HOW TO FLY // velvet skies.

  The past five weeks have swivelled past fairly quick. A couple of days ago I had been wishing for more time, instead of being excited of returning home. I already miss the memories in Singapore this January, along with the ones made in other places. Yet for some reason, just being back home is enough for me. I realised I missed the familiarity of it more than anything. School is approaching and consequently, I can't help but look back on the month and smile. Upcoming is another chapter.

  The night I landed, I unexpectedly flew into the deepest slumber ever. I recall waking up the next  morning, unaware of my surroundings. It felt surreal to be back after all those weeks. Weeks where I had wanted to be back home, yet been prompted to generate my own fun. It lead to new meetings, good unwarranted fun and plenty of reminiscing. Nostalgia would be the most appropriate word to describe the mindset at the time, and even now.

  Just in case you missed the highlights of my January, I...

+ Caught up with a handful of old friends!

+ Met some insanely rad new people

+ Explored urban infrastructure (like rooftops and sky gardens)

+ Ate well and been out and about

+ Embarked on some touristy endeavours

+ Met up with my blogger friend Tara
+ Attended a distant relatives' wedding

+ Got more in touch with Mum's side of the family

+ Saw Slow Magic live with my best friend

+ Visited Thailand, one of my favourite tropical getaways

+ Spent quality time with my brother, before he serves national service

  As I'm entering Year 11, less posts are to be expected. School starts on Monday (to my dismay, I actually thought it was on Tuesday - eeek!) and part of me insists on living in heavy denial. Part of me is looking forward to school, except of course the pressure and stress to perform. Sadly, it is the truth and I have to come to terms with it. I'm not sure how I'm going to cope with being idle for 6 weeks to managing all my time between ample sleep, a social life and good grades. Here's wishing me some good luck with that time management scheme. Good luck, indeed.

  I know some of you have already gone back to school! Regardless, I want to know: how do you manage?

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Always open.

  I'm oddly inspired. I'm a nocturnal being; it's no surprise I'm much more vivacious at night, and I like it that way. I've been reflecting a lot in these past few hours of solitude. It's been blissful this time round. I've had to put off accomplish work, fill up a student leadership form for school, get onto emails for an upcoming blog project and also tend to the tens of draft posts in my blog interface. Throughout this process which often goes overtime, I am drawn to previous writings. I never usually look back on posts once I hit 'publish', so this served as a nice reminder. I really have not changed that much in the past few years - and if I have, it's for the better. My writing style has always been open and irrevocably personal, and I noticed it's faltered as of late. There's a lot of documentation but never really proper words of thought. I tend to lean towards abstract expression to keep anonymity of the people who present woes in my life, because I do care about them. Really, I do hate for there to be countless evidence of all the teen angst on here. With the negativity my verbs and adjectives and connotations typed up here bring, I want to clarify one significant thing.

  I am so very thankful for all of you. Consider this my late-night love letter to those I have not met yet feel like I've known for ages. I do care for you all, and to give back to my readers is easier said than done. The internet is a wonderfully versatile thing and it always amazes me how I've found my place on here. Especially with all of you lovely folks visiting me and giving endless praise. You've further helped me grow and work on myself. My Mum thinks it's beautiful, how I've manifested something so unconditionally crafted that I call mine. I agree, and am proud as she is of how far I've come with writing and/or blogging. It's been worth the eyebags and jolts of timely inspiration. I just want to meet you all physically, wrap my arms around you and give the most meaningful hug you'll ever receive. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  I say it a lot - time and time again, especially when I hit a blog goal. But it's past 11pm now and I have another hectic week of school ahead of me - and I am feeling so darn reflective. (Aren't I always?) I usually have a lot to complain about and question the universe about, so I should really openly express my gratitude more often. Some might say that I'm too open and emotional, whilst I see no problem with that. We are humans and emotions are not our weaknesses. They are our strength, when we join together. It's difficult enough to convey emotion from my brain to my fingers gingerly grazing the keyboard to the world-wide web, to you reading this on your screen as we speak. I find it just ridiculously incredible that people in other states and countries, from other walks of life, stop by and dedicate the time to read this seemingly silly word spill. I even know some people who are not active with blogging anymore, yet still come back occasionally to check up on me. You wish me well, and just know that I can only hope the best wishes upon you, too.

  To read what I genuinely express and appreciate it; you as a reader give me reason for even existing. This is an entirely raw, unpolished stream of words. I hope you don't mind. So thank you again, you lovely human being, you. ♡

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

I feel better, in your light.

  As Gotye put it, I feel better. Better than before, that's for sure. The week has started off rather jovially, perhaps due to the benevolent sunshine prolonging its stay. Ah, I couldn't help but dance to Gotye in the car during the drive back home.
I Feel Better and In Your Light are officially my pick-me-up tunes. (Listen to both of the songs below.) Spring is around the corner, and so are some immensely exciting travel plans. I'm so thrilled for this, but you shall all find out in two weeks!

P.S. I'd like to wish my dear friend Trudy a happy 16th! The past six years have been lovely being your true friend, a privilege I wouldn't want to trade for anything in the world. (If some of you are long-time readers, you might recognise her from a string of heartfelt posts.)

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Entertainment.

  The holidays are finally here. To kick them off, I headed out with some girlfriends. Right after school we caught up over Nandos and movies. (You know the Friday drill.) We watched 22 Jump Street - I was convinced to due to rave reviews; safe to say, I am not disappointed. It was hilarious, to say the least. I laughed so darn hysterically during the sequel credits.

   Saturday was spent at Alena's house, along with Cheyenne. We all rarely get the chance to meet up, so we figured a day altogether was in order. We caught up prior to trying our hand at brunch. I think we did a pretty good job. (Scrambled eggs, tea and chocolate fingers are my loves.) I had already seen Cheyenne the day before, but that didn't stop me from sparking my fiery energy. We may or may not have ended up dancing. A laughing fit was inevitable, too. Sometimes that's what you really need; a lazy day with those you love to death. See, that's the best kind of medicine when you're not whole.

 Why am I feeling so? My inadequate answer: inner tension is overwhelming. I'm a certified trainwreck at times, which can get the better of me. (Time to blame the hormones.) It could all be in my head, yet I don't want to risk it. I won't drone on about that now. Better days are of the essence.

'Headline from this day on. Why you keep pretending that you wanna let go?' - Phoenix

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Mission Australia Winter Sleepout 2014.

WINTER SLEEPOUT HOMEPAGE // ABOUT MISSION AUSTRALIA // REGISTER

  Greetings everyone, just taking this opportunity to inform you guys of a fundraising project I shall be a part of in the next few months! Seeing as I will most probably post the outcome of the event over the long weekend, I figured I should make a post prior to that for extra notice. On 31st May, I’ll be sleeping outdoors in a tent overnight with my gathered team of friends. By participating we're aiming to aid Mission Australia in their fundraising program, which addresses the underlying our nation's homelessness. Our cause is to support homeless Australians in need, as they regain their independence and help them to get back on their feet. Additionally, some of us will be giving up our beds for the next month or two in relation to the cause. I'm hoping that being placed out of my comfort zone will allow me to appreciate the common luxuries that others are deprived of. For more specific information, do feel free to click the links provided above.

MAKE A DONATION TO S'MORES SLEEPOUT FUNDRAISING PAGE TODAY!

  So if you do decide to donate to our team, we'd appreciate it highly! Do not feel obliged to donate to my page, I'm merely taking to the blogging platform to the spread the word. I'd even be more than happy if you were passionate about the cause and went forth to help raise some sort of awareness. In regards to those who decide to show support/donate, THANK YOU on Mission Australia's behalf!

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

As far as you're concerned.

'Oh can't you see, hesitation is a thing of the past, this will never last as long as we intend it.' - Last Dinosaurs

  I am in a state of pure self-denial. These mixed feelings are back, emerging in the pit of my stomach and working their way up towards my heart. They claw at my heartstrings and force me into indignation. How timely, adding to the internal conflict that consumes me slowly. You see, the ambivalence has returned. It's made an appearance out of the blue, right when I'm in the happiest place I could be now. It's all too bittersweet, leaving me undecided. Don't get me wrong, I'm not particularly unhappy. I just hate it when these tenors hit me like that, in the most unexpected of times. It shows how vulnerable I am, inside and out. Some dismiss it just as a mood, but it's much more than that for me.

  I hope it all goes away soon. I hope it's just another passing phase.

  P.S. If you'd like to read this in a more light-hearted context, then you can just assume I'm talking about the finales of My Mad Fat Diary and How I Met Your Mother. I can't say I'm disappointed about the endings, nor can I say I'm satisfied. I can say, however, is that I can relate to the reality of them. I surely have the inability to make my mind up about matters.

  P.P.S. I deleted my Instagram. Proud achievement, I think so. It was fun while it lasted, getting to catch up with other people's lives. After a while it grew tiresome worrying about my feed, followers, posting times, privacy settings etc. Safe to say I've eliminated yet another social media account that isn't wholly beneficial for me; my aim is prove that worthy moments do exist even without documentation. I mean, I haven't been blogging everything that's happened, there's just one after the next. I won't deny though that I'll miss all of you on there. I guess you'll just have to bear with me only being on Blogger and Bloglovin'.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

On a day.

The exquisite outdoor brunch experience at La Ristrettos.

  Had the privilege to meet up with a couple of old friends, for the last time on this fabulous holiday trip of mine. After much deciding, Trudy led us to a quaint café in a rather unorthodox location. We were skeptical for a while. Her actions turned out to be justifiable, as we were pleasantly surprised (upon walking into what was waiting for us). Think a raised wooden platform shrouded by grand greenery, featuring sets of cosy furnishing. (She has excellent taste in café choices.) There was a kind of Zen atmosphere that I found to be really peaceful. It was especially nice to soak in the sunrays, with the luxury of sprawling out spaciously. We opted for some brunch (which definitely did not disappoint), along with loads of catch-up conversation, inside jokes and roars of uncontrollable laughter. 'Twas an overall satisfying day with old (but gold) friends. I am indebted to Rachel, Benita and Trudy for taking the time to come out. It's amazing that some friendships don't change; I'm a lucky girl.

  And yes! I know, I have been providing an inadequate amount of words to accompany my recent posts. I guarantee that will soon change once I return home. Also a special thank you to everyone who helped me reach the milestone of 50,000+ blog pageviews AND more than 150 followers on Bloglovin'! The bunch of you are brilliant and I love you all. In return for your loyal readership, feel free to request any posts or shoot me questions! That's it for now, so ciao. :)

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Thank you + update!

 It's been around a year since I've established LUCID STARS, which marks its one year anniversary! I feel like I've come considerably far from my amateur blogging days. Thank you for 100 Bloglovin' followers, around 200 Lookbook fans, over 100 Instagram followers and also more than 1,800 Polyvore followers. Those are milestones, for a teenager like me. All the thought put into this blog has really paid off over the course of the past year; thank you, dear readers.

  It's hard to believe that there are more than a hundred people who actually care about my life. Seriously, that's crazy. It's such an astonishing yet comforting thought at the same time. I've been having a gloomy day but the realisation of reaching 100 readers brightened me up instantly. Your support has filled me with gratitude, each and every one of you.

  On a side note, I've only had 2 days of school this week which is pretty radical. I was at transition camp on Monday and Tuesday (as you probably know), and there was also a teachers' strike yesterday. I took the day off along with Mariel, Julia, Alyssa, Breanna, Chelsea, Cass, Chantal, Reneta and a few others. 

  First I met up with a few girls and then our separate groups formed into one. We traipsed around and shopped a bit. There were good, chilled vibes all around. I managed to purchase a cream-coloured cropped lace blouse, an orange playsuit with cut-out detailing and some disco pant dupes. I'm rather satisfied with the shopping I did. The outing was pretty fun, and I've never felt this comfortable with this many people. Afterwards I went to Reneta's place with Chantal to film some of their English assignment. I'm glad that I've got to know some new peeps, some with amazing music and fashion taste. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better Thursday. 

  Cheers to the weekend, everyone!

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Take a picture you could never recreate.

Cass and I before our Friday night out.

  First of all, guess who hopped aboard the Instagram bandwagon? That's right, this blogger. I had tried making one a few months ago but my preferred username was taken. Yet surprisingly though, Cass convinced me to make an account this morning. Quite elated to have snagged my username this time around. Go follow me on Instagram at @lucidstars for more casual, quick updates. :)

  Anywho, I had such a long day yesterday. It was my first time attending a boxing/pilates class in the morning, to which I had fun with despite the exhaustion. The rest of the day continued in an ordinary fashion - AKA 6 hours of school - followed by youth group after. By the time Cass and I returned home we were basically beat. We fell asleep in an instant, like I had on no other night. Various dreams ensued and I don't think I've ever rested that well.

  Feel free to leave your Instagram usernames below, ciao!

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Changing of the seasons.

'I've worn out all the reasons to keep on knocking at your door. Could be the changing of the seasons, but I don't love you anymore.' - Two Door Cinema Club

  Important news first: TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB HAS NEW MUSIC OUT. In fact, it's a sneak peek into their new EP, and what better way to jumpstart that with a collaboration with Madeon? (Another one of my favourite artists. Coincidence, I think not.) Though I don't entire enjoy the overly-techno edge to it, it's excusable because well, it's Madeon. The lyrics make up for it in the end, and I've come to relate to them using my own personal experiences. Oh TDCC, you never fail to impress me.

  Anywho I've just been lazing around since the morning, reading and editing my blog template. LUCID STARS has undergone a massive transformation, as you can tell. I'd like to thank the folks over at Confluent Forms LLC for the gorgeous - did I mention free? - minimalistic template. It's basically everything I've wanted and more; within a span of a few hours I was able to tweak the font to my liking. I'd love to change other aspects of the template but sadly, Blogger is being a tad bit faulty.

  Also, to the lovely anonymous asker who requested me to blog about 'people dying young', please bear with me! I've been swamped with numerous school assignments and my attempt at filming a video yesterday proved futile. Thing is, I don't seem to have much of an opinion on the subject as losing a loved one has never occurred to me. Yet I do want to thank you again for your support and patience, and shall figure out some way to convey my thoughts about that subject soon.

  Have a nice Saturday, peeps! x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Happy birthday Trudy!

'Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones.' - Coldplay

  Happy birthday to best friend, Trudy. We have known each other for 3-4 years, and is such a dear. She is the kind of girl that I can go for months without talking to, but when we meet up in person it's like we pick up right where we left off. 

  It's impossible to express all my gratitude for her, and to accurately pinpoint all her perfect qualities. I am completely at ease with her, and we both understand each other to a distinct depth. We're the type of people who joke around with one another, but at the end of the day I still remember the great impact she has had in my life. Even though everything has changed in the past few years, it's reassuring to know that there is still that light of warmth and hope guiding me. So thank you, Trudy, for being my best friend. 

  P.S. I hope you know that every word I mentioned in this post still holds its truth to this day. x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Honey, you're my golden star.

  Happy Monday folks!

  I've finally got around to writing yet another Music Monday post. I had intended to showcase the first song for the longest time, but as to why I have not shared it with you earlier is beyond me. Anywho, this is the last post before I trudge back to school tomorrow. (Dear holidays, please stay.)


  Thanks to Matt, a kind stranger on Ask.fm, I've been seriously addicted to this cover by Two Door Cinema Club. Of course, any mention of TDCC leaves me in a frantic state. I had to look their cover of Treasure by Bruno Mars on Youtube, and boy, I wasn't disappointed. Alex Trimble's honey-like voice really shines through in this particular genre; if TDCC produced more music attuned to jazz/rhythm and blues, I would have no hesitation in supporting them.

  Ah, now this song is a sure winner. I am constantly replaying this mashup of What You Know by Two Door Cinema Club and In My Place by Coldplay. What You Know is an all-time favourite song of mine, and when deconstructed and placed with the instrumental that is Coldplay's specialty, it is pure bliss. Seriously, I recommend you have a listen. What's not to love?

  I discovered this catchy tune through a Youtube video. Yes, I admit that I literally have no idea what they are talking about - but this song was waaaay too fetching for me to pass up.

  Also, a quick announcement; I'm thinking of cancelling the Wishful Wednesdays series as I wouldn't like to have to wait for one particular day of the week to post, or else I'd lose my brainchild. There shan't be any changes in the consistency of posts though, don't worry. In fact, I'm going to upload the 'Best Friend Tag' sometime before the weekend.

  Have a brilliant week, ciao. x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

The scientist.

'Nobody said it was easy. Oh, it's such a shame for us to part.' - Coldplay

  Nostalgia strikes yet again. I recollect slivers of the past, and attempt to piece them back together. If everything was perfect, it should have been impossible for things to have turned out this way. That's where I get confused, and start to question myself. Though it seems that my memory is slipping away from me, because my mind does this funny thing where both the positive and negative events hurt me. Perhaps what I remember are only fragments of actual history. Perhaps, in the blur of another year, I've let my mind wander too far away. 

  On some days, I tune out and imagine myself in that particular situation that happened so very long ago. Then I begin to get restless; I'm back to square one and dangerously on the verge of plain sadness. There are some things I really haven't understood yet. I suppose life wants me unaware of its secrets, but the desire to know is still there. The most important question of them all: Why do I dwell so much on things that will never, ever be settled?

  All the people who are now missing in my previously pictured life are now substituted with others. Of course, there is an irreplaceable minority. I suppose they've left their mark, a deep one at that. These people seem so distant, so forbidden to approach. I've tried with time to erase the past, but I've learnt there isn't much I can do about it or how my mind decides to work.

  On a higher note, I welcome all the new people in my life. It's July, and it's been rather quick that we've dived into this time of year. The fact that some of you have stuck around long enough to acknowledge my worth is remarkable. So thank you stranger, friend, or faithful reader. There's an astonishing 70 of you now (as observed on Bloglovin') who have supported me and LUCID STARS. Each and every one of you has given me something to look forward to. Thank you for your time, for establishing this bond with me over the course of the previous months.

  To end this Wishful Wednesday post, I shall leave you readers with another quote.

'You don't know how lovely you are.' - Coldplay

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Want a blog dedication?

  Hello guys! As mentioned in this post, I will be featuring bloggers on an entirely separate page. If you'd like to be a part of it, I request a simple favour in exchange. Simply comment below and provide your email address, and I shall let you know of my plans!

  Thanks a bunch to those who offered their help, though I need a reply ASAP. So far only Tara has followed my instructions and sent me the desired file, and I'm grateful. I would be genuinely happy if many more of you aided me in this little project. :)

  Without further ado, here are this Music Monday's selections.


My newly formed love for French Soul Party is absolutely outrageous. This song is the best out of their entire discography, and minus the minor explicity I find this tune extremely passionate - one of the factors as to why I love them. Finding obscure bands really feel like I've just discovered a gem, too bad they only have a few songs though!

I am not the biggest fan of San Cisco, despite them being a rather well-known band from my hometown. This cover however, was exceptional; better than the original, I'd say. The lead vocals are soothing on a rainy day, and I sure feel perked up after a quick listen to the chorus.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

The Versatile Blogger Award!

  Hello lovelies!

  I'm pleased to mention that I've been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Dany, author of Bluebells and Owls, as well as Konstantina. Thank you a bunch, you two, it's a pleasure to be able to participate in the blogosphere buzz of this award. If you don't know Dany and Konstantina, please, check them out! x

♡ The Versatile Blogger Award ♡

The Rules:

1. Firstly you are to thank the person who nominated you.
2. On your post, include a link to their blog.
3. Select 15 blogs you´ve recently discovered or follow regularly
4. Nominate those Bloggers for the Versatile Award! leave a link on their page and comment on their latest post to let them know they´ve been nominated.
5. Tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

My Nominations:

1. Seryna from Stop Motion Words
2. Ananya from Style & Skulls
3. Giulia from Kittyqua
4. Maia from Maia Cristianne
5. Erin from Write Dream Run Sing
6. Rebekah from Silver Electrons
7. Richeen from CARPE DIEM
8. Yvonne from Yvonne's Blog
9. Janice from Whimxy
10. Jan from Doorcut
11. Kate from Violet Daffodils
12. Alex from Terner's
13. Yui from A Bittersweet Misadventures
14. Lucia from Lucia Lily
15. Michelle from Venom Cat


7 Things About Me:

1. I adore sweaters and shorts.
2. I am a very fussy, unsatisfied person.
3. When people ask what my hobbies are, I have no idea how to answer.
4. Being fourteen has taught me nothing, hahah.
5. I live with my brother and mother.
6. Clothes are immediately attractive to me if they're on sale.
7. I personally think The Body Shop smells like heaven.

  That's all for now, I hope y'all get around to acknowledging your lovely award. Ciao! x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

It's time.

  Good morning/afternoon/evening, guys!

  I was thinking back to how I had spent time editing my 2011 and 2012 blog history, deciding to only display posts that offered valuable food for thought. I'm not going to lie; some of them were extremely embarrassing. Other than that, I was proud of some of the soul-searching I did. So that's what I shall decide to do more often. Let my fingers drift away to work their way over my keyboard.

  The day was fairly pleasant, despite the intermittent weather. I could tell the clouds were shifting in a deadly pattern, on the verge of producing rainfall at any given moment. However, the breeze was refreshing. Apart from one setback, many sweet people made my day. Smiles all around never fail to get me in high spirits.

  Speaking of this mentioned setback, that's the thing that's been bugging me for ages. You spend days, even months, wishing for a certain outcome. But there's no trace of it in the near future. Some things never go as expected huh? 

  As much as you'd like something to turn out the way you want, it seems you're never given that blessing. I guess I've learnt that again the hard way. Things get twisted, misunderstandings happen and confusion ensues. Again and again, I've been let down. I strongly feel that hope is responsible for all disappointment. I've been trying to adopt the attitude, 'No expectations, no disappointment.' Although harsh, those words are true. I don't understand why I focus so much over one person, no matter how many times I've faced the reality that they don't care. It's unhealthy for me, honestly! I'm stronger than I believe, I know it.

  Also the famous theme song for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, It's Time by Imagine Dragons has been inspiration for my blogging today. Take a look at the lyrics below.

'It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger, but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was.'

  This. This makes me realise that I need to make a necessary change in my life. For once and for all.

  Well, when I went cycling today with my brother, we stopped at the park like we usually do. As I flew back and forth on the swing, I felt free. I shut my eyes and just listened. Nothing. It was silent. And before I knew it, these thoughts invaded my mind again. They have for the past few months. I won't rest until I know the truth.

  So tomorrow is the last day of the school term. Yet another opportunity to make everything right (or even worse), and hopefully one that I won't shy away from. I need a clear answer. Like Seryna told me, 'Closure is good for the soul.'

  In the meantime, I'll be mustering up the courage. Thanks for reading my little rant. x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Alternatively.

  Oh dear. Upon logging into Bloglovin', I had seen the buzz of the latest Blogger topic. Google Reader is shutting down, wow. I honestly had no idea that was coming.

  It would be quite a shame for others, who did take pride their hard-earned fanbase. I think it's safe to say that keen readers very much value Google Reader, if they didn't have any other forms of social sites. I know I sure do. Surprisingly, I haven't any Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr account. Most people my age, as well as most bloggers, would possess these. Some even own a Facebook page for their blogs. I might get into that, though it would be hard to keep a privacy restriction on.

  The amount of blog readers I have are measly compared to others. However, that's more than fine with me! I'd like to think of this as a fresh start. (Yep, yet another.) Things happen, sure. I don't like to think that GFC possesses me, as much as I possess it. 

  One step I'm not going to take is get bummed about it. I have the ability to write a dramatic parting letter, or perhaps even protest, but I won't. I don't see the point in dwelling too much over it; you can't really go about changing Google's mind. It's Google we're talking about.

  Like many others, I'm a member of Bloglovin'. It's a popular blogging network, no doubt about that. They're also my alternative! So if you are willing to stay in touch with me, be sure to follow me on Bloglovin' for up-to-date posts. I'd be eternally grateful to those who are faithful <3

  Now, I hope this post didn't sound in any way spiteful. I've noticed that I type in a manner that may come across as offensive. If so, I'm tremendously sorry! Thank you reading, lovelies.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

Safe haven.

  First of all, I would like to thank all my blog readers. (Note the cheesy smile above.) I've reached the 50 mark, not a milestone for some but definitely for me. I'm immensely grateful for those who have stuck with me through the months, and also the new followers. It's been a pleasure blogging here on Lucid Stars; my day would be instantly brightened up by all you supportive readers. Today, I was feeling a bit blue. Whilst checking my Hotmail in school, I was astounded to see so many comments on my posts. A massive thank you to those who have provided nice words and valuable feedback.

  As a response to this achievement (well, somewhat) I'm going to be doing a new segment or two. I'm introducing Music Mondays onto the blog, and as you might have already figured out, it'll be published every Monday. This is a day where I share my current obsessions, mostly from genres like alternative rock and indie. That's what I mostly listen to, anyway.

  Without further ado, I present to you my top three picks for the week!

  My brother has this song playing for hours on end. It's been growing on me, and I seem to find myself humming it in class. Definitely recommend that you listen.

  Ah, I heard this on the radio and had to look it up. It's got a soft, mellow tone accompanying the wistful lyrics. This is a sure-fire winner for me. Do you ever get that feeling where a song describes exactly how you feel? Well, this seems to be the case.

  One of my favourite remixes in the Tourist History album. Something about it is just strangely calming, yet I can't control the urge to twirl around the house. If you could define freedom in a song, this remix would be it.

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TGIF.

  Thank goodness, it's Friday. To be completely honest, I haven't been feeling up to school. It's the end of the second week and I don't want anymore of it. Things haven't been going as well as I thought they would. Last year, I was really pumped up about being there in general. Now, I have to drag myself to classes. There aren't too many to be with, and all the people who have made me so cheery have other timetables, other commitments. People who I'm eager to be close to have forgotten about me. I've been left with unexpected surprises.

  Not to mention, I've been bombarded with work. The fact that I'm not on very good terms with my parents doesn't help either. When I want a decent conversation, I always find myself troubling everyone. Even if I let out my emotional worries, nobody really grasps the thought. Do you ever feel like people don't understand?

  Yes, I have mentioned that I will be keeping such personal posts in a separate blog. I'll be somewhat sticking to that. Though, I thought today would be appropriate to mention how I've been doing. As a blogger, I don't find the need to sugarcoat everything unlike on other social sites. My life isn't perfect, and who's to say theirs is. What I'm trying to convey is, it's okay to for us to feel like this sometimes. I do quite often. But it's normal; all part of human nature. Things will get better in due time.

  If you don't appreciate this entry, then I totally understand. Some people are personal bloggers, some are not. I happen to be a bit of both. If anyone ever needs somebody to talk to, you can always contact me. I'd be happy to help someone out because I need some too. 

  Have a blissful weekend guys! x

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY

The Liebster Award!

  Hello dearies! 

  Greetings from my luxurious hotel room in Thailand! Earlier on I was just browsing the Internet, and did the usual routine of checking emails. I received a notification about blog comments, and as I scrolled through I soaked in the pleasant words. One particularly caught my eye.

  Katie, a fellow fantastic blogger, informed me that I was nominated in her Liebster Award! (Thank you so, so much Katie, you've made a girl's day. Also, check her out guys!) I'd been aware of this award for a few days, and honestly thought it was out of my league. Upon notice of my nomination I had to do a little happy dance. :)

  The 'rules' are that you write 11 random facts about yourself, then you answer the 11 questions asked by the person who tagged you, and finally you ask 11 questions to 11 other bloggers (who have less than 300 followers). 

11 Random Facts About Me!

1) I have a surprising reaction to back massages; I get into a crazy laughing fit. 

2) Fruits are always welcome on my plate.

3) I'm always soul-searching in bed, which means I have a hard time falling asleep.

4) I'm not good with skincare, so facial products and whatnot confuse me.

5) I don't wear make-up.

6) I'm a sucker for perfect smiles.

7) I have lived in 2 countries, 3 states and 9 houses throughout my entire life.

8) Not a fan of wearing jeans unless needed.

9) I grew up loving Star Wars and Lego with my brother. Imagine our faces when the two were combined. Mindblown.

10) I have a massive phobia of caterpillars, worms, slugs and snails.

11) There's an odd birthmark on my right foot that's just a dark spot. Gross.

11 Questions asked by Katie! 

1) Can you explain what is happening in your favourite photograph?
I just had a henna tattoo done today at the beach. Take a look!

2) Where is your favourite place to hide?
By hide, I assume hide-and-seek. ;) Closets; apparently I used to hide in them all the time as a kid.

3) All time best read?
Oooh, tough one. If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern. I read it when I was 11, still in love with it.

4) Easiest way to your heart?
Food, I reckon. I love eating, that's a shameless confession.

5) What is your favourite TV show?
Can't choose one! I love How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family and Whose Line Is It Anyway?

6) If money was no object, where would you love to go on holiday?
The Maldives. It looks so enchanting and beautiful.

7) What is your favourite item of clothing right now?
A crochet top I bought here in Thailand. It's so pretty!

8) Any trips planned?
Well, after this I'm staying in Singapore again. Then a trip to Bangkok next week, back to Singapore and then I'll finally fly home to Australia.

9) Do you know what you want to do with your future? 
Not really. The most would be a job involving one of my passions plus a stable relationship.

10) Cats or Dogs?
Definitely dogs. 

11) Books or films? 
Books, it's nice to read into the true meaning of the storyline. Connecting with characters and learning new words are valuable. I also like laughing by myself, and casually getting weird looks.

11 Blogs I've tagged!

Melissa (What I Do In My Spare Time)
Seryna  (Unicorn Ate My Homework)
Patricia (All That Glitters is Not Gold)
Mia-Laine (Daisies and Ukuleles)
Russel (iamrusselem)
Cathrine (This is my fashion land)
Kate (Violet Daffodils)
Adeline (Incredible Toes Life)
Ness (Butterfly Kites)
Deasy (Lady Spikes)
Eveleen (eveleeeen)

11 Questions

1) What's your guilty pleasure?
2) How many countries have you lived in?
3) What's at the top of your wishlist?
4) When was the best party you've ever had?
5) Favourite cuisine?
6) Something you would love to do again?
7) Have you done any DIY projects?
8) Most important person in your life?
9) A bad habit of yours?
10) What pair of shoes you love to death?
11) Name your most adventurous deed?

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