15/05/2012
Tonight I’m hanging out with Prince
YouTube footage of him is rare but somebody awesome sent me this. What a guy.
25/04/2012
CARBON KICKS OFF TONIGHT!
I'm on my way out to catch the first side event but I thought I'd better fill you all in as to what I will be up to over the next 5 days (as I know you have all probably been biting your nails with curiosity). Tonight RICKY POWELL is treating us to a slide show of his work at 1000 £ BEND (cinema) on Little Lonsdale Street in Melbourne City, which is going to be narrated by the man himself. Not a bad little Wednesday night if you ask me! Even if it is pissing it down outside.
Then tomorrow night at RTIST Gallery I'm going to this...
Yup, artist and one of the headline speakers at CARBON, Faith 47 along with husband DALeast have their own show happening. She is also an old friend of mine from Cape Town so I am extra excited. It's nice to have some ZEF around town for a change.
Then the weekend is CARBON itself? Don' t know what it is? WELL EDUCATE YOURSELF. Tickets are selling fast and I think the Sunday is almost sold out so get a hustle on yo!
Needless to say the booze is gonna be flowing but I REFUSE to sucked in. REFUSE! Last weekend I threw up all over my Versace (esque) shirt and let's just say it was a lesson learnt. So here's to a busy yet sober next few days.
And I'm off! x
19/04/2012
The Obnoxious Owl Experience
These nails are long gone now but my goodness they were pretty. Purple and gold...so regal, so elegant...OK not elegant but they're my favourite claws I've had in a while. I was due some fresh acrylics so these didn't last long and a few broke and I also am meticulous about posting nail photos so these are old news, but I just wanted to look at them again. Miss you.
Yes yes more nails. See, I don't think of them as just the hard bits at the end of my fingers, I see them as 10 tiny little empty canvases screaming with possibility. And right now, all that is possible is one straight up colour because I am feeling restless of late and can't really sit down for more than half an hour these days. This pink colour lasted all but a week because I went to a mates 30th and it was 1930's themed AND WE ALL KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE FANCY DRESS! (I hate fancy dress) so I changed the colour to a plum...
Looks great in this photo right? In real life...not so much. I painted them myself. Ironically I am shit at doing nails. For those of you that think I have a riveting life, as you can see, all I do is have my nails done, take photos of them and then talk about it.
This is Asha, she turned 30. Such a cutie right? She's only like 5 ft tall and it's hilarious. Plus she can roll a cigarette with just one hand. I luz this tiny ball of trouble.
How fast did April swing round eh? We're mid way through now! Actually...I always kinda think that everyone says TIME IS JUST FLYING BY when I think it's going at a really normal and gratifying pace thank you very much.
This is my bedroom. My cave. My sanctuary. It's where I am sitting right now writing this jibberish and it's one of my most favourite places to be in the whole entire world. Wait one sec....a fucking candle has just melted all over my dressing table...BE RIGHT BACK!
OK I'm back! Jesus what a mess. Speaking of Jesus, it was Easter not too long ago and I am still going hard on the 'ol 'lifestyle change' so instead of chocolate, I bought myself some roses. I love roses. I know it's an unoriginal favourite flower but my care factor is zero because they are the bomb. Look at this one for instance, it looks like it's made of suede! (it's not) I thought it was so special that I gave it to someone special. Special 'tings for special folk. When I say 'special' I don't mean 'spastic' I mean 'nice person'. Just to clarify.
Another purchase made in the month of April was my WAH NAILS book. *sigh* I was so pleased when it came in the mail but it has made me so anxious about my own book that I am trying to write. The words are just not flowing! I think I've used them all up. Help. Anywayzzz, go to Amazon and cop the book. It's a winner.
Hi, I also live on celery now. And brown rice. THESE HIPS DON'T LIE.
Last Sunday me and my bitches went to Rooftop which is a bar on the um, roof in the middle of Melbourne city and we had a ball. a) I wore jeans for the first time in 1.5 years because I dropped 10kg, b) the sun was shining, c) my girls were all on top form and looking wonderous, d) we went to this rad little joint where they serve dim sum in the shape of dolphins. The end.
Like my new iPhone case? It's made of hardwood timber by a brand called A SKULK OF FOXES. I got it from a brand new store that just opened on Greville Street here in Melbourne called LUNAR STORE.
This is the owner, her name is Jules. OK YOU GOT ME, she is one of my nearest and dearest and I am so proud of her because she is a hard working little bunny. Actually not that little, she is tall as fuck. If you find yourself in the area, go in and say hi and tell her I sent ya! You won't get discount or anything but you know, just tell her I said hi.
In other news, who else thinks Barbie is dressed like an unsavoury sort these days? What a role model eh? Back in my day Barbie was way more demure and more 'girl next door' than 'girl in the gutter' Didn't stop me from making her have pretend sex with Ken though. Hmmmm, it appears my perversion began at an early age.
I GOT NEW STICKERZZZ! Get at me if you want some owl@obnoxiousowl.com - also, I just wanted to say that I apologize for not updating nearly as much as I used to. Thing is, I don't want to post just for the sake of posting you know? I want to be passionate and inspired and quite frankly, I respect ya'll too much to just pump out shit for the sake of it. Quality over quantity and all that jazz. But please keep your emails and messages coming as it definitely helps and who knows? You might end up in the book! God speedx
This mag just keeps going from strength to strength. I was in their offices just before the last issue dropped and was fingering through issues from just a little over a year ago and can't believe how they have developed into a force to be reckoned with amongst the other glossy's at your local newsagent. Not that it was ever bad but you know, it's like someone who was always hot started working out and had a wardrobe makeover and emerged SMOKING. Acclaim has morphed liked Sandy did in Grease. Look at their alternative cover by NYC artist Dust La Rock for pete's sake...
If that's not a shiny black catsuit then I don't know what is.
As per, the issue comes with a theme and this one is DIY. So relevant for the world we live in, seemingly lots of ideas and talk being thrown around and little follow through. Acclaim have followed through (not in their pants) but with their words. The team got shit done. Putting Iggy Azalea on the cover is very apt and goes hand in hand with the message...little blonde girls from New South Wales can spit bars in LA with the best of them if they get off their ass and put their dreams into motion.
Not only is the issue a labour of love and hard work, so is their sparkly new website CHECK IT.
AND they have CARBON on the go....you got tickets yet? Fuck that's gonna be a mental weekend. But hey...it's all about getting out there and making shit happen and that's what the whole event is about.
DROP SOME COIN ON THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY
04/03/2012
The Obnoxious Owl Experience
Metaphors aside and on to some real weather and me self indulgently talking you through my instagram pictorials.
We just woke up one morning and summer had done a runner in the night like a one night stand. 38 degrees on the Sunday and then rain like a cow pissing on a flat rock on the Monday morning and it's been here to stay like the last irritating friend at a party. But then again, this is Melbourne so tomorrow we could all be in our bikinis again. Well not me, but girls who can. FUCKING WEATHER, WHAT A CONVERSATION STARTER.
This was taken in the midst of summer. Australia Day to be exact. My homie Paul with his ginger book ends Dave and Nick. Nick is the bloke on the right who has just moved to Australia from London along with his missus Emily and they are also my new housemates. Australia Day was their induction haha. I think they're loving it thus far but they dun know too many people so be sure to say g'day if you see them about, Most likely to be found in sneaker joints.
This is Emily. She is a vision of pastels and blonde hair and a booty you can crack nuts on. Fashion designer, bike rider and cocktail umbrella wearer. I took this photo last night at The LuWow in Collingwood. Dolly Daydream here was in her element.
They're also really good at dinners. Look at this guy for instance. Yummo. All protein and nutrients up in there. Which is good 'cause I'm back on the protein horse. I had a FUCKED 2011, I really did and this gut I'm carrying around is not only physical, it's emotional so I joined the gym and I told bread to take a long walk off a short plank.
This dress for instance. I used to fit in it like it ain't no thang and now it's just a decoration in my bedroom. Well nah ah gurl fran, I am sorting this shit right out. Stay tuned for the purple dress self shot. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later. Can ya'll feel my determination? I drank soda water and lime all night last night for Gods sake.
So a few weeks back there was the GIRLS IN KICKS exhibition here in Melbourne and yours truly was amongst the girls in the portraits. New Balance sent me these babies to wear to the opening night. Now I have always been a loyal supporter of the swoosh (even though I have been pretty much glued to my Vans Authentic's of late) but you know what? I am feeling NB in a big way. Plus they're made in England and I love England AND they are comfy as fuck. I quite fancy a pair in green hmmmm
What would the OWL experience be without the nail pics? A more tasteful one no doubt haha. WHATEVER, ACRYLICS FOR LIFE. Those who have followed this blog for a while will know I rocked the long, square, hoochie claws for a minute, then I took them a bit rounder and now they are 10 little pointy triangles and I luz dem. These are last month's though...
These are the ones I have currently. Except I broke 2 and then just had them painted black. They did it for free because APPARENTLY I'm 'there all the time' . I wonder if I will ever grow out the nail phase hey? Probs not, it's been 7 years
Every year I buy a new wallet and a new diary. Now I'm involved with Moleskine distribution, they were a natural choice for my diary game and bloody Hell you can see why it's such an iconic brand. I am never looking back. I usually get bored of diaries around mid year and then get stuck in again as Christmas approaches but I would actually be lost without this little guy. Green leather wallet I copped from FAT 4 on Brunswick street, holler.
Notice my cushion covers? A reader from Queensland made them and sent them to me with this cute little card! How is it that a stranger knows me better than some of my own family? Girl, you should give them tips in December. Not even worried if Mum reads this 'cause she quit reading the OWL a looooong time ago. Follow 'erincq' on instagram, she's such a doll. And I'm not just saying that 'cause she gave me stuff, she really is.
Has anyone popped into the Converse store in Melbourne Central of late? I haven't been back in since last year when I copped some black low's but I've been meaning to go because I quite fancy some plain white high tops. How good are their carrier bags?
This is another little addition. It kinda makes my room look like a brothel but maybe that will bring me some action. Nah I've just always liked neon lights, found mainly amongst red light districts and strip clubs. Hmmm, no coincidence I swear but really, it says 'LOVE' for fucks sake, it's cute and innocent like moi
Speaking of love. This broad. I think everyone deserves that friend who will straight up tell you like it is and not what you want to hear, and I have found one in this barrel of laughs. My girl Alex has beauty and brains and can sink beers with the boys with finesse.
Lately...well not lately, I guess I/we have always known that with every action comes a reaction and reactions come with consequences. The chicken and the egg story..how did it all begin, where did it all start, whose fault is it, who can we blame, how do we handle things when we're hurt and confused. The truth is, while there are those that really do just like to fuck things up for people, I think that acting on our emotions are what make us human but what separates us from animals, is our ability to have a little self control. Today somebody told me happiness is letting go and moving on. I agree. Holding the happy memories is a lot easier to carry than the heavy weight of baggage. That reminds me, I need new eye cream.
24/01/2012
The Obnoxious Owl Experience
Moving swiftly along...
I currently have a huge hard on for the city of Melbourne and all my friends (non lezza). So as Australia day approaches, I thought I'd dedicate this experience to the city I have grown to adore in the country that has adopted me. They kinda have adopted me actually as this year I hope to become a fair dinkum Australian citizen. Most aussies I know kinda hate Australia Day, it really is just a public holiday where they can get pissed for a reason. End of. But I love it! I am still riding the novelty factor of living down under, it has only been 4 years after all. I nearly piss myself when I see a kangaroo, I love the men (oh sweet Jesus the men are hot), I love the lifestyle and I dunno hey, there is a certain lightness in attitude here that can sometimes come across as ignorant, but then, wouldn't you be if you had no worries mate?
A lot of the things I love about Melbourne aren't typically Australian, they are just things that make me happy to be here. One of the things, is that even in the most urban of areas, there are roses. I love roses. You can walk down the street in the grottiest of suburbs and outside a shit house there will be roses just growing wildly over the fences. I'm always snapping them. See? I can be fucking whimsical.
Sorry more of England's national flower. This is in the cafe in my building. It's a bit of a wanky cafe to be honest. I mean, it's really cool and I like going there because the coffee is like rocket fuel and they only charge me $3.50 even though I ask for a triple shot but the clientele can be a little try hard. Rad food though...they do this smashed avocado and Persian feta thing...oh my God.
NAILS. This is obviously one of the first things I seek out in a new city considering I've had acrylics for 6 years. I live in Abbotsford which is basically Vietnam, and we all know that the Vietnamese know their way round a nail file. 9 times out of 10 you don't need an appointment, they're fast and they're cheap. I'm pretty sure they talk about you in Vietnamese though but hey, I leave with fresh claws and only short around 25 bucks so they can wag their tongues all they like! This is my fave little salon on Bourke Street in the city.
These were the last result. The place is called 'Modern Nails' and it is GHE-TTO but amazing and open till 7 which is great! They let you design your own shizz which I love and they don't anialate my cuticles which let me tell you, is nothing to bulk at.
I took this photo 2 weeks ago on Victoria Street during the Chinese festival. Australia is Asia and every Australian has some kind of affiliation with Asia, even if it's just by association. Nearly every Australian know their way around an Asian menu and I always let them order for me. Coming from Africa, we weren't as exposed the mouth explosions that is Asian cuisine. I live right near a strip of great Vietnamese joints and it's almost stupid to cook when the food is healthy (mostly), tasty and CHEAP. God I love cheap. I love cheap almost as much as I love free.
Look I don't want to start throwing labels around, but I have become pretty green fingered of late. I've really taken pride in my apartment and with my good friend Paul who also shares a love for interiors we went to this dope nursery called GARDEN WORLD and bought us some shrubbery. I had my doubts about whether I could keep shit alive, but I think in this photograph you might say that this guy is flourishing.
The 2 dolla stores. A treasure trove of plastic crap and tacky shit and I fucking love it.
OK, Melbourne is known for it's shit weather. But when they say shit, they mean shit compared to the rest of the country. And when they say shit they also mean inconsistent. Melbourne has the moods of a pre menstrual woman. But I dun care 'cause I get to wear nice jackets and take self photos in the lift HA! Nah, the weather is the only thing that bugs me I gotta tell ya. But I really shouldnt moan after living in London for 7 years, but Perth made me realize how much I adore the ocean. But different strokes for different folks because Perth hits 40 degrees for 2 weeks straight on the reg and to me THAT is shit. Mother nature just can't please everybody can she?
Non Melbourne related but I don't straighten my hurrr any more and have started to let if go natural. Have to straighten the fringe though. I came close to growing it out but I'm too paranoid about frown lines and I already had a 23 yr old come up to me at RoofTop Bar a few weeks back and go 'milf'. So the fringe is here to stay. Anyway where were we...
The good folk at DRUM MEDIA in Perth have let me keep my column even though I now live in a different city. I love it, because it keeps me connected to the place I called home for over 3 years and it was good to me. Last night I finally got round to scrap booking all my clippings. Haha, I still can't believe I get paid to write. Those that know me, know that this really is a dream come true. I know it's only a column but it's mine and I'm proud. So there.
'burn city kids and their steeze. This is easily the best dressed state in the country. Easily. Not to mention the live music that is here in abundance (got nothing to do with Reebok pumps but I dun have a photo of a live gig) - arts and culture and fashion and food and coffee and trams and everything you hear is true about this place. I also love how most Aus folk will affectionately call me 'Tam' even though they just met me. There is an ease about them that I enjoy immensely.
BATS. My favourite part of the evening are when the bats fly over the city to go hang in the Botanical Gardens for the evening. This is the view from my living room...you can't really make them out but dun the city look pretty? I'm telling you, you just go quiet for a few minutes and watch them fly over the city. Hundreds and hundreds of leathery birds swoop the sky and create such an eerie yet not scary atmosphere as dusk kicks in. God I sound like I'm writing a Harry Potter novel, I'm not....I just got lost in my thoughts there for a minute. Do I sound lame? I hope I don't and if I do well...I am still just a tourist after all.
I'm obvs on instagram so follow me...'Obnoxious Owl' - duh
12/01/2012
Immortal Technique tonight in Melbourne
28/12/2011
CARBON 2012
Here are some highlights from last year....
(ps, I've had food poisoning for the first time ever over the last few days. Thought I was going to die.)
ACCLAIMmag.com | Carbon 2011 | Speaker Recap from ACCLAIM Magazine on Vimeo.
18/12/2011
The Obnoxious Owl Experience
Whoah, this just shows when I last did this. Anyway, I went to the CONVERSE party about a month ago or so. There is a swanky new store open in Melbourne Central. It was a good night! Chilli dogs, mojitos, all my crew were there and I got some free chucks. I love free! Free is my favourite price! If it's free, I'll take two.
I loved the invite because you know what? I am currently experiencing a huge love affair with Melbourne. This place is the fucking bomb. My blood runs thickly in Cape Town, my heart is buried in London, my thoughts often drift to Perth but Melbourne baby...I gots feelings for you yo!
I took my car to this dope place in Flemington called MAGIC CAR WASH and whilst I had a coffee, they vacuumed, washed, waxed and polished my little Nissan Micra. She looked like a new woman! So I splashed and dropped 8 bucks on some new perfume for her. I won't lie, I bought it 'cause of the palm trees and now the inside of my vehicle smells like I'm driving a bag of skittles. And you know what? I don't hate it.
This is an accurate view of me right now. Sunday mornings enjoying Australian summer with coffee, magazines and me writing. I am still putting the OWL book together...and it is ALL CONSUMING. I leave for Perth next week where I hope to get tanned, spend some family time and put my nose in my computer. I am not returning to the east coast unless I have an entire chapter under my belt. And with it being Christmas, my belt will no doubt be a bit tighter so this is going to be a challenge. PS, don't laugh at my toes cunt.
It's so heart warming to discover a sticker that you did not stick yourself. This little fella was spotted in Fitzroy. Who wants more? owl@obnoxiousowl.com - God I should have made some with him wearing a little Santa hat! Next year Owlies, next year.
Last weekend I spent Saturday in my candelit apartment getting festive. I'm going to Western Australia for the holidays so I didn't want to go mad with the decor so I got creative....
Say hello to my little friend! $2.95 bags of ribbons from Big W x3 and a pack of blue tak and I got Frankie Mag on your ass. Quite the talking point huh?
I had the girls over for Christmas lunch and it was so frikkin sweet. I got all the kitsch festive shit in. Ah I love it.
The girls...Betty and Veronica aka Grace and Alex, and Celeste is in the kitchen making cupcakes some shit.
This is Celeste tucking in the cheese. Aahhhh I love my girlfriends. They're so important hey?
Alex Weiland with 'burn city in the background. What's not to love?
My Secret Santa gift! Ken Done vintage placemats. How can you hate Christmas is what I want to know.
Merry Christmas to me! My heels wardrobe is slowly growing and I am enjoying it intensely. Although, these one's are sky high...like silly, crazy high. I'm gonna fall over I just know it. Oh God.
Then more Xmas parties with more friends. This is me and Jules. Words cannot describe how much I love this lady. You know when you have that friend that kicks your ass when you're being lame and screams for you from the sidelines when you're winning? Yeah that friend.
We had mac and cheese at the Gasometer in Collingwood. I have put on 782 kilos this week AT LEAST. No more! (she says as she eats a flapjack in bed in her negligee at 2:30 pm on a Sunday)
LOL @ me taking photos like this one.
I saw this on a dusty car window in the carpark outside work. LOL! This and hacking peoples FB status will never get old hey.
Don't ask.
Boo! Haha, our young art graduate at work made this uncanny drawing of me. Ah work! So inbetween writing the OWL book, contributing for StreetPress, Acclaim, SOFIDONUTS etc, I also have been working for a design company called Pigeonhole. But I will be parting ways with them this week and when I get back from holidays I have a new gig that I am excited to announce so hold tight.
16/12/2011
Tonight in Melbourne I’ll be…
Here
And then here...
