May's Best Bits

As the end of each month comes to its close, I try to think back to what I thought were the best parts to write this little monthly post. Well I started thinking yesterday, and again today, and I still have nothing great! I guess May was really a non-event type month for me. It seems as if majority of what I did was work, either at both of my regular jobs or at Uni! And if I sat down to crunch the numbers, I'm pretty sure they would support my proposition.

I did take two nights off the bar to celebrate the birthdays of two of my dearest friends. We ate dinner in cute backyard restaurants in the city and I drank a few too many Lychee Mojitos! Although I was a little late because I had to work, I always enjoy my time spent with these wonderful friends. The other two weekends were spent making new friends at my bar! I have some regular customers now and they truly make my night go much faster! They have been super flexible in their drink orders and place their trust in my drink mixing abilities each week. I'll have to step up my game and think of something great for this weekend's shift!

Whenever I had a small window of alone time in May I picked up my copy of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. Yes, I realise that I am several years behind on this read. But the truth is, I was never inclined to read it because I knew about the content. One day though, I saw it in a second hand store and thought about reading it again. It has taken me much longer to get through than most books. Not because I think it's bad or anything, I actually think it's written beautifully (especially from a young, first time author). Its just that the content is just a little unconventional to me... While the first chapters were incredibly hard to get through, I can see now that it offers much more than the idea of a brutally murdered teenage girl going to heaven. I only have a few chapters to go, so hopefully I can finish it before I have to put all non-law related reads aside in preparation for my final exams.

Hopefully June has much more to offer! What was your favorite part of May?

Sunday Sounds: Andy Bull

Today's Sunday Sounds is a cover of Tears For Fears 80's hit Everybody Wants To Rule The World, performed by the highly talented Andy Bull! I wanted to share this with you the moment I heard it a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find a YouTube clip! Boo! Anyway here it is...

Triple J do these 'Like A Version' sets every week and they are seriously amazing! So if you like hearing some classic songs revamped by today's emerging artists, I'd be more than happy to share my little cover collection. I might even make a monthly thing of it sometime soon.

Also, I'm thinking about turning 'Sunday Sounds' into a link-up so I can take a sneak peak into the music you guys are loving! What do you think?

Angus and Julia Abroad

There is something great about befriending your favorite artists on Facebook. Mainly because you get a little sneak peak into their lives in an incredibly raw, unpolished form. Indie Folk duo Angus & Julia Stone are just winding down their European Tour, and photographer Jorgen Nordby was there to capture all the action. These are some seriously great photos. Experiencing a little lens jealousy here!











































Sorry for the massive photo overload. They were just too beautiful to overlook.

Autumn's Almost Over

 Top - Maurie & Eve

Cardigan - Agent NinetyNine

Shorts - Quirky Circus for Mink Pink

Belt - Thrifted

Hat - Dangerfield 

Shoes - General Pants

Holy moley! Another season is winding up and soon it will be Winter! Although, it feels as if Winter has come early this year. I've been wearing layers to bed, even more layers to work and incredible amounts of layers to University. My fireplace has been alight almost every night, and Joel and I have been going to sleep in pre-warmed beds! I think my electric blanket has become my new best friend. Even if it makes me run late almost every day.

May has had an abundance of those brisk but sunny mornings. Those ones where if you look out of your window it will appear to be a fantastic day outside, but the moment you step out the door, you know you are going to regret wearing tights instead of jeans! Fortunately, today was a little warmer than most have been. I waited until the wind had settled to venture outside and show you all my very colorful trees! I hate seeing trees without leaves. It's as if they are naked almost? But, the leaves did make for some pretty fun shots. My kitty even joined in on the action!

What was your favorite part of Autumn? (Even if it's been long gone for you).

Sunday Sounds: Foster The People

You may remember Foster The People from their super catchy debut single Pumped Up Kicks. Well, this week I would like to share a new track from their first album Torches released only a couple of days ago. This is 'I Would Do Anything For You', and according to an interview with front man Mark Foster, its a love song about "two people just concurring the universe together". I purchased the album yesterday and upon listening to it in full today, all I can say is WOW! Torches has an undeniable "Foster The People" sound, with an incredibly broad appeal. While it's familiar and modern, with a bass line perfect for many hours of relaxation on the couch, it can just as easily have you dancing your heart out in the bathroom! And that's the best part about it.

It's safe to say that this trio are pretty much set for success. They are already on the bill for some major music festivals here in Australia and internationally. For more information on upcoming shows, head to their website HERE!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Sunday!

Great Expectations

A little over a month ago I posted about a darling little chiffon Maxi Skirt that formed part of Mink Pink's Fall 2011 range. I instantly fell in love the effortless look of pairing a maxi with an over sized jumper! And well, it's almost winter now, but the wonder of pairing these two polar opposites has not worn off! Just look at the latest photos from the latest collection for proof...

This rustic red 'Great Expectations" Maxi is fastly becoming a weakness in my recent bid to start saving money! Luckily I have a gift certificate to one of the stockist stores! Yipee!!!

As always, you can view the rest of the Winter 2011 collection HERE.
And shop Mink Pink HERE.

Fill In The Blank Friday

Its that time again... that five hour block of boredom between winding down from University and heading to work at the bar. Thank gosh we have Lauren and her little blog link-up to save the day!

1. People always tell me I look like Katherine Heigl! I would always get, "you remind me of that Grey's Anatomy chick" or "that lady from Knocked Up". Not so much these days, but I could definitely see the similarities when I had blonde hair. She doesn't have the same out of proportion teeth to gum ratio when she smiles like I do. HA!

2. Friends don't let friends date weirdo's! Unfortunately there was once a situation where I fell a little short of this friendship requirement. I lead my best friend astray one night... Right into the arms of someone who I thought was a genuinely nice guy, but who ended up being the kind with a little too much baggage! That's not a story for the interweb though!

3. A sunny day is perfect for feeling guilty for being inside! That's why each Summer I promise myself to make the most out of every blissful day. It's almost Winter here now, and mother nature has been giving us weather that makes me feel the complete opposite of guilty for rugging up and snuggling inside.

4. My favorite accessory is rings! Especially big unique looking ones! Even if I have absolutely no other jewelry on, I will always wear something on my fingers. They just feel naked otherwise!

5. If I could afford it I would take the second half of the year off Uni and travel! I'm finding myself getting increasingly frustrated at home these days, and I think it's mainly because of routine. But that may just be ending soon... and I may just have some exciting travel news coming up!

6. The cure for boredom is picking up your phone and giving someone a call! Even if you can't meet in real life, you can definitely kill some hours catching up!

7. I'm currently in "like" with sushi! I know I said this last week, but it's becoming a serious deal! I eat at the same sushi train three times a week on average! And if for some reason I don't have time to stop in, I get takeaway! It really is that amazing.

If you want to play along and you don't do so already, head over to The Little Things We Do to join in!

A Night Off

I know it's almost midweek, but I thought I'd share some moments from the weekend anyway... On Saturday night I was lucky enough to score a night off the bar! For the first time this month I was on the side with the patrons, celebrating a birthday with some of my favourite ladies.

We definitely made the most of the night, and even got a little bit silly! In the midst of it all, I even divulged the secret ingredients of an amazingly fruity drink I have been making at my bar! Luckily enough I made friends with a lovely bartender who shared some of his great creations with me in exchange!

For anyone who wants to try something new... Order Absolute Peach Vodka, with Passion Fruit Cocktail Flavoring and muddled lime, topped with Lemonade. Mmmmmm!

Overall it was a great night. A sole contender for the highlight of my weekend! I'm looking forward to my next night off... whenever it may be.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

The Simple Things In Life

The lovely Jesslyn Amber (the face behind her self-titled blog) is now hosting the sweetest link-up! Its called The Simple Things In Life and is centered around the idea of appreciating all the wonderful things in life that we usually wouldn't cast a second thought towards. She believes it to be a great way to remain optimistic and remember that "life is about enjoying the little, special, simple joys of our everyday".

I originally started this little blog of mine for the exact same reasons! I was in a place of complete negativity and was searching for a way to put aside the trials and tribulations of the previous chapters of my life and move forward in a more positive light... And it certainly worked! So I will definitely be playing along. There aren't any rules with this link-up, you can participate using photos, lists, written excerpts or whatever takes your fancy!

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For my first contribution to The Simple Things In Life, I would like to stop and appreciate the warmth of an open fire. Since moving to my new house just over a year ago, I have been able to experience the comfort of heat in its raw fire form (so so so much better than an electric heater). The winter weather has seemed to arrive a month in advance here in Australia, and so the fire has been started much earlier than usual. Although I can lay in front of it for hours, I always seem to forget that it needs more wood to stay alive! I think my kitty enjoys it the most. It's Mindy's first winter, and while she was terrified of the fire on the first night she has become very fond of it now. She no longer sleeps at the foot of my bed, but rather at the foot of the fireplace. I'll have to take one of those cliche' cat sleeping in front of the fire type photos. Either way though, it is impossible to whine about being chilled to the bone when you have a fireplace!

Head over to Jessyln Amber to check out her list of simple musings, and play along next Thursday! 

Sunday Sounds: Jorge & Alexa Narvaez

I was feeling a little under the weather today, and so this weeks Sunday Sounds is bought to you from Joel. The song is a cover of Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes' single Home, but it stripped down and sung by Jorge Narvaez and his daughter Alexa. So here goes... 

You can visit Jorge & Alexa's YouTube Channel here!

Sunday Sounds: City and Colour

This track from City and Colour was unveiled about a month ago, and I've pretty much been in love with it ever since! It's certainly a transformation from the acoustic type solo project songs we have come to know Dallas for, but that doesn't mean it isn't any good! If anything, these new tracks with their electric guitars and strong drum beats show diversity and extreme amounts of talent. 'Fragile Bird' is the first single released off his upcoming album Little Hell, coming out June 7th! Get excited!

I think I chose to share some Dallas this week hoping that it would set the mood for the rest of today's events. It's Mothers Day, and a relaxed Sunday with the Fam is just what I need. I am off to get busy in the kitchen to cook my Mum and Grandparents a delicious lunch! Happy Mothers Day to all the bloggy Mummas!!!

Fill In The Blank Friday

1. What I love most about my home is how peaceful it can be! On those blissfully sunny mornings when my dogs are lazing about in the sun and not creating a ruckass, I love that I can sit on my front veranda and just listen to nothing but nature. It's mainly farm noises, but nature nonetheless. It's much better than the sounds of the suburbs anyway.   

2. I'm excited because I only have one more month of this semester to go! And then I get to enjoy a 6 week break!  

3. My preferred method for blowing off steam when I'm frustrated is usually just to have a good cry about it. Sometimes if it's something trivial that has managed to frustrate me, I write one of those really cryptic but still easily decoded status updates on Facebook. I never post them though. Just the writing is relief enough.   

4. Currently I am not craving anything. I am pretty well fed today.   

5. The thing I love most about my mom is her kind nature. She will almost always be thinking about other people before thinking about herself. She always likes to see everyone in their best light. That and she is super supportive!

6. If I was going to write a book about my life, the title would be "Far From The Mocking World", the same as my blog. Like I've mentioned before, the title would be the love child of "To Kill A Mocking Bird" and "Far From The Madding Crowd", but have nothing to do with either of those books. I've explained it better in my About Me.  

7. If I were to eat one thing for the rest of eternity it would be mushrooms! In fresh form, in baked form, in grilled form, in salad form, in pie form and even in fried form! (I think I'm reconsidering saying that I didn't have any cravings today...)

That's all from me today. Pretty short and sweet, I know. I am off to the bar tonight, and then working for the remainder of the weekend. I hope you all enjoy yours!

Head over to The Little Things We Do to play along!

Running Late...

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While I was at work last night, I kind of admitted (without thinking ahead) to a really embarrassing fact! It all happened while I was admiring a lovely new watch on the wrist of one of the other bar girls, when out of nowhere I said "hey, did you know I couldn't tell analog time until 2009!". As soon as the words left my mouth I instantly wished they hadn't. My work friends thought that I was kidding at first, and when my blank facial expression confirmed that I wasn't, they all started laughing at me. I tried to save some of my dignity by telling them that in 2009, I was already in my second year of University. But it was too late, the damage was done! When I think back to those childhood days, when everyone around me was learning the time, there really isn't any explanation for this. It's just something that never sat well with me. I could sit there and slowly figure out what the big hand on three and the small hand on twelve meant, but at a quick glance I was hopeless! And this was the case right up until I was given my first watch as a gift for my 19th birthday. It was silver and shiny... and had four small strokes on each quarter! I eventually trained myself at the whole glance thing, but it took a while. I guess now that everyone knows, its time for me to accept this little fault of mine and go on wearing watches with confidence! Hell, I might even go all out and put clock faces everywhere! 

 

For All Font Lovers

You really must watch this YouTube clip if you haven't already! This isn't the original clip (that one disabled embedding). It's created by CollegeHumor, who have some really clever shorts!

Although I don't really agree with the "Comic Sans MS" ending, it is funny nonetheless!

Polka Dots & Little Felt Spots

Oversized Tee - Target 

Skirt - Second Hand 

Hat - Dangerfield 

Shoes - I cant remember... but Tony Bianco have the same! 

I pieced together this little outfit for a funeral I went to yesterday. I knew from the moment I heard that Nanna Dawn had passed that I was NOT wearing layers of black. I drew inspiration from Dawn's years and years of lady-like dressing and found the perfect pleated polka dot skirt! Since the funeral was held in a memorial garden of flowers and waterfalls, I decided it would be appropriate to finally wear my felt hat. Although walking around rockery and grassy patches in such high heels proved incredibly difficult, my Mum suggested that suede shoes complimented the outfit best. All in all, it was a very sad day, but such a lovely way to farewell a wonderful woman.

Happy 100th Post Little Blog

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It's been 100 posts since I started this blog of mine, and little over 8 months. When you do the math, that's doesn't add up to very many posts per month, barely two or three a week on average. But those days are over! I've spent the last 100 posts figuring out what it is I should write about. I've found my voice and I know what I enjoy. I couldn't have done it without the feedback though. So here is a giant thank you to everyone who has always had something nice to say! It can only get better from here!

April's Best Bits

April was a bit of a weird month for me. It kind of just passed on by one day at a time. There were a few stand out dates though. Its wasn't all doom and gloom!

Easter was definitely the highlight of the month! I love holidays and I love getting festive. I got a little crafty with some baskets, shredded paper and felt cut outs, and used it all to piece together some Easter gifts for my loved ones. As well as this, I participated in a little intercontinental candy swap hosted by the lovely Erin over at My Beautiful Disaster. I was paired up with Danielle from Simple Sapphire, and created her a basket mix of candy and chocolatly goodness. Although I'm pretty certain that Air Mail has failed me... here is some photo evidence!

I spent most of my spare time in April browsing the isles of second hand book stores. I ended up finding a bunch of my wish-list books amongst the dusty shelves, as well as some classics! I think all up I purchased about twelve new books for under $37. Now I just have to wait for the winter break to start reading them all!

Aside from the odd weekend off to celebrate a friends birthday, that's about all April had to offer. We have one more Autumnal month before the Winter kicks in! Hooray!

Sunday Sounds: Lykke Li

I have decided that it is about time that I add a regular weekly feature to this little blog of mine. Since my 'music' label is the fullest of them all, it only makes sense to get the ball rolling on this one. So it is with great excitement that I introduce to you, Sunday Sounds!

What you can expect?

Wonderful songs, new albums and classic tracks from some of my favourite artists, coming to you in the form of YouTube clips (until I figure out how to embed a play list without breaking some copyright rules).

I'll start this off with I Follow Rivers, the second single coming from Lykke Li's new album Wounded Rhymes. This album has been rotated between my car and my bedroom for quite some time now. My original thoughts on the album were: different! Especially since it came as such a surprise. It was only in August last year that I was craving some new Lykke Li, and hoping for an album release (you can view that post here). But what I was craving and was I was given were the exact bi-polar opposites of one another. Her debut album Youth Novels was exactly that, sweet and sugary stories of frivolity. But this one... oh my! Lets just say that the only thing this album shares in common with its sibling is that the title completely hits the nail on the head; an album full of wounded rhymes where "sadness is her boyfriend". She's hungry, she's dark and she is incredibly dirty. I'll admit, immediately following the first start to finish listen I was a little depressed myself. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Not at all. It's honest songwriting and I love that. It's just different. Anyway I'm rambling now... do enjoy this track!