mojomade

ZITE: Your Personal Magazine | Tech Tuesday |

2013-06-18T13:16:00.000+10:00

I mentioned in my last blog-post that I'm a sucker for technology that keeps life creative and offers a connection to the rest of the world... So I thought I would start sharing some of the things I use and listen to day-to-day to get inspired and keep me on my toes!

Apps, Podcasts and Gadgets for the fashion blogger, musician, entrepreneur, photographer, artist, designer and all clean-eating wannabe's! I'm starting up Tech Tuesdays (which I doubt I'll post to more than once a month) but I hope you enjoy what I find - and if you have any other cool suggestions as I go along, please share them in the comments section, I'd love to try new things!

Part of my weekly ritual is to hunt and gather information which ultimately leads to creative ideas... Whether it be fashion, interior design, music or new recipes, whatever mood I'm in, I find everything in one place with my ZITE App... Each Sunday or Monday I enjoy a morning coffee and a bite to eat with my own perfect Zite magazine which always gives me more than I can handle in one sitting!

ZITE is an iPad (and iPhone) app that creates a personalised magazine based on your own interests. I know there's a lot of these around, but this really is the Mecca of customised reading! Zite's insanely intuitive design grabs articles from every online nook and cranny from big online blogs, newspapers, personal style blogs, published papers etc based on your category selections and key words, making it the hardest working personal magazine out there!

The Zeitgeist (spirit of the age or spirit of the time) is the intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought that typifies and influences the culture of a particular period in time.

Screen Shots from my ZITE...

With so much information available online today, it’s increasingly difficult and time-consuming to find the content we want and that’s where Zite comes in. Zite evaluates millions of new stories every day, looking at the type of article, its key attributes and how it is shared across the web. Zite uses this information to match stories to your personal interests and then delivers them automatically to your iPad or iPhone. And the best part is that you can rate each article and related website - making ZITE more and more intuitive as you read it... Awesome!

Scalloped potato stack with salmon, avocado salsa, fresh tomato, rocket and poached egg
@ Artisan Focacceria, 1/230 Palmer St, Darlinghurst

My ZITE breakfast ritual yesterday was enjoyed at a little cafe I found on Instagram - believe it or not - the images of their food were too good to resist and didn't disappoint IRL!

Check out ZITE here.

In Between the Day to Day

2013-06-17T10:30:00.000+10:00

Dress: One Teaspoon | Jumper: Love | Boots: Betts | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Skull Ring: Lotus Mendes

"How do you have the time to do everything?" is a question I get asked a lot... The truth is that I just do a lot of the things I think about doing - instead of simply thinking about doing them. I bet if you did all the things you thought about doing, you'd also fit a million things into your day!

But I have to admit, getting into the colder months, it's getting harder and harder to get out of bed in the mornings - let alone find something to wear from my disorganised closet! The key to making it out the door when you've hit the snooze button way to many times is having a bit of a go-to style, and perfecting the top-knot. My in-between-the-day-to-day look that always keeps me feeling good, is super easy and one that I can interchange with some of my favourite pieces...

A patterned dress. An oversized jumper. Leather jacket. Opaque tights

It works every time I'm un-inspired first thing in the morning... I just change up the dress, jumper and boots. It's simple and I always feel like myself without needing to pull everything out of my wardrobe (because I don't have time to pick all those clothes back up off the floor and then that's a whole other problem haha).

Happy Monday!

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

2013-06-13T11:00:00.000+10:00

I admit it, I'm a loyal and faithful lover of carrot cake. If there is a choice in the window of every cake under the sun and carrot cake - I'll take the cinnamon-ey, sweet savouriness of the carrot cake every time. Maybe that's why it's a "you either love it or you hate it" type of cake. It reels you in with it's magic carrot spell and the next thing you know, you're actually having dreams about it.

I generally have it on my list of goodies to attack on my cheat day... But the day I actually craved a big fat chunk of the delicious cakey goodness was the day I knew I needed to break this spell! So, on my journey down the garden path to clean eating, I've discovered the amazingness of overnight oats. And since I'd love to eat carrot cake everyday, but know that sadly I cannot (no matter how much it makes me see in the dark), I made up this carrot-cake-inspired batch of overnight oat-ey deliciousness... Which turned out disgustingly good (and potentially just as addictive)...

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

1 Carrot
1 cup Rolled Oats
2 cups Almond Milk
Handful of Sultanas
Handful of Nuts (I used cashews - but you can use any: hazelnuts, macadamias, almonds etc)
TBSP of Flaxseeds (any other seeds you like too - chia, sunflower etc)
Natural Sweetener (Natvia or Honey)
1/2 Apple
1/2 cup Coconut (Shredded or desiccated, your choice)
2 TBSP Cinnamon
Pinch of Salt

HOW TO MAKE:

I like to follow a frame-work and mix to taste, so you'll just have to do that too. Mix and match what you like, change the measurements etc, just use this as a guide.

Generally mix 1 part oats to 2 parts almond milk (so 2 cup oats + 4 cups almond milk)
Grate the carrot, finely chop the apple, crush the nuts.
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
Add the cinnamon last to get an even spread and add more salt depending on taste.

Simply store in the fridge overnight - I leave mine uncovered - and in the morning, everything will be soaked together perfectly. You could add more milk if desired, eat cold or warmed up.

TO SERVE:

For a little extra topping or "icing" for your carrot cake oats, try this:

Mix 2-3 TBSP of natural Greek yoghurt with 1/2 tsp of Natvia and stack on top of your oats. Slice some fresh banana, spindle some cinnamon and drizzle a splash of maple syrup over the top.

TIP:

The oats will definitely taste better after a 2nd night in the fridge, so make enough for 2 mornings... at least! Enjoy xx

Flower Child

2013-06-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

Shirt: Neon Hart @ General Pants | Hat: BooHoo | Peace Ring: Low Luv | Triangle Double Ring: House of Harlow 1960 @ Market HQ

Anyone who knows me well or has known me for a long time will tell you that I'm a hippie at heart. But I can also say that I am a true lover of technology, change and discovery. We're living in such an incredible time, where we can mix the knowledge of the old ways into our modern lives and technology is an amazing tool that we should be using to connect with others... To share.

There's something in the air lately, the winds of change are a'blowin' (for want of a better, less hippie sounding term haha). It's like we're just coming out of an era of disconnection, and for me - the gypsy, flower child within is starting to tear down some of those walls that this concrete jungle has built. I think the greatest thing in the world is to inspire someone, so if I can use my little corner of this amazing world-wide-web to inspire you with any of the information I share, be in in style, music, food or things to make - then I'll be a very happy girl!

So, as the winds change and it becomes time to cover my pins, I've decided to let that freedom and inspiration reign over my wardrobe too! Look out for free-flowing pants in all shapes and colours - there's a new Gypsy-Sheriff in town... Haha.

And since I'm finding all this new information about so many things I'm interested in, and the fact that I'm a share-it-all, there's going to be so much more coming to my blog as I try everything out. You know what they say - knowledge is power... And there ain't nothing like a little flower-power to get your inspiration flowing!

Washed Ashore: Free People

2013-06-09T11:00:00.000+10:00

I don't often share lookbooks on here, so you know that if I do it's because I am frothing at the mouth at how amazing the images and collections are...

Exhibit A: Washed Ashore / Free People June Catalogue.

No words. Just dying a little inside that I don't have everything here in my own wardrobe... yet.
Enjoy these and see all the glorious treasures at freepeople.com

DIY Sharpie Aztec Plate

2013-06-06T11:00:00.000+10:00

I'm always looking for things to draw on. Most recently I took to a plate with a pattern and some Sharpies... Colouring in is something I find very therapeutic and relaxing, I think it stems from my addiction to constantly doing more than one thing at once. I think better that way. Anyways, on rainy days like these there's nothing better than brightening up your kitchenware with some art attack! So here's to a little weekend project for you to try out with things you probably already have at home.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A plain white ceramic, oven safe plate. I recommend a really cheap one as the glaze (if any) won't cause a barrier between your Sharpies and the plate. I chose a large platter / serving plate so I can show off my colourful patterns next to cheese. Mmmm cheese.
A bunch of regular Sharpies in whatever colours you like
A pattern reference - I did a Google search for "Aztec Indian Pattern" or something similar
An oven to set your artwork

STEP 1. Start by roughly drawing the outline of where your pattern will go - the more freehand wobble, the better!

STEP 2. Draw your pattern, being careful not to smudge anything as it dries. I found that I needed to go over the black a few times to make it really clear and some of the colours came out better once I traced over them again.

STEP 3. Bake your plate at 180°C (Australia) or 350°F (US) for about 30 minutes to set the pattern. Let your plate cool in the oven before testing it under water.

TIPS. Each plate and oven will be different and you may find that some of the colours have faded. I would suggest baking it again, or possibly tracing over some of those faded colours and baking again. My blues faded to a green/grey colour and I coloured over the top ad re-baked. That worked fine!

AFTERCARE. Even though your Sharpie details will have set into the ceramic and won't rub off, I'd suggest washing your plate gently with a soft cloth and avoid dishwashers just in case. It just means you'll definitely get a long lasting design!

Check out this blog: DIYopolis for more answers to questions as they've gone over everything and hopefully if you have any problems you can find an answer here!

My pattern was inspired by the last little project I did with some Sharpies... This canvas kept me busy through the rainy nights last winter and now sits above the archway in my little home office - keeping me on my creative toes.

It reminds me that some good things take time and you don't always know what the end will be but to get there, you just have to start somewhere!!

Also, check out this little video I made with another Sharpie artwork and some of my music xx

Strange Days Have Found Us

2013-06-04T10:30:00.000+10:00

Skirt: Free People | Woolly Ape Jacket: Mink Pink @ Market HQ | Boots: Betts | Mickey Mouse Skull Ring: Boticca

Winter is not a fashion blogger's favourite time, because it gets increasingly harder to find the moments to shoot outdoors as the rain begins to envelope each day with grey and wet wet wet.

BUT...

Winter is a fashion lover's favourite time, because there is so much more to work with; layers upon layers of textures to fulfil all of your clothes horse dreams.

BUT...

Winter is not a fashion photographer's favourite time, because the light disappears so quickly and everything looks dull and the showers interject like stabs of creative murder.

BUT...

Winter is a musician's best friend, because the days are darker and all you can do is hide in a creative little cave and write tunes and watch the night roll on round so much faster as that light disappears into the full moon hour.

So much of what we do and see and feel in this world pivots on the pinhead of perspective.
Fall to the left and things look grey. Jump to the right and grey is exactly what you're looking for.
I don't think you have to find the sunny side of every situation, just find the inspiration and the thing that makes you feel. Really feel. Good or bad. Up or down.

Strange days have found us if we can't feel that.

Quarterly Round Up: 2013 So Far...

2013-05-30T11:36:00.000+10:00

MOODS & INSPIRATION: BACK INTO THE SWING
See full post

My 2013 so far... In blog posts and real life stuff...
You know me - I'm all about walkin' the talk - ya know? No point in talk talk talk - you gotta actually put your money where your mouth is. So for that reason, it's always good to review what you've done... It's a way to make you feel good because I usually find that you've done a whole lot more than you give yourself credit for. So instead of a monthly round-up, I'm gonna do a quarterly one. So here goes...

OUTFIT POST: GIRL IN A LACEY PEACH DRESS

SEE FULL POST
I went home to Perth for a couple of weddings and some much needed R&R before a month-long national tour. This is one of the dresses I knocked up with a borrowed sewing machine at my Mum's place.

MUSIC VIDEO: THE LAST HIGH

SEE FULL POST
Luckily, I know some pretty radically creative and awesome filmmakers who put their heads ~~on the guillotine~~ in the circle to help me make this little music video for my new release...

LOOKBOOK FEATURE: CONTROL MINDS

MUSIC HIGHLIGHT: MY NEW EP IS OUT THROUGH SONY

SEE FULL POST HERE
Long time coming, and now available in my online store with fancy limited edition packaging - free worldwide postage... and also on iTunes.

POLYVORE OUTFIT INSPO: NYE THREADS

SEE FULL POST

ON THE ROAD: TOURING WITH NEWTON FAULKNER

SEE FULL POST

SOCIAL MEDIA PLUG: INSTAGRAM

Addicted doesn't begin to explain... join me @MorganJoanel

The Dr. Prescribed High-Waisted Jeans...

2013-05-28T10:30:00.000+10:00

Jeans: Dr Denim @ General Pants | Fur Vest: eBay | Rings: Lotus Mendes & Low Luv
Leather accessories are MojoMade... coming soon...

One of the best decisions I made when moving interstate was to sell my car back in Perth... I hire Thrifty cars whenever I need one here in Sydney and the rest of the time, I walk. This inevitably means I need comfortable shoes (that look good) and appropriate walking attire for this windy city - which isn't always appropriate - to have to dress appropriately. You know? I mean f*ck appropriate, right? What the hell is fashion for, if it's not for rock n roll self expression? And actually, what the hell is this life for if it's not for self expression, riiiiigh? Anyways, I digress...

What I was going to say is that whilst today I may not have the most appropriate shoes on for walking (I just stroll in these Betts bad-boys), I am modelling my best I-just-threw-this-on-because-all-the-washing-is-on-the-line-and-this-is-the-first-thing-I-could-find outfit. Ultimately, the answer to any one of those "I don't have anything to wear" moments - similar to a bad hair day - which I am also showing in it's full glory here.

3 Key Ingredients include:
Dr Denim Arlene High Skinny Jeans from General Pants
(the best high-waisters in town, I personally guarantee they will flatter anyone's ass like no tomorrow. They can do no wrong, and neither will you.)

Any one of your boyfriend's t-shirts, preferably with some wankerish-hipster print on it, eg. a roaring bear.

A fur vest or denim vest. Any kind of vest to make you look like you didn't try. And to hide that you're rolling the sleeves up over your shoulders because he'll inevitably get pissed off when you've stretched out the arm holes to his new shirt and complain that he wishes he could wear your stuff so you would know how it felt. Which you will then laugh about, saying he is welcome to wear your stuff anytime he wants. And then you will win. Hehe

Overnight Oats & The Wild Unknown

2013-05-26T14:30:00.000+10:00

This morning, I woke up to some overnight oats (mojo ingredients below) and organic hot chocolate... Took a walk around the harbour with my pup Memphis, soaking up the sun. I came home and spent the morning with my journal, some words and some art doodled over the pages.

Whisper stardust into the air.
Shake lust into the wild unknown.

Oats
Almond Milk
Loving Earth Organic Raw Cacao Powder
Banana
Apple
Organic Jam / Fruit Spread
Sunflower Seeds
Chia Seeds
Pine-nuts
Coconut
Cinnamon

Just smash all this together - to taste - and refrigerate overnight.
Eat cold in the morning. Or warm it up. Whatevs.
Amaze-balls.

E-Gypsy-An

2013-05-24T11:00:00.000+10:00

E-Gypsy-An by mojomade with Topshop blazer & House of Harlow 1960 hoop earrings

Man, I've been having some wigged-out dreams lately. Last night I was Elvis' girlfriend whilst he was here on tour. Yep, just Elvis touring in Sydney. In 2013. And he was the hot 1968 come-back-special Elvis, you dig? Eh, EH? Ok, OK, that's the total Elvis groupie in me speaking out. He told me that he loved me and I could be his Sydney girlfriend because he had lots of girlfriends all over the world, before he got on the Eastern Suburbs line train to the airport - where it was unclear if he was catching an economy Virgin Atlantic flight or if he had a private jet. I really thought that in this day and age, Elvis Presley would have a private jet, but it seemed weird that he was catching a train with everyone else. So then I figured that since the music industry is where it is these days, they just needed to tighten the belt.

Anyways, I also dreamed that I went back to school to study Ancient Egypt - that's probably because I watched something on Foxtel about the Pharaohs before going to sleep. And that I ate cheese.

So, between the lovin' from Elvis and the Pharaohs of Egypt, I dreamt up this outfit via Polyvore. It's all Gypsy-meets-Hipster-meets-Egyptian glamour. The key is the hat (I am looking feverishly for this hat, where oh WHERE are you?!) and the over-sized Topshop boyfriend blazer. MUST HAVE.

Now I have a rather large amount of DIY's to tackle over the weekend, so I'm off to prepare...
Rock the weekend peeps x

Need Some Inspiration Quotes?

2013-05-22T11:00:00.000+10:00

Thought I'd share some quotes and inspirational things from my Instagram... We all need a little leg up sometimes and for some reason, it feels like now is the time to let you know:

We all go through shit.
You can't change that it happens.
And you can't control it.
All you can do is choose the way you handle it.

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!