Jennifer Lawerance: Why Hunger Is Not a Game

Lovelies,

Whilst I've always been one to jump on the bandwagon and pretty much stop by and tell anyone who will listen about my next pop culture cult following, I believe my love for this Hollywood actress stems further than her lead role as (the kick ass) Katniss of Hunger Games.

Sure she won our votes (and a few prestigious industry awards too) for portraying an emotionally challenged girl in Silverlinings Playbook with Bradley Cooper, but that's not my main reason for flying the "I-heart-Jennifer-Lawrence" flag. She recently won a bucket-full of brownie points for rushing off of the red carpet toward a cryingfan, only to comfort her too.  

Most impressively, during a Q&A session with Yahoo! Media, she's spoken about how much scrutiny and pressure is held towards women in society. To be frank, she's irritated, because, well like most instagrammers, she's a full-blown Foodie at heart. 

Now, despite my obsession with clean eating, fitness and general well-being, I'm not exactly a skinny-girl hater, however I'm bloody proud to call myself an advocate for a healthy attitude towards body image. Jennifer is right, growing up a lot of the media coverage did leave me feeling subconsciously rancid, but truth be told I also had a few great magazines which helped me instil a bit of knowledge and confidence in myself as a teenager, so props to you Cosmo body love section, Cleo as well. 

However, times have changed and some girls are thinking Heroine Chic is the style to aspire to. Cue incredible role model Miss J Lawrence to put things into perspective here. 

PS a little something that irritated me was the fact that a quick Google search indicated that rather than including key words from movie titles she had been featured in, people were more interested in her weight, hence the screenshot below. 

Aghhh as horrible as it is, let's ignore Google's suggestions and focus on the message Jennifer is trying to get out, quit abusing yourself by comparing your body to the body of an airbrushed model that probably had a team of experts behind her to assist with everything from a strict diet regime, training schedule, and great lighting. 

Do you agree with Jennifer's "Screw that!" mentality? I know I do. 

Wogarella,

Xx

Image originally sourced from pmchollywoodlife.files.wordpress.com

Carrie Bradshaw Meets Australian Politics

My friends, I have something to confess. In fact when I started Wogarella I contemplated calling it "Confessions of a Wogarella" however I feel that it could get whiny and repetitive so I opted to take you along as I experienced new adventures, whether it physically or emotionally. Usually it's the latter one.

BTW that wasn't my confession. You see I am a SWINGER. Always have been. Now before all the sexual innuendos arise (mind the pun), I genuinely mean I'm a Political Swinger.

I've grown up in a household that supports Labor as strongly as they support the Canterbury Bulldogs. They kind of go hand-in-hand. But as I've grown up, sadly I've had to witness the consistent downfalls this party has to offer.

So naturally, one would think I should be opting to vote for the Libs. And whilst I agree with some of their policies and shouldn't judge a book by its cover, in this case Tony Abbot being the cover, I just don't know if it's enough for me to put my vote in a party that will be lead by someone I'm just not a huge fan of. I mean he is trustworthy in the sense that he has stuck to his ideas and hasn't back-stabbed his own team members (not cool K-Rudd, not cool.) Yet, as vain as it sounds, there's something about him that just isn't very likable.

I could put my vote towards the Christian Democratic Party because, well most of their policies ring true to my personal values. However, they claim that "Some elements of Islam, both internationally and domestically, support the use of terror and violence to impose Islam and sharia law on non-Islamic societies like Australia." This rubs me up the wrong way because even as a practicing Muslim, I don't want Sharia law enforced in my country. Furthermore, these people who suppose such notions are extremists.

The Christian Democratic Party plans on putting a freeze on the immigration of people who practice the Islamic faith. Whilst I agree certain cult-groups claiming to hide behind a religion should be stopped, there's no reason to stop a person from experiencing the beautiful living experience this country has to offer simply because of their choice of faith. Plus, as someone who comes from an Islamic background, it's clear to admit that sometimes, mixing religion and politics just isn't a good idea. It's certainly no organic peanut butter and jam.

Jesus, no pun intended there, as you can see I am a confused kid. So, I've taken it upon my swinging self to put my opinion where my mouse is and try out the poll that has conveniently been featured on the ABC website here.

If you're a fellow swinger or just have nothing better to do with your time, do check it out- it's very interesting indeed.

As expected I narrowly sit between the Greens and Labor Parties. However, it's notable to mention that but the Libs are only a small 3% behind the Greens according to my answers. I firmly believe in Wikileaks though, because at least Assange admits to being shonky, which is pretty Fair Dinkum if you ask me.
 
Internal politics aside, as an Australian I am aware that I am so blessed to live in this amazing country am given the opportunity to vote, but my indecisiveness may very well kill me by the end of this campaign period. I might not be blonde, ridiculously fashionable and rock a massive man-jaw, but I'm feeling so Carrie Bradshaw right now.

Who gets your vote?


Wogarella,

X


Image sourced from somewhereinmiddleamerica.com

Weddings. What’s all the fuss about?

Weddings. There’s so much planning that is involved in executing that one special day that should commemorate the love you and your partner share.

Whether you plan an extravagant wedding in an Italian Vinyard, come from a Hindu background where the wedding is a full-on 3-day party event, or opt to have an intimate ceremony by the beach, it’s one of the most important days of your life.

I've always been a fan of the Backless Dress. Now I understand why all of these brides consume nothing but chia seeds and Spirulina for up to 6 months before the big event. 

Blame It on The Culture

As someone with a Lebanese mother and Syrian father, I think I’ve probably been to more weddings than I can remember. In fact, I am usually strapped for cash, and rushing around frantically trying to find last minute outfits for sometimes up to 3 weddings in the one-month. Cray Cray, I know! My sisters and I have a code word for the month of September, better known as “Wedding Season.” I’ll let you guys in on our personal joke; it’s the season when all of the Mohammad’s /Ali’s we’ve grown up with eventually marry a Fatima’s or a Zeineb. Gotta love a good stereotype. 

But despite the huge weddings, with the traditional drums, delicious mezze’s and crazy dancing, I have never been one to plan even one aspect of my future wedding. This may or may not be because I’m still single.  Or so my mum says. I think I missed that important conversation in time when all of the girls relished at the thought of a tulle dress, the perfect up-do and posies in hand. Maybe it happened when most girls were combing their Barbie’s hair (don’t understand how, I swear I always managed to ruin mine), meanwhile I would’ve been out in the backyard catching lizards with my brother or riding my bike.

When It Just Hits You 

You see, up until about 3 months ago, I was actually impressed with my lack of enthusiasm in that department. That’s not to say I don’t jump for joy when one of my girlfriends announce an engagement or am not the first to get involved in Hen’s Parties. Actually I kind of have a long-standing tradition which always involves me lining up to tackle the bitch that tries to catch that cheap bouquet of flowers the bride throws in attempt to get that fat cherub, better known as cupid to get his ass moving along. I know, how very immature, and superstitious. The reality is I don’t expect my prince charming to astonishingly show up to that same wedding, or even bump into me in the fruit and veg isle at woolies a week later. Maybe I watch too many romantic comedies, but I’m just competitive, so winning that bouquet is just icing on top of that cake. Which, I of course, usually end up avoiding, unless I’m wearing my trusty spanx.

6 months ago I viewed this as a bunch of pretty flowers. Nowadays it's better known as a "Pastel Floral Arrangement"

Social MediaWins the Wedding-Mania Enabler Award

But more to the point, over the past few months, I’ve had suggested wedding related pages popping up all over my Facebook. Initially that’s how it started. I’d like a wedding dress here, a pair of ridiculously simple, yet gorgeous heels there. Until, all of a sudden, I’ve become a wedding enthusiast. My Instagram newsfeed is full of wedding inspired pictures. I thought that was what Pinterest was all about. Hence why I used and abused it for about a week.  My iPhone conveniently alerts me to the exceeded storage limit it currently holds on the daily as well. It wasn’t until I went through my whole camera roll that I had realised how deep I was in. I had saved hundreds of images, as well and screen shots depicting everything from unique floral arrangements, bridesmaid’s dresses to hairspiration pics. I was confused, embarrassed which lead me to even contemplating the thought of making a separate album to file said images. And that’s when it hit me; I’ve been sucked in like the rest. No, it has nothing to do with hormones, or my passion for beauty, but I am addicted to collecting wedding-related images. It’s almost a modern day type of scrapbooking activity towards an event that can’t even take place because I haven’t met the man yet!

Exhibit A: Favourite Insta Page

Wedding Obsession Detox 101 

  

Whilst I’m no longer catching lizards, I’ve managed to delete any screenshots I probably won’t need in the distant future. My phone has finally stopped pestering me about the lack of storage it can hold, and I’ve even limited myself to only liking one Bridal Magazine page, a Wedding Blog and Steven Khalil’s official Facebook page.

Have I completely lost the plot? Has anyone else experienced the sudden need to search for #wedding hashtags at least once a week?

Wogarella,

Xx

*Images unashamedly sourced from the author's phone.