2013 VMA Vault of Awkwardness Continues

Just a few short hours ago celebs were tweeting their way onto the VMA's Red Carpet.

As usual this awards show didn't disappoint, sure there were great performances by the likes of Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, but there were also a few shudder-worthy moments to add to the VMA Vault of Awkwardness. 

I'm putting it out there, Miley Cyrus needs to get off the "Molly". I've spoken of Miley's weirdish behaviour once before here.

But she's absolutely cracked it this time. A few highlights include the crotch grab, frolicking around stage twerking in front of Robin Thicke's man parts and her very-average live voice (no surprises there right?) 

I actually can't even deal with Taylor Swift’s reaction when her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles took to the stage. The bitter beauty has been captured mouthing off to bestie Selena Gomez, as you do when your ex is within the same vicinity. Every time I look at this gif I’m in stitches! It’s even funnier because Selena is obviously onto the shifty cameraman and is trying to play it cool. Great move Sel, great move!

Just in case Harry didn’t get the kick to his groin the first time around, Taylor also thanked "the person who inspired this song [Styles], because now I have one of these".


A full list of winners can be found here.

Do you think the VMA’s lived up to the hype?

Wogarella,

Xx

Gif Sourced from www.pedestrian.tv.

Displaced: A Sense of Humanity

My lovely readers,

Whilst my usual posts cover the likes of inspirational looks from red carpets and inane ramblings, today I have something I would like to share with you. 

I have in fact written of my opinions regarding the issues in countries such as Syria here. However, late last night as I sat in bed, for once in my life I didn't ponder the amount of calories I had consumed that day, nor did I imagine my life as Sandra Sully featuring an ethnic last name. 

I was frustrated with the world wide coverage of events that have taken place over the past few days. At this stage, I think I had consumed way too much chocolate too, so I turned to my other vice, writing. 

Please see my piece below. 

"Mariah once sang there's got to be a way, MJ taught us that we are the world, and Whitney, Whitney insisted the children are our future. 

But what sort of a future will our children hold when we're all lacking a sense of humanity. 

Humble is just a word my mother used to whisper. Power and greed has once again taken over. 

Here we are complaining about consuming too much food, when on the other side of the world we have children starving from hunger, hoping just to see another day. What good is this so called war? What is their agenda? 

Adjust your lenses, you will be surprised with what you'll see 

There are people mourning  sisters, mothers, friends and lovers. Who is right and who is wrong can't  be determined just yet, but emotional crippling for generations to come,  that can be guaranteed.

Once again I ask of you,  where is this sense of humanity?

God is great, they chant, but these terrorists know no God, for they are driven by none other than the devil. 

We have governments claiming peaceful interventions. But a peaceful mission is not so,  as they enter foreign lands they do not know. 

They claim a humble leader is a dictator. If only the arrogance could subside, they will see they're  in fact just looking into a polished mirror. I just hope their heavy investments in barbaric creatures doesn't grow greater, greater than them, for then we will meet for world war three. 

You know, they say Hitler was cruel, but they show no difference in their actions. Sure they appear to be family lovers, these men in their crisply ironed suits, they're also impeccable speech givers. The truth though, it shall prevail,  contributing to the same form of genocide that struck so many years ago.  

As a final departure, I say, dear friends, friends of religion, friends of culture, friends of humanity, open your eyes. 

Though, once you do, please be warned, because funnily enough should you question any of the given information, you'll be labelled a conspiracist.

 But conspiracies aren't of interest, well not for this young lass. I may not be a celebrity, but  I hope you can be inspired, for my only aim in this life is to broaden a slight sense of humanity."

Vent over. My heart goes out to every wronged person. I hope you can appreciate my reasonings for writing such a heartfelt piece and relish in the fact that somewhere out there's someone who doesnt get to experience a "Happy Friday." 

So folks! Despite getting on a dodgy train or having to get through a dreadful winter's day, thank your lucky stars because your sisters and brothers in humanity would give anything to trade their places with you. 

Wogarella, 

Xx

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

Miley, You Can Stop

Miley Cyrus, I put up with your accent during Hannah Montana because I'm a Disney fan. I loved "The Last Song" because it was based on a Nicholas Sparks novel and featured none other than Liam Hemsworth the babe. In fact, I won't lie, I'm 23 years old and "The Climb" is one of my favourite songs to belt out in the car whilst sitting in Sydney's revolting traffic situation.


But one thing I do not like, is your hair. Soz, I just don’t.

It’s okay though, who am I to judge? You’re obviously going through something traumatic in your life. Or maybe, just like every other woman out there, you just wanted a change.


Regardless, you hair isn’t really why I’m writing this blog. You see your try-hard, wannabe; OTT film clip actually kills my life. The whole Faux Lesbian girl thing has to go. I like that you’re edgy, but if you’re not careful it can lead to tacky.


The song however, couldn’t annoy me if it was on repeat for two weeks. True story, yes I’ve had it on repeat, what of it?! I absolutely ADORE the song. It's the best radio song to come out since Taylor Swift's catchy, yet winey "Weeeee are never, ever, everrrr, getting back together!!"


Enough fan-girling here. What I’m trying to say is, Miley, I understand you're trying to find your feet; I really do, but please stop trying to be a mix of Rihanna and Lady Gags.


I hope you’re not offended. We can totes still ride horses together (at Billy Ray Cyrus’ Ranch) in the summer time, or even sniff some coke if that’s what you’re into these days. **


Check out the vid below.












Are you a fan of slobbering Miley?



Wogarella,


X













** This author is a total health freak whom does not condone the usage of abusive drugs in any way, shape or form.

Image sourced from www.billboard.com.

An Honest Depiction of What Ramadan and Eid El Fitr Mean to Me

As Ramadan almost wraps up, millions of Muslim’s around the world will be preparing sweets in anticipation of Eid Al Fitr. As a child some of my fondest memories include sitting beside my mum on the dining table watching her form perfectly baked Maamoul and Seewa biscuits in celebration of the holiday to mark the end of Ramadan. For those who didn’t grow up in my Wogarella household during that last week of Ramadan, it means I got to witness my mother and older sisters take spring-cleaning to a whole new level. Every curtain was to be washed, every window seal wiped and every glass window shining bright, well you guessed it- like a diamond. It has been a long-standing tradition that as we break our fast each night and purify our body, we must do the same for our surroundings and ensure a clean and pure environment. Let’s just say that if you live in an area that’s highly populated with Muslim’s then you’re lucky to find a bottle of Windex left in the cleaning isle at Woolies.



Cleaning aside, the week before Eid meant and still does mean, I, along with my whole family get to taste the aforementioned scrumptious biscuits. To be quite honest, we usually double-check and taste test again purely because my mum’s handmade variety of semolina based biscuits stuffed with either dates, pistachios, and walnuts always have our mouths watering. Now, let me tell you, these high in butter, sugar, and everything that’s bad-for-you-but-tastes-amazing-nonetheless treats, filled the whole house with a warm aroma of rose water and lemon scented sugar syrup that will always remind me of this time of year.

Traditional Maamoul Bsicuits

I’ve always enjoyed fasting, from sunrise to sunset. I’ve never been much of a fan of the 4am wakeup call for breakfast before the sun goes up, so I usually skipped it and rode it out like a tough cookie and stuffed my face once the sun had come down. This year though, it was a little different, this year I was cursed with a horrid virus, followed by an injury which meant I would have to break my fast for the rest of Ramadan as my doctor has ordered me to consume a cocktail of pills/Syrups during the last two weeks of the Holy Month.


As many of you already know, anyone who falls ill or carries a pensioner’s card is excused from fasting and encouraged to instead donate a desired amount of money (for each day missed throughout the holy month) to a chosen charity or those whom are less fortunate.


This month I hope to send off my hard earned cash to people who can probably count the amount of times they have eaten pistachios or walnuts on one hand.



Now before I conclude this piece, I would like to share this video with you. Whilst it doesn’t have anything to do with my mother’s cholesterol infested biscuits, it showcases the true struggle of an innocent human being. I am by no means a Muslim spokesperson, simply a moderate Muslim girl growing up in Sydney who loves Miley Cyrus’ new song as much as the next person. However, as a girl with Muslim parents who have instilled strong values in me which are constantly being challenged and exercised, it pains me to see a girl only a few years older than my niece suffering so much due to the own fault of her parents who claim to be “Muslims”.


The video, for those who are wondering showcases a brave speech by 11-year-old Nada Al-Ahdal from Yemen, who ran away from home due to being forced into marriage by her parents.

It’s confronting isn’t it? I write this to you, because I know Muslims are often viewed in a negative light, some of which I admittedly believe deserve it because they’re extremists who prefer to hide behind one verse in a holy book, murder innocent civilians and claim they’re faithful. But this one is for all of the Muslim’s out there who don’t have a bad bone in their body. I wish you and your families “Eid Mubarak,” or “Happy Eid” for our more westernised Muslims.







Wogarella,



Xx


*Photo Sourced from my Auntie's iPhone as my mother is yet to send me a pic!

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.