There’ll be Parties for Hosting, Marshmallows for Roasting

December 22, 2015December 22, 20157 Comments

19th December, 2015. The 9th annual Girl’s Christmas.
(Although Lucy and I only came along 5 or 6 years ago – and vastly improved the day, I must say).

MY FAVOURITE DAY! Especially this, year because I got to host. It was great fun putting the table together for my special ladies, and luckily we all bring a plate of food every year, so catering was easy peasy!

I absolutely love these gatherings because the food is always delicious, the banter hilarious, the mood super chilled out, the presents well thought out, but most of all; it’s the best company.

I have the best friends. I know everyone thinks they do, but you are wrong. Mine are the very best. Ha! I kid, but they are the best for me. As we are growing up (a little) we are becoming very different people. Somehow it works though, and we mesh into this loud, crazy girl tribe.

They have my back, always, and I have theirs. Which is why it’s so beautiful to come together every year and enjoy each other’s company.

Plus, FOOD.

My little watermelon, mint and feta skewers

My home gurl Anh making us a Pimms bowl, like a rockstar

The essence of Christmas; TurkeyYep, I straight up forgot to photograph the rest of the food (too hungry) so here we have it all on one plate. Rachel’s roast pork and crispy crackling was to die for, as always.“Let’s take a group photo”I love you guys, like a ridiculous amount

Lucy, the fricken gem, on top of making a divine berry cheesecake, pulled out a box with homemade gifts for us all. Completely unexpected, but very warmly received. She made us all rocky road, cookie dough truffles and our own personalised mugs!!

Try and pick mine, it may or may not be caffeine related..

p.s. Thanks Rach for the pic!

I hope you all have memorable Christmas meals, like this one. Full of love, laughter, full bellies and warm hearts (too corny? I’m rolling with it).

Lots and lots and lots and lots of love to my special ladies, you make being friends very easy.

Hanbel.
x

You Used to Call Me on My Cell Phone

October 27, 2015October 27, 20154 Comments

This past weekend was bliss; spending time in my favourite place with a few of my favourite people.

I thought it was about time I showed off Papa’s Dunsborough house, and invited the crew down for a sneaky weekend getaway.

Which begun the best way possible: Coffee and Croissants… (Just a heads up, this was a VERY indulgent weekend)
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So I Decided to Watch TV Instead

August 20, 2015Leave a comment

Today, my brain needed a little assistance for a decent blog title. I began researching “good TV quotes”, which turned out to be a colossal mistake. Instead of sourcing a cute pop-culture quote about how much fun TV shows can be, I came across a list of famous authors bagging out the television set and, to paraphrase, how we are all idiots for watching it.
e.g. “Watching television is like taking black spray paint to your third eye.” – Bill Hicks

Excellent.

Then I came across this one:
“On Friday night, I was reading my new book, but my brain got tired, so I decided to watch some television instead.” – Stephen Chbosky

Which explains the exact reason why I watch TV shows!
Yes, I read books. Quite a lot actually. However, after a long ass day at work, an hour or so of exercise, and a mad rush to get dinner ready I don’t always feel like stimulating my brain. Sometimes, a gal just wants to chill the eff out.

So screw you famous and magnificent authors, I will indulge in my TV shows whenever I like!
*But also, thank you so much for creating such beautiful works of art that I really do enjoy reading.

Behold… my current favourite forms of anti-brain training:

1. Orange is the New Black

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I’m only into Season 2 (behind the times, I know), but I love it. It’s clever, funny, sombre, confronting and uncomfortable at times. Addictive, so damn addictive.

2. Pretty Little Liars

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After 5 and a half seasons, I’m not even sure if I like this show any more, but I have come this far. Plus: we FINALLY got some answers.

3. Suits

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Harvey Specter. Harvey fricken Specter. Nothing like a good power play over a New York hot dog stand.
Plus the incredible Dior outfits that Jessica dons, and every storyline Donna is involved in. God, I just want to be her.

4. House of Cards

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I feel like I really need to pay attention while watching this one, because American Politics are not my forte. However, it is super interesting and Frank Underwood’s manipulative games keep you hooked.

5. Community

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Except Season 4, because Dan Harmon took some time off writing. It has hilarious and unexpected storylines, using clichés in the best way possible. Very clever comedy.

6. Downton Abbey

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God bless my mother for introducing me to the wonders of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. I have such a soft spot for period drama because of this and love settling in for some early 1900’s action.

and some old favourites:

7. Gilmore Girls

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I have watched this over and over since I first discovered the re-runs on Foxtel (also, coincidentally around the same time that I discovered coffee). The quick, pop-culture reference filled banter gets me every time!

8. Friends

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My comfort show. When I was 18, I’d come home from a night out and watch this with a bowl of mi goreng, trying to sober up. Last year, it kept me company while I had four days off work battling a horrific cold. Immediately after we lost Rhiannon and I didn’t want to think anymore, I’d pop this on and get lost in Chandler Bing’s shenanigans and sarcasm.

Say what you want about TV rotting our brains, sometimes it really helps.
Just make sure you balance it out with enough exercise, outdoor activities and socialising, so you don’t end up like this:

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Hanbel.
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Hanbel, it’s Your Birthday

July 31, 20152 Comments

Happy birthday Hanbel!*

*The blog, not the person.

One short year ago, I started up this blog, and I’m so happy I did!
I still feel like it’s got a long way to go, but so do I. In time, we will both grow more than I could ever imagine.

I love writing on here every week, whether it’s dribble, a collection of photos, and event in Perth, or just reflecting on life around me.
It’s just like having a diary, with the added bonus of including photo memories.

I’m actually having the best time revisiting my old posts, and some of my favourites are from the simplest of days.

Like this day in the middle of last winter;

Or this BBQ breakfast with friends;

Adventures in Sydney;

Summer festivals with the gals;

Christmas with my nearest and dearest;

Celebrating a special girl’s birthday;

Road tripping with a cute boy;

Exploring Australia;

and eating my way around Perth with mum.

Looking back on it this way, it’s been a pretty good year! Thank you for sticking along for this wild ride.
Bring on the next 365 days!

Hanbel.
x

With Friends Like These…

February 26, 2015April 9, 2015Leave a comment

Hello friends. It occurs to me today, that I have never told you why I have named by blog “The World of Hanbel”.
It seems so insignificant to me, because I have heard this nickname a thousand and one times, but might not make sense to those of you who do not know me. (Assuming, of course, that there are any of you out there..)

Its pretty complicated, so bear with me while I explain its many intricate details.
My name is Hannah Bell. Shortened to Hanbel.
Well.. there you have it! I’m glad you stuck with me through that intense explanation.

It all began with these lovely ladies:

This is the oldest, and most horrible photo I could find of us all as a group. This shot was taken around 6 years ago, about the time (roughly, I can’t remember exactly!) the nickname begun. You see, there was another Hannah in the group, and I made my way in a little later.
As hard as she tried to keep herself as “Hannah 1” and kept me as “Hannah 2”, the girls just ended up sticking with Hanbel.

“Hannah 1” (go on, try and guess which one she is!) has since moved to Melbourne, but the name has stuck with me – through several different blogs, through new friends, it even makes an appearance written on my bike.
Now while the group has changed a little, with people moving on or new girls being introduced, it too has stuck with me over the years.

These beautiful humans are the nicest people you will ever come across! They saved me from a time where I found myself involved in toxic friendships and bullying circumstances. NOT fun.

You know those people that you just be completely yourself with; treat horribly, get grumpy and snappy at, act completely insane with?
These are my people.

They’re a special bunch, but I think they’re the bees knees.
If you happen to find one of these, make friends with it – it will be endlessly rewarding. You might even get yourself a little nickname.