Ragamuffin!

Best. Coffee. Ever. Seriously.

I always have soy (lactose intolerant) but I'm actually not a huge fan of it (I'd bring my own lactose free milk to coffee shops if I could!) but their mochas taste magnifique!

And their muffins. Oh my. 

For any Sydneysiders, or visitors to Sydney, they're located on Norton St, Leichhardt (aka "Little Italy"). And if you go to Ragamuffin for your soy mocha (or beverage of your choice) make sure you check out Bar Italia and their amazeballs carbonara. Incredibile! 

Happy Wednesday!

 

My Week in Instagram

This past week was special, fun, romantic, sad and satisfying.

It was John's birthday, presents and cakes galore.

My Dad came over for business, but we got to hang out too :)

I also had a funeral to go to, for someone truly caring, inspirational and well loved. It was a lovely service though; before he died, he requested that everyone wear bright clothes, and instead of flowers to bring a shrub or small tree to plant. His wife (my high school teacher and friend) told us some hilarious stories, and at the end some of his close friends did the Maori Haka - intensely awesome.

Some lovely moments were shared between my boyfriend and I. Without sounding too mushy or gushy, he's an amazing person and I'm so glad I found him.


Hope your weekend was all of the above and more!

:)

Spring Fever!

I love spring. Big fan. Fun things happen in spring, like my boyfriend's birthday (yesterday), my birthday, and lots of beautiful flowers, peaches, pretty dresses and daylight savings.


Last weekend we went on a bit of a road trip with the pup, and then stopped for coffee at our old place, Ragamuffin. Best soy mocha in Sydney. And the most amazing muffins. We don't get to go there regularly anymore, but it's nice to go back. Lots of nice memories from when my boyfriend and I were first going out.

Do you have special places like that? Certain smells and tastes that remind you of someone special? Sometimes it can be really strong, and you feel like you're back there :)

I also found this awesome dress that just says SPRING to me, by Modcloth :)

Wings of a Beauty


Hope you're having a great week! :)

Healthy(ish) Cookies

Ah cookies. You're a big love of mine and quite hard to have in moderation (seriously, who can have just one?)

So I embellished a recipe I found, and they turned out excellent! See the original here.

As you can see, they're from a diabetic website, so only a small amount of sugar was used and lighter calorie/kilojule ingredients used. Sometimes eating healthier doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the taste.

Now, I didn't add the butter and rum flavoring but I did add some hazelnut meal (about 1/4 cup). For the margarine, I used only 3 tablespoons of nuttlex. I also chucked in some slivered almonds and dark chocolate chips (don't judge me).

And they were delicious.

A Learning Experience

I've been sick all this week (the flu going around right now is damn clingy!) and I'm only now getting the chance to check out the photos from last Saturday's wedding.

It was a lovely ceremony, and quite a learning experience. I learnt bits and pieces from another photographer who was there - he has knowledge! It was pretty interesting. For example, he told me that if you want to be an assistant photographer, the way he went about it, was nagging. He found a photographer who's work he really loved and just didn't give up when he was told no. He said you'll get told NO a lot, and just don't give up - if it's what you really want to do.

So for any photographers who I admire, who might be reading this - I apologize!

I also learnt a few tips, like getting nice and close to an object (I already do that, I love macro photography) and changing the viewpoint. He had a pretty awesome camera set up too. A 5D Mark II, with a diffuser and battery pack. It looked most excellent!

Here's a little sneak peak :)

More pics to come!

Shooting my First Wedding

Wowzers. I'm pretty stoked. I'm going to be a second shooter; I can't tell you how exciting that is for me!

I think there'll be at least two other photographers there, so not too much pressure for a newbie like me. 

So I've been browsing, looking for any tips, tricks etc... and I found some interesting stuff.

Check out this article, about shooting a wedding and enjoying it.

And this one, the absolute basics for wedding photography for amateurs.

Excellent basics, what shots to take and some tips.

A Photographer's List - handy!

50 Must Have Shots - I love this!

I don't really know what to expect, but below are two group shots that I just have to get! 

 

Also, I've been browsing the blogs of lovely ladies who inspire me - Jasmine, Gabby, Katelyn
 and Laura. 

Wish me luck! 

Happy Thursday :)

Annalise Braakensiek Jewellery Launch

So I photographed a little shindig (or soiree?) hosted by Annalise Braakensiek on Saturday. Admittedly, it put me a little out of my comfort zone but I learnt some valuable things. But the most important? I'm shy. I know it, but surrounded in a room full of people that I'd never met - and having to ask if I could take their picture, well, that was waaay outta my comfort zone. 

Kinda fun though. 

Here are a couple of pics from her jewellery launch (amazing stuff too - one word: turquoise).