Somebody Call Out to Your Brother

July 8, 2016July 10, 20162 Comments

Facebook is a funny ole thing, isn’t it? God, I would love to delete it. To be rid of it’s constant reminders that people make stupid comments, or that your life isn’t as good as your work colleague’s, or you don’t care as much about social issues as your old primary school friend.

However, it does make group catch ups even easier to organise. It does let my Mum know that I’m still alive. It does make it a million times easier to make friends in a new city.

It also gives the occasional flashback that makes me smile.

This morning, the book of face reminded me that three years ago, I posted this photo of my brother and I – in celebration of his 21st birthday.

If you’re doing the maths, then yep, today (Perth time) my baby bro turns 24.

My brother and I have a relationship that I am quite proud of. Growing up, we were best friends first and brother and sister second. Our parents moved us around a couple of different countries and cities, and throughout all the changes we were each other’s consistency.

When our parents separated, we banded together, moving from house to house each week and sharing in our annoyances of leaving something behind. We coped together with new family members, adjustments to every day life and moving houses several times. We celebrated our new sibling together, and mourned her death together.

When I travelled Europe for six months, Ali shortly followed. He made his own adventures and walked to the beat of his own drum, but we often met up. One of my favourite memories is Ali joining me in Paris to celebrate my 21st, buying me the most disgusting chocolate cake and wandering the winter markets with me.

As we grow up (eventually) I can see we’re becoming quite different people, but I see nothing wrong with that. I love my brother for everything that he is, everything he has achieved and everything that is yet to come. He’s the sweetest, coolest, most down to earth guy I know and I’m so lucky to be related to him.

Gah, all the emotions – I’m sorry!! Being away from home does this to a person.

Happy Birthday little brother, sending you all kinds of love from across the globe.

Hanbel.
x

Who Run this Mother

March 8, 2016March 21, 20162 Comments

It’s so fitting that today I wish to write about my weekend of women. On International Women’s Day, I am reflecting on the wonderful couple of days I spent with some of my favourite ladies.

Andrew’s family are the most laid-back, inclusive, friendly bunch of people I’ll ever know. His sister has included me in her bridal party, even though we’ve only known each other properly for a couple of years.

Saturday night just gone, we celebrated Simone’s impending nuptials with a Gatsby themed high tea and Hen’s party. Flapper dresses were sourced, feathery headpieces donned and party feet stretched and ready to dance.

Andrew’s Mum and sisters

These women; the sisters, mothers, aunties, cousins, partners and grandmother. My goodness, they are something else. I have never had an awkward moment with them, never felt like I wasn’t good enough for them or Andrew and have never felt more accepted into a family that isn’t my own. They support one another, show up when they need to, but know how to laugh at and with each other more than anything.

To Louise, well done for raising three beautiful kids. Simone is the most selfless woman, with the biggest heart, and watching her dancing the night away with a huge smile on her face gave me all kinds of warm feelings.

As incredible as this family is, I can’t let this day pass without mentioning my own. On Sunday afternoon, I picked up my Mum and my Grandma and we headed out to the river for a special afternoon.

The Peninsula Tea Gardens, in Maylands, do an exceptional (and reasonably priced) high tea, with a gluten free menu optional. Mum packed a bottle of bubbles, we ordered our tea and let our stomachs get prepared for the feast.

Mum and Grandma’s slice of heaven (I just noticed old mate in the back, ha!)And one just for me!

Though my Grandma is a very quiet, very British and polite kid of gal, it was so nice just sitting back in the beautiful sunshine and enjoying one another’s company. Plus, these were involved:

Onto more unbelievable women in my life, my second cousin and aunt in England. Knowing that Mum and I won’t have too much time together before I head off, they sent a care package for us. Packets of chips, chocolate, hand cream and two face masks, sent with instructions to enjoy a girl’s night on them. Which is just what we did…

She’s going to kill me for this one… love you Mum!

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
-Unknown

To all the women in my life, I’m so grateful to each and every one of you. Boys are great and all, but there is nothing like the support and love you get from your Mum, step-Mum, best friends and family.

Happy International Women’s Day!
Hanbel.
x

Hey Girl I Wanna Marry You

March 4, 2016Leave a comment

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I love a good wedding.

I love getting everyone together, dressed to the nines with a seemingly bottomless supply of alcohol flowing.
I love the awkward dancing, the touching speeches and the caaaaaake.
I love watching two people tell the world how much they love each other.

Andrew and I were lucky enough to witness this twice in two weeks, first with my step-cousin and the following week at Andrew’s cousin’s wedding.

Two of my favourite guys, my Dad and my little bro. My papa has the best beach house in Dunsborough which Andrew and I were lucky enough to stay in for the week. The first weekend though, was full of quality time with my weird and wonderful family.

Another step-cousin of mine, the beautiful bridesmaid Jess.
And the Bunney clan! (Newest Bunney in the middle, Kate you are amazing!)

Seeing Matt’s beaming face as all of his guests arrived, seeing him tear up watching Kate walk down the aisle, and watching him fist pump his way through the ceremony just made me so happy. Congratulations Matt and Kate, you two are a dream.

Which bring us to wedding number two.
Honestly, of all the weddings I have been to (which isn’t a huge amount, but enough to start thinking that I know everything hah!) these were some of the best. Andrew’s cousin Teleisha is one of the most calm people I have ever met, which just made the whole day relaxed and comforting.

Held at the stunning winery House of Cards, it was the most picturesque setting for the insanely good food, beautiful speeches and crazy dance moves that followed.

I’m totally bias because these are two of my best friends, but I thought the bridesmaids were close to stealing the show!

12802869_10154526249768368_6230666066045880358_n Stolen from Linley, because I had none of the bride, but this dress had to be shared!

… what everyone was feeling this night, way too much of it!

The drive back to Perth (with a slight hangover) was full of reflection on the happiness that was thrown around this week like confetti. No, no one is perfect, and neither is any family, but it’s so lovely when everything can be pushed aside for one night.

Hopefully everyone who wants this opportunity will be entitled to, and soon.

Much love to all; no matter what your circumstance.
Hanbel.
x

And Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Now

December 24, 2015December 24, 2015Leave a comment

Merry Christmas Eve my lovelies!

This week has been a little hectic, driving around Perth picking up last minutes goodies for the big day. However, in between the madness I’ve been embracing the last few days of Christmas cheer.

Baking a lemon and pomegranate polenta cake for an early Christmas at Dads;

Enjoying those few days where all the presents are sitting beautifully underneath the tree;

Trying out a new breakfast spot with mum, pre-errand running;

Hitting up the best Mexican in town for tequila, micheladas and tacos;

Stopping for a coffee at my favourite beach-side hang out;

and tonight will be spent eating seafood and watching Love Actually at Mum’s, our new favourite tradition.

I’m so looking forward to tomorrow, like I haven’t been counting down for months now! It’s a day for relaxing, indulging, laughing, story-telling and appreciating those crazies we call family.

I truly hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas, get spoilt rotten and finish the day with full bellies and hearts.

Much love to all, Merry Christmas!
Hanbel.
x

My Brother

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015Leave a comment

Is so much cooler than me. Everyone agrees. My own friends have met him, and prefer to hang out with him rather than me. (Kidding, kinda..)

He is the most chilled out dude I know, always going with the flow and letting things happen naturally. He never wants a huge fuss, he’s happy with a pint in hand at a local pub with a few of his favourites.

With his amazing girlfriend in tow, they drove The Nullarbor earlier this year, and didn’t mind spending 12 hours in car together.

He also has this incredible talent for graphic design, which he has been studying on and off for the last 5 years. Last week, we were lucky enough to witness his graduation night, showcasing all the hard work these crazy talented kids have put in.

I came home all excited to tell Andrew about the Delorium they had out the front. DELOREAN Hannah, DeLorean. Doh!

Another talented cookie I went to high school with, and his brand Melting Duck. So, so good!

He definitely got all of the artist talent in the family.

Congratulations Ali, on graduating, on receiving the Typography award, for being an awesome human. You’re my little brother, but I look up to you in so many way, this being one of them.

Hanbel.
x

The World of Hanbel

Working on Living that Dream

Tag: family