life lately

First of all, I want to apologise for my absence on this blog as of late. I've been focusing mainly on my floristry course, which is now winding up. I'm so excited for my finals next week! So I've been in planning mode for that. The course has been a fun and challenging part of my life for the last six months, but I feel ready to move onto my next adventure, whatever that might be.

Basically, once I finished school, I knew I wanted to pursue some sort of creative career. I struggled to imagine myself doing anything else. After a lot of thinking, I decided to study a Certificate III in Brisbane, which would be a six month commitment. Originally, my plan was to study graphic design, but when I rang up the school to enrol, their phones weren't working for a day. That gave me enough time to realise how much I didn't actually want to study graphic design.

For me, it was the safe and sure option. Study something that would give me guaranteed desk job, and something that I already had experience in. I knew how to use the different programs and platforms they would be teaching. People had told me I would be really good at it. But when it came down to it, I just couldn't bring myself to enrol. I remember going online to the school's website and opening tabs for every Cert III they had on offer, and closing down all of them. Except one. Floristry.

Unlike a lot of other florists, I didn't grow up with floristry as my dream job. In fact, I never really considered it as an option until that moment. It was so unexpected and new that I decided to just go for it. I arranged for some work experience at the local florist, which helped to confirm what I wanted to do, and then rang up to enrol. This time, their phones were working.

Floristry is harder than I expected. I also didn't expect to love it as much as I do. You'd think that the more time you spend with flowers, the more immune you become to their beauty. I've found that the opposite is actually true.

So what's next for me? As of right now, I'm taking it a day at a time. I hope to get a job as a florist very soon. I'll keep you posted!

May

P.S. I would absolutely love to do some flower DIYs here on the blog! What would you like to learn how to make?

ten tips for thrifting success

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

If you're not already using an online thrift store directory, check them out. For Aussies, that's opshop.org. Or else, type 'op shop' into Google Maps to see all the nearby ones. They are often found in clusters. Don't forget to find out opening hours--and leave a bit of space, as some close before their listed closing time.

2. VISIT SMALLER SHOPS FOR SMALLER PRICES

Handwritten price tags are likely to be cheaper. Church and community run thrift stores, rather than chains, have the really good bargains. You'll want to blacklist the more expensive places.

3. SET A BUDGET

Or else just an idea as to how much is your limit, per shop. You could also work on a donation-per-purchase basis.

4. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES

Wear a singlet, or take one in your bag. Bra with removable straps in case you want to try on something strapless. Comfy shoes. Don’t forget a water bottle and snacks.

5. DISREGARD SIZING

At least at first. Sometimes clothing items are misplaced, tags mislabelled or missing. Also, oversized sweaters are the best.

6. DON'T FORGET TO LOOK IN EVERY SECTION

I've purchased many a stylish vintage tee or comfy flannel from the guys' section.

7. PROPERLY INSPECT EACH ITEM

The occasional missing button and stained splotch are to be expected. Make sure you find them in the store instead of once you get home. Check that all the zippers are in working order and sturdy. Sometimes, I've received items discounted for small stains I knew I could get out later.

8. NOW, CULL YOUR PILE

The more you thrift, the more of a system you'll develop. I like to grab everything I like, then, cull down most of it before trying on. Looking at everything with fresh eyes helps, a lot.

9. ALWAYS TRY EVERYTHING ON

Even if you are 99.9% sure it will fit…speaking from experience here.

10. KNOW YOUR BRANDS

This means you won't get cheated. If you know all your department stores brands you won't end up paying more for an item than it was bought for originally. It helps to know fabrics, as well. Make reading tags a habit.

Hope this helps and inspires you to head out and find a bargain!