickets away to some of the shows - and we're hitting pretty much every city so you guys should come along to check out some cool live music from Newton, myself and opening band Jolan.

You can get my new EP Borrowed & Blue on iTunes.

Music Meets Art Meets Fashion

2013-03-15T14:00:00.000+11:00

New MojoMade tanks are hitting the road...
So I couldn't resist it anymore!! Have to leak a little look at some of what's coming next to MojoMade in the Music/Fashion/Art sense... I've been quietly working away on some designs that are all Australian made and have a quirky little element to them that I think is really cute - and I've got something for the boys too!
But that's all still in the "coming soon" pile...

For now, I'll be taking some new tanks out on tour with me so if you're at any of my gigs with the incredible Newton Faulkner, come see me at the merch stand :)

National Tour with Newton Faulkner details can be found here.

Let Them Watch You Walk Away

2013-03-14T10:30:00.000+11:00

*Images taken from blessedarethemeek.com.au

Sometimes the only thing you can do is turn your back and walk away.

Be it relationships with lovers friends.

Be it work situations. Or everything you know.

And so, as you walk away it'd be pretty rad if you looked smoking' hot, right?

An incredible back-line of intricate detail seems to be a common thread running through each collection from Blesse'd Are The Meek. I've just been looking through the BATM website at all the possibilities for one lucky winner of the giveaway I'm hosting at the moment.

So if you like the idea of leaving a lasting impression as they watch you walk away, I think you should get entering for you chance to spend $150 on Blesse'd Are The Meek.

The give-away is open to international entries and closes on March 25th.

Good luck!

Girl in a Lacey Peach Dress...

2013-03-12T11:00:00.000+11:00

Photography by Blair Dwyer

Dress & Crystal Cuff: Made by Me | Skull Ring: Lotus Mendes | Peace Ring: Low Luv | Shoes: Tony Bianco

A Wedding at the Old Swan Brewery.

So, I'm back in my hometown of Perth to play a few gigs, enjoy the weather and get catching up with old friends at two serendipitously planned weddings. Somewhere amidst packing my instrument cases and clothing I got the bright idea that I would make a few dresses to wear to the weddings. After looking through my wardrobe I realised I just don't have anything "me" that really works for a wedding... so I packed half my suitcase full of material and lace and this is what I came up with...

I call it "The Elizabeth"...

Whilst I may be able to design and draw - I'm not so much of an actual dressmaker - I had to sew myself into this baby... I generally start with an idea and let it turn into whatever it turns into as I continue sewing and draping... Luckily I'm a raw edge, chaotic drapery kind of gal - one that likes to kick off her shoes and dance the night away. So I did.

Photo Booth.

Sweetness of Soy [Guest Post by Ashley]

2013-03-11T16:22:00.002+11:00

I'd like you all to meet Ashley - we've been besties since we were 12. I've never had a "guest-poster" on my blog before but Ash had some very valuable info to share on the topic of Soy Candles. The deliciously scented Becalm Soy Candles below are part of the giveaway I'm hosting [enter here]. So, anyways, I thought it best to hand this over to Ashley... Plus, she's gorgeous and hilarious - I figure it can't hurt to add some hotness to MojoMade!

Photography by Blair Dwyer @ MojoMade HQ

Firstly, let me introduce myself. I’m Ashley, Morgan’s ‘unofficial’ sister. Apparently we’re not really sisters because we have different parents or something (whatevs), but I’d like to challenge that societal rule because, well, we’re sisters. Simple.

Now, I don’t want to seem all preachy, because that’s not my thing at all, but I’m really excited to be able to share something that I became aware of a little while ago and I think it’s really important to pass on valuable pieces of information so that people can make informed choices in their world...

I don’t claim to be a scientist, though I do own a pretty cute white jacket that I think makes me look really smart (I digress).. But here’s what I know about… CANDLES. Yep, candles. Those gorgeous flickering, sweet smelling flames that transform our spaces into pictures from a magazine as soon as you turn off the light. Well, it turns out that burning regular; paraffin candles are actually really bad for your health.

Let me explain just a couple the reasons in a simple, dot pointed manner:

Research has shown that non naturally derived candles produce smoke laced with almost as many toxins as those produced by cigarettes
They found ten times as many damaging free radicals — molecules that can cause cancer — in the air inside the churches as they did in the air beside a motorway.
The release of chemicals can cause indoor pollution that is potent enough to raise the risk of asthma, eczema and skin complaints.
Paraffin wax, a by-product of the petroleum industry. These have been shown to release an alarming range of volatile organic compounds. (This means BAD)

There are so many more reasons so start googling and get educated!

In summary, paraffin candles are really bad for your health. A doctor even stressed this to me once. Doctors know a lot so I figure I’ll listen to his advice. The good news? Natural candles made from Soy or Beeswax don’t have the same baddies in them. So fear not, I have found the most gorgeous looking and smelling soy candles on the market now. A friend of mine Kylie has similar thoughts to me and decided to start making her own soy candles.. the results? Becalm Soy Candles (my favourite is lime and coconut, oh and Hawaiian breeze… mmmmm) Some of her gorgeous candles are featured in Morgan’s giveaway so get entering.

Natural candles are popping up more and more at markets and in stores so maybe start to rethink your choices when you are choosing your next candle purchase : )

Wishful Sinful

2013-03-08T12:52:00.000+11:00

Wishful Sinful by mojomade

Low Luv Peace Ring & Cuff | Evil Twin Fringe Skirt | Jeffrey Campbell Boots | River Island headpiece

Lace Bralette & Necklace @ General Pants

The worst thing you can do when you're living out of a suitcase is spend time on Polyvore.

But now I'm inspired to cut up a little lace dress I bought with me and make something new for my EP launch tonight. I'll let you know how that goes - haha.

And on that note... Check it out - I'm on iTunes!

Now you guys can hear what I've been singing about :)

Download Borrowed & Blue on iTunes here.

Versatile Cross Country Travel

2013-03-05T20:49:00.000+11:00

Pants: The Story Of @ Market HQ | Boots: Boohoo | Top: Sportsgirl DIY | Jewelry: Lotus Mendes | Lipstick: Angel by Gorgeous Cosmetics

Every time I travel I seem to turn to these stunning and versatile pants by The Story Of - they can be buttoned different ways around the waist and also at the ankles to completely change the line of them. I love pieces of clothing that can be worn different ways - it keeps things exciting without needing to replace your entire wardrobe every season!

I don't often wear red, but I found the gorgeous Lotus Mendes Goddess ring in my jewellery drawer (yes drawer) and needed something to wear with it! So this old Sportsgirl basics was perfect to do a little DIY alterations! I chopped off the sleeves and pinned it round the neck to make it a kind of halter-muscle tee thing. You should try it with your old shirts - it totally brings new life to something you've already got!

So apart from being a security/metal detector nightmare with this get up (I always have to take my jewellery off before going through at the airport) - I made the trip from Sydney back to my hometown of Perth, in Western Australia to kick off a massive national tour for the release of my new CD!!

I'm playing an intimate launch gig on Friday to celebrate the release and will have some very special CD's and brand new fashion merch available exclusively at shows. If you're in the Perth area - BE THERE! haha

Here's the Facebook Event for details.

And if you LOVE those BooHoo boots as much as I do - you can win yourself a pair along with over $500 of gifts in the giveaway I'm hosting at the moment... Click here to enter.

My New EP: Borrowed & Blue is out March 8th

2013-03-01T12:35:00.001+11:00

BORROWED & BLUE | Out March 8th 2013

Some of you know about my music ventures and have been following me on the ride since way back in the day... But for those who came across my blog via fashion stuff - I'd like to introduce my first love - MUSIC.

There are sooooo many things that wen't into this EP - love, years, mistakes, memories, dreams, broken hearts, laughter, wine, tears, late nights, passion and a whole lot of acceptance. This is something really different for me to do - in so many ways - from the independent CD's I've released in the past and yet - it completely fits. It started off as a little side project in Garage Band at home... And it's turned into something I didn't expect.

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes

You just might find

You get what you need

Cant wait for you to hear it... And see it...

Here's a little peek at some artwork bits n pieces...

For national tour dates and music info, have a lookey at morganjoanel.com & Facebook.com/morganjoanel

I'm Launching My New EP in Perth!

2013-02-28T12:53:00.000+11:00

Click here to join the Facebook Event
So excited to announce that I'm heading home to Perth to kick off an extensive NATIONAL tour of Australia for the release of my new EP... (that info is coming soon!)

It's been a VERY long time coming - I haven't played a gig back home since 2010 - and boy have things changed!! If you're in P-town or know of anyone in P-town that wants to come hang for a night of awesome West Australian talent - get your Facebook fingers clicking away and join the event here.

FRIDAY MARCH 8th @ YAYA's - Northbridge
Doors 8pm | $10 entry

Co-headlining the gig, to rock us into the night are RACHEL & HENRY CLIMB A HILL
Supports to open are Miranda & Gordo and Moana

I'm also playing 2 other very intimate gigs in WA - details are listed on morganjoanel.com

Hunting for Balance

2013-02-26T10:00:00.000+11:00

Huntress Necklace: Wild & Free Jewelry | Shorts: One Teaspoon | Boots: Betts | Top: Mink Pink @ Market HQ
Arm band & Triangle jewellery: Lotus Mendes

There's a stream that runs out to Sydney Harbour right near my place... It's always completely full, or empty like this - no in between. High tide or low... I can relate to that.

I'm either up or down. Embracing the sunlight or waiting for the night.

I'm a Leo, so I'm always hunting for the spark in the dark corners - but now I'm also looking for the blend of two opposites. I don't want to be a fence sitter, an in-betweener... I like conviction. And I like contradiction. But I've learned to trust that after the high tide comes the low... And after the low comes the high. You just can't have one without the other.

The sun proves that the moon exists.
It's only a dark corner until there's light.
We need down times to know what happiness is.
It's the way it's always been. Always will be.

The Huntress Necklace by Wild & Free is up for grabs in the giveaway I'm hosting.
You can enter here.