Blogger Book Club: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

So I'm a little late to the Blogger Book Club party, but in my defence the time difference in New Zealand is all whack, and I have been stuck in the editing suites all day attempting and failing to create my next short film by Friday.

Good enough excuse right?
Oh well, it is now.

But I did want to link up and share my thoughts on The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I read this a little while before it was decided for Octobers book, but I was still excited to join the discussion. I have seen a lot of peoples reviews and was surprised that some of them have been quite negative.

I loved this book. I really did.

I thought it was beautifully written and had amazing imagery within its words, it was dramatic and scandalous  but not in an obnoxious and obvious way. The characters were well developed and relate-able. It was a bit confrontational, with some controversial topics like molestation, abortion, and lots of sex, but I felt like it handled them well, especially as they were coming from the perspective of a fifteen year old.

 The book was also incredibly sad. Admittedly I did read it at about 3am, I started it on a whim that night and couldn't put it down, so ended up finishing it in the wee hours of the morning. So it may have been my lack of sleep, but I bawled my little eyes out. I thought it was sweet, and disturbing, and heart breaking all at the same time.

I can see how the book has such a cult following, it really is the handbook of awkward and broken teenagers, and I think it is actually the perfect book for this as it is still hopeful, even after all the horrible things that happen to the characters. It also has some beautiful quotes that I adore.

both images taken by me :)

So there you go. My positive opinion among the hate haha. I really did love it, and I will definitely be reading it again, and I can't wait to see the movie.


I give this book a well deserved

Next months Book Club Book is going to be a Crime/Mystery novel, so make sure you check it out!

xx

In Transit

So there is this little website, you may have heard of it... Its called YouTube.
And there are hours and hours and hours and hours worth of fantastic things to watch on it, but searching through them gets a little hard right? So I thought I would help you out today, by letting you know about one particular web series YouTube has to offer you...

In Transit is a web series which was created and written by Maddy Butler and Thulaisi Sivapalan in 2012. It is a dramedy which follows the ups and downs of the lives of four twenty something ‘boys‘; Caesar (John Gomez Goodway), Marcus (Alex Millwood), Arj (Thulaisi Sivapalan) and Matt (Nicholas Richard) and their friends Maya (Maddy Butler ) and Yvonne (Jorja Brain).

The series begins at a time when all the boys are figuring out what it is they really want to do with their lives and the girls are left wondering where they fit in with all these changes.

The first four episodes of the show have aired and let me just tell you, they are great! 

In Transit is witty and hilarious, has fantastic, really well constructed characters and storylines that are amusing and interesting. And it is about the turning point in peoples lives, a group of friends trying to figure out what to do, which is definitely relate-able! It is well worth a look! 

You can visit them at their website which has great 'behind the scenes' features where you can meet the cast/characters, or head to their YouTube playlist (see, what did I tell ya!) and watch the episodes and subscribe!

And now for your viewing pleasure... The first episode of In Transit...

Enjoy my loves, and trust me you will!

xx

*I was contacted by the creators for this review. But all opinions are, as always, my own.*

How Do I Have so Much Crap?

I am kind of stuck on what to write about today...

I feel like all I have talked about lately is my excitement for Disney, my exasperation over university, and my shiny new design business. These things have been all consuming lately, so once in a while its nice to take a break and do other things. So lately...

• I have started playing guitar regularly again. For a while I was too busy, or too lazy to put much effort into playing, but have recently picked it up again. And I am loving it! Its such a nice way to sit down and waste an hour or so, although my poor fingers are paying for their time away from those steel strings.

• I move out of my flat in around two weeks and I keep forgetting. It doesn't really feel like the school year is over (FOREVER this time!) And I have only just started realising I need to get ready to move. I decided to get a jump start on the packing process today because I looked around my room and could not believe how much I had packed into such a tiny space! Seriously, you wouldn't believe what kind of stuff I lugged between cities, just because I didn't want to throw it away. I think I am a borderline hoarder. Today I managed to throw away three bags of paper rubbish and one bag of other useless crap, and I have barely scratched the surface. This is going to be a huge mission...

• I have got back into photography, and have been regularly borrowing a DSLR from uni so I can practise. I definitely need to get one of my own. When I'm not saving up to go half way round the world for a year...

So there you have it, my "inbetween" time is spent doing these things! Sorry i'm not sorry if you are getting sick of me blabbing about Disney, or design stuff, or uni... But this is basically my life at the moment, and I write about me! In the next few months this blog will be going through a few Disney related changes (including a new design, which I obviously LOVE) so I hope you stick with me on my new adventures...
xx

Oh, How Pinteresting...

I haven't linked up with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting for a long time, but I thought now would be the perfect time! I have been pinning one particular theme since getting my exciting news...

I still can't believe I got into the Disney Internship Program!! I'm sure you guys are getting sick of hearing about it, but I got my "next steps" email so things are getting real! First step is renewing my passport!

So without further ado, enjoy my Disney pins that are getting me all excited for my adventures next year!

Source: via Marianna on Pinterest

Source: lucky311.tumblr.com via Christie on Pinterest

Source: loveit.com via Hope on Pinterest

Source: google.co.uk via Kelly on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: disneybound.tumblr.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

Source: browse.deviantart.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

And how cool is this? I am definitely going to have to create a few Disney looks while I'm there!

Source: disneybound.tumblr.com via Leilani on Pinterest

Source: disneybound.tumblr.com via Leilani on Pinterest

Only a few assignments left until I am officially done with University!! I can't believe how quickly it has gone! I'm almost a graduate! Until next time loves, enjoy your weeks :)

xx

Flights of Absurdia...

I have been somewhat absent lately, and I apologise. Life has been moving in overdrive lately, and I'm still finding it hard to believe!

I have officially finished classes at University FOREVER! That's right! Only four assignments to go and I will have a degree! I cannot believe how quickly the last 3 years have gone, but I am definitely ready for it to be over and to move on with my life!

My theatre show Flights of Absurdia has officially ended as well, which is a relief and quite sad. I had a lot of fun working on it, became good friends with the people in my class and really enjoyed the whole experience. However it was exhausting! An entire week full of rehearsals, performances, late nights and acting my lil butt off! It was tiring, I'm covered in bruises, but it was worth it! The show was based on absurd theatre principles and it was definitely weird to say the least!

Typical theatre class "JAZZ HANDS"

I'm currently attempting to set up a payment method for SineadElle Designs, help and tips would be very much appreciated. Prices have been decided on!! More on this later :D

Once I work through my last assignments I can do design work full-time (until I find a job!) and keep saving for Disney!!

I am super happy right now!
xx

Oh Lordy...

I am exhausted.

See over there on my sidebar it says I'm a Theatre Kid? That doesn't just mean I enjoy theatre, I study it.

And today I spent ALL day packing in for my final performance. ALL DAY on a Sunday no less!

So now I plan on sleeping for eternity. Or at least until tomorrow when I have to go back for the tech rehearsal.

Man I wish I could be this cat!

It seems somewhat unfair that there is only one week left of uni, and I still have six assignments to complete...

On the bright side I have been working on three lovely ladies blog designs, and I think I am narrowing down on pricing so I will be available to do more very soon! If you are interested, check out my design page and let me know :) I would love to work with you!

I have also been obsessively reading Disney ICP Blogs and getting overexcited when I don't really have time to. I am already counting down!! (296 days to go!)

This is going to be short and sweet kids. I need to sleep. Or drink coffee. Probably coffee as I have more work to do.

If you never hear from me again, its probably because I have spontaneously combusted. Just know I love you all!!

(dramatic much?)
xx

SineadElle Designs... Help?!

Hey Guys!

So I have been working with a few of the people who took advantage of my Free Blog Design deal, in order for me to build up my portfolio. And I am loving it! I love being able to get to know other bloggers and design them gorgeous blogs!

I just finished working with Kate from Classy Living on her blog design, which was so great as we have been bloggy friends since we both began blogging! We created a cute, pastel  and pretty design which I am super happy with!

Once I have finished working with the eight or so girls who contacted me, I am going to begin to charge for my design services. Mainly because all the money I make will go into my Disney fund, helping to me to get to Florida for my Disney ICP in August 2013.

But I don't want to charge you all ridiculous amounts of money like some designers out there. I want to have cheap prices so even up and coming bloggers, or those of us who are strapped for cash can have a blog design that suits them and their needs.

So that's where you guys come in. I want to know what you think are reasonable prices for me to charge for custom designs? What would you be willing to pay? Please let me know, as I am umming and ahhing about it, and I really have no idea at this stage.

I have created an official blog for SineadElle Designs so go over and take a look, and tell me what you think! I could really use your help :)

xx

Oo-De-Lally, Oo-De-Lally Golly What a Day!

Hello hello hello!!

I have had a rush of new readers recently so I thought I would do a little "Hi I'm Sinead" post just to say hi and update everyone :)

So I'm Sinead...

I live in sunny lil' New Zealand, 

I am a huge film buff, a TV addict, a bit of a geek, I love to read and drink coffee, I am a budding blog designer currently working for free to build up my design portfolio. I love to dabble in guitar playing, singing, acting, and photography. I get excited about the smallest things and I love making friends.

I'm currently stressing and pushing through the last three weeks of my University degree, majoring in Screen & Media. After that I am done with school! I cannot wait! Up until a few months ago I had no idea what to do with myself after I finished school.

Then I made a huge decision. I interviewed for a position in the Disney International College Program. I was terrified and so excited. I then had to wait the longest two weeks of my life for an email letting me know my fate...

A week ago I got said email. And I GOT IN!! I am officially a Disney Cast Member for August 2013, and will be living and working at Walt Disney World for an entire year. Having never been to the States you could say I'm a little nervous...

So now I am desperately seeking a job, procrastinating my nine remaining assignments (with only two weeks to do them!!) and geeking out about Disney every chance I get! I love this little bloggy community we live in and I love hearing from my readers, and getting to know them!

So I hope you all stick around and say hi, I'm off to write an essay about 'creative labour', even though I have no idea what it is! Wish me luck!

xx

Crazy Huge Giveaways!!

Hey guys! Things have been crazy busy over here in my world. I am still flipping out about Disney and now am desperately searching for a job! I still have 3 weeks left of Uni and about 8 assignments do fit in! So for now I am going to hand you over to Chelsea, who is a fellow NZ blogger, and a sweetheart! Go on and enter the flippen hugest giveaway I have ever been a part of!! You know you want too!

I don't know if I can guarantee that this is the biggest giveaway you've ever seen... but if it isn't it must be pretty dang close. So many of my blogging friends are here to help celebrate my 1,000 follower milestone with a massive amount of prizes for YOU! There will be SIX winners as there are six different packages with either 10 or 11 prizes in them. I did my best to evenly distribute the prizes within the packages so there isn't one "really awesome" package...they're just ALL really awesome. Thank you so much to the sponsors of this giveaway! Now let's have some fun!

Rules: You MUST be a follower of Yours Truly via GFC. 

All entries will be verified since you're winning some pretty SWEET packages.

If an item has shipping restrictions (only a couple do) and you are outside 

the shipping area then that individual prize will be drawn for someone else.

NOTE THAT THERE IS ONE RAFFLECOPTER FOR EACH PACKAGE.

You can enter for ALL of the packages!

Sponsors are most definitely free to enter as well for packages they haven't donated to.

Package One:

Custom blog planner from lalaLists, 3 months featured ad space from Only Impossible Until Done,

1 month medium ad space and $10 to Starbucks from My Favorite Finds, 2 Pure Ice nailpolishes (red & gold crackle) from aunieSAUCE, 1 month ad space and $20 shop credit from Sassy Lemonade, 250x250 featured ad space from Craftbotic, your choice of print from Livy Love Designs, $10 to place of your choice from The Jersey Flower, 1 month medium ad space from The Chiffon Diary, set of mustache mugs from Mrs. Bonn Bonn (US only), custom about me/welcome design from KV Confessions

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Package Two:

$25 shop credit from Anna Delores Photography, 1 month large 200x300 ad space from Mom2MemphisAndRuby, $15 to Amazon from The Vintage Apple, silver feather ring from Kelly Stahley Art and Design, 1 month 200x200 ad space and $10 to Amazon from Life Feels Good In Portbail Beach, 2 months medium ad space from The Songs On The Way, $10 to Starbucks from Love, Laughter and Lipstick, 1 month featured ad space and sampler pack of handmade cards from Stop! She's Got a Camera, 2 nailpolishes and ombre necklace from Beauty By T, 1 month 200x200 ad space from All Things Lovely

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Package Three:

Set of 10 4x6" cards from Loverly She, 1 month large ad space from Ninth Street Notions, 300x145 ad space and $10 to Amazon from Sweet Tart Beauty, venti ad space and item from jewelry sale from Pointing Up, gift pack (hand lotion, nail care kit, jewelery holder, bracelet, earrings, 2 soaps and candle) from Dreams And Colour, 2 months medium ad space from The Intentional Momma, $10 to Starbucks and $10 to Target from Aimee's World, medium ad space from The Grant Life, $10 to Barnes and Noble from And Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson, Gryffindor Halloween onesie from Rae Gun Wear

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Package Four:

 $20 shop credit and 3 months ad space from Crafty Confessions, Park Avenue ad space from Jennifer Leigh's Blog, $10 to Starbucks from The Crafty Side of Sarcasm, $25 shop credit from Products of 47, 2 months of 150x150 ad space from Juggling Act Mama, $10 shop credit from Sweet Bella Roos, $10 to Target and 1 month small ad space from Delightful Deets, 1 month 300x300 ad space from Like Ordinary Life, 1 month medium ad space from Living In Yellow, 2 months 200x100 ad space from Monkeys and Tutus

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Package Five:

Snow white stretchy headband from Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl, $20 to Forever 21 from Two Smuppies, $20 shop credit from Imprintalish, Scentsy travel tin from A Muse In Purple, 2 months small ad space and $10 Starbucks from Free Spirit Reigns, 1 month large ad space from Lipgloss and Crayons, mug rug and coffee cozy set from Finding My Way In Texas, custom blog design from God's Little Designer, 1 month 300x300 ad space from Coming From a Place of YES and Everything In Between, 1 month 200x200 ad space from The Funny Thing of It Is, 1 month 200x200 ad space and $10 to Amazon from Pretty Living PDX

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Package Six: Zoya NYFW gloss sampler from Glossy Blonde, 1 month De Luxe ad space from To Sew With Love, $10 to Amazon from Three Peas in My Little Pod, 1 month large ad space and digital print from Live Laugh Love, set of dish cloths (2 cloths and 2 scrubbies) from Impractical Composition, 2 months fabulous ad space from Sinead In The Sun, $10 to Starbucks from Sippy Cups and Pearls, 1 pack fold over elastic hair ties, fold over elastic headband, vinyl wall decal and customized scrabble tile pendant necklace from Adventures of Brad and Kendra, any 8x10 print and 1 month ad space from The Charming, $10 to Maurice's and 1 month 200x150 ad space from Girl Booklet a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

You guys.














HOLY FREAKING AMAZEBALLS















I                    don't                             even...

This was me this morning when I opened my emails...

I saw this...

Followed by...

Then I don't even know! I didn't even finish reading the email. I was running around the house in my pyjamas screaming at my flatmates and jumping around like a complete loon. This is the craziest thing ever!! I was expecting rejection. 

But no. Me and my best friend Rachel (WE BOTH GOT IN!!! How cool is that!!!) will be spending an entire year working at Walt Disney World in Florida, America. I have never even been to America so my mind is totally blown.

This is going to be short and sweet kids. I am so excited I can't sit still. I am celebrating with my friends by watching Disney movies and eating pizza.

More on this tomorrow when I can wrap my head around it all. It's like a dream...

xx