Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

This is going to be a long one...

What 2012 has meant for me?

Firstly it will be a year tomorrow since I started this blog and I am content. I haven't been the most consistent but I am sticking with it. I can't wait to see where I will be with it this time next year.
This has been the year that I have started to pay more attention to me - I've joined the gym, started playing netball and I've started taking better care of my hair.
I've also been able to develop my baking skills and try new things as well as being the Treasurer of my university's Bake Society.
I have had the chance to interview artists for Lenox Avenue and write a review on it which was really amazing and has only reaffirmed how much I really want to go to New York.
I managed to secure myself a Teach First graduate job before the ned of 2nd year.
I've also realised that I have made and establish lifelong friendships with some amazing people at uni and cannot wait to see what life holds with them.
I went on my first holiday with friends to Spain which was so much fun.

What I've got to look forward to in 2013:
- Graduation - the last term has been tremendously difficult in terms of remaining motivated and keeping focused and I don't think next term will be any better but I hope that if I can just get a 2.1 I will be extremely happy.
- Moving back to London fully - I can't wait to start living a proper adult life, developing in my home city, meeting people, having amazing experiences and just generally living.
- My 21st - I think there is no better time to be in London and blogging then in your 20s - I am excited to see what's in store this decade.
- Teach First - I start training in June and working in September - I am nervous as it will be extremely difficult but at the same time I'm excited.
- Nigeria - I will be going with my family in August and this will be the first time I will have ever left Europe - I am excited!!

What I hope to achieve:
- 2.1 in my degree
- Learn new talent - I've set myself the task of learning how to knit and crochet. I've thought about briefly in the past but a friend of mine crocheted herself some slippers so I'm going to learn.
- Make substantial developments in my novel - I set myself the short term goal of starting in April and I sort of have and haven't.
- Achieve a bigger ad better blog - if I can help or inspire just one person then I'd be content.
                - I hope to write more poetry
                - Start posting more fashion/art/architecture content.
- Be better organised with my time - limit my procrastination and work at things bit by bit and eventually I will accomplish instead of always expecting to do everything in one go or leaving things until last minute.

Have I become 'bigger and better' then I was this time last year?

I've definitely developed and learnt things, learnt more about myself; I can say that I am happier but there's still a very long way to go. I know that by the end of next year I'll be in an entirely different place and I hope it'll be a happier one.

So here...here's to a Bigger and Better year!!

 

Olola

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'I Shall Be At Peace, When I See My Home'

'Ngonje kwe gbe nabaiganji'

 

Werengato (A nigerian song)

This is a beautiful quote from a beautiful song. It's a nigerian sung in the Egun language which I believe is spoken in parts of Lagos. I heard it years ago but I've currently been listening to it quite a lot - I think I've been feeling a bit lost partly because I'm sick of university at the moment and want to go back to London. I know that 'I shall be at peace, when I see my home' and by the time this goes up I will have been at home for 10 minutes.

But I think this quote can apply to many different things and I think as well as the point mentioned above it's applicable to myself in many ways - life's journey is tough but as long as you know there is a destination where you have no worries I think that keeps you going.

Fela Kuti - Unknown Soldier

 

 He was a social commentator and sang about corruption, colonisation and the general 'blindness' of Africans.

The problems he sang about in the 70s are still relevant today.

I grew up listening to this man and I've started to 're'-appreciate the amazing music he left behind before he died in 1997.
This song is in particular is song one is one of my favourites, along with Zombie, Shuffering and Shmiling and Water No Get Enemy.

He wrote 'Unknown Soldier' after his mother died by falling out of a window when 1000 soldiers were sent to destroy his home. The government claimed it was an unknown soldier that committed the act.
But he knew better...

Olola
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Malcolm Watson - Love Gun

 

I found this print at a poster sale at my uni last year and something about it connected to me.

There was something about the stark contrast of love (the butterflies and love hearts) and a gun being shot.

I am not sure what it means, it could possibly symbolise war and peace but I think this is my kind of love - it's sudden, it's powerful and you'll know once it has hit you - but it's love.

 

I like this picture - a poster currently resides on my bedroom wall.

 

Olola

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Disclosure ft. Sam Smith - Latch

 

 

I don't think anyone can understand how much I am in love with this song at the moment.

The simplicity of this song is amazing; to simply latch on to the one you crave would be amazing.

To be honest I am currently craving going back to London and I think that's why I've literally listened to this song everyday for the past week or two.

'Now I've got you in my space, I won't let go of you.'

'Got you shackled in my embrace, I am latching on to you.'

Now that I know I am going home after uni, I am latching on and I won't let go - London awaits!!

 

Olola

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Taking Control of What's on My Head

My hair is natural and up until my 20th I have never really cared about it. I have been natural for approximately 5 years now and I haven't seen much growth with my hair. I have had this sudden motivation to care for my hair mainly because I want it to grow and be able to mess around with different hairstyles.

 

It has been difficult to maintain it properly while at uni because I have had to keep braids in my hair for 3 months at a time due to the fact that I am too far from London to keep going back to get my hair done and I don't know or trust anyone enough at uni to do my hair.
 

I've never really known much about hair or how to maintain it and over the past 5 years my hair has fallen out at the back and the sides; though the sides have tended to be more prone to breaking.

I attended a hair exhibition over summer and got quite a lot of advice about how to treat my hair and look after it. I've also been watching quite a few youtube gurus too. I think I spent over £50 over summer buying products.

 

I bought:

Jamaican Black Caster Oil (SO expensive)

Almond Oil

Olive Oil

Cucumber massage conditioner

Cantu Shea butter

Cocoa butter

Pur Curls Non-sulphate shampoo (SO expensive I HAD to bargin)

Shea butter and tea tree oil

Lo'real Elvive Conditioner

Eggs and Honey (for deep conditioning)

 

And this is very unlike me to spend so much money - but it's part of me being bigger and better and I know that my ultimate goal of having longer, healthier and fuller hair will make me happier. 

Over summer I kept my hair out for over a month; it's the longest I've had my hair out in years and it felt healthier and stronger because of my treatment method. My routine was that I would put caster oil and olive oil in my hair every other day and I conditioned my hair with loreal and cantu shea butter every week and deep conditioned every 3 weeks with honey, egg and oil. I did have a mishap involving avocado but I won't go into that it, it was pretty traumatic.

 

It's nice however to be able to be in control of my hair and not have my hair fall out because it's dry. I am starting to understand what my hair needs now and I cannot wait to see how it improves over the next couple of years.

 

My aim now is to figure out how to do more protective hairstyles by myself as I am sick of spending so much money and time in hair salons.

I will update next summer to show you how it goes.
 

Olola

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(Vegan) Carrot Cake

I made this in October for my housemate's boyfriend who has decided to be vegan for awhile. Given that the typical cake has eggs and butter we were determined to find a recipe what he would be able to enjoy guilt-free. I had never made carrot cake before and it wouldn't have been my cake of choice but this has honestly got to be my most favorite cake to date. It was moist, sweet and smelt amazing and between the 5 of us was devoured in the space of a couple of hours.

 

 

Ingredients: 200ml of vegetable oil, 170g of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 200ml of water, 230g of grated carrots, 70g of pecans chopped, 100g of sultanas, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ginger, 280g of self-raising flour.

 

 

Beat oil, sugar and vanilla essense, add water and mix (remember oil and water don't mix so don't worry if it looks weird). Stir in carrots, pecans and sultanas until completely covered. Sift in cinnamon and ginger and stir. Then sift in flour (a half at a time) and mix until well combined. It doesn't look the most appealing but when it's cooked I think the picture below is proof that it looks amazing.

Bake at 180 degrees celsius (in a pre-heated oven) don't forget to grease the tin with oil. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

 

 

 

Do keep an eye on the cake when baking though because the sultana's on top will burn first - you just don't want it to burn too much.

I made one layer first and then decided that I wanted the cake to be bigger so I baked another layer the next day. In terms of storing the first layer I made, I wrapped it up in cling film and put it in the fridge.

 

 

 

The topping was a suggestion made by another housemate, it was a combination of icing sugar (150-200g) and orange juice (1.5- 2 tablespoons depending on the consistancy desired) - we made a very thin layer and it complemented the cake perfectly.

 

 

 

I had four slices; 2 on the their own, 1 slice with vanilla ice-cream and the other with apricot jam. I would recommend the vanilla ice-cream.

I cannot wait to bake it again.

Olola
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Third Year

My life for the next couple of months

 

But I always have this to keep me going

 

 

This is just a means to an end...not long now.

 

Olola

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Solange - Losing You

 

I adore this song!

The style, fashion and irony.

I just love songs that are about failed love but are danceable as well.

 

Olola

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Coffee (& Hot Chocolate) Kisses

These were made with a coffee and hot chocolate. I made these a while back so I would put up the recipe but I wouldn't be telling the total truth as I don't remember exactly what I did as I never really follow recipes completely.

 

 

However, I think I slightly over did them but they were devoured anyway.

 

Olola

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Destiny

 

 

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

 

 

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am strong believer in self-determination. Yes, there are things that are out of our control due to external influences but I believe that we are in control of the majority of things. We have a choice. You decide who you are, you choose the path you walk down. You choose to Be Bigger and Better.  

 



Ed Sheeran - Give Me Love

This song sums up how I feel very often.

I am the cupid in this video in every way possible.

Just give me love...

 

Olola

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Daddy Issues

You call at dawn

And I don't understand why

You know I'm not awake

It's a ridiculous time.

You call

And I talk

Because I don't bear grudges

But you've really hurt me daddy

You've hurt me so much

You call

And I think 'why is this so formal?'

We talk as if we are avoiding everything

Because there's really nothing to avoid

You call

And hint at the fact that I haven't called you

But you are the one who left me

I am doing this on my own

All by myself. All on my own

I've worked so hard to get where I am

Yet I deny myself praise because I am nothing yet

I've taken so much on

But I don't complain

I keep it inside

Because outside it's a mess

And I don't need any help

You left me with it all

Your role and mine

That's why I am so messed up

Wise beyond my years

But all I want is Love in it's purist form

And not to have to take the lead

Not to have to care or think

I want someone to take care of me

But that will not happen

Because you've messed it all up

You wonder why I am not in touch

Well you're the one that left US

So you call

And I put on a brave voice

And pretend I'm alright

Because I have to be alright

For your sake and mine

You call

And I dry up

What I'm feeling doesn't count

Let's adhere to formalities

It's not long now

You call

I answer

While you question

We've been over this before

Apparently this is affection

You call

And fail to swallow your pride

You call

But time has widened the divide

You call

And I'm tired; you've messed up my life

But you call

And after all is said and done

We hang up.

Then I cry.

 

 

Olola (2012)

Butterfly Cupcakes

 

These were the first proper cupcakes I have made. I have reached the conclusion that I am not a fan of making cupcakes - I prefer big masterpieces; cupcakes require too much detail and are difficult to transport. Plus I need to figure out how to transfer equal amounts of mixture into cake cases without it massively over flowing when it rises. It comes with practice.

These butterfly cakes were made using 200g of butter, 200g of Caster sugar, 4 eggs, 200g of self raising flour and then for the butter cream topping: 160g of butter, 300g of icing sugar, 3 table spoons of milk, blue and red food colouring and mixed-fruit jam - then topped off with a sprinkle of icing sugar.

I made 24 in total but I reckon the mixture could easily have stretched to 30.

 

I think I will make muffins next - you don't have to worry about its prettiness. I've got two I'd like to try next - the classic chocolate chip muffin and the healthier banana and carrot muffin.

Can you spot any of mine?

 

 

Olola

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Holstee Manifesto

 

Wise, wise words.

 

Life is simple...Life is short.

This is your [my] Life

 

 

Olola

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I CAN'T READ!

 

Why is it that it has taken me 5 hours to read, understand and take notes on 6 pages.

Is it because my intellectual capacity is limited? Because I feel like it sometimes - anything academic cannot be read and fully understood without having to read it a thousand times!!

I actually cannot read and it's scaring my because everything this year is so heavily dependent on me having to read things.

 

Oh my life...

 

 

Olola

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Major Lazer - Get Free

 

I haven't posted in a long time. I certain will get back into posting, I've just been so busy lately and need to get organised my life organised.

I jusut wanted to share this song. I love it. It so soothing yet thought provoking at the same time.

It sort of represents how I'm feeling and have been feeling for a while.

I want to Get Free.

'I just want to dream'.

 

Olola

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Daley - Those Who Wait

This song speaks to me. I relate to every word.

And it gives me hope at the same - so I wait, wait for things I cannot change or influence much to happen.

Good things.

So preocuupy myself with other people's problems and situations.

I'm in no rush for anything as I wait.

Olola 

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Hardwork and Grafting

'Anything is possible.

It's just hard work and grafting.'

Mo Farah, London 2012 Olympics

After winning the 5,000m race and the 10,000m race the week before. What an amazing man!! He has been the highlight of my Olympics. I was screaming and shouting at the TV like a nutter and there were moments where I couldn't bear to watch as I thought he wouldn't make it. He showed that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. He's the happiest man in the world at the moment and he makes me so proud to be British!! Mo - These games will forever be remembered for your amazing talent!!

Friendship

'Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.'

Aristotle

'In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.'

Albert Schweitzer

Sometimes, well most of the time, I feel like I don't have many friends. The truth is I don't really. Well not many true friends. I think what I have learnt about myself is that I tend to take a long time to truly open up to people to develop a true level of friendship and I am quite guarded. However what I have realised is that it is a two way thing - they've got to open up to me too. 

But I cherish the friends that I do have. One in particular is my best friend, Chris. We've known each other for over 12 years now. It's his 20th today and I thank him for understanding and for putting up with me and my flaws. He's the one person that I can let all my guards down with and can say that in his company I am truly me. I say the most random and stupid things, wear the most ridiculous things and embarrass myself and vice versa but in each other's company all that means nothing. We've had our ups and downs this year and have been through a lot as any friendship would but we know that in one way or another we'll always be there for one another. I'm ever so grateful for his presence in my life. I just hope that one day he finds someone to love him unconditionally without all the unnecessary lies, hurt, doubt and pain.

Happy birthday my love!

Olola

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Beyonce - Flaws and All

I absolutely adore this video - the simplicity of it. Beyonce is one of my inspirations - the way she is so malleable and able to do everything she's ever dreamed of. I think that's amazing and I aspire to have such control and happiness in my life.

I believe I am a 'host of imperfections' - it's what makes me me but to have someone come into your life, accept you and your flaws and see you as a queen is amazing! I've always viewed love to be a lot about acceptance and understanding. But as much as I want to love and be loved in return - I think when the day comes the first thing I'll utter is how Beyonce simply puts it - 'I don't know why you love me'.

Olola

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Beauty

I've recently been thinking a lot about beauty stuff. I'm really into natural beauty and as a dark girl feel like a lot things don't suit me so I tend to be sceptical about bright colours on my face or anything at all on my face. But I am slowly adjusting the idea of make up looking good one me - I just need a massive push to experiement with it. Yesterday I went to the Mac Cosmetics store in Covent Garden and tried on their liquid founation which was perfect for me. I was so scared about trying it on but my best friend wouldn't let me leave but the make up artist was so nice and wanted to know more about my skin and was happy wo help; she made me feel comfortable. Now I have found the perfect foundation - Mac Studio fix NW55. It is a bit expensive but it's worth it!!

Anyway here are a few girls that I have been in awe of due to their natural looking and flawless make up. I currently have Lanisha Cole and Lola Monroe - I think I'll start making uploading pictures of beautiful woman that inspire me a regualr thing.

They are simply stunning!!

Olola

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20

I turned 20 the day before yesterday.

How do I feel? Happy!

Many people say they are not ready to not be a teen but I think that I just couldn't wait to get out of it. I spent so much of my teens, especially my late teens, being miserable and down about a lot of things. However it hasn't been so bad - academically I've achieved a lot (Passing my GCSEs, A-Levels and getting a high 2.1 in 2nd year), I've been able to learn a little bit more about myself and I've made some amazing friends.

But I am determined to make this decade the best ever - this is when I'll graduate, get my career on track, meet more people, travel a lot more, develop even more into a woman and maybe even meet someone special...

This is the first time that I've actually felt different - This is my decade to be bigger and better.

I am looking forward to taking it on.

Olola

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Delilah - Inside My Love

I'm not usually a big fan of covers especially when I am a fan of the original but I love this.

Minnie Riperton's version is timeless but I think this version brings it a bit of British edginess to it.

I've always interpreted this song to be a very sexual.

You still get a sense of that in this:

Like really slow passionate sex.

Olola

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Shuga

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Shuga is a drama about 'sex, love and money'. These are a group of young african juggling studies, career ambitions and the general temptations of life with the everyday risk of HIV. I've enjoyed watching the two series so far and even though we are a world apart I can draw so many similarities between their world and mine.

If I remember correctly the image above is from the 4th episode of the 2nd season as they celebrate a birthday of one of the characters. This image I think captures elation - you forget where they are and that a few of them are HIV positive.

In this moment they are just a bunch of adults, that could be in any city in the world, happy.

I'd love to capture a moment like this in my life.

I really hope there's a third series.

Olola

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Kleerup ft Lykke Li - Until We Bleed

To love until one bleeds.

I think that says it all.

That's the sort of love I'll be giving.

Nothing less.

Olola

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Music Today

I've been thinking over the past couple of days that a lot of music I've been hearing recently is just really, how can I put it - Crap! I feel nothing anymore. I love discovering new stuff but a lot of the mainstream stuff is just so uninspiring and similar.

I was going through the music on my computer and MP3 and I have found that I am no longer so excited as it has been a while since I've added to the collection. It's lacking something - I need to discover new artists and material that touches me. I remember years ago I'd listen to Sigur Ros, Keane, Coldplay and other random songs and cry...some of those songs were so cathartic. But now I am looking for new stuff that will capture my imagination and take me somewhere else - provide me with an out of body experience but just hitting a brick wall instead.

Recently I found that I am discovering things that had been released years ago - harking back instead. I think that's the way forward really because a lot of what I have found that is apparently 'the future' is just absolute and utter bull.

But I won't stop looking; it'll be difficult to find decent stuff but I'll keep at it and hopefully discover timeless gems.

Olola

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'Night is Purer than Day'

“Night is purer than day; it is better for thinking and loving and dreaming. At night everything is more intense, more true. The echo of words that have been spoken during the day takes on a new and deeper meaning. The tragedy of man is that he doesn’t know how to distinguish between day and night. He says things at night that should only be said by day.”

- Elie Wiesel, Dawn

This is taken from his book dawn. I don't why it is but I feel much happier and comfortable at night. Everything does seem 'more true' and clearer; I am more productive then. It's my time to refelct on the errors of the day and think of ways to rectify them. I love the night! 

Hawaiian Themed Cake

The butter and sugar mixture - 500g of each

It was my housemate's birthday recently and as usual I like to bake a cake. This took me 5 hours to completely make and I stayed up all night doing it as she was asleep up stairs.
The theme for her party was Hawaiii so I thought it would be a good idea to make a cake to match the theme.
I googled ideas and came across this one which was perfect. The only thing was I had no recipe for it just a picture so I had to improvise and think of ingredients that would give the desired effects.



The 6 eggs were added to the mixture on the left and stirred will. Then 500g of flour and vanilla extract was added.
On the right this the result after the cake has been placed in the oven for just over an hour (I think). I had to watch it carefully as my oven is really powerful.

 The cake was left to cool for about half an hour before I completely coated it with butter cream (as seen on the left). This was done to ensure that the decorative pieces stuck to it. I then created  'beach fence' using wafer sticks.

 Luckily the wafers stayed on. I think the one mistake I made was decorating th cake straight away because the wafers eventually dried out by the time the cake was ready to be eaten - but I sort of had no choice as the cake was meant to be a surprise.

 I then crunched up digestive buscuits to make 'sand'. I was quite surprised at how well it came out - though I was quite worried about how it would taste as sometimes I can find digestives to be bit too dry. It worked though.                  

 I then bought a lai and removed some of the flower from it and stuck them into the cake to make a 'flower bed'. I had pictured this in my head over and over again but the fact that it turned out better than I had imagined (right) made me so happy.

I am always sceptical about how the things I make taste; I don't mind eating it but when other people eat it, I start to worry. Luckily I got positive reviews and the cake was pretty much gone by the end of the night. Success!!

 Olola

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That All Too Familiar Feeling

That sickening feeling.

My stomach turning at the thought of a fail;

At the thought of having spent so much time doing nothing

The never ending regret of knowing I had left it too late.

The bigger and better me

Stands before me in the distance -

Such a beautiful and clear view but right now we seem a world apart.

In hindsight I wonder why on earth I didn't work!

Where was the motivation I desired?

The discipline I craved?

Now this fear is so consuming as I know I only have myself to blame.

Sleep is now a luxury

Food, an unwanted guest.

I'm letting you down, letting me down

Knowing that no matter how hard I work now

I will be forced to settle.

To settle for something I am not!

But I choose not to settle
 

For anything less than the best

I never want to feel like this again!

           

Olola (2012)

 

Jessie Ware - 110%

This is just absolute perfection.

I disovered it the other day and listening to this makes me feel as though I am a part of something that is timeless.

I especially love the term 'dancing on own' - There is a deep level sadness in it; dancing is ususally a social thing but doing it alone (without a choice) is just heartbreaking.

Olola.

x 

A Look Behind



Jessie Ware Photo: Kate Moross http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/artist-of-the-week-jessie-ware/ 

I have began writing a poem which was centred on looking back in reflection.

I'm not sure that this picture embodies that but the passion in her eyes and her effortless beauty captivates me in this photo (which is actually from her music video).

Olola

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I'm Hungry/Hiatus

I've got great news.

I've been offered a place on the Teach First Leadership Development Programme! I'll be a maths teacher next year for two years given that I get a 2.1 or First in my degree. Coming from a struggling school and making it to top university - I have found that if it wasn't for my drive and determination then and my desire to be better, I wouldn't have made it. I believe that there are so many students who are in a similar position. A couple of weeks ago I was in a school for a couple of days and the level of some of the students' mathematical ability was shocking! I want to make a difference - when I was at school maths was one of my favourite subjects but a lot of people hated it. I want to pass on to students, who come from a similar inner city low socioeconomic background like myself, my passion for maths at KS3 and KS4 and also show them that you have the biggest say in your own destiny not other external barriers that you cannot control - you just need a little help sometimes.

I think I have rediscovered my thirst and hunger for success. The past couple of years has probably been my least ambitious and depressing. I have rarely stepped out of my comfort zone and I feel as though my life has been in complete stagnation. Unlike many people, I am someone who doesn't really care about what other people think about me but more about what I think about myself; I am my biggest critic. If I feel as though I have not been successful in my eyes then I am failure - Fullstop! I rarely give myself credit and think that I could always have done better. I think this is partly down to my upbringing. Being hard on myself is part of who I am and I don't think I'd want to change it but I think in order to feel like I am going somewhere in life I need to feel as though good changes are occurring and that I am becoming bigger and better. I have seen a couple of great opportunities that have been advertised for the summer which I'll apply for while I revise for the exams that I have got coming up over the next month and a bit. I have been blogging for about 4 months now and I can honestly say that I have been enjoying it (this is all a part of feeding my hunger and viewing my personal progress).

I'll be AWOL for the next month due to revision but I can't wait to continue on this journey when I get back.

Things will get bigger and better - I owe it to myself!

Olola

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The Perfect Person

'You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.'

Sam Keen

Taken from 'Thoughts from Earth (2004)'. The author was exploring and questioning the concept of love and came to this conclusion. I honestly believe this; there is no such person as a perfect person; no human is. But when you love someone, you should love a person that is perfect for you. 

Olola

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Emergency Biscuits

While I was experimenting with cocoa power, porridge oats and water, I accidentally added too much cocoa power and the end product was nasty. I was then left with a watery, chocolaty oaty mixture which I wanted to use up because I didn't want to waste it. So I made biscuits! They turned out lovely.

They were made in the same way as the biscuits below but with the mixture also added.

I think these will become my signature biscuits now...I should come up with a name for my baking brand. Consider that my next challenge.

Olola

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Vince Kidd - You and Me

I discovered Vince Kidd on The Voice. Though I am not one to stereotype I must say that I didn't expect such a soul voice to come from him. It was a nice surprise. However my little brother showed me this video of him singing this song and I instantly fell in love with it. The chorus is reminicent of a Motown track and his voice is so different from what you hear on the radio today. This song is amazing!

Olola

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Model 1

I am finally posting my first architectural themed post. Yay! I recently downloaded the Google Sketchup software as I have always wanted to design 3D images of buildings. I never actually realised that Google had the software (What doesn't google have?!) so I was really excited about downloading it and finding out what I could do. It took me a while to get my head around the different tools but what was so good about it was that it had an instructor window which demonstrated what every tool I selected did, which was very useful. At the moment I'm trying to discover what type of houses I most prefer - although I like to but my own twists to my designs I have found that my designs tend to be quiet modernist and minimalist (I will post about my favourite buidings very soon). I will also at some point in the future hopefully in the summer make a start on designing a house, modelling it like the blogger Fashitects did which I loved. Perhaps I'll turn it into my summer project, going around London, doing reserch and collating all my ideas into a large book and eventually coming up with a final design - Just like I did with my Art GCSE. I'll make a 3D model on the Sketchup software and make a model out of card etc. This should give me something to work towards. I am excited! So here's what I came up with on my first attempt, hopefully with time I'll become really great at it. I've given the rather unimaginative name of Model 1:

Model 1: Front

Side Front

Back

Olola

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Sleepness nights...

'You know you are in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.'

Dr. Seuss

Now I am starting to understand, that's what the sleepness nights will be all about. 

Goals 1

Okay if I write these then this will motivate me to achieve them: These are my long and short term goals at this particular time as I am not good at thinking on the spot:

I will (be)...

Short Term (Within the next 3 months):

• Keep myself preocuppied over summer 2012.
• Get a 2.1 in 2nd year and eventually a 1st or 2.1 in 3rd Year.
• Start my book.
• Acquire a graduate position with Teach First. 

Long Term (From the next 3 months and beyond):

• Get down to a solid size 12.
• Begin to perfect my look.
• Get underway with my architectural project
• Sort out wardrobe
• Finish my book
• Be able to hold a conversation in German
• More content with me and how my life is.

I'll continuously add to this list and state my progress as time goes on. Wish me luck!

Olola

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Flat Choco-Banana Cake

Unfortunately my brother broke my scales at home so I was left guessing the right quantities of ingredients to use. I had some banana left over so decided to used them as well as my cocoa power to make a choco-banana cake.

The reason why it's so flat could be down to several things such as the fact I decided to split the mixture into two tins, the flour proportions was just not enough or that the self-raising flour had been left open for over 3 months (trhough no fault of my own - I was at uni after all) and had thus lost it's ability to rise properly.

Either way, I quite liked the finished product - though I received very mixed reactions on the banana filling.

Olola.

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