My skin has struggled so much since as long as I can remember (I even had skin troubles as a 5 year old – imagine that!). In iso, I’ve had an abundance of time to explore skincare products, environmental factors and dietary factors which contribute to the fabric of my face.

Not the most flattering or well planned photo, but it makes me proud. This is definitely the first time in a very long while that I’ve felt truly confident posting a makeup free photo on the internet. There is still a fair bit of experimentation to go until I’m really happy with how it looks.

But then again, what’s a journey without a few bumps in the road?

There is no point in pretending that I have event a hint of artistic talent, but I love my monthly foray into illustration nonetheless.

This month was a little bit frustrating to do as I used a new type of marker which kept bleeding through the pages. I had to glue several pages together to make it work, but I am pretty happy with the end result. I know that I will never be a good artist (nor do I have the dedication to refine the skill) but sitting down for a few hours and zoning out to create something pretty is good for the mind in my humble opinion.

This month was inspired by Amanda Rach Lee’s 2019 May Plan with me. I love her videos and find her voice and music so soothing and easy to follow along with. I never have the patience to doodle quite as much as she does, but she provides great inspiration for cover pages, weekly layouts and colour schemes.

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful??

I had ordered a mini chocolate croissant (or pain au chocolate if you wanna be like that), but got this little guy instead. I’m not sure what the French or English name for this sort of pastry is, but it was lovely. I’ve never been happier to receive the wrong order.

I am a lover of plants. Our home is absolutely full of them, and we keep buying more. When you’re trapped in your own space, greenery is often a very welcome reminder of nature and the world outside.

‘Monstera Deliciosa – The Swiss cheese plant’

Monsteras are my favourite. You may not know them by their Latin name, but I’d bet my bottom dollar you’ve seen an illustration of their gorgeous leaves somewhere or the other. We recently acquired a few new ones from Cottage Garden Nursery in East Brisbane (HIGHLY recommend as all their plants are soo well kept), and they are so so healthy and gorgeous. The leaves are shiny & have split beautifully – It makes me very happy.

Every now and then when you glance over at a plant, you’ll see a fresh baby leaf that is fully formed, but absolutely 100% was not there the last time you looked. Plants grow far more quickly than I give them credit for, and I always do wonder if they have a secret code stopping them from growing when people are watching. Now that I’m around more often, I’ll have to pay closer attention.

I was clearing out an old jewellery box to give away yesterday, and I could hear something rattling around underneath the drawers. It could have been the back of an old earring, but something told me I should probably investigate further.

After shaking down the aforementioned jewellery box, I was not disappointed. Although there were in fact several earring backs strewn on the floor (which I dared not keep for fear of contracting tetanus), this little starry bracelet also fell out and made me very nostalgic.

My dad got me this celestial number when I was 15, on a cruise ship. I’m not sure if its actually worth anything, but I am super sentimental and treasure gifts given to me by loved ones. He gave my sister and I a choice between two, and I picked this one (the far less elegant & sophisticated option btw) only because:

‘I am a star, and as such it is only fitting that I should wear miniature versions of myself on my wrist.’ – (2015, R. Pais)

My ego, thankfully, has deflated drastically since then.