An Organised Makeover.

In an attempt to start blogging again, I have decided to just go for it rather than trying to figure out 'when the time is right', or  trying to figure out what I need to change or delete to make sure my blog is consistent. I've realised it's not about that. I started blogging because I have a passion for writing and so I need to remember to write about what interests me. I need to accept that as my personality and experience develops, so will my blog.

It has taken me a few months but I finally feel as though I have a good work space. I needed a clear space to work in so I ordered a large white table and purchased a white desk lamp and a cute white chair with ribbon detail to match. Its been very therapeutic and although it doesn't seem like it could, it has inspired me lots since! Both myy university work and personal work has improved massively, and honestly, a comfortable place to work in is one of the most essential things!

Being a Graphic Designer, my boyfriend and I decided it was a good time for me to finally own an iMac, and of course, purchase Creative Cloud. Creative Cloud has been one of the best presents, and I am very thankful! I can definitely say it was worth it. I was also tempted too much and bought a 'Wacom' tablet to use alongside them.

I am lucky enough to have a very supportive boyfriend who has helped me so much to get the things I need to be able to design and write. I have been struggling to produce the work I want to produce and although i've been ok, taking this step to getting prepared and organised has pushed me even further. 

One of the most useful things I have found worth buying was a Filofax. They are quite expensive but I have had a lot of use out of it and it has really helped inspire my time management and helped me to be more organised. It has also influenced me to do more things just because I want to fill it!

I have been far too busy the past few months, juggling university projects, two internships, driving lessons, the gym, a variety of classes, looking for a job and my own design projects. I have chosen to set myself goals and make sure I keep it up because I have truly missed writing and taking photos. I want to be a little more personal and I want to remember the things that inspire me.

The German Market.

Earlier this week I visited the German Market, 'Christkindelmarkt', for the first time in Leeds. My boyfriend met me after he finished work one evening, knowing how much I love being outside at night, surrounded by the rosey glow of fairy lights and the comfort of being snuggled up in scarves and jumpers, he suggested we should go.

I have been so excited to look around the stalls since I heard others talking about it last year! My boyfriend said we should definitely save up for next year because there were so many beautiful gift ideas and some lovely things we would have liked to take home ourselves. I love the lotus flower styled candles and the colourful tea-lights in the glass jars. I think they are also amazingly decorated and I wish I had bought the deer one especially.

Although it was nice having a lot to choose from, it was so difficult to decide!

There were lots of traditional wooden stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, food and drink. We sampled truffles,chocolate marshmallows and Haribo gummy bears (The second time I went to Germany, I tried their gummy bears and I still think they are the best!). The Christmassy decorated stalls, combined with the music and the large carousel, provided the most perfect festive atmosphere.

It felt so nice finally having an excuse to get excited for Christmas! Even though Christmas is over a month away, my boyfriend and I bought our tree and decorations a little early last week and after this week, writing this post has made me realise how much I am looking forward to spending nights in next to the fire, watching festive films and spending time with my family and my boyfriend (and of course being surrounded by beautifully wrapped presents)!

Halloween Baking; Gold Sprinkles and Bats.

My boyfriend and I didn't really make plans for this year's Halloween, but we did make a few treats. It was our second time baking together after our first success at Christmas last year; we made some Mickey and Minnie cookies from a cookie mix that we purchased from The Disney store. This year we chose to start from scratch and make some biscuits to nibble on during the Horror films we planned to watch.

You will need:

225g (8oz) Self Raising Flour.

100g (4oz) Caster Sugar

100g (4oz) Butter or Margarine.

1 Medium Egg, Beaten.

Heat oven to 180'C, 350'F, Gas Mark 4 and grease one (or more if needed) baking tray(s).

Mix the flour, the sugar and the butter/margarine.

Add one egg and stir with the mix to create a stiff dough.

Roll out thinly and use the shape cutters.

Of course, we used Halloween cutters, (from Asda) in the shapes of a skull and cross-bones, a cat, a pumpkin, a bat, and a witches hat.

Place the cut outs onto baking trays and bake them for about fifteen to thirty minutes.

Let them cool and decorate!

This is the creepiest cat I have ever seen!

We tried the chocolate butter cream icing, gold sprinkles and Halloween themed Haribo's for decoration on our biscuits so that they were visually Halloweeny, however, anything sweet or chocolatey can be used!

They tasted really nice!

October Favourites.

I think October is the most perfect month in the year to show my love for the Gothic style. During October and Halloween, I have been loving these monthly favourites.

Black XS Perfume.

'Wake Me Up When It's Dark', Eye Mask.

'Brains' Friendship Necklace.

Skull Paper-Weight with Rose Detail.

Artificial Roses.

'Thirteen: Don't Go Alone' Cup, Alton Towers.

Cosmo Restaurant.

'Tales of Terror' Tote Bag.

'Grimm' Tv Series. (Source).

London: The Gothic and Illustration.

London typically has a huge impact on most people studying design; through it's iconic features, art history and it's range of museums and galleries. In my post, 'London: The Music Scene', earlier this year, I mentioned how London and it's music scene inspired me and my design work and that I would love to go again.

There are so many galleries, exhibitions and museums that interest me in London, but this time I chose to focus on 'House of Illustration'. I liked the concept of a gallery exhibiting illustration pieces because I am really interested in this style of design, however, I was really disappointed with the experience in general. There were only two small rooms, with little work and not worth the entrance fee. I realise that some people may disagree with me but in my opinion, it wasn't worth visiting during the 'Inside Stories' exhibition. I did purchase a cute book by Quentin Blake though, 'What Does an Illustrator Think About?'; I think this will benefit my design ideas and i'm glad I picked it up.

'What Does an Illustrator Think About?' - Quentin Blake.

As I have said in many of my posts, I am really interested in the Gothic conventions and heavily inspired by it's Literature and Film. It was very exciting to accidentally walk past the 'Terror and Wonder, The Gothic Imagination' exhibition at 'The British Library' on my way back to the City Centre. I could have spent hours there if I had the chance and I think this exhibition is going to influence my next few projects and design work. I love discovering the history and ideas of the Gothic themes so I loved spending time at this specific exhibition. I also bought some really pretty items too.

'Gothic; The Evolution Of A Dark Subculture' - Roberts, Livingstone and Baxter-Wright.

We also found Platform 3/4's at King's Cross Station near 'House of Illustraton', that was fun to see!

Before travelling back home on the coach for five hours, my boyfriend and I relaxed with a coffee in Costa at Piccadilly, then enjoyed the London Christmassy feel from the lights and decorations on an Autumn evening walk. 

I hope this becomes a regular thing.

A Tim Burton Directed Halloween.

I have really enjoyed writing my film posts and I think Halloween is a good excuse to write another. I have mentioned some of these films in my other posts but they work really well within the Halloween theme and I wanted to list some good examples of films to watch towards the end of October.

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, Sleepy Hollow, The Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd. All directed by Tim Burton.

Skull Paperweight, Mother Shipton's Cave Gift Shop, Harrogate.
Spider Web Tea Light Candle, Asda.

The Lost Boys Trilogy. (I love Vampires!)

Red Riding Hood, Beastly, Interview With The Vampire, Dorian Gray.

I think films set an atmosphere for real life very effectively and they definitely influence thoughts or a mood through identifying the films aspects with your own existing wishes, likes, thoughts and opinions. Therefore I plan to watch some or all of these films this week leading up to Halloween so that I can really be inspired and express my love for Autumn and my interest in Gothic themes.

Of course, on Halloween night, I expect to be scared and plan on making my boyfriend watch lots of horror films with me!

The Maine.

Since around the age of thirteen, I have spent most of my time attending gigs and music festivals. I love the atmosphere and as a teenager, it was definitely something that I was obsessed with doing. I am struggling to describe the strong influence it had over me but I loved being overwhelmed by the music and although I was surrounded by lots of other people, I felt as though it was somewhere I could go to think on my own. I felt comfortable and I really enjoy the energy.

Unfortunately, over the past year I have not had the chance to go to many music events as much as I would like to and I miss it. However, this month my boyfriend kindly offered to take me to a gig to see one of my favourite bands, 'The Maine'.

Originally the gig was supposed to be held at 'The Cockpit' in Leeds; one of my favourite venues I was familiar with whilst growing up, but sadly it closed down just before the gig. It was moved to a new venue called 'The Key Club'. It was out of the way and underground and although it was small, it seemed like the perfect setting for the bands style (an indie genre with an acoustic set involved).

My Heroine - The Maine

John from 'The Maine' told the crowd to "put [their] cameras away as this isn't a fucking Jonas Brothers concert" and therefore I haven't captured any photographs from the night. My interest in photography began whilst attending gigs, yet I agree with John's comment and think that sometimes it is better to put your phone and camera away and just enjoy the moment. 

John O'Callaghan, The Cockpit, (A few years ago).

They were supported by Nick Santino from 'A Rocket To The Moon' and 'Lydia', both of which I am a new fan of. I love 'The Maine' and their set was amazing! I hope in the future I will attend more gigs, take photos and review them in detail as I really enjoy doing this and I had forgotten how much it positively impacted and inspired me.

Which is the best gig or festival you have been to?