Today's a bit of a personal topic so bare through it with me. Let's start with this - heading into these more precious, important years of my life has brought me closer to a more experienced person who I always took for granted. I've known them my whole life, and only recently, bothered to pay them much attention at all. Of course, I loved them, but it was never a relationship strong enough where I could safely say that they were the most consistent source of stability and strength I know. Only in the past year or so that I've developed a strong relationship with them, and this relationship has exposed me to so many things that I didn't realise were affecting them (and subsequently, me) so deeply.
My brother. He's always been in the room next to me, always helpful in giving me advice for homework and assignments. He's always defended me when I've had a disagreement with my family, and above all, he's never ever given up in me. I've always, however, taken him for granted.
[Note: it was at this point that I started getting emotional, so any grammatical mistakes or unconventionally placed statements and paragraphs will have to been excused.]
Only about 9 months ago, he came to my room late at night and we talked about everything. I still remember exactly when all our walls came down and I was exposed to everything he'd faced in his life. My brother has been facing depression for a while now. It came to the point where he requested a semester off from his uni course because he didn't know what he wanted to do with himself any more. Now, as I know as well, depression of any sort, isn't something that can be cured by a river or medications and therapists. Even though he's returned to uni doing a double degree in subjects that interest him, and he genuinely enjoys, I would be lying if I said I wasn't occasionally worried about him.
It's complicated in the way that some days he's come home and lie on his bed and not want to do anything, and I sometimes interpret it wrong and push him to do something when it isn't helping. It's complicated in the way that my parents, love them as I do, do not understand what additional pressures come with being a member of young society that is expected to keep up with the rapidly evolving world we live in. It's complicated in the way that I just don't know sometimes what to do, and how to handle it. However, it's not complicated in the way that it's not taboo for my brother and I to talk about, and I know that he has my back when I'm going through a rough patch.
Now I wanted to stay away from anything that could appear as 'mushy', but I can promise you that I will never ever take a person as good hearted and genuine as him for granted ever again. Yes, we disagree. Yes, we have different perspectives. Yes, I sometimes want to get away from him. But also - yes, I can always rely on him. Yes, he is the most genuine, intelligent, honest, loving person I know. Yes, I do love him. And above all, yes I will never ever give up on him.
Knowing him 'properly' for the short amount of time I have, I can already say that I am so proud of him and I cannot wait for him to achieve so many great things with his life. I honestly wish that every single one of you have someone like my brother in their life.
Not having the best day today, and I don't want any of you to feel that way today either. I just wanted to write a bit of a personal, lovey-dovey post today because I was feeling a bit emotional and my brother really helped me up. Sending cuddles from here in Australia.
Much love,
Duchess
Friday 22 May 2015
Saturday 16 May 2015
Restaurant Review: Olive Bar and Grill
What's up guys?
Photos are back! I couldn't be happier, apart from the fact that this isn't going to be the best content. I know I shouldn't be admitting that to you (Blogger rules somewhere) but I knew from the beginning this would be a little disappointing. I'm just getting some ideas for some nice image based content and a little restaurant review seemed like a safe place to start.
Before I go any further, you should know I love food. I'm not picky or fussy and I will eat what's given to me. I guess that last part was influenced by my parents. They both came from middle class families but in India, where they were both born, you had to eat what was given to you. If you didn't, or you complained, or you stated that you didn't like something it was considered rude, and honestly, no one cared. As my mum used to tell me when I was younger and refused to eat something, 'All you have is what's on your plate.' So thanks mum, for your deep, thoughtful words.
Enough with the side tracking, and the short trip down memory lane. What I had meant to be getting at was that one of my one true loves is definitely food. Any cuisine. Any time. So when my friends and I arranged to go out for brunch as a date, to a restaurant I had never been to before, you can only imagine how eager I was. Originally, I was meant to have decided the place we were to go to and how to get there, but due to my un-punctuality, we ended up going to a restaurant we had short listed as a 'back up'.
We strolled up to the restaurant, knowing it was small, but also expecting the rather large crowd as it was located very neatly. Much to our happiness, they told us that they did have a free table, as we had not thought to have called before to book a table. We were seated next to the front window, were we could look out into the street and people-watch. It was quite lovely. We were given adequate time to decide on what we wanted and the service was very quick.
As soon as I saw the all day breakfast, I knew I was won over.
The lady who took our order was very nice, albeit hard to understand over the crowd and her quiet voice. She didn't treat us like a group of girlfriends who had just come out to have a nice time and chat, but rather as she would've any other customer. It really disappoints me when I get treated in an inferior manner just because I might be the youngest one in any sort of establishment; we are all potential paying customers.
Anyway, we had our orders taken and we chatted for about 15 minutes - in which time my friend realised she didn't have any cash on her, told us she'd be back as soon as she'd withdrawn from an ATM, got promptly lost, my friend went to find her, my first friend returned, and then my friend and I went out to find her. It was quite a hectic quarter of an hour. When our food came to the table, what with one of my friends and I having ordered two breakfast meals and deciding to split them, and my other two friends having gone for wraps - I was thrilled with how it all looked. The wraps were simple but looked delicious, and our breakfast looked yum too.
Please excuse the fact that I don't remember what exactly my friends had in their wraps, and also their grotesque hand gestures (tut tut, my friend). I do remember having a taste of both, and enjoying what I tasted. The salad was a little bland but was a nice cleanse to the palate after the wrap itself.
My, my. Here comes the breakfast. We ordered pancakes with blueberries and French toast. We received blueberries with pancakes and lots of maple syrup, banana, and toast. I find it a shame to say that the breakfasts actually looked better than they tasted. The pancakes were a little tough and chewy (but, I mean, they're pancakes, so I ate them), but the French toast was nice. I regret not picking a lunch meal though. The ice cream was a nice touch, but everything was a little too sweet for me because I'm a savoury kind of person.
Would I recommend? Yes, for the lovely service and delicious looking day time menus. I would recommend eating savoury though, and enjoying the quick foods (i.e. wraps, burgers). It is a grill after all.
What do you like to when spending time with friends?
Much love,
Duchess
Photos are back! I couldn't be happier, apart from the fact that this isn't going to be the best content. I know I shouldn't be admitting that to you (Blogger rules somewhere) but I knew from the beginning this would be a little disappointing. I'm just getting some ideas for some nice image based content and a little restaurant review seemed like a safe place to start.
Before I go any further, you should know I love food. I'm not picky or fussy and I will eat what's given to me. I guess that last part was influenced by my parents. They both came from middle class families but in India, where they were both born, you had to eat what was given to you. If you didn't, or you complained, or you stated that you didn't like something it was considered rude, and honestly, no one cared. As my mum used to tell me when I was younger and refused to eat something, 'All you have is what's on your plate.' So thanks mum, for your deep, thoughtful words.
Enough with the side tracking, and the short trip down memory lane. What I had meant to be getting at was that one of my one true loves is definitely food. Any cuisine. Any time. So when my friends and I arranged to go out for brunch as a date, to a restaurant I had never been to before, you can only imagine how eager I was. Originally, I was meant to have decided the place we were to go to and how to get there, but due to my un-punctuality, we ended up going to a restaurant we had short listed as a 'back up'.
We strolled up to the restaurant, knowing it was small, but also expecting the rather large crowd as it was located very neatly. Much to our happiness, they told us that they did have a free table, as we had not thought to have called before to book a table. We were seated next to the front window, were we could look out into the street and people-watch. It was quite lovely. We were given adequate time to decide on what we wanted and the service was very quick.
As soon as I saw the all day breakfast, I knew I was won over.
The lady who took our order was very nice, albeit hard to understand over the crowd and her quiet voice. She didn't treat us like a group of girlfriends who had just come out to have a nice time and chat, but rather as she would've any other customer. It really disappoints me when I get treated in an inferior manner just because I might be the youngest one in any sort of establishment; we are all potential paying customers.
Anyway, we had our orders taken and we chatted for about 15 minutes - in which time my friend realised she didn't have any cash on her, told us she'd be back as soon as she'd withdrawn from an ATM, got promptly lost, my friend went to find her, my first friend returned, and then my friend and I went out to find her. It was quite a hectic quarter of an hour. When our food came to the table, what with one of my friends and I having ordered two breakfast meals and deciding to split them, and my other two friends having gone for wraps - I was thrilled with how it all looked. The wraps were simple but looked delicious, and our breakfast looked yum too.
Please excuse the fact that I don't remember what exactly my friends had in their wraps, and also their grotesque hand gestures (tut tut, my friend). I do remember having a taste of both, and enjoying what I tasted. The salad was a little bland but was a nice cleanse to the palate after the wrap itself.
My, my. Here comes the breakfast. We ordered pancakes with blueberries and French toast. We received blueberries with pancakes and lots of maple syrup, banana, and toast. I find it a shame to say that the breakfasts actually looked better than they tasted. The pancakes were a little tough and chewy (but, I mean, they're pancakes, so I ate them), but the French toast was nice. I regret not picking a lunch meal though. The ice cream was a nice touch, but everything was a little too sweet for me because I'm a savoury kind of person.
Would I recommend? Yes, for the lovely service and delicious looking day time menus. I would recommend eating savoury though, and enjoying the quick foods (i.e. wraps, burgers). It is a grill after all.
What do you like to when spending time with friends?
Much love,
Duchess
Sunday 3 May 2015
TMI Tag!
Just what you've always wished for! To know more about this girl on the internet, who you have no interest in. Thought I'd do a chatty tag video which was popular with vloggers and bloggers alike not too long ago. I loved watching and reading them (and I'll admit, watching someone get a little embarrassed was very amusing to me). I haven't had a very interesting life as of yet, so this Tag might not be as funny, or glamorous, or admirable as some of the other ones you may have seen. Maybe in the future years I'll do an updated version just to see if any of my life has changed, in regards to too much information.
1. What are you wearing?
I'm wearing a mustard tank top from Forever 21, jogger bottoms from Bonds and a black cape/cloak item from Ally. Very fashionable!
2. Ever been in love?
In love? No. But I do love a lot of people.
3. Ever had a terrible breakup?
Not that I would consider.
4. How tall are you?
I'm such a shorty. I was really dreading this question because I hate having my height scrutinised. Among my fellow peers, I'm only a little shorter than everyone else. However, when compared with people from outside of school, I can tell that I am seriously lacking in the height department. Problem is, I don't think I have very much at all now to grow. I'm going to have to wear heels (or at least some gorgeous heeled boots) every time I step out. Not that I mind, people in heels look so glamorous!
5. How much do you weigh?
I haven't properly weighed myself in a while but I think around 50 kgs. You can do the conversions if you want. When I say 50 kgs, people automatically looks shocked. No, it's not unhealthy. In fact, I'm in the healthy range for my height and I do have a few squishy bits. Not to worry though, my squishy bits are nice.
6. Any tattoos?
Not YET.
7. Any piercings?
I have my nose pierced and my first and seconds done on my ears. The gentleman who did my seconds pierced them way too high though, so they look like thirds. Thinking of filling them in with 'proper' seconds. I also love Tragus piercing and Anti-Helix's so I may get them done at some point.
8. OTP?
Garcia and Morgan from 'Criminal Minds'! But, I do agree that they have the cutest friendship - I just love their casual flirting all the time. Other than that, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. I was devastated about their latest break up. Or Alexa Chung and Alex Turner - also completely devastated.
9. Favourite show?
'Criminal Minds' by a long shot. Pretty much all crime shows though - e.g. all branches of 'Law and Order: SVU', 'CSI' and 'NCIS'. I also love 'Empire' and 'Stalker'.
10. Favourite bands?
Boy and Bear, The Kooks, old stuff of the Arctic Monkeys, The Killers.
11. Something I miss?
Summer - come back! Oh, and holidays. I could do with a full 2 weeks hibernation.
12. Favourite song?
'Electric Feel' by MGMT, 'Rain' by Dragon and 'A Moment's Grace' by Boy and Bear.
13. How old are you?
Confidentiality. You guys know the drill.
14. Zodiac sign?
Aries. I love my zodiac sign.
15. Qualities you look for in a partner?
If they treat their own mother well, they have to have to be able to have a good laugh, can't be too serious.
16. Favourite Quote?
"Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My god, you learn." From the brilliant C.S. Lewis.
17. Favourite actor?
Emma Stone or Scarlett Johansson. She killed it in 'Avengers: AOU'.
18. Favourite colour?
Gosh don't ask me! I love pretty much all colours. What's doing it for me currently are dark greens and soft purples or warn oranges. So many to choose from.
19. Loud music or soft?
Depends on my mood.
20. Where do you go when you're sad?
In the backyard to chill out with my dog or to my room to call a friend. I sometimes like to only have the company of my buddy though.
21. How long does it take you to shower?
When I'm just showering, then 10 minutes. Oh hair wash days, then abut 25.
22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
I always shower the night before so that's out of the way (also because I can't get into a bed feeling dirty!) so about 30 minutes on a fair-well day.
23. Ever been in a physical fight?
Unless you count the numerous I had with my brother/cousins when I was younger, no.
24. Turn on?
Confidence, but not arrogance. There's a fine line!
25. Turn off?
Unadventurous people who aren't willing to try something new. You'll never learn.
26. The reason I started blogging?
I thought it was a nice way to keep track of this time. I also loved the thought of having my own little place on the internet.
27. Fears?
Death, oblivion.
28. Last thing that made me cry?
Being taken somewhere unwillingly! I was very emotional, I had a lot of school work to do, and I was being dragged somewhere where I would have no chance of completing any of it. So I sat by myself for a bit and cried, then realised how stupid I was being and cried about that.
29. Last time you said you loved someone?
A few minutes ago, to my mother.
30. Meaning behind your blogger name?
Nothing really interesting. Duchess, I though, was an interesting title - as opposed to Miss or Madame. M is the first letter of my last name.
31. Last book you read?
'Jasper Jones' by Craig Silvey. Doing a book review soon - no spoilers here!
32. The book you're currently reading?
'An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth' by Chris Hadfield. So flipping interesting and funny!
33. Last show you watched?
I'm in the middle of a 'Law and Order: SVU' episode. Wasn't joking about my obsession with crime shows.
34. Last person you talked to?
In person, probably my father, but not in person then one of my best friend over the phone. Always knows how to make me giggle.
35. The relationship between you and the last person you texted?
One of my closest friends. Love them to bits!
36. Favourite food?
Green chicken curry, duck or cookies and cream ice cream. The last being the way to my heart.
37. Places you want to visit?
South America, Africa, Italy, North America. City and state wise, North Carolina and New York. I would just love to make my way across the world. Goals.
38. Last place you were?
Dining room. If you meant otherwise, I went to my local shopping mall with my father earlier today.
39. Do you have a crush?
It's a little secret, so don't tell anyone okay? No, I don't. In all seriousness though, unless I can secure my hands on Andrew Garfield or Harry Styles (yes, he's cute okay?!) or Dave Franco then I'm out.
40. Last time you kissed someone?
Probably my father when I got out of his car at some point to say goodbye. If you mean on the lips, then why would I do that?! Have you heard of cooties? Yuck.
41. Last time you were insulted?
Last time I was actually seriously insulted? I can't remember. One of my friends consistently playfully insults me. Things people may say to me over the web don't really influence/impact me at all. Save your breath, or rather the muscles in your fingers.
42. Favourite flavour of sweet?
Hmm... I don't know! Really, I haven't a clue. Probably strawberries and cream. I'm more of a chocolate person I think.
43. What instruments do you play?
I play the piano, and I have a guitar I occasionally strum with (to what? You may ask. The answer is nothing. I just like the feeling of playing an out of tune guitar). I also specialise in the triangle.
44. Favourite piece of jewellery?
I have this plain gold chain my grandma got for me, which is a classic piece in my necklace collection. Other than that, I just really like those cheap rings you can find in those cute little shops. Loving copper, brass and rose gold accessories at the moment.
45. Last sport you played?
I do ballet, and that counts. Don't fight me on this.
46. Last song you sang?
Around the house? 'Georgia' by Vance Joy.
47. Favourite chat up line?
'What's that on the floor? Oh look, it's your standards. Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you!', my friend told me that one. My favourite's 'Are you a beaver? Because damn!'
48. Have you ever used it?
No! I don't think it would work.
49. Last time you hung out with someone?
That wasn't my parents? Yesterday a few of my friends took me out for brunch, as a belated birthday thing.
50. Who should answer these questions next?
You! Reading this! I wasn't invited to do these, but I'm spreading this information to you. They were fun to do.
Thanks for reading guys - this extremely long, boring chatty post. I love each and every one of you - you're so worth it. My memory card is failing on me, and I can't retrieve anything. Will keep you posted.
Much love,
Duchess
1. What are you wearing?
I'm wearing a mustard tank top from Forever 21, jogger bottoms from Bonds and a black cape/cloak item from Ally. Very fashionable!
2. Ever been in love?
In love? No. But I do love a lot of people.
3. Ever had a terrible breakup?
Not that I would consider.
4. How tall are you?
I'm such a shorty. I was really dreading this question because I hate having my height scrutinised. Among my fellow peers, I'm only a little shorter than everyone else. However, when compared with people from outside of school, I can tell that I am seriously lacking in the height department. Problem is, I don't think I have very much at all now to grow. I'm going to have to wear heels (or at least some gorgeous heeled boots) every time I step out. Not that I mind, people in heels look so glamorous!
5. How much do you weigh?
I haven't properly weighed myself in a while but I think around 50 kgs. You can do the conversions if you want. When I say 50 kgs, people automatically looks shocked. No, it's not unhealthy. In fact, I'm in the healthy range for my height and I do have a few squishy bits. Not to worry though, my squishy bits are nice.
6. Any tattoos?
Not YET.
7. Any piercings?
I have my nose pierced and my first and seconds done on my ears. The gentleman who did my seconds pierced them way too high though, so they look like thirds. Thinking of filling them in with 'proper' seconds. I also love Tragus piercing and Anti-Helix's so I may get them done at some point.
8. OTP?
Garcia and Morgan from 'Criminal Minds'! But, I do agree that they have the cutest friendship - I just love their casual flirting all the time. Other than that, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. I was devastated about their latest break up. Or Alexa Chung and Alex Turner - also completely devastated.
9. Favourite show?
'Criminal Minds' by a long shot. Pretty much all crime shows though - e.g. all branches of 'Law and Order: SVU', 'CSI' and 'NCIS'. I also love 'Empire' and 'Stalker'.
10. Favourite bands?
Boy and Bear, The Kooks, old stuff of the Arctic Monkeys, The Killers.
11. Something I miss?
Summer - come back! Oh, and holidays. I could do with a full 2 weeks hibernation.
12. Favourite song?
'Electric Feel' by MGMT, 'Rain' by Dragon and 'A Moment's Grace' by Boy and Bear.
13. How old are you?
Confidentiality. You guys know the drill.
14. Zodiac sign?
Aries. I love my zodiac sign.
15. Qualities you look for in a partner?
If they treat their own mother well, they have to have to be able to have a good laugh, can't be too serious.
16. Favourite Quote?
"Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My god, you learn." From the brilliant C.S. Lewis.
17. Favourite actor?
Emma Stone or Scarlett Johansson. She killed it in 'Avengers: AOU'.
18. Favourite colour?
Gosh don't ask me! I love pretty much all colours. What's doing it for me currently are dark greens and soft purples or warn oranges. So many to choose from.
19. Loud music or soft?
Depends on my mood.
20. Where do you go when you're sad?
In the backyard to chill out with my dog or to my room to call a friend. I sometimes like to only have the company of my buddy though.
21. How long does it take you to shower?
When I'm just showering, then 10 minutes. Oh hair wash days, then abut 25.
22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
I always shower the night before so that's out of the way (also because I can't get into a bed feeling dirty!) so about 30 minutes on a fair-well day.
23. Ever been in a physical fight?
Unless you count the numerous I had with my brother/cousins when I was younger, no.
24. Turn on?
Confidence, but not arrogance. There's a fine line!
25. Turn off?
Unadventurous people who aren't willing to try something new. You'll never learn.
26. The reason I started blogging?
I thought it was a nice way to keep track of this time. I also loved the thought of having my own little place on the internet.
27. Fears?
Death, oblivion.
28. Last thing that made me cry?
Being taken somewhere unwillingly! I was very emotional, I had a lot of school work to do, and I was being dragged somewhere where I would have no chance of completing any of it. So I sat by myself for a bit and cried, then realised how stupid I was being and cried about that.
29. Last time you said you loved someone?
A few minutes ago, to my mother.
30. Meaning behind your blogger name?
Nothing really interesting. Duchess, I though, was an interesting title - as opposed to Miss or Madame. M is the first letter of my last name.
31. Last book you read?
'Jasper Jones' by Craig Silvey. Doing a book review soon - no spoilers here!
32. The book you're currently reading?
'An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth' by Chris Hadfield. So flipping interesting and funny!
33. Last show you watched?
I'm in the middle of a 'Law and Order: SVU' episode. Wasn't joking about my obsession with crime shows.
34. Last person you talked to?
In person, probably my father, but not in person then one of my best friend over the phone. Always knows how to make me giggle.
35. The relationship between you and the last person you texted?
One of my closest friends. Love them to bits!
36. Favourite food?
Green chicken curry, duck or cookies and cream ice cream. The last being the way to my heart.
37. Places you want to visit?
South America, Africa, Italy, North America. City and state wise, North Carolina and New York. I would just love to make my way across the world. Goals.
38. Last place you were?
Dining room. If you meant otherwise, I went to my local shopping mall with my father earlier today.
39. Do you have a crush?
It's a little secret, so don't tell anyone okay? No, I don't. In all seriousness though, unless I can secure my hands on Andrew Garfield or Harry Styles (yes, he's cute okay?!) or Dave Franco then I'm out.
40. Last time you kissed someone?
Probably my father when I got out of his car at some point to say goodbye. If you mean on the lips, then why would I do that?! Have you heard of cooties? Yuck.
41. Last time you were insulted?
Last time I was actually seriously insulted? I can't remember. One of my friends consistently playfully insults me. Things people may say to me over the web don't really influence/impact me at all. Save your breath, or rather the muscles in your fingers.
42. Favourite flavour of sweet?
Hmm... I don't know! Really, I haven't a clue. Probably strawberries and cream. I'm more of a chocolate person I think.
43. What instruments do you play?
I play the piano, and I have a guitar I occasionally strum with (to what? You may ask. The answer is nothing. I just like the feeling of playing an out of tune guitar). I also specialise in the triangle.
44. Favourite piece of jewellery?
I have this plain gold chain my grandma got for me, which is a classic piece in my necklace collection. Other than that, I just really like those cheap rings you can find in those cute little shops. Loving copper, brass and rose gold accessories at the moment.
45. Last sport you played?
I do ballet, and that counts. Don't fight me on this.
46. Last song you sang?
Around the house? 'Georgia' by Vance Joy.
47. Favourite chat up line?
'What's that on the floor? Oh look, it's your standards. Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you!', my friend told me that one. My favourite's 'Are you a beaver? Because damn!'
48. Have you ever used it?
No! I don't think it would work.
49. Last time you hung out with someone?
That wasn't my parents? Yesterday a few of my friends took me out for brunch, as a belated birthday thing.
50. Who should answer these questions next?
You! Reading this! I wasn't invited to do these, but I'm spreading this information to you. They were fun to do.
Thanks for reading guys - this extremely long, boring chatty post. I love each and every one of you - you're so worth it. My memory card is failing on me, and I can't retrieve anything. Will keep you posted.
Much love,
Duchess
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