Japan Tsunami Appeal

I haven't posted in a while, but considering this week's events, I can't go by without saying anything.

This post is dedicated to the unfortunate people in North East Japan who have and still are suffering from the earthquake and tsunami on Friday 11th March at 2.46pm (local time).

The media coverage and the pictures emerging from the devastation, has really moved me and I want to urge as many people as possible to think about what the Japanese people are going through right now and to make a donation (big or small) to a charity in support of the disaster.

This is what my status is on Facebook in support of the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal, and I hope others will follow:

"Whatever you've got planned this week, whether it's going to the cinema, going out for drinks, clubbing or dinner with your friends, take a minute to think about all those suffering in Japan who have no homes, no families, no friends and are living off the little food, water and access to services they have. Help them in these desperate times. 

http://www.redcross.org.uk/japantsunami/?approachcode=68861_blogjapan+"

I was in Japan just a few months ago and below are some pictures I capture while I was there. I hope these images make the situation more real.

Please do your part to help those who are in need right now.

P.S. I Love You

Last night was one emotional night. The film P.S. I Love You aired on Channel 4 at 9pm. I love romantic comedies, but this film is just one above the rest, which gets me every time and I find myself crying from the start until the end. However, what I realised when watching it last night, is how much I loved Holly's flat. The set design for the New York flat was brilliant.

The whole design was a charming, eclectic mix of ornate vintage inspired pieces for a young modern couple. I love how the set designer, Alyssa Winter managed to balance the prints and feminine touches, which wouldn't overpower the flat and intimidate men too much! I'm planning to move out of Birmingham to London soon with my boyfriend Chris, and we've already found ourselves cutting deals with one another over the decor of our to-be-flat. I love floral prints, and you can call me a bit of an obsessive for the designer Cath Kidston. I would love to own a set of her bed sheets (a little sad I know), however at £145 for a bedspread, between £10-20 for a pillow and £65 for a double duvet cover, it's a little out of my price range especially since I'm still living on a student budget! But I'm determined to make my own mark on the flat, especially in the bedroom. Chris really didn't seem too keen on the idea of floral prints in the bedroom, probably in fear that it'll emasculate him. However Alyssa Winter, manages to feminise the flat by add little touches of prints on the pillow cases, lamp shades and the walls. The bedding was from John Robshaw and I simply love the iron bed frame which I found out was sourced from Hob Nail Antiques. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind when I get round to decorating my own place!

For those one off pieces, you'll need to have a good look around. I stumbled across this handmade quilted bedspread at a vintage shop called The Ballroom in Oxford. From what I can remember it only cost £30. If I had more time (and money), I'd be hunting for those vintage gems more often!

 

Hilary Swank in P.S. I Love You

Image taken from sorrowbynamesorrowbynature.tumblr.com

My beloved bedspread and Cath Kidston collection

Flickr.com

I have a blog! I have a growing interest looking up people's blogs to understand what inspires them in what they do, so I thought it's about time for me to start my own.

The one thing which has really taken me by surprise in the past year, is how much I love photography. My boyfriend got me into it, by teaching me how to use his DSLR, which he used for his Architecture work. It got to the point that I wanted to use it so much, that over Easter last year I bought myself a Sony Alpha 330 DSLR. I must say, it has been one of the best purchases I have ever made.

In September last year, I went travelling to the far east for two months. We went to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. I love travelling, and I reccommend people to travel as much as possible. These two months, allowed me to really practice getting use to my camera. It's great when there is so much culture and inspiration around you all the time.

When I got back, I posted all my photos on Facebook. I had so much feedback, my friend Roland had suggested I joined Flickr.com. What a bad idea!....I can definitely say that I am HOOKED!! You can see how many times people have viewed your photos, they can comment on them and select your photos as favourites of theirs. Its also a great way to pick up on ideas for photo shoots, editing and different techniques.

It really made my day today, because I found out that one of the photos I shot yesterday "Day dreaming" has made it onto Flickr's "Explore interesting things" page.

Check it out at:

http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/2011/01/28/page27/ 

Most of travelling photos are up as well. You can really see how my skills has gradually improved!

This is the perfect track. I love Adele and all her songs. She has the most mesmorising voice which just takes you away that distant place, for you forget about all your worries.