far from the mocking world

February's Best Bits

2012-02-29T19:22:00.000+11:00

Holy moley guys! It's been a long while since I've sat down to do a 'Best Bits' post. Actually, it's been a while since I've sat down to do any post period. So its the last day of Summer here in Aus, and ironically its pouring down rain outside. Needless to say, times are a-chanign. I'm back into the full-time swing of things now, which means order and routine (just saying those words aloud is incredibly soothing!).

I've just started my fifth year of Uni and I can't tell you how great it feels to be sitting on the other side of the hump. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and its seemed to have kicked me into serious study mode. For the last four years, at the start of each semester I would have a little conversation with myself that went something like this... "Hey Kaish, you know how last semester you were super stressed and fell behind a lot??? Well you can beat that by actually doing your readings and turning up to class!". It was less than motivational, but it would work for the first three weeks or so. But eventually I would start to lose my way. Up until now I've always classed it as some sort of inevitability. And I'm sure a lot of other students would be in the same boat here. So this year I started my classes without the little self-pity pep talk. I walked in like any other student, sat down and worked. Just really worked. Truth is, instead of giving myself the five minute speech like every other year, I used my entire Summer to prepare myself. I had days out with my family, and nights out with my friends. I used my weekends to have some amazing experiences, and midweek to hang out with my boy. Not a single day was wasted. And it had the effect of changing my outlook completely. So now when I am knee deep in essays and research papers, and the entire world looks as if they have more free time than I, I can remember my Summer and say 'Well I've done some really great things too'. I've never started a semester feeling this great.

Getting back to the topic at hand, here are some of the amazing things I've done this month...

February really kicked off with a bang! Or should I say a roar...? Because at the very start of the month Joel and I were lucky enough to have a sleepover at Sydney's Taronga Zoo at an event they call 'Roar & Snore'. It was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had to date, and the animal encounters are something I have just not been able to stop talking about all month! I won't go into too much detail, you can read all about it in my post here. Lets just say that Joel and I will be saving our pennies to do the same thing at their sister Zoo in Dubbo later this year.

February seemed to be the month for pushing my own boundaries and challenging myself to new experiences. I conquered my fear of heights by learning how to swing on a Circus Trapeze (read here) and participated in a day long Photography course with one of Sydney's top photographers. Both were incredibly difficult at first, but I think in the end my love for learning came through to save the day and I really enjoyed myself. I was supposed to learn how to make Sushi last weekend just to finish the month off, but sadly I had to miss out on that one.

Learning shutter speeds at Archibald Fountain...

And aperture settings...

And taking accidental photos of the ground...

Speaking of pushing boundaries!!! I also had the rare opportunity to help out one of my best friends with one of her Make Up Course assessments. When I initially volunteered myself, I just thought that she would be applying makeup to my face. You know, the regular stuff. Oh boy was I wrong. I quickly learnt that the module she needed me for entailed body paint! Full body paint! I had my reservations at first, but I've long trusted in her skills and creativity and the end result was beyond amazing. I would show you all some photos, but you can understand why I'm not going to. Ha!

I loved February most for the amount of quality time Joel and I got to spend together. His birthday fell within the first week and I used this as an excuse to take him out to a lovely Japanese restaurant that we had never been to before. We each got dressed up and drove into the city for a lovely meal by the beach. Over the course of two hours, we had ordered a range of absolutely beautiful dishes and went home with two rather full belly's.

Valentines day was exactly a week after Joel's birthday, so we got dressed up and once again headed into the city. I like to describe our date as "a Valentine of a different kind", as we decided to spend the night at an event called Jurassic Lounge held at the Australian Museum. On a regular night you can expect to find a world of different art, music, culture and what knot. But since it was Valentines Day, the people at Jurassic Lounge decided to throw an Anti-Valentines Day party, with various activities to reflect this theme. There was a section for Speed-Hating and another for Anti-Valentines Day card making. We skipped out on those, but even in the four hours we were there we didn't get to see everything! We began our night by sitting in on a lovely set by Fanny Lumsden who set the mood for the evening with her beautiful folksy tunes. After this, we decided to share our date with a bunch of prehistoric creatures. We took photos with Dinosaurs and marvelled at those now extinct. We stood in awe at some of the shots that made this years Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, and partied in a silent disco. We walked through a hall of skeletons, and listened briefly to Museum Expert Dan Bickel talk about the world of Insects. At the end of the night, we played retro games like Connect-4 and Ping Pong while we listened to a few comedians tell their best break up stories. Overall it was a super exciting night, and its definitely something I would recommend all Sydney-siders check out! Besides, if that isn't the worlds most interesting Valentines date, than I don't know what is!?

Definitely my favourite photo of the night!!!

Tomorrow is a new month and a new season, and I really doubt that its going to be able to live up to the amazing February I've just had. But you know what, I really don't mind if it doesn't.

These guys have just become my new best friends!

What did you love most about February?

Did you have any crazy new experiences?

Oh Valentine

2012-02-13T12:14:00.000+11:00

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I've just finished putting together the gift I'm going to give Joel for Valentines Day tomorrow and it has inspired me to do a little Valentines related post. Now, I'm kind of a fence sitter when it comes to V Day. On one hand, I like to think that I am against the Hallmark holiday all together, saying things like 'it's a lame consumerist holiday' and 'who does society think they are telling me which day I am supposed to express my love for whomever with gifts'... But on the other, much sweeter hand, my heart turns to absolute mush seeing all the beautiful flowers and reading sappy Valentines sentiments.

This time last year, Joel and I shared our very first Valentines. Not knowing my thoughts on the day, Joel gave me a beautiful yellow chrysanthemum and wrote me a lovely card signed by his dog Bronx. And these are the kind of Valentines Day sentiments I have come to love. The out of the ordinary, completely alternative Valentine. Not the, 'oh you're my girlfriend/boyfriend so I better pick you up some roses on my way home' Valentine. Is the age old tradition of buying your partner a dozen overpriced red roses really romantic? A symbol of love that is only going to die in three days time? Or what about those horrible oversized Teddy bears with the 'I WUV U' written across their stomach? I'm sorry, but since when is incorrect spelling and grammar ever cute!? Maybe if there were to be some witty pun involved? Okay enough of the cynical me...

Anyway, for this Valentines Day I've decided to keep with our slightly askew Valentines tradition by selecting a not so typical gift and arranging for us both to enjoy a not so typical evening. You'll have to check back later in the week to see!

In the meantime, I've browsed through my iTunes and selected some of the loveliest songs that I feel are very V Day appropriate. Especially Best Coast, because now I'm all giddy inside!

Oh Valentine! by Kaisha Gambell on Grooveshark

I hope everyone enjoys their day tomorrow, be it Valentines Day or just your regular Tuesday.

Roar & Snore

2012-02-09T12:34:00.000+11:00

Joel and I had the most amazing experience last Thursday night! Joel's Mum did some searching and gifted him a voucher for Christmas which meant that we were lucky enough to camp out overnight at Sydney's Taronga Zoo for an event they call 'Roar and Snore'. For two animal lovers, a visit to the zoo doesn't get much better than this!

It's been such horrible weather here in Sydney for the past month or so, so we had our reservations about actually attending the Roar and Snore on our specified date. In the end though, Joel and I decided that the rain was only going to be a problem for us if we let it. That didn't stop us from stacking up on raincoats, hats, boots and umbrellas!

I think these Asian Elephants were the only ones enjoying the rain!

Some of the others were clearly upset with the dismal weather!

We arrived at the Zoo at 5.30pm (wayyy too early) and waited with a few other campers for our hosts to greet us. Once we got to the communal tent, we were shown to our personal sleeping quarters - fully decked out tents with lights and electricity!! We were served beer and wine and fantastic welcome platters of carrot sticks and celery. It was here that we were introduced to our first lot of animal friends. Friends of the scaly kind. Each of the four keepers bought out a native Australian animal for us to meet. We felt the smooth skin of a Diamond Python and Shingleback Lizard (you know the one that looks as if its tail could be a second head), and got to see a little long neck Turtle poke his head out of his shell. Growing up having Lizards, Snakes and Turtles as pets, I was happy to take a step back and watch all the kids in the group ask fascinating questions. Besides, I was probably too busy enjoying my wine and gazing at the breath taking Harbour views anyway.

Following this, we had a fantastic dinner and set off on our guided Night Safari tour of the zoo. Now this wasn't my first time to Taronga, but it was my first time walking around with a torch and playing hide & seek with the animals. It was interesting to see how some were definitely more active at dusk, while others were more than happy to find a warm dry spot to snuggle up for the night. I think this part of the experience would have been a thousand times better but for the rain. But it didn't matter, we still had the chance to hear some great stories about where each of the animals had come from, who they were breeding with, and where they were going to go next. As well as some tales of their individual personality quirks! Unfortunately we were unable to take any photos at this stage (we can't blind them!).

We arrived back our tents around 11pm and it was time for bed. Joel insisted that we sleep with our door open and make the most of the fresh Harbour air. While he was asleep within minutes, I sat there wide eyed listening to all the animal noises around me. I barely slept that night, and I know I didn't because I kept checking the time on my phone. I must have slept a little though, because I remember having a dream about how the keepers decided to set Joel and I up to sleep in the Sea Bear exhibit, but forgot to take the bear out!!! I managed to escape unscathed though.

We had an early start the next day. After a quick breakfast and three cups of coffee (because of my lack of sleep) we headed out for our first behind the scenes tour. We trekked around the zoo until we reached the Giraffe exhibit. Here, we were greeted by a lovely keeper man who opened the gate and ushered us in. He taught us a lot about the Giraffes, including their prevalence in the wild, their breeding habits and their specific dietary needs. Then we were lucky enough to feed them! After each having a turn feeding them with our hands, there were some carrots left over and Joel thought it wise to feed one with his mouth. I'm kicking myself now that I was unable to take a photo quick enough, but then I did as well. Just to prove our story!

Following this the group was led to a classroom where we were able to get up close and personal with some of Australia's furriest friends. We met a sleepy little Possum, a Quokka and a quirky Koala. The keepers gave a talk about the importance of preserving the environment for these guys, and it was so great to hear that the kids in the group had all the right answers when it came to being environmentally responsible.

Our next behind the scenes experience took us to the Seal Show arena. Here we were introduced to a lovely male New Zealand Fur Seal named Mav. He was such a charming young seal and was quick to show us just how smart he really is. Mav was treated to a tasty fish breakfast and let us all give him a pat!

The entire experience was also a great way to learn about Conservation. Joel and I are already pretty strong anti Palm Oil advocates, and have long since cut the horrid substance from our regular diets. But we learnt about other things we can do to play our small part, like recycling your mobile phone to relieve the pressure on Gorilla habitats by mining for Coltan, and buying only ethically sourced fish to avoid the mass killing of wildlife that get swept up in trawling nets.

At the end of the Roar and Snore we were free to spend the rest of the day at the Zoo and re-visit some of our favourites. It was so wonderful to be wandering around before the public opening time and seeing some of the animals at their most active. This was especially the case for the Sumatran Tiger and her three cubs. Overall it was an amazing experience I will never forget. Hell, I'll probably go again! Giant thanks goes to my boy Joel for choosing me to Roar & Snore with!

For anyone in Sydney or anywhere else really who is interested in finding out more about Taronga Zoo's Roar and Snore click HERE!

Also, this probably goes without saying, but all photos are Copyrighted to me and this blog 'Far From The Mocking World' and are not for commercial use. Feel free to use them personally, where credited!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2012-02-07T16:30:00.003+11:00

Oh my! I can't believe we're a week into February already! 2012 has one month under her belt, and it feels as if time just isn't going to stop for anyone. Now I know in my last post I promised to keep this little blog of mine up to date, but the truth is, I've been one great big busy bee! But the great kind of busy! Work has slowed right down for both jobs, and I'm still on Uni holidays until the end of the month, so I decided to fill up my weekends with fun! And you won't believe the things I've been doing!!! Im not going to give it all away in one post though (besides, there are way too many photos).

Joel and I have collected a bunch of those 'experience' type vouchers from various birthdays and we decided that it was about time to cash them in. Since I had a Circus themed 21st Birthday last year, I was lucky enough to be gifted a voucher for two people to learn how to Circus Trapeze. Fantastic gift right!? Wrong! I am absolutely petrified of heights. I always have been. But one couldn't really turn down an experience like this. So I took Joel along with me, for moral support and also so I would have to overcome my fears and impress him. It worked!

I climbed up the ladder for my very first go, trembling with fear of course, and when the lady yelled 'Go' I remained stuck to the platform. No surprise really, I knew it would happen. So the man beside me gave me a little tap of encouragement behind the knees and that was it, I was flying. It was such a surreal feeling to be able to let go like that. In a matter of seconds I had overcome a huge fear of heights, and surprised myself by being able to complete the trick. By the end of the lesson, I had flown through the air a number of times, holding on with my hands and then only by my knees. I had learnt how to do a backflip on my own, and then for the final trick I let go and was caught by a man on another trapeze and swung freely below him. So I think all of that is significant enough to cross off the "Do something extreme" prompt on my 101/1001 list!

Joel was so good at all of them... gosh he amazes me. If only I knew how to upload videos I could show you guys! Here are a few photos anyway... I think you can tell from my body language that I was super uncomfortable on that platform! Ha!

February has been crazy fun already... And there is just so much more to come! You'll have to check back in the next few days to see just what I've been up to. Unless of course you follow me on Instagram, then the secrets are already spoiled!

Now I'm off to get ready for a lovely dinner with my boy. It's his birthday today and we're celebrating tonight by delving into some Japanese amazingness! Have a wonderful week!

Blogger Truths

2012-01-30T21:52:00.000+11:00

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It's time for me to sit down and face some cold hard blogger truths. Because quite honestly, I am growing tried of my sporadic blogging and constant apologies for it. I've been involved in this community a little under two years now and I'm at a time where my blog should be going strong. But instead I've found myself come to a complete stand still. For the greater half of the last three or four months I haven't shared some of the greatest things that have happened to me, I haven't really shared anything at all. So I'll apologise again. But not to my readers this time. No, this apology goes to myself. For losing myself...

I was thinking to myself the other day "what could possibly be the reason that I've stopped blogging so often, or at all?"... And I was quick to defend myself by saying, I'm just enjoying my summer and my real life, don't be silly. But that alone was being silly. And completely naive. Because if I were really just enjoying my summer, I wouldn't have had the time to Instagram it (HA!). So I got to thinking about the bigger picture, and came to realise some blogger truths along the way.

The truth about confidence...

I had way more confidence as a newb writing to myself! Although I remember how much it sucked writing so many blog posts to myself at the start, I maintain that I had more confidence then as compared to what I am supposed to have now, and I'm two years in!! I didn't have this sort of uneasiness about my content when I thought that I was only writing to the same handful of people I had met early on in the online world. Now that I know there are people in my real and very material world who read Far From The Mocking World on the regular, it's as if I have some sort of blogger stage fright. This needs to stop!

The truth about consistency...

Consistency suffers with a lack of inspiration, thats a given. But where I once relied on a good old fashioned Photo Drop or Pinterest post for those dry spells, I don't even seem to log in anymore. Aside from those, I have a number of regular features here on Far From The Mocking World. But you wouldn't know about them because they too seemed to come to a sudden halt sometime last year. Sure, everyone is entitled to a day off, especially when this isn't my full-time job, but if you're gone long enough people will start to forget. Hell, I've started to forget.

The truth about content...

I used to blog about so many different things. I had frequent music posts, talked about recent books and movies and I would quite often feature a recipe or two. This place was literally an online version of me, what I wore, what I ate, what I listened to... my likes and dislikes, dreams and realities. And I think somewhere along the way I subconsciously realised that not all people are interested in what I'm interested in. I began to notice that a music post would only attract so many page views or comments, whereas a post about changing my hair colour would draw hundreds. Well the truth is, I only dye my hair every two or three weeks, and that isn't going to sustain my blog!

Just writing this now I can see how the three are completely linked. I won't have one without fixing the problems with the others. It's one big blogger pickle. How am I going to get out of this pickle you ask? Well I'm going to have to go backwards to move forwards. I'm going to start up my regular features again, as well as catch up on some great things I've missed writing about. I'm going to develop a blogging schedule (well a loose blogging schedule) to give me some direction. And finally, I'm return to writing as if I have no followers or readers at all. Because at least then the post's will be honest and genuine, and the blog will be for me again.

Bananarama

2012-01-18T18:07:00.000+11:00

It's very rare that I do an outfit post. Very rare! But this was one outfit that even I couldn't fault myself (in my opinion of course, yours may differ). I purchased these Fairground shorts with a gift voucher that I was lucky enough to win from the Frankie Sunshine boutique late last year! The timing was impeccable because I was running low on disposable cash and in desperate need for a killer outfit to kick start the year in at Field Day. I teamed them with a basic black high neck crop and a simple black and gold belt. I even purchased a little banana coin purse to match. Even if it was tucked away in my bag all day, all that mattered was that I knew it was there. Ha! I wish I had of done something great in the shoe department, but my friends and I have learnt the hard way that wearing anything but thongs to a festival is risky (between the blisters and breakages etc)! At first I was a little apprehensive about wearing such a bold print with my bright red hair, but I think in the end the two complimented each other in a way I never thought that they would. So big thanks to Fairground & Frankie Sunshine for helping me create the perfect summer festival outfit!

Top - Paper Heart

Shorts - Fairground via Frankie Sunshine

Belt - Thrifted

Shoes - Havianas

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

Here are some more photos from the day!

Cloud Control were my personal fav for the day!

I even met a real life Banana Man!

Now I'm off to get ready for a wonderful date night with the boy. I've heard rumours that a new Japanese restaurant has opened up right near my bar, so we're heading off on an adventure to seek it out. Wish us luck!

I'm Back!

2012-01-17T16:27:00.000+11:00

Talk about a blog vacation! Last month I promised that I would frequent this little world of mine more often and I happened to take one giant break instead. I lied to you guys, and for that I am sorry. But on the other hand, I've been busy having one of the greatest silly season's ever...

Christmas

My Grandma's fantastic rum balls!

We were exhausted...

My Aunty's crystal star collection.

The lead up to Christmas this time round was no where near as exciting as past years... I only half put up my decorations and never had the chance to bake any sort of Christmas treats. I was working 40+ hour weeks and darting between day and night jobs though, so that explains a lot. By the time Christmas morning rolled around I dragged myself out of bed after only having 3 hours sleep and sat around the living room with my family. We were lucky enough to have my partner Joel join us on Christmas morning for the second year in a row. I was so spoilt by my family that I was already overwhelmed by 9am. Joel and I had our showers and got ready and mentally prepared ourselves for the day. We had a grand total of SIX places to visit, including each of our parents and grandparents respectively. It was a mission, but we pulled it off successfully. By the end of the night we were so glad to just sit down at a friends place and enjoy some great company without having to watch the clock and worry about where we had to be next. I think we need better planning next time... Ha!

Summer Days...

I had a few days off work during the week following Christmas, so we decided that we would visit my parents at our holiday house for some much needed down time. Two of my best friends surprised me by visiting as well, so those days were spent swimming and sleeping in the sun. Joel has recently discovered his love for wakeboarding, and is now determined to become pro.... I'm just glad I can manage to stand up and hold on. Discovering new hobbies together has been fun though.

New Years Eve

I saved this sparkly dress for the occasion!

The party hosts - Tegan & Nathan

Joel spending some quality time with their incredibly affectionate pooch Lolly.

Bringing the bar with me... SHOTS!

New Years Eve came next. This year was the first time in a long while that I've been able to make plans with my friends because the bar I work at closed for the night. We welcomed the new year with two different groups of friends this year. First we partied with two of our lovely friends who had just moved into their new place, and then onwards to another house party for the countdown. It was so great to be around my closet friends, farewelling the year passed and writing down some resolutions & goals for this one. My resolution has generally been 'do not make any resolution', because time and time again I've broken them. This year however I changed it up a bit and wrote "to keep everything just the way it is, because it's perfect". This was probably just me avoiding the whole resolution thing all over again, but I believe it takes just as much effort to keep things going solid as it would to change them completely. I still have another year of University before I can start thinking about growing up and moving on with my life... so stability is going to be my very best friend in 2012.

January...

Bronx enjoying Summer as well!

Field Day 2012

The upkeep on this red is crazy! It's worth it but...

The start of my year has been jam packed with beach days, festivals, shopping trips, lunch dates, salon visits and birthdays... all of which I wish I had the time to tell you about (I Instagram though, so that counts right?). Work has picked up again now, and before I know it I'll be back at Uni fulltime, so I'm just going to savour the spare moments I have until they are gone again. I'm not going to promise to post more often or anything like that, because apparently I can't seem to keep it! I will however, promise to keep enjoying my summer!!!

Busy Bee

2011-12-15T11:43:00.001+11:00

As we are getting closer and closer to the silly season I am just getting busier and busier, if my month long absence hasn't already demonstrated that! I have had hardly any time off at all! Retail and hospitality are two industries in demand around this time of year, and I am fortunate enough to dart between the two almost everyday, sometimes twice a day. However, the more we do, the more we can seem to do. I've found that having little time has made me completely organissed. I have penciled in time for just about everything I need to do, like dinner with the girls, christmas gift wrapping, end of year parties and even time set aside to build a gingerbread house with the boy (stay tuned for that one). The only regret that I have is not reserving any of this time for retuning to this here world. I have done so many amazing things and wore so many great outfits but never had the time to share it. Or even Instagram it! Now that says a lot for itself, Ha!

So what have I been up to this past month...?

Well, I finished off the Uni semester in a rather big fluster. I was stressed leading up to exams and even more stressed after wards. But I didn't have much time to dwell on that because after having one days rest I was up and back into full time work between the store and the bar. That took my mind off worrying about the results, thank gosh. Results were released on the 7th of this month and I'm pleased to say that I will not be sitting for any of those horrid law subjects again. I passed!!! So onwards with the degree...

With the end of the uni semester came one big giant urge to CLEAN! In three days, I cleaned out the entire spare room of my house, sorted and packed away things into storage and donated a hell of a lot of clothing. I moved my desk out of my bedroom and recreated myself a study/studio in the back room. It's basically finished, I just need to add some cutesy touches to make it my own. I'll definitely have to show you all my new space once it's done!

I spent the only other two days I had off in late Nov/early Dec getting my Christmas shopping out of the way. In those days I bought some awesome gifts for my family and friends and wrapped them beautifully. Without tooting my own horn too much, I am a fantastic gift wrapper. It's probably one of the only things I am actually good at. I think it's mainly because of the silent satisfaction I get when the pattern matches up on the underside and the bow sits there perfectly. Ahhh bliss. I realised that I needed some place to put all this gifts and so on the 1st of December I got a little festive and put up my Christmas tree. Now, I've had the same tree for years and years. Not that I'm complaining, but it's just not the magnificent vision of Christmas I remembered it to be. I don't even need my Papa to help me put the star on top. If that doesn't scream "new tree" than I don't know what does. Either way though, I had fun strategically placing my ornaments whilst listening to the She & Him Christmas CD. Perhaps I'll ravage the post-xmas sales and pick up a bargain tree for next year!

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My wonderful partner Joel had a pretty big event in early December as well. As a professional fighter, he had spent the larger half of October and November training for a Kickboxing Commonwealth Title fight against a man he fought back in March. Unfortunately he lost, but it was not without his complete dedication. He is one tough man and it still amazes me that he does what he does. He is taking a well deserved break over the Christmas period, but has decided to step up the training to bigger and better things in the new year.

We decided that since we each had been locked up in preparation for our end of year events, my exams and his fight, we thought it best to spend the following Sunday on a date. As most of you are already aware, Joel and I are complete Harry Potter Nuts! So we spent that day at the Harry Potter Exhibition in Sydney. It was so amazing that I had actual goosebumps on the way in! It sucks so much that you are not allowed to take any photos, but it makes sense because really al that stuff should just live in your memory anyway. The exhibition has just about every prop and costume you can imagine, from the stuff you'd expect like Harry's wand and specs to stuff you completely forgot about like the food on the table in the great hall and even the Mandrakes. The Horcrux exhibition was probably the best, my heart fluttered a little when I spotted it. Joel and I stopped off at the gift shop on the way out and picked ourselves up some HP goodies. He has been wearing a Gryffindor beanie on more days than not ever since. The highlight of the day would have to have been when we sat down in the Museum to eat our Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Seriously, I do not know how they managed to make a 'rotten egg' jelly bean taste so horrid!? But the remains ended up on the Museum floor. The exhibition was definitely my favorite date so far. It's the closet we can get to Harry Potter land here in Aus.

Aside from all that, I've taken a few nights off the bar for work Christmas parties and such. I've dressed up and had my hair done (I upped the brightness of the red!) and it's all been so wonderful. I just love this time of year. I'll try my very hardest to keep this up to date. I never realised how much this online world really impacts on my life until I leave it for a good while. I hope you are all enjoying your December!

Fill In The Blank Friday

2011-11-18T15:15:00.001+11:00

It has been a very long while since I've had the time on a Friday to fill in any blanks! Right now I'm supposed to be studying for my last exam, so I'm sort of procrastinating... but until I can figure out this topic I'm just going to stop and play this game.

1. A nervous habit I have is picking at my nails! You know the fiddling thing you do where one will slide under the other one, back and forth making that horrid scratchy noise. Yeah, that!

2. Something that makes me sad is discovering that three of my baby ducks had been eaten by a sly, but very smart fox the other night! Poor little guys.

3. Today I am thankful for all the support that Joel and my friends have given me over the last week whilst I've been losing my mind studying for exams.

4. My favorite room in my house is my bedroom! Because it has my bed in there.

5. I can't stand passive aggressive Facebook status updates! And I know by saying this without mentioning any names is passive in itself. But seriously, if you don't have the balls to say whatever you're updating to the person's face, then don't say it at all.

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would have bought my Mum the outfit I just helped her pick out. That or take everyone I love out for dinner this evening. Which will be happening anyway, I just cant afford to pay for it all! Ha!

7. The last person I hung out with was Joel and my Mum while we had a fantastic Mexican lunch!

If you'd like to play along and enter in your own blanks this fine Friday, head on over to The Little Things We Do.

Have a great weekend!!!

New Fiery Hues

2011-11-15T16:22:00.001+11:00

I finally did it! It was unexpected, but I did it. I walked into the hair salon the other day to make an appointment for another standard boring hair cut, and instead I found myself sitting at the basin picking a brand new color! I've admired ladies with red/mahogany hair for a while now, but I never thought it was something that I would be able to pull off myself. Regardless though, I took the challenge to try something new. Brunette was getting so drab and boring for me anyway... Especially coming into Summer! I must admit, I was pretty nervous sitting in the chair whilst a color that I have never had was developing on my head! But I fell completely in love once it was all dried off and styled! In fact, I wanted it brighter straight away. I've only washed it with Ultra Red Shampoo once so far, and the color has popped so much already! It looks as if my hair catches fire in the sunlight. I think I'll rock the red for a while...

Have you ever spontaneously changed your hair color dramatically?

Did you feel like an entirely new person afterwards?

Oh Mr. Smith

2011-11-14T13:40:00.001+11:00

There is a new Mr. Smith in my life these days. He only comes to visit about four times a year. But on those quiet visits we sit with one another over a pot of tea, and I find myself becoming lost in all his stories of history and adventure...

In case you're wondering though, I'm definitely not in some sort of adulterous relationship approximately four times a year, Joel is still the only man for me. I'm talking about Smith Journal - the new quarterly publication for discerning gents (and ladies who like reading about discerning gents).

"Smith Journal is about the guys you know and the kind of guys you'd like to know better... It’s heads-up and hands-on. A friendly guide to all things creative, intriguing, genuine and funny – full of stories, people, adventures, interesting conversations and gentlemanly style..."

That's the very description that sold me the other day when I started reading the first edition of Smith Journal. And I'll tell you now guys (and gals) it is fantastic! Now I'm no gentleman myself, but I know a few, and just from a quick flick through I am certain that they would rather enjoy it. Volume One alone covers a range of interesting things from living in a house boat and talking like a 19th century sailor, to a sneak peak into the contents of a muso's wardrobe, as well as info on how to survive the coming apocalypse! Oh and it has the standard guy stuff up in there as well - beers included!

If that didn't convince you, then maybe these five random facts from the first volume will! Did you know...

Two thirds of all Landrovers ever sold are still on the road today.

Most of the current world's Rubick's Cube records are held by a 15 year old from Melbourne.

Cormac McCarthy paid $50 for this Olivetti Typewriter in 1936. It sold for $254, 000.

The perfect climate and high quality ingredients are two of the most important factors to consider when making Salami.

Good mates Michael Carroll and Andrew Walker rode their pushies from the Arctic Sea to the bottom of South America. Over two years. For $10 a day.

If you're not the type to be seen carrying around a *gentle*manly mag in public, then hit up the brand new Smith Journal website from the safe confines of your own space. Or just head on over for some daily interesting reads about adventure, history, science, D.I.Y, photography, design, arts and so so much more! Because really, waiting a whole quarter for a fresh dose of Mr. Smith is way too long!

Edit: I was so in love with the simplicity of this magazine, especially it's use of classy serif's. So I decided to use it as inspiration for a blog re-design. I've gone back to peachy pinks and toned it down a lot. What do you think?

Changing My Outlook

2011-11-09T17:46:00.000+11:00

It's been over two weeks since I last posted on here. In fact, it's been over two weeks since I actually did anything anywhere. Driving alone the other night I suddenly realised that I hardly do any of the things I would normally do anymore. It's been months since I've baked, and month's since I've gone to see any of my favorite bands. My books lay covered in dust on my shelf. Q&A on Monday nights goes unwatched and un-tweeted about. I barely get excited over new stationary. Hell, I barely get excited over anything at all. Truth is guys, I've been stuck in a rut as of late and nothing has seemed to pull me out of it...

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That was a post I began to write a couple of days ago. But I stopped myself from finishing it because it's time to be honest. In fact, I don't think I would be able to come back here without first saying this... And before I start I'd just like to mention that I am not writing this to get any sort of reassurance from anyone (those days are over), but to be honest with, and to make a promise to myself.

For too long now I have suffered from a Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I don't know when it started, and I don't know how. All I know is that everything suddenly changed. I changed. The people around me noticed long before I did, but now I am completely aware. Looking back it makes sense now why the littlest things would bother me, why I was always irritable or worried, and why I was overly argumentative at times or completely silent at others. I now understand that staying awake til the early hours of the morning and taking short unexpected naps during the day is definitely not the natural thing for people to do.

I've spent the greater part of the last six months worrying and over analysing just about everything, asking way too many unnecessary questions and requiring constant reassurance. And really, that's not me!? That's not the me I've come to know and love at all? So why the sudden relapse into a world of negative thinking? I can't even tell you myself.

Fact is, I am surrounded by the most beautiful, inspirational people on earth. I have the hardest working parents I have ever met, a sister who is stronger than anyone I know, and a boyfriend who is completely motivated and dedicated to what he loves even at the worst of times. My friends are all striving to meet their goals, and bettering themselves everyday. They all have so much resilience, it amazes me. So why should I be the one to hold us back?

Well, I'm not going to. I'm changing my outlook. I'm making a conscious effort to rewind it all back to how I was at the beginning of the year - confident! We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are. And I'm certain that with a little more positivity, the things I once use to let worry me will pretty much cease to exist. That isn't to say that from now on I'm just going to think in plain black and white, because that's ridiculous. What I mean is from now on I will just stop and challenge my negative thoughts before I let them manifest into some sort of monster!

I know that this was a pretty vague attempt at explaining myself. But it makes some sense to me. Let's just say that with any luck (and this new way of thinking I've employed) I'll be back to baking and tweeting about our Nation's politicians in no time. Oh and successfully studying for these here end of semester Law exams. Ha!

Edit: Everyone who has ever commented on this little blog of mine has always had something incredibly kind to say. You're positivity is infectious and I appreciate every single second of time you've spent here!

Looking Back On Bali: Volcanic Lunch Dates & Sea Turtles

2011-10-23T01:42:00.001+11:00

Our trip to Bali wouldn't have been complete without a visit to Kintamani for lunch on the side of the cliff overlooking the Batur Lake and it's ginormous active volcano. The view was quite breathtaking and it took me a little while to actually realize that holy moley this is a volcano guys!!!

After lunch we set off on a very bumpy car ride through hills and hills of volcanic rocks and arrived at the natural hot springs for a bit of relaxation time. I must admit I was a little disheartened when I saw that the hot springs were not so "natural" after all. To me they just looked like a fancy outdoor spa. But once I got in and felt the warmth I let go of all that negativity and just sat in awe of the fact that the water around us was being naturally heated to 48 degrees!!!

Another fantastic part of our Bali adventures was our trip to Turtle Island in Nusa Dua. We took a glass bottom boat to get there, but funnily enough I was gazing at the sights above the water. Once we got to the Island we we're greeted by a very funny Balinese man who told me that I better be dating the same Joel next time I come to Bali (I agree!). He showed us around and talked about the different types of turtles, as well as their ages. The big one is Julia Gillard and she was 75 years old! I guess they just make up the name depending upon what nationality the visitor is, because the real Julia isn't even that old. Again, being super obsessed with animals, Joel and I loved every minute of it.

Writing these holiday posts has made me quite sad that I've been home almost a week now. Ahhhh reality, how I loathe the.

Looking Back On Bali: Monkeys and Temples

2011-10-21T12:08:00.000+11:00

It's no secret that Joel and I are completely obsessed with animals. We each adore our own pets at home and talk to them as if they are human... So naturally part of our Bali adventure had to involve getting up close and personal with some of the locals. The fury locals! Our first stop on our touristy day was to the Monkey Forrest in Ubud. We were a little scared as we were reading the sign... "do not touch monkey"... "if monkey attacks you, drop bananas" and so on, but we bought them some treats regardless of this and set off on the windy trail through the forrest. Some of these little guys liked to keep to themselves... but others were super brave and climbed all over Joel for the bananas under his arm!

Our driver & tour guide Pork Chop!

Look at the little one!!! So precious!

Visiting the temple's were another great highlight of the trip! I loved learning about the different religions and their ceremonies. We didn't even visit the most popular of temple's but the ones we did were so beautiful.

Washing our hands and face said to bring us luck... which we later used when we miraculously found our way after getting lost on our scooter in huge amounts of Bali traffic!

Check back tomorrow for the last parts of our Bali adventure!

Looking Back On Bali

2011-10-19T19:41:00.000+11:00

*Image Heavy - But it's definitely worth the look!*

Wow! What a week I've had... It always seems to be the case that whenever I go away on a holiday (however brief) I come home and absolutely everything has changed! I must admit it took me a few days to settle back down and get into the swing of things. I finally had some spare time last night to upload all the wonderful photos I took. There were over 550 in just a week so that's definitely some sort of a record for me. After some careful sifting, I ended up with a handful of really great images and a hell of a lot of post-holiday blues. I won't write about the entire trip in one post (I'll be here all night) but I'll break it up and share some of the exciting things we got up to over the next week. So here goes Part I...

We arrived in Denpasar, Bali at 9pm Friday night and made it through customs fairly easily. However, no one had warned us about the posters... and so when I arrived at the baggage collection point and saw a bunch of men in uniform crowding around our luggage I started to panic. And despite knowing that there was no way I had any drugs on me... all I could think was "that's it I'm going to prison". As we were walking I soon realised that these guys were merely carrying our bags for us, and naturally this is going to mean we should tip them. I had no problem with that... the problem I had was that neither of us had any Indonesian money yet, nor did we know the conversion rate! So as a result of our naivety, the men who walked up approximately ten meters ended up with $60 Australian dollars. I don't even make that much in tips from one customer during my busiest night at the bar! Bali Dudes - 1, Sucker Tourists - 0.

Next came the challenge of getting from the airport to our hotel. Without knowing how far away it was, or even in which direction we found ourselves becoming super frustrated again. Luckily enough we found a nice man to take us there for a reasonable price. It was about 10pm by the time we had checked into our hotel and settled into our rooms... Our aspirations of going out exploring as soon as we arrived were set aside by our complete mental exhaustion and we called it a night. We thought it best to get a decent sleep and wake up fresh in the morning.

We spent our first day in Bali riding around on our scooter to various bars & cafes to make a couple of dinner reservations. After all the errands were done, we headed to Body Works for a full body massage. And seriously guys, it was just that. Back and front. All over my body. I was a little bit hesitant to enjoy it at first, but after a few minutes I just let the beautiful music and aromas take over and fell into complete relaxation. I don't think our massages could have been timed any more perfect... It set the pace for the next fews days to come.

The following days in Bali are almost a blur to me now... Three consecutive days of swimming, sun-baking and drinking fantastic tasting cocktails by the pool. I've never really got into that whole resort type lifestyle whilst on holidays (I'm usually the sight-seeing touristy type) but my gosh, looking back I am so glad I did it. The days seemed to last forever and I was completely at ease. Oh what I would give to be back there right now...

Here are some photos from those first few days...

Possibly one of my favorite days was spent at a beach club called Potato Head... This place was amazing! The entire outside of the building was made from old window shutters, and inside they had the most adorable miss-matched vintage pieces. The day beds were super comfortable and the cocktails were fantastic!

Sunset dinners were another personal highlight. Living on the East Coast of Australia means that I have never been able to watch the sun set over the water... So Joel and I made sure we got to see most of them here!

I walked around with my camera by my side most days because there was always something wonderful to capture! Here are some Bali sights...

Joel and I ended up doing a little bit of the touristy stuff... check back for my next posts featuring some little fury friends, exotic coffee's, sea turtles and a volcanic lunch date. (I promise to make them less image heavy).

He Is Just My Type

2011-10-07T00:59:00.000+11:00

*Disclaimer: Super Sappy Content*

Just last week, my amazing boyfriend Joel and I celebrated our one year anniversary. But this wasn't your regular kind of anniversary, because unlike everyone else who celebrates such event, we weren't actually together this time last year. That all eventuated over time (as they do) and so we don't actually have a specific date to signify the moment when our dating turned into a relationship. So we did the most logical thing any couple would do and chose to celebrate the date we first hung out with each other. Our story is a little different...

It was a very rainy weekend last October and I was nursing a dreadful hangover from partying a little too hard the night before. Instead of going out with everyone come nightfall, I decided it would be best to drive to my local video store and hire the six Harry Potter movies that were available on DVD at the time and have myself a little HP marathon. Joel had messaged me earlier that night and since he was bored at home as well it seemed only fitting to invite him over. I answered the door wearing thick round specs and sporting a back to front scar on my forehead, and proceeded to welcome him in... I'll spare you all the little details that fill the middle, but let's just say by the time we were up to Prisoner of Azkaban I was completely smitten. It was a few weeks before we saw each other again after that, but eventually come December we had decided to make things all official like. And to be completely honest, it's the best decision I have ever made.

This last year has seen me experience a happiness that I never knew existed, in a relationship I would have never dreamed possible. We just seem to fit one another and it feels amazing! Aside from that, he's the only other person in this world who seems to be able to deal with my level of crazy, he sometimes even matches it! For the last year, Joel has supported me in unbelievable amounts; through uni stresses and illnesses as well as those general rough patches. He has kept me completely grounded and motivates me in ways no one else can. He takes me on adventures and listens to all of my stories and even let's me be the big spoon even though I'm much smaller than he. Oh and, he reads my blog without me knowing! Most of all though, he loves me for who I am and that's really something special.

Just to prove how awesome he is... take a sneak peak at the gift he surprised me with for our anniversary! He completely restored an old typewriter that had once belonged to his grandmother! Total amazement!!!

While the gift itself was more than enough thought (come on, absolute genius for combining my love for vintage goodies with my love for stationary!!!), he used this baby to write me a letter. I'm not going to tell you what it said, but you can be assured that it was super sweet and pretty much left my heart in a puddle on the floor. So here's my letter back...

Dear Joel,

You are just my type.

I love you more than any amount of words I type on my typewriter could ever express.

Thank you so much for sharing the last year with me, and here's to so so many more.

All my love,

Kaisha xo

P.S. I am so unbelieveably lucky, sometimes I have to pinch myself.

Joel and I are heading off on our little getaway to Bali tomorrow!!! A week away to relax and share in each others company could not have come at a more perfect time. I won't be able to update anything whilst we are there, but I'll be back soon enough with loads of great photos and stories! I hope you all have a fantastic week and I look forward to playing catch up when I get back.

Stuck In Heavy Procrastination

2011-10-04T18:54:00.000+11:00

If there is one thing that I am great at, it is procrastination. But really now, aren't we all? At the moment I am super busy trying to finish off four assessments before Thursday so that I have atleast one spare day to run around and get everything ready before Joel and I head to Bali on Friday. I'm so busy I don't even have time to get excited for this trip! It's nobody's fault but my own. The same thing happens with every assessment, you think I'd know how to beat it by now!? Maybe I should just pull an all-nighter tonight and have them done, leaving me two spare days? Oh wow I'm procrastinating even more now...

How many of you can relate to this pic?

On a side note... I have so many interesting stories to tell you guys! And so many half posts that really need to be finished and published! I should use that as my motivation to power through this uni work... I probably won't though.

30 Days of Lists Update!

2011-09-28T15:18:00.001+10:00

When I started 30 Days of Lists this time round I really didn't think I'd fall this far behind when it came to sharing the lists. I've managed to stay up to date on my Flickr account, but I cannot say the same for the situation here. And for that I am sorry. I've been pretty sick lately and it's been bumming me out massively. I don't seem to have the energy to do anything anymore and more often than not I'm just not in the mood for any sort of fun. It's taking a massive toll on my life at the moment, not to mention this blog world as well. But I'm happy to say I've taken some steps to sort it all out. By the end of the week I'll know what is causing the illness, if anything at all. Maybe then I'll be able to get back to normal. Whatever normal is anymore...

In the meantime though, I've mustered up just enough energy to share some* of my lists from September. The challenge only has a few days to go and I'm determined to have all my lists complete!

Day Seven: I'm Not Very Good At...

Day Eight: Things That Remind Me of My Childhood...

Day Nine: Weekend Plans

Day Ten: At This Moment...

Day Eleven: Favorite Things About This Time Of Year

Day Twelve: Things That Motivate Me

Day Thirteen: Things I Do To Procrastinate

Day Fourteen: My Favorite Outfits to Wear

Day Fifteen: Never Have I Ever...

Day Sixteen: Dream Jobs

Day Seventeen: Fictional Characters I Love

Day Eighteen: A Few of My Favorite Things

Day Nineteen: Inventions I Wish Were Real...

Day Twenty: My Dream Space Would Include

Day Twenty-One: TV Shows I Wish Would Come Back

Day Twenty-Two: Ways To Avoid Housework

That's all for now...

Enjoy the rest of your week! xo

* My apologies for the list overload.

Mary Had Another Little Lamb

2011-09-23T00:39:00.000+10:00

Around this time last year, I posted about how one of my Sheep gave birth to an adorable baby lamb. Well guys, she's done it again and her baby boy couldn't possibly be any sweeter. He is about a week old now and already getting up to mischief. He spends his days lazing in the sunshine and chasing his Mumma around. The only thing missing from his beautiful life is a name! That's where you guys come in. I have named over 50 pets on this little farm of mine and it's about time I let someone else have the honour...

Here are a couple more pics to help you out...

What would you name this newborn baby lamb and why?

The winning name will be selected at random sometime next week!

Things Organized Neatly

2011-09-22T11:07:00.000+10:00

There is something about this little blog that has been pulling at my neatly organized heart strings ever since I stumbled across it. Things Organized Neatly is exactly what the name suggests; people neatly arranging their possessions and photographing them so as to quieten down the messy anxiety within...

After spending close to an hour perusing all of the different arrangements, I decided to organize some of my own things neatly. When I moved to my new house I discovered that there was a cork board permanently affixed to one of my walls. Originally I hated the tacky brown color and sought to cover it with cutesy paper, photographs of friends and general pin-board type memo's immediately. This had the complete opposite effect of order and symetry, and eventually I was pinning bits and pieces over other bits and pieces, the result of which reminded me of one of those big unmaintained community boards. The chaos eventually got to me and I began tearing everything down. The board sat there blank for a while, until it hit me... With a few sewing pins and some very precise spacing, I turned my ugly brown cork board into a display for all my jewelry. Now I can scan through my jewelry the same way I go through my closet and easily find something to match the outfit I have on. I can also see if my sister has "borrowed" something. So far it's working out great... I'm just running out of space.

What parts of your life have you organized neatly?

How do you display your jewelry?

P.S. I have some super exciting news that I will probably announce on this here blog tomorrow! Hint: It's cute and cuddly and I would love all of you guys to get involved in some way... Watch this space!

Currently...

2011-09-21T01:09:00.000+10:00

via

This blogging world of mine is so up and down lately, it's crazy! I actually didn't even realise how many days had passed since I had updated until Joel kindly pointed out my absence (again!!!), and for that I am incredibly sorry. The truth is though, even my real world has been a little inconsistent and unpredictable. The last two weeks alone have been a massive effort to get through. With Uni work and regular work both picking up lately, I'm finding myself having next to no time to relax or rejuvenate, and my poor body is beginning to feel it.

Anyway, here is a quick little post to bring me back up to speed, and hopefully I'll be able to return to my regular posts soon enough...

I am currently...

- Writing frantically and working my way through a bunch of Law assessments.

- Working as much as I can to save spending money for Bali.

- Trying to get over my illness... or trying to predict which one I'm going to be graced with next week.

- Participating in 30 Days of Lists via my Flickr account.

- Trying my very best to keep my room tidy.

I am currently excited to...

- Go to Bali with my boyfriend in 17 days!!!

- Have some time off over the October long weekend to catch up with friends.

- Be finished one of my Units of Study after class tomorrow.

- Build my new bed (once I get some energy and help from le boyfriend).

- Share some exciting news on this here blog once I get some photo evidence...

I am currently loving...

- The sudden change in the weather. It's finally warm enough to venture out bare legged!!!

- Using the Espresso machine I purchased my Dad for Fathers Day.

- Spending whatever spare time I have with Joel...

I am currently reading...

- A hell of a lot of Law Books... Boo!

I am currently listening to...

- The Kooks: Junk Of The Heart.

- Grouplove: Never Trust A Happy Song.

- The Jezabels: Prisoner.

- Laura Marling: A Creature I Don't Know.

Making that list just now has actually helped shift my mood a little. I've just realised that there is a bunch of great stuff I'm doing that is definitely outweighing those bad bits, and there are even more wonderful things to look forward to! I just need to stick it out and soon enough I'll be relaxing on a lovely beach in Bali with my boyfriend, hopefully forgetting about everything that's bothering me right now...

What are you excited for lately?

Round These Parts: My Bedroom

2011-09-13T09:31:00.000+10:00

Last Friday I woke up, looked around my bedroom and snapped. Instead of getting up and showering or having breakfast or any of those usual morning rituals, I just started cleaning - everything! My desk, my bookshelf and even 'under the bed' were targeted and tidied. Don't get me wrong here, none of it was dirty mess, only messy mess. Outfits I've tried on and neglected, uni work that I am part way through, DVD's I've watched and not put away, all that kind of jazz. By lunch time it was all done. Every single item had a place again and I felt as if my mind was finally clear... however short lived that may be.

P.S. I absolutely hated the colors Pink & Purple when I was growing up... I think I'm making up for lost time now?

Blue Mountains Break

2011-09-12T15:32:00.000+10:00

There is nothing better than a lazy Sunday that's for sure. This Sunday was all about family, friends, sunshine, salads, seafood and homemade sweet treats whilst celebrating my Uncle's 50th Birthday at his beautiful home in Sydney's Blue Mountains. It was the perfect way to wind down after an intense work weekend, even if I struggled to keep my eyes open for most of the day. Afternoon naps were the only thing on the cards once Joel and I got home. We spent the rest of the evening watching corny teen movies in bed. Definitely my kind of Sunday.

What did you get up to this weekend?

For All Who Love Color

2011-09-07T08:24:00.000+10:00

As soon as I saw that today's prompt for 30 Days of Lists was about favorite color combinations, I instantly knew that I wanted to share a website that has been consuming a fair bit of my time lately - Design Seeds. You might have seen her work on Pinterest, but Design Seeds cannot be given its full appreciation without a visit to the site itself. Not only are the images completely beautiful, but the overall presentation on this site is immaculate. You can spend hours (yes, hours!) scrolling through the main page, or there is a palette search option if you know the basic colors you are after. I have been using these images for absolutely everything from blog design to finding an awesome combination to re-do my bedroom in.

It's Spring now, so I've been leaning towards bright hues mixed with solid neutrals. Oh and I'll always love me some pastel. These are just a few of my favorites...

P.S. Has anyone else noticed that I have done away with some of my standard Australian English spelling and started using 'color' and 'favorite' as spelled the American way. This was pretty unintentional at first. I guess I've just been reading way too many blogger's from The States. Definitely not a bad thing.

30 Days of Lists Part I

2011-09-06T09:34:00.004+10:00

Well we're only five days into the month long listing challenge and there are already so many great lists going round! One of the reasons I love this blog challenge so much is because not only do I get to have me some lists for my own personal reasons, but because I can see what other people write down and think "Oh I totally forgot about that" or "Wow, that is a really great idea!". It's inspiration and information sharing at its finest.

Here are my first few lists...

Day Two - I am happiest when...

I don't really feel like I pushed the envelope like I usually do when it came to writing this list. I guess there's just a lot of really little things that make me happy.

Day Three - People I Love

This is a fairly straightforward list and much like everyone else's. The people I love doesn't really go beyond my immediate family, my boyfriend, my best friends and my pets. But then again, who's does?

Day Four - Things To Do on a Sunday Morning...

There is only one thing I would like to be doing if I am lucky enough to have a Sunday off work. It is the only day in a seven-day week that I am able to sleep in a little later, so I am definitely going to jump on that opportunity when it presents itself.

Day Five - I need an App for...

Since I was a little hard pressed for time this morning, I thought it best to make this list using the 'Notes' application on my phone. While my list of dream App's is pretty standard and there might even be App's for these things already (probably should check that), there are a few things that Smart phones cannot do yet that I wish they could. It would be amazing if my iPhone would wash the dishes for me, or fill my car with petrol, or perhaps even go to uni and record the lecture for me whenever I am sick. Maybe one day...

There are still 25 more lists to come! Check out the 30 Days of Lists Flickr Group to see what other people have included in their lists.

The Bees and The Blossoms

2011-09-05T16:59:00.000+10:00

One step into my backyard and there is no doubt that Spring is here! I decided to take my camera out on my daily animal feeding round today in the hopes of snapping a photo of my Peacock with his tail up. But by the time I got there he had put it down. Oh well, maybe next time. I did however stop to take a few photos of my beautiful peach tree's in full blossom. At first I didn't even realise the amount of bee's hovering around. I'm allergic to bee's and sneeze at the tiniest whiff of pollen. But I braved both of them to take these great shots!

Oh and!!! When I lifted the lid on the feed bucket for my ducks, I was greeted with the world's biggest Huntsman Spider!!! I jumped about ten foot in the air! I hope my babies enjoy the bread I gave them today, because there is no way I am going back into that bucket anytime soon. My backyard is beautiful, but it has way too many creepy crawlies. My nose is still running and my skin is still itching as I write this post. Shower time I think.

I haven't added any filters or adjusted the color of these photos in any way. Just simply reduced the size by about 10, 000% to make them blog worthy. What do you think?

Sunday Sounds: Laura Marling

2011-09-04T03:16:00.000+10:00

Laura Marling - Sophia

Okay so Sunday Sounds is back (usually I am sleeping in). But only because I just have to share this amazing new track from UK singer/songwriter Laura Marling. This gem is the ninth track on her third album A Creature I Don't Know due for release on the 12th of September and has pretty much pulled at every single one of my heart strings since it was previewed last month. Words cannot express how eager I am to get my hands on a copy of the new album. Upon first listen I can already tell that Marling has changed her nu-folk sound yet again. But I'm not complaining because this song is beautiful (not to mention the cute illustration!). Just when I think a lady who is months younger than me couldn't get any more mature she goes and drops this. Mind officially blown.

A Newb Blog Award

2011-09-03T12:16:00.000+10:00

via

Once in a while we will see various blog awards flying around the blogosphere, awarding people for their diversity or style or whatever else. Just last week, the lovely Danielle of Simple Sapphire was kind enough to pass on a blog award of a different nature. It's called the Liebster Award, and used primarily to acknowledge us newb's on here.

These are the specs that come with the award...

The Liebster Award is meant to connect us even more and spotlight NEWER BLOGGERS who have less than 200 followers (but hopefully not for long). The rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet – other writers.
5. And best of all – have fun and spread the karma!

While I will graciously accept this award (since I meet the criteria and all), I cannot pass it on to others without first noting it's main flaw. To me, it seems as if the award is a little too focused on numbers and followers. Because really! Since when does less than 200 followers mean that you are a newbie!? Okay so the generalization fits me well. I've only been around these parts for about a year. But I frequent a number of amazing blogs who have been around for three or more years and only have a modest following. To these guys, a follower base is best comprised of quality and not quantity.

So while I may be classed and labeled and struck down as being an 'amateur' in this world, I think I have been around long enough to realise that numbers do not, and should not matter. I have to confess that I squeeled a little on the inside the day I saw my follower base pass the 100 mark. But to be honest, while it's definitely nice to know that people enjoy my blog, sometimes the fact that people are reading it escapes me completely! If I were here for numbers I would have gave up in the early days when I was writing three or four posts a week to absolutely no body. I have met so many wonderful people through this world already and my only hope is to keep doing that. It's a community guys, not a popularity competition. I refuse to be just a number to anyone's blog, and I'd hate for any of the people who read what I have to write to feel that way either.

Anyway, with all that being said, here are a few blog ladies I adore with less than 200 followers...

1. Stephanie from Shes A Maniac is a fellow Australian blogger who always has something wonderful to share. She tells tales of her weekend, documents her latest purchases and always has a sweet photo set to compliment her words. She has been more than a friend in this online world, and I can only hope to meet her in real life one day.

2. Erin writes from her self-titled blog Erinj0 about living a not so typical life. She is an incredibly strong individual and shares some of the most inspirational and positive blog posts I have ever read.

3. Ashley from Emerald Doodles is a lovely lady from Ireland who has recently moved to Melbourne, Australia and blogs about a range of things from adjusting to a new city, style inspiration and long distance relationships. Her blog is on hiatus at the moment because her boyfriend from back home has come to stay with her. Fair call I think!

4. From the very first read you will realise that Box of Crayons is a great place to be. Annalise is it's author and writes her blog beautifully. Maybe because she's a writing student? While the content that she writes about is what drew me in initially, her tone and expression are what kept me there. Truly original stuff round those parts.

5. There are just too many others to share... so perhaps I'll do this again sometime.

September's Goals

2011-09-02T16:20:00.003+10:00

There is something incredibly motivating about kick starting the month with a list of goals. I don't think the first prompt for this round of 30 Days of Lists could have been any more perfect! September is generally a pretty mediocre month for me. It's the middle of the semester, work at both jobs starts to pick up and because of this I always seem to get caught up in one big depressing routine. Hopefully these goals will shake things up...

This September, I'd like to successfully complete the 30 Days of Lists challenge, but only once I have completed my Uni work. I have carefully put this little safeguard in place because I have a tendency to procrastinate. I know I will list make when I should really be doing my readings for the week or researching for an upcoming essay. I think 30 Lists will be a great motivator to get my work done!

I also want to work as much as I can to save some spending money for Bali. While the trip itself has already been paid for, Joel and I want to make sure we have enough money to do some great stuff while we are there. We still have to sit down and plan our adventures together so that's pretty exciting.

For the last two weeks (with the exception of a few bad days) Joel and I have been eating completely healthy! This has been great, since the concepts of a balanced diet and nutrition never really meant much to me. Before, I'd only eat when I was hungry and sometimes I would forget all together. But since we've been sticking to the eating plan he has made for us, I have never felt better. So it's also on my list of goals to maintain this.

I know I said I wanted to work as much as I can throughout September, which naturally means I'll be at work every waking hour of the weekend and most weeknights too. But, I would also love to spend more time with my friends and family. I guess what this really means is that I need to try my hardest to make the most of any spare time I am lucky enough to have. Yay for dinner dates!

And finally, it's my goal to experiment with new outfits. This isn't just a goal for September, but for the whole of Spring. Over the last couple of weeks I have acquired clothes in colors and shapes that I have never really worked with before. So, it's time to push myself out of my jeans & tee comfort zone and get creative with how I dress.

What are your goals for September?

P.S. Totally loving the new Blogger interface!!! It feels so clean and modern, and the reader loads so much quicker!

30 Days of Lists

2011-09-01T11:30:00.000+10:00

I got a little antsy with the whole 30 Days of Lists challenge starting tomorrow and created myself an acceptance letter to act as the 'cover' for my lists to come. This time round, I've decided that I am not going to stick to any one particular way to share my lists. Instead, I am just going to create them as I feel. I would love to have the time to create each of them digitally, but if that isn't the case I'll just have to use my good old Buffalo Journal.

Are you participating in 30 Days of Lists?

If so, leave your link in the comments below so I can follow!

Quirky Creatures

2011-08-31T20:38:00.000+10:00

Lately I have been falling head over heels in love with illustrations. When I was little I was the leader of my library and head of the book club, and although I never aspired to be a writer as such, I always dreamed of becoming an Illustrator for Children's Picture Books. The obsession even went as far as meeting Australian Illustrators and having a custom picture drawn by famous cartoonist Dave Hackett. Unfortunately the skills were never really there as much as I tried, and so I found my calling in Law. But that soft spot for illustration has never really faded away.

There is something about animals dressed as humans that just gets me. Even the card I bought for my Dad for Fathers Day is a picture of a cat in an elegant man suit. I think Berkley Illustration has done a fantastic job with these prints and I would just adore having one framed and sitting on my bookshelf to remind me of my childhood obsession. The only problem is there are just too many creatures to pick from!

Which one do you enjoy the most?

To Ombre or Not To Ombre?

2011-08-31T00:12:00.002+10:00

It's a hair trend made all too lust worthy throughout most of 2011, epitomised by the likes of Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel and Lily Aldridge. It's the hair that I have been eying off for quite some time now, but haven't had the lady balls to have it done. Now we're coming into Spring here in Aus and I'm wondering, is Ombre over? It's funny to wonder how a style which looks like you haven't maintained your roots in over three months even came to be so popular. If only that were the case when I was a poor 15 year old school girl with Blonde hair - I would have been rockin' it (unintentionally). Having mid to long length and naturally wavy hair myself, this hair would be a perfect pick for the upcoming Spring and Summer days, not to mention an effortless look for my holiday to Bali. I've done a little bit of research on the topic and all signs point to Yes. Ombre is on the out and believe it or not Red's are making their way back in. Either way there is one thing for certain... I desperately need to be pulled out of my comfort zone already! This drab and dull, plain jane Brunette that I'm working with needs to be a thing of the past!

What colors and styles are you loving lately?

(All images sourced from We Heart It)

August's Best Bits

2011-08-30T12:06:00.000+10:00

Would you believe that it's the end of Winter already!!! Time definitely goes by too fast these days. When I thought about writing this post, as I do every month, I tried to think about the things I got up to at the start of the month, which only really felt like last weekend to me. All in all, August was a fairly standard month for me. I arrived home from Splendour In The Grass and was immediately thrust back into a repetitive routine based lifestyle. Most days were spent at University, if not at work. But there were still some great parts to the month...

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1. Birthday Celebrations are always great fun! Especially when you go out in big groups of people, eat great tasting food and sometimes get a little bit silly. I was lucky enough to celebrate the birthdays' of two of my dearest friends' this month. That definitely shook up the working weekend bar routine. Oh and August marked the one year mark for this here blog! Woo!

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2. Joel and I decided to book a rather spontaneous trip to Bali in October (5 weeks time!!!). This will be the first time that we have been overseas together so it's pretty darn exciting.

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3. My Grandpa who lives about four hours away came to stay at my old but new house for the first time since we've lived here. He made himself at home in my sisters bedroom for the week and took great pleasure involving himself in our day to day family life. Sunday was his last day here, so naturally that meant BBQ time with the extended fam. We embraced the last of the sunshine during the afternoon and relaxed in my backyard. It is definitely how I wish every Sunday felt.

Check out the size of my Elephant Antibiotics!!!

4. I was pretty sick for a good part of August (not so great) but that meant that every spare moment I had was spent relaxing and recovering in my bed with my boyfriend getting addicted to TV Series (definitely great). I took advantage of a little TV Series sale we had at work and stocked up on way too many seasons of shows I have never seen before. August saw us take some viewing risks where we started and finished Season One of Community, begun Arrested Development and got halfway through Breaking Bad.

What were your favorite parts of August?

Did you go away or do anything exciting?

Have you seen any good TV Series lately that I should know about?

Holy Sale!

2011-08-26T17:54:00.001+10:00

Oh my hat guys! I've not long got home from a very very long day out! But it was a great day out. I made the last minute decision to trek it all alone to the city today to check out a massive warehouse sale of all things MINK PINK and STAPLE!!! Those of you that have been reading for a while now would already know that I adore Mink Pink. Mainly because every season they throw together a mix of awesome fabrics, unique cuts and super cute prints and then sell it for a price that my poor uni student budget really likes. So you can imagine how much I squeeled on the inside when I read about the sale this weekend!

When I arrived at the address I had to walk down a flight of stairs into this super dark room. Once my eyes adjusted I panned across the floor and all I could see were just racks upon racks of clothes! A little piece of heaven for some, but a giant nightmare for me! I mapped it out logically and decided to start at the furthest left hand side and work my way around clockwise. Awesome strategy! But I missed peering into the boxes of goodies in the middle. By the time I had decided that enough was enough my pile was about 20 items high and I headed for the change rooms. I did a couple of laps before I realised that there wasn't anywhere to try your items on!!! But there were mirrors. And a hell of a lot of half naked girls!

Sorry to do this type of photo again!!! I didn't have time to try anything on and take a decent photo.

It took me over an hour to decide which ones were coming home with me. After I made a few necessary cuts, I ended up walking out with 14 new items for under $250! Talk about bargain shopping. It's safe to say there will be a few outfit posts around these parts soon.

Have you ever been to one of those crazy warehouse sales before!?

Oh How Pinteresting: I Love Lists

2011-08-24T15:19:00.000+10:00

So it's almost 30 Days of Lists time all over again! If you haven't registered already and you want to do so, head to the official website to join up immediately! This is such a unique blogging experience so I'm pretty excited.

I have been keeping a keen eye on all things 'journal' on Pinterest in prep for the big list making month coming in September. This time round I'm thinking I will use a range of mediums, be it actual hard copy journal entries or digital lists using Photoshop. Either way, at the end of the month I'll compile them all and find a pretty neat way to display them.

These are just a few of the awesome ideas I've found...

This DIY Journal Box using old post cards would be perfect!

Or even this sweet looking calender box!

This super cute DIY bunting stamp!

These whimsy rubber stamps.

Tonnes of printable paper and ledgers.

I know this one is a little unrelated... but how cute is this daily list!

Oh! I also purchased myself a premium membership to Pugly Pixel in preparation for 30 Days of Lists starting next month. This is a website jam packed full of design tips and tricks for bloggers, or anyone who wants them really. For a small price, you can get yourself a 30-day access code to download all the super cute graphic elements that Katrina has made. I've only downloaded a couple of the items so far and I already feel like I've got my moneys worth. So I can't wait to start playing around with all the other goodies.

As always, you can find all the links to my pinteresting finds on my account HERE, and link up with the lovely Michelle of The Vintage Apple to see what other people have found particularly pinteresting this week.

Oh So Thrifty

2011-08-23T19:29:00.000+10:00

Here's a sneak peak at a couple of my lovely thrift finds last week. There's just something about deep reds, pinks, peaches and florals that are pulling at my heartstrings as we move from the cooler months into Spring! Oh and those buttons. Who could pass up those darling buttons!?

Bali Bound

2011-08-22T11:21:00.000+10:00

There's a little shift of tone for a Monday morning on the blog today because I have some exciting news! Just last week Joel and I decided to plan a somewhat last minute trip to Bali. In a matter of days he had it all organised and now we have our flights and accommodation booked in for a holiday in October! We've never been overseas together so both of us are super stoked that this fell together so easily. I'll be taking this opportunity to do some lead up posts before the trip in just 7 WEEKS time!

Picturing myself in that chair already...

iPhotos #2

2011-08-19T12:53:00.000+10:00

I've decided to bring back iPhotos to le blog! Too often I end up taking photo's using my phone when I don't have my camera handy. This is great, but I never seem to upload or share them in any way. They are generally of pointless stuff, like my current stack of music and my super clean bar. But sometimes my phone is right there to capture exciting times, like patting horses with your boyfriend, amazing thrift finds or coming home to three boxes of Poptarts as a gift from your Mum*.

I've had Instagram for a while now, but for the longest part I never knew about the whole follow your friends and get a pretty little newsfeed of everyone's happy snaps function. So this is an Instagram call out... Do you have Instagram? And if so, what is your username?

* You're probably thinking excitement over Poptarts!? Really? Well we can't get them in the supermarket here in Aus. You have to go to select lolly shoppe's that import sweet treats from around the world! Super expensive but definitely worth it!

Oh How Pinteresting: Health Kick!

2011-08-18T18:24:00.000+10:00

It was just yesterday when I decided that it is about time I get my general health and fitness back in order. It has been way too long since I've done any physical exercise and even longer since I ate a proper balanced diet. Since recruiting a new gym buddy, setting out a new eating plan and shopping for delicious fruit & veg today, all that's left to do is to START! Routines are probably the hardest thing to build. But this time round I'm pretty determined to stick to it. Wish me luck guys! But if you don't, I'll just turn to Pinterest.

This weeks Pinterest loves...

First of all, these two smoothies! They look delish!

This basic reminder of wants vs. needs!

This infographic on the benefits/disadvantages of coffee & tea.

This somewhat accurate depiction of my mentality towards exercise.

This cheat sheet for cooking veg!

This super adorable motivation!

What do you do to stay motivated to exercise regularly & make healthy food choices?

As always head over to The Vintage Apple to play along and find all the links to my pinteresting picks for the week here!

Best Friends & Birthdays

2011-08-17T19:37:00.000+10:00

Just sharing some of the wonderful moments from the birthday celebrations of my very dear friend Tegan of Tink's Simplicity. For her birthday this year she organised for a bunch of us to go out to dinner in Sydney's Newtown. The restaurant was pretty tinsy, and so our entourage of friends completely filled every table. For the record, filling a restaurant with all the people you love = amazing! Joel and I did what we do best and ordered two separate meals to share between us. Their vegan pizza's were so delish! Overall, the night was full of good food and even better company. Just what I needed to shake up those mid-week blues. Happy Birthday Teags!

While we're on the topic of birthdays... I completely missed my own birthday! My blog birthday! So Happy Belated Birthday Far From The Mocking World and congratulations on finally passing the one year mark!

JC What!?

2011-08-16T09:56:00.000+10:00

New shoes on the block, Jeffrey Campbell What!

Check out JC online stockists like solestruck.com and eilatan.com for all the colors in your size.

Mondayitis and a bit of Bloggers Block

2011-08-15T13:41:00.001+10:00

I arrive at the same point each Monday morning, sometimes it's Tuesday, and I think to myself my gosh I've really neglected that Blog of mine lately. Part of this is due to lack of time (I just worked over 32 hours on the weekend!) but for the most part I am suffering from one great big case of Blogger's Block. You know there is a situation when your own boyfriend even points out your online absence!

So where am I at? Well I have a bunch of drafts, a bunch of post ideas and a bunch of unshared photos. But I just do not have the motivation or inspiration to share them. Even my last post about my amazing time at Splendour In The Grass was cut incredibly short and reduced to a page of photos in an attempt to cover what I could not manage put into words. Then time elapses and I figure that it's just a little too late to write about something I did two weeks ago.

What's probably worse than this is the fact that I have completely missed my regular features, including my monthly recap and Sunday Sounds. I live for those posts! And I missed them!! More than once!! We're halfway through August and I've managed to throw together one sloppy post. This saddens me greatly.

So now this post turns part reach-out and part challenge.

I've done some research on the subject and have found many post's dedicated to the Blogger's Block curse itself. Many of them offer the same knowledge; lower your standards, start with a headline and end with a deadline etc. But all of that just isn't inspiring to me. Others suggest taking a break, but that's not an option. So I'm left to draw some inspiration from you guys! What do you do when you are feeling particularly uninspired and fallen prey to the dreaded Bloggers Block?

And in return for your wisdom, I am making a promise to reacquaint myself with this little world. Time to play catch up!

Splendour In The Grass

2011-08-08T22:00:00.000+10:00

Holy moley! I did not even realise that we are already eight days into August, let alone the fact that I haven't updated or posted here in over a week!!! I guess I've been out living my life and getting back into the swing of things. Something I definitely shouldn't feel too bad about, I think? So where have I been? Well it was around this time last Monday that I was midway through a 15hour road trip home with a car load of Splendour casualties. That's right. The weekend at Splendour In The Grass 2011 was so massive that every single one of us were guilty of complaining about our feet, or our backs, or even our rumbling tummy's. But after I got home, showered, napped and finally wrapped my arms around my boyfriend, I was ready and willing to go all over again. I was so saddened by the fact that I was thrust back into reality (with Semester Two of Uni starting as well) that I did my very best to relive the Splendid memories. I wore one of my festival outfits again and have been playing Splendour artists in my car all week. It was only tonight that I finally had enough time to sit down and sift through all the photos we took. So here they are...

I'm a little too tired to give a complete recap right now, so if you're interested in all the amazing artists I had the pleasure of watching, check back later in the week for some reviews!

Looking forward to catching up on all the wonderful parts of your lives that I've missed over the last couple of weeks. I'm back at Uni full time again, so it's pretty much a given that I'll be round these parts more often.

On Scene At Splendour

2011-07-29T14:44:00.000+10:00

Just a little photo free post to let you know that I am on scene at Splendour in the Grass 2011. We arrived late last night and challenged ourselves by setting up the tent in the dark. We succeeded and have the most amazing set up now. It's modest. But it's our home for the next four days. Our hopes of having a good night sleep to wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed for today were squashed by the antics of our rowdy neighbours. But a few grumbles and a shit load of energy drinks later we were ready to start this epic weekend. I'm currently siting on a very lushious hill, drinking some vodka and lime, chilling with some amazing lady friends and watching awesome bands! Will be back in a few days!

A Bar Rant

2011-07-23T11:44:00.000+10:00

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It ‘s time for a little controversy on this darling blog of mine. Usually this is a place for me to become inspired and spread a little positivity. But lately I have been ticking away on the inside and so it’s time to vent.

I’m going to start by saying that in general, I love my job. I am a bartender at a little hotel where I get to work with some top people. During the week it is my pleasure to serve discount lunch to seniors and give the tired tradie a beer before he heads home at the end of the day. But soon enough the weekend rolls around and this mentality starts to shift. I do my very best to start my Friday and Saturday nights in high spirits, and it often works and carries me through an awesome night making great tasting cocktails and meeting new people. But behind every second pleasant customer is a rude one. You may contend that it’s my job to deal with rude customers, what with being in the service industry and all, and I agree. And usually my thick skin can deal with whatever the patron throws at me… But like anything, if something is thrown at you enough, eventually it’s going to beat you down.

So this is a message to the patron. Listen up!

1. I don’t know which part of ‘Bartender’ can possibly be construed as ‘personal slave’. Yes I understand we work in the service industry, and the whole point of us being there is to serve you drinks. But walking on up and demanding service from us, banging on the bar or waving your $20 in my face is just rude. In fact, it’s so rude that I will probably take a little longer to serve you.

2. I understand that at times the bar queue can be quite long, and the wait seems even longer. But when you get to the front and I ask “what can I get you”, please for the love of God do not answer with “um”. We don’t serve Um’s. Similarly, if you then turn to your mates and say “what were we having?” you are a moron. You just had five minutes to think about it!!!

3. If you order one drink, and I ask you “is that all” and you respond with “yes”, but your girlfriend next to you then says “just the same”, I am going to be annoyed.

4. Please stop saying “a schooner of beer” when you order. I have beers in bottles and a range of beers on tap. They are right there in front of your face. I will forgive you once, but do it again and you are tempting me to pour you a mixture of every beer I have available. Enjoy that great taste.

5. For those of you who do know which beer you would like, please stop pointing to the tap when I ask for your order. I used my mouth to ask you, the least you can do is respond with some words.

6. “Vodka Lemon Lime and Soda” does not exist. It’s one or the other.

7. We also don’t sell ‘Jim Beans’ or ‘Corollas’. Idiots.

8. Oh and while I’m on the topic, my phone number isn’t for sale either.

9. Just because you can’t hear anything in your drunken state doesn’t mean my hearing is impaired. Please stop yelling at me.

10. I don’t at all mind making complicated drinks during peak time. But when you order one at a time, just as I’m coming to the end of the first complicated one, and then wonder why it is taking so long, I’m going to be annoyed. You’ll have to wait longer. The dude behind you has to wait longer. And then I have to deal with a string of frustrated people. If you can remember the entire round in your state, then chances are I’m going to remember it better than you.

11. And finally, just because you know my name does not mean that we are friends. No I will not let you cut the line. No I will not give you double shots. And no I will not give you free drinks.

Point is, at the end of the day, I have left everyone I enjoy being with on the weekend to go to work and serve you, so you can have a great night out with your friends. I’m not asking for any sympathy here, but maybe just a little bit of respect. You’ll find that it goes a very long way.

With that being said however, I have never been happier to be taking the rest of the weekend off for a mini road trip, and next weekend off for an even bigger getaway!

P.S. In case you were wondering what tipped me over the edge... Last night I finished up a pretty good night on the bar, nothing too dramatic happened apart from the standard drunk chicks crying and mess everywhere. Both easy fixed. But then I walked out to my car to drive home and realised that someone had either fallen into it or jumped on it. Because now I have no side mirror and a significant amount of dents! So I pretty much worked that shift for free. Thanks.

Oh How Pinteresting: Festival Fun

2011-07-20T23:05:00.001+10:00

Guess what!? I've just made a last minute decision to buy myself a ticket to Splendour In The Grass! For those who don't know what that is, it pretty much means that this time next week I will be road tripping up north with a bunch of lovely ladies to spend four days camping and watching amazing bands! I wanted to go when the lineup was originally released months ago, but I had no one to tag along with. That issue has been resolved and now I've found myself trying to prepare for a little getaway in a very short period of time. No only do I have the whole camping checklist to cross off, but I also have the stress of what to wear to the festival... for three separate days! Usually I have my outfit planned weeks in advance. So of course I've turned to pinterest for some festival inspiration. This week I'm in love with...

1. This great road trip crew.

2. These warm drinks.

3. This effortless hair.

4. This road trip bingo.

5. This sweet festival vibe...

6. These festival essentials.

7. This nifty little camp set up.

8. These boots! For day three of Splendour in the Mud.

9. This DIY journal.

10. This recipe for S'mores Pops.

11. This cute 'festival ready' illustration.

12. This tutorial for tying a head scarf properly.

What do you typically like to wear to a festival? And if you were going camping, what are the three things you should never forget? Just in case I do...

Head over to The Vintage Apple to check out some other great pins for this week, and find all of the links to my pinteresting finds on my account here!

Dear Photograph

2011-07-19T14:37:00.000+10:00

Originally when I thought about my holidays I pictured endless days of getting things done and writing so much more on here. But now I'm more than halfway through them and I think I have been less present more than ever. Not for lack of interest or anything like that. It's just that I am so hard pressed for spare time. I have been a little sick over the last couple of days, which naturally means a fair bit of internet trolling. Amidst my regular daily reads and pinteresting finds, I came across an adorable website called Dear Photograph. It's a pretty little photo log compiled from individual submissions where people from all over the world have taken a photo of a photo from the past in the present. Such a simple idea, I know! But the result is an incredibly beautiful juxtaposition of old and new in the same location. There is something about nostalgia that sits so well with me, so of course I've fallen in love with this website. I'm currently searching through my old photos to try this myself!

Farewell Harry

2011-07-13T18:26:00.002+10:00

As most of you are already more than aware, I have been a complete Harry Potter fan from the age of seven years old. So it would come as no surprise that I have been early awaiting the final installment of the film series to hit the cinemas. I worked at the bar last night, so a midnight screening was off the cards this time round. But instead, I went to a lunch time viewing today with one of my best friends at Gold Class. Although reading the books had provided me with the knowledge of Harry's fate, I was still super nervous for the ending. Walking into the cinema was a bittersweet moment, because after all it was time for me to farewell a bunch of characters who had become a pretty permanent fixture in my life.

The music started, and instead of giving us a "what you missed" or "previously on Harry Potter" sort of catch up montage, the film just picks up where it left off in Part One. The plot begins (or shall I say continues) and I immediately found myself right there next to Harry, Ron and Hermoine, just as I have done for the last fourteen years, in an epic search to find and destroy the remaining horcrux's. I think the best part is the back story of one particular character. It is at that moment that so many questions are answered, and an entire history of plot lines from previous movies all of a sudden make sense! I can't really elaborate too much without spoiling it for those who are yet to see it. So i'm going to have to stop myself here. But I will say this... Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two is easily the best chapter of the series. It is a thrilling and emotionally intense installment that stays with you long after you leave the screening. I take my hat off to all involved in the making of the film, especially Director David Yates, because I don't think there could have possibly been a better way to say goodbye. The series was definitely given the ending it deserved. Besides, if you take Dumbledore's last words for what they're worth when Harry asks him "Is this real? Or is it happening in my head" and he responds with "Of course it's happening in your head Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it isn't real", then Harry Potter and his comrades will have an everlasting place within your life, as they do in mine.

Want to know the best part!!? It's not entirely over for me just yet... Because I'm going to see it again in two hours!!!

Even if you aren't a Harry fan (I'm hoping there isn't too many of you), let me know what you thought of Deathly Hallows Part Two?

Sunday Sounds: New Music Edition

2011-07-10T09:47:00.001+10:00

It has been a very long while between my last Sunday Sounds post, and I apologise for that (especially to those of you who I know enjoy the music part of this little blog). But it's back and here to stay. Better late then never. And might I just say, you know you are in desperate need of some new music when you hit shuffle mode on your iTunes and you no longer enjoy the first ten songs it throws at you!! So here is some great new stuff that I've had on a very high rotation as of late...

Bon Iver - Calgary

This is the eighth track of the self-titled album from American indie-folk band Bon Iver. Like 'Calgary', each of the tracks are inspired by locations (either real or imagined, I'm not too sure) that front man Justin Vernon believed to hold a special sort of significance and embodied the very sound he wanted to evoke. But it's hard to put a label on this sound, because each track is so very different. There are acoustic lovelies, electronic parts and even some songs that are just completely stripped down, almost naked if you will. While 'Calgary' incorporates the more electronic sound found on the album and is a stand out for its hauntingly beautiful lyrics, I think every track is done to complete perfection. Highly recommended!

Seeker Lover Keeper - Even Though I'm A Woman

Seeker Lover Keeper is the dynamic collaboration of some of Australia's best indie-songstress'. Here, Sally Seltmann, Sarah Blasko and Holly Throsby have joined together to create some sort of dream team, and my are they dreamy!! Each of the lovely ladies have written four songs each on the album, which upon a complete listen only shows how they completely compliment and inspire one another. Overall it's a beautiful album, one that you'll just have to listen to to understand. Note: This clip is kinda freaky after a while. Anyone else get that?

Emma Louise - Jungle

Okay so I lied. This isn't entirely a new music edition because this little gem from Emma Louise was released back in April, but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with you. After all, it's always seems to be stuck in my head! The vocals are incredibly powerful, but very well reserved at the same time. Oh and the hook... Did I mention how it will get stuck in your head? While Emma Louise is a relatively new lady on the scene, I dare say we will be seeing a lot more of her soon. Especially if this track is anything to go by.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I worked a hell of a lot, as usual. But it's the start of a new week tomorrow and I'm determined to get things done!

Oh How Pinteresting: Winter Warmers

2011-07-06T09:20:00.003+10:00

I don't know why my idea of Winter is all Soups, Socks and Sweets? But it seems like that's the way it worked out. Winter for me is one massive month of comfort. I like hot foods and warm rooms and I won't have it any other way. Luckily for us here in Aus, the really winter type days have subdued. Instead we have been blessed with a radiant sunshine for the last week or so, and looks to be staying this way right up until the weekend. Thank you Mr. Weather Man! Despite the sunshine, it is still super cold outside when darkness falls. I was driving home from work last night and was feeling a lot like an icicle by the time I reached my front door. My hands have even began to feel the cold. For the first time in my life, bar work and cold nights have awarded me with a mild case of eczema on my hands. It's almost all gone now though. Thank gosh. Anyway, if it's cold where you are, I definitely recommend trying one of these recipes or D.I.Y's to warm you up!

Tomato and Artichoke Soup with Homemade Garlic Crutons

Hand-knit Socks

DIY Tea Wallet

Knitted Bow Headband Pattern

Chai Latte Recipe

Chai Latte Cupcakes!

You can find these and other Pinteresting finds on my Pinterest page here.

Just on another quick note, I escaped Winter here and wrote about one of my favorite Summer getaway's over on My Beautiful Disaster while the lovely Erin is away on vacation. You should definitely check out her blog and see what the other travel guest's have been up to. Warning: It will make you crave for vacation moments.

Oh and I finally finished my blog re-design. I'm feeling pretty good about this one, so I think it will stay for a while. I just have a few more minor adjustments to make link wise. What do you think?

Under Construction

2011-07-04T09:36:00.000+10:00

I’ll be making some modifications around these parts over the next couple of days. So if anything looks a little peculiar, now you know why. I use to know basic HTML coding back in the day, so let’s see if I still have it.

Coming soon… all new graphics, a new layout, much more organisation and a fancy new blog roll featuring some of my favorite friends and daily reads! Bare with me!

Hello's & Homestead Horses

2011-07-01T18:26:00.000+10:00

Yesterday my dear friend Claire and I caught up for a little brunch at a cute homestead tea house not to far from where we live. We didn’t even need to glance at the menu to know what we wanted to indulge ourselves in, because everyone knows that the homemade scones from there are just delicious! We talked about old times and new times, and discussed her upcoming trip. We took a stroll through the garden and introduced ourselves to the horses in a nearby paddock. One horse in particular couldn’t get enough of Claire, but when I tried to say Hello he casually walked away. I maintain that it was because I have dark hair... a stark contrast to the similar hue he and Claire share. Overall it was such a lovely way to spend my day off.

I’ll be doing a little write up on Claire’s amazing trip to Ecuador in the next couple of days… I definitely recommend checking back to find out what she’s about to get up to!

Right now I’m about to start another one of my epic work weekends. This little window of spare time before I head to the bar is really my saving grace. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

June's Best Bits

2011-07-01T08:03:00.001+10:00

I cannot believe that it's July already! Actually reaching the end of the month was something that seemed so very far away for me at the beginning of June.

As most of you were already aware from all my whining, June was exam month for me. Boo! So most of my month was spent reading over study notes, making more notes and just generally preparing myself for my final exams. At times it was incredibly tedious, but I eventually got through it (tears, headaches, tantrums and all). But not without the support of my darling friends and family though. Oh and a little self pep talk!

Apart from being an emotional wreck for most of the month, Joel and I did get to change things up a bit when we house sat an amazing house belonging to one of his friends' whilst they were vacationing in Bali. At first it was a little daunting being all alone in a giant quiet house, because back at my farm house I've grown accustomed to living with a lot of people walking in and out and various animals doing their thing during the day. I was actually a little sad to leave all my pets behind. But I made up for it by helping care for the two dogs who lived at the house. They were the sweetest little guy's and always showed us loads of affection. I rather enjoyed the novelty of grocery shopping and preparing meals for dinner, then settling down and watching movies with Joel til bedtime. I once thought that the idea of domesticity was a scary thing, but I think I made a pretty good pretend house-wifey. Actually, we made a pretty good team together!

Other than that, June was pretty mundane. On the bright side though, we are exactly in the middle of 2011! I can only hope the second half of the year is just as good as the first, if not better.

What was your favorite part of the month?

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-06-29T09:37:00.000+10:00

In the calamity that was last week's exam period I completely forgot that the lovely Erinj0 from her self titled blog had passed on this little blog award. I think these are a super sweet way to show someone that you adore what they have to say and the things they share, even though the fact that people actually read this blog of mine sometimes escapes me (especially being so new). But I really enjoy seeing the blogs nominated by others on lists like these and have found a number of daily reads through them! So yes, I will definitely participate!

This award requires the recipient to tell five facts about themselves. But since I often disclose my likes and dislikes, and all the basic facts can be found on my About Me, I'm going to tell you some trivial things that I have never shared before...

If I were born a boy, my name was going to be Ryan. Seems odd!?
Once my shoelace got caught in an escalator and I totally thought I was going to die. A nice man grabbed my ankle and ripped it back out though.
I have a hidden love for barber shop quartet! So on occasions I'll just sit here and watch online videos until I get my a cappella fix.
Boys use to tease me all through Primary AND the early years of High School. That's why I confided in books, locked myself in the library and dreamed about spending the rest of my life with Harry Potter.
I've known that I wanted to be a Lawyer since I was eleven years old, back when all the other kids were planning on becoming Rock Stars, Actresses or Professional Skateboarders.

It's my pleasure to pass this award on to five other versatile blogs I rather enjoy. Some are very well established and form part of my daily reads and others just beginning to flourish offering some really sweet stuff.

Pixie Mama

My Beautiful Disaster

Jesslyn Amber

My New Life As A Housewife

Bird Fly Away

The Week That Was...

2011-06-28T09:01:00.000+10:00

But never should have been...

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Do you ever have those days? The ones where you have something amazing planned, but then something unexpected happens and it ends up being not so great? Well I just copped a week load of them!!!

If you look back to my last post (which was almost a week ago) I was writing in the highest spirits about how good it felt to be free of all Uni ties and listing all the things I wanted to accomplish over the holidays. I had arranged a number of fancy dates for in between those tedious working hours and set aside time to complete some chores.

Update! I did not end up going to the blogger meet, I did not end up going to the movie date and the shopping date was spent alone. My bedroom is still a mess, the closet still can't close and the spare room is still incredibly crowded.

On top of that, little big bad things kept happening to me along the way. Like getting every red traffic light when I had to be somewhere. Getting a parking fine in the city when I was only parked for a few minutes. Finding a new way to work that cut about five minutes off the trip, only to almost crash my car going that way home! And so many other things that I can't possibly list here, because when it rains for me, it pours!

All in all the week was one big super disappointment. It definitely did not live up to the high expectations I had created for it. So maybe that was the problem? By about the third day in I was feeling defeated. I began questioning my fate and asking what it was that I possibly did wrong to deserve such shitty luck!? Did I see a black cat? Or walk under a ladder?

It was a really weird feeling and one that I've never really had before. The world was beating me down, and I was letting it. It's part the reason that I've been so absent from here. When you're feeling pretty blue, it's hard to draw inspiration or find the motivation to write creatively or even create something worth writing about.

Towards the end of the weekend I started accepting this. I started trying to find the positive nestled deep within the negative, even though most times there wasn't any there. But my mentality had a sudden shift and I began working my way out of that rut from the inside out. And I'm feeling a lot better about it. Little big bad things keep happening (like last night I dropped my entire plate of dinner that I had just cooked all over the front veranda) but I'm trying not to let them bring me down like they used to.

What now? Well, I've scrapped the solid holiday plan and accepted that you cannot plan everything, especially holidays! I've taken my goals and set them aside as guidelines. "If I get to it, I get to it", that kind of thinking. I'm just going to take each day as it comes and cross off my chores as I feel like it. Forcing them was kind of making it feel like a job anyway. So right now, I am lying in my boyfriends bed and reading a book while I wait for him to get home. It wasn't on my holiday schedule, but I'm doing it anyway!!!

I'd really like to know what you do when life seems to get you down all of a sudden? How do you deal with unexpected disappointments? Or what about when something doesn't go the way you planned?

Finally Free

2011-06-22T15:12:00.001+10:00

Guess what!? Exams are over!!! I finally finished my last one this morning and my gosh I cannot tell you how good it feels to be free. Even if it is only momentarily. Once again I need to give a quick but heartfelt thank you to my darling family, friends and boyfriend who constantly picked me up when the stress of exams seemed to beat me down!

As soon as I got home from Uni this morning, I did my chores as fast as I could, changed from jeans back into my pyjamas and spent a good two hours working hard at putting my holiday butt groove into the lounge! There are still plenty more chores and plenty more lazy hours to come, which is why I hope for this little break to be both as productive and relaxing as it possibly can. A few big things I have lined up include:

- Cleaning out my closet & my spare room.
- Moving my furniture around.
- Giving my bedroom a quick fix make over!

And, in between all this I plan to:

- Catch up on all those blogs I have neglected.
- Change my hair!
- Read so much more.
- Finish some D.I.Y's.
- Try some new recipes.

But before all this can happen, I need to get through the rest of the week that I have managed to jam pack full of fun. Over the next few days I have arranged a couple of blogger dates, dinner dates, movie dates and shopping dates. Oh and I can't forget the long awaited date with my bed until midday one morning!

Happy hump-day! Enjoy the rest of your week! x

Fill In The Blank Friday

2011-06-17T17:24:00.001+10:00

I know I said that I would try to stay off here in order to study more before my final exams and all that jazz, but since I'm feeling rather good about the first two already been and gone I've decided to take a break and fill in some blanks!

1. The last movie I saw was The Jungle Book! I felt like watching it for a while now, so the other night Joel and I put it on. Crazy how I can still remember all the songs.

2. I want to be on holidays already!!! I have so many wonderful things planned for the break.

3. Surprises are wonderful when you don't know about them! Knowing about surprises is terrible though... it actually gives me anxiety Ha!

4. The best accessory is a killer pair of heels! Even though I don't own crazy amounts, I can always count on the ones I do to make any outfit go from drab to fab! (lame I know).

5. My favorite warm drink is a HAZELNUT LATTE. Joel and I were just discussing their amazingness this afternoon. I can feel a little addiction coming along.

6. My favorite cold drink is definitely some sort of lychee mojito! Or apple & guava juice for regular days.

7. Currently loving the new album by Dallas Green's solo project 'City and Color', Little Hell!

As always, head over to The Little Things We Do to play along and have a read of some other blanks!

Wishing everyone a great weekend! Mine will be jam packed with work and study, but it will all be over soon! xx

A Week Away

2011-06-14T11:31:00.000+10:00

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I'm going to take a little seven day break from this online world. As much as I enjoy every minute of my procrastination, it leaves me with way too much guilt. I am just about to start a very painful week. I have three exams in the next few days, so I'll be needing all of my brain capacity to cope with that. This time next week, I will be ready to sit my final exam. And after that is over, I will be free as a bird!

The procrastination hasn't been all bad though, I have about a page of ideas and stories to share with you all the moment I am finished being a slave to my textbooks! Enjoy your week lovely ladies! See you on the other side...

Studying Sadness

2011-06-12T14:29:00.001+10:00

This photo was taken last year while I was knee deep in notepads and textbooks, frantically studying for my end of semester exams. While I sit here now, only three days out from my first exam, I can't help but feel the same all over again. I'm not going to lie, I am seriously stressed out!!! I am a walking sack of sadness and definitely not any sort of pleasure to be around. I haven't actually cried yet, although I've come pretty close.

I think my mind starts to play tricks on me during an exam period. I can become so indecisive, and thinking too much actually makes my brain hurt. I keep looking to other people to make my decisions for me. I don't know whether to finish the chapter, or go take a shower. To write another set of notes, or to take a break to eat. Even the question of what to have for dinner (something I usually love planning) was too much to handle the other night.

I've 'ummed' and 'arred' over the possibility of leaving this study desk a couple of times this (long) weekend. Just to relax for a while and enjoy the company of friends. I even started to put my jeans on once. But every time I think about going out, I am instantly plagued with a guilt that sees me running back to this very chair. Joel comes in every now and then to check on me, gives me a heartfelt hug and a few words of encouragement before retreating to the less gloomy parts of the house. I've loved that. A little bit of his support has gone a long way for me.

I'm just glad that the idea of a holiday, with an empty schedule and complete freedom, is such a strong motivator! I'm longing for a few spare hours to catch up on all those daily blog reads I am subscribed to, because I feel a little neglecting right now.

Also, my apologies for not sharing my usual cheery 'Sunday Sounds' track this week. I didn't have time to format something in advance. Maybe next week!

Fill In The Blank Friday

2011-06-10T18:30:00.000+10:00

I've had a quick glance at the blanks for this week and I must admit I'm a little reluctant to fill them in! They are all 'vacation' themed, and I am smack bang in the middle of exam study! But nonetheless, here goes...

1. This weekend I'm staying in to study and house sitting an amazing house with Joel at the same time! (The house sitting negates the boredom of study... More deets on the perks of this later).

2. My last vacation was a little impromptu getaway with the girls to Queensland's Gold Coast. It was the middle of summer and we just wanted to party.

3. My next vacation will be NEW YORK FOR CHRISTMAS! I was going to keep this one a secret for a while actually. Just until I had made some final decisions and bookings and such. But the prompt got it out of me. So now you know. I have been saving every spare penny I can, and am totally excited that Joel and I will be having a White Christmas for the first time ever!

4. My favourite way to relax is on a deck chair in the sun with a fantastic book and an ice cold fruity beverage. But with the cooler months gracing us at the moment, substitute deck chair for couch and icy beverage for hot chocolate!

5. When vacationing one should always have an open mind! Structure can obviously get you far, but spontaneity can get you further!

6. When vacationing one should never pack their angry eyes! Seriously, when life is as care free as it is when on vacation, there is no need for anything other than pure happiness.

7. The best part about a vacation is that surreal feeling that you get when you are amongst another culture, so far from home with so many days left to explore. Yeah. I kinda crave that right now!

Well, that wasn't as bad as I'd thought it would have been, although I have a sudden urge to close my study notes and start looking for Hotels in NYC! As always, if you want to play along, head over to Lauren's blog The Little Things We Do and jot down your thoughts on vacationing!

Have a splendid weekend! Especially those extra days for us here in Australia! xo

Time Capsule

2011-06-10T09:46:00.000+10:00

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Since the start of June, I have been participating (rather briefly) in The 30 Day Journal Challenge hosted by Run With Scissors. Each of the daily prompts have been fantastic, and I've been able to jot down my answer in a timely manner, alongside my exam study. However, one of the prompts this week had me completely stumped! Participants were asked, "If you were to make a time capsule today, that wouldn't be opened for 100 years, what would you put in it?". The question was completely hypothetical, allowing ideas to be as strange as they could be. But, I still struggled with the thought of parting with some of my prized possessions today, only for them to be opened by some stranger in 2111. After some thought though, I figured that all that really needs to be in there is a little bit of evidence that I existed, and some other kick ass stuff! I would include...

A handful of photos showing snippets of my life.
A journal, possibly the one I'm doing now, to detail what life is like nowadays.
Harper Lee's To Kill A Mocking Bird (just in case hard copy books cease to exist).
A mix tape of my favorite songs.
My Grandma's recipe for scones.
A copy of Frankie Mag (in case they don't exist either).
Some sort of jewelry to become heir-loomy.

I then asked Joel what his time capsule items would be, and I think he took the more outlandish approach. This is what he said he would include...

My iPod (updated of course).
A letter claiming that I in fact invented so many things, which I actually didn't.
A real letter about some of the things I have done in my life.
A jar of Aldi's peanut butter, so that they could enjoy its amazingness.
Harry Potter DVD/Book Set.
Some of my hair in hopes to be cloned.

I laughed so much when I read the one about being cloned. Who thinks of that!?

Anyway, if you could create your 100 year time capsule today, what would you put in it?

And! If you are looking for a little monthly project, I strongly recommend heading over to Run With Scissors to play along! Its not too late! I'll share some of my entries soon.

Oh How Pinteresting

2011-06-08T10:21:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd take a little break from my exam study and have a quick troll of Pinterest again. This website blows my mind every time I log in! I don't follow many people at all, but the ideas they are sharing are seriously stellar! Quality over quantity prevails again! Anyway, here are some things I've found particularly pinteresting.

1. These inspiring words! A little reminder that each and every one of us deserves to live our life the way we want to. But more than that, a reminder to accept other people as are they are.

2. This homemade Nutella! The regular brand 'Nutella' has disappeared off our pantry shelves ever since Joel and I made a conscious effort not to consume products with Palm Oil (you know, save the Orangutan and such). But we definitely miss it. I can't wait to make this homemade, environmentally friendly version!

3. These beautifully covered Penguin Classics! Just because they are so aesthetically pleasing.

4. This charming D.I.Y windchime using old Keys. It's pretty and dainty, and who doesn't love a good upcycled project!?

5. This fantastic idea! Here you have a basket filled with envelopes - one for each month - containing twelve preplanned, prepaid date nights! World's greatest birthday or anniversary gift? I think so.

6. This darling dress from Princess Polly! Seriously lusting over this color lately.

7. Keeping with the envelope theme, these felt packaging lovelies. Perhaps I could combine this with pinteresting find number five?

As always, you can find all the original sources for these ideas on my Pinterest page!

And find even more great ideas by visiting the 'Oh How Pinteresting' link-up hosted by The Vintage Apple.

Sunday Sounds: Agnes Obel & A Link Up!

2011-06-05T12:12:00.000+10:00

This week's Sunday Sounds is a beautiful track bought to you all the way from Berlin's Agnes Obel. It's a little old, but Riverside is definite gem! It's simple and calming and absolutely great for whatever you have planned this Sunday! The piano chords are a stark difference to the music I listen to on a daily basis, and I've found it quite refreshing. And then there's the video! The video is hauntingly beautiful and filmed in matching tones. It's enough to captivate your soul and take you on some sort of whimsical journey. I think even without the visual aid, Agnes Obel's vocals alone are enough to ensnare any listener.

And now! More importantly!!! I have decided to turn Sunday Sounds into a link up! I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that a few blogs have been playing along anyway... So why not make this a space for everyone to share their weekly music loves!? I love sharing new music, and I certainly love finding new music, so what better way than to have it all here in one place. If there is a new song your are currently lusting over, or a new album out by one of your favorite artists, or even an old song that's just stuck in your head, please share it with me! There aren't too many rules with this link up! You can use YouTube clips like I do, link to an mp3 download, use a media host, or even just write about it in general! All I ask is that you use the Sunday Sounds button I've provided, and link up your post back here for me, and anyone else who's interested to see! Happy listening!

Fill In The Blank Friday... On Saturday

2011-06-04T10:30:00.000+10:00

Fill In The Blank Friday with Lauren of The Little Things We Do has fastly become my favorite link-up! They are quick little prompts that I can always fill in during the spare moments I have between jobs, but then I leave thinking about them for the rest of the day! If you don't play along already, I suggest you do. Its tonnes of fun!

1. I love the end of the semester because that means that holidays are so very soon!!!

2. A time that Mama knew best was when her and Papa stepped in and held a little intervention for something that wasn't so great in my life! I quit my job as a result and started on a path of positivity. Thank gosh, because I am probably the happiest I have ever been!

3. My first kiss went a little like this... a little quick and nervous peck in the 9th grade. Yes, THE NINTH GRADE! Either I was the only person in high school that thought that boys still had cooties! Or I was THAT girl that no body dare wanted to kiss. I'm not sure :(

4. My celebrity crush is Johhny Depp. And always will be! So much talent!

5. My splurge of choice is food! I don't really eat that much. But I like to go out on dinner dates a lot.

6. My biggest accomplishment is my studies! Getting into University, already completing one degree and being part way through another is probably by biggest achievement to date.

7. My dance jam of choice is Lady GaGa. Not for any particular reason. But just because it's always playing in someone's car when we're going out as a group.

Head over to The Little Things We Do to see what other people have filled their blanks with!

Spare Time

2011-06-03T11:42:00.000+10:00

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Right at this very moment, I am sitting up (but still in bed) after a much needed sleep in and waiting for Joel to get home. I knew I wanted to make a blog post about not being able to do this for much longer, and the best way would be to participate in Jesslyn Amber's The Simple Things link up again!

So, keeping with the theme of overall positivity, the thing I am appreciative of right now is spare time! My final exams are in no less than two weeks! Eeep! So, yesterday I sat down and drew up a very tight study plan, with all the topics I need to make notes for and all the questions I should practice answering. It's a great plan, and I'm pretty proud of it. The only thing is, while I've factored in time for my regular paid work, I didn't leave any room to spare! So I think I will become somewhat like a hermit crab over the next few days...

Knowing that yesterday and today were to be my last days of freedom, I decided to make the most of them. Last night I met up with two of my dearest friends for a dinner date at our favorite Thai restaurant. We stayed for much longer than anticipated, so much so our partners had each called to tell us that they had retreated to bed! And today, well Joel should be home any minute now... and all I plan on doing is relaxing and enjoying his company before I have to go to work tonight and start this study regime tomorrow.

I may be a little MIA for a while. But I promise to have bigger and better things when I come back!

I hope you each enjoy the rest of your week, and head over to Jesslyn Amber if you feel like spreading a little postivity and sharing your appreciation for life's simple joys.

Winter Aspirations

2011-06-01T11:21:00.000+10:00

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It's officially Winter here in Australia and you can definitely tell! The lovely Autumnal trees I posted about last week have lost most, if not all of their leaves and are standing tall and naked now. It has been raining a lot lately, which means I don't have any dry fire wood! So hopefully that will change soon. Artificial heating just isn't the same.

As with any seasonal change, I like to make a list of aspirations and things to achieve in that three month period. Since I am on Uni holidays for most of Winter, I'll be raising the bar by adding fair few more to-do's.

1. Achieve higher than a PASS on my final exams.

I only have 3 x 3 hour final exams left and then I will be finished another semester of my Law Degree. I have been lucky enough to score fairly good marks on the assessments throughout the semester, so with a little bit of applied study the exams should go well!

2. Start a regular training regime.

This is something that I've not only been wanting to do for a long time, but really need to do. Generally Winter is a comfort season for me. I crave hot foods and I long for entire days spent rugged up indoors. Each of which will not be any good for my figure or general health. Since it will be too cold to run outdoors, I should take this opportunity to join a Gym and finally cross off my monthly running challenge. I think Couch to 5K would be a good place to start... Besides, everyone is warmer after a work out!

3. READ READ READ!

Over the last couple of months I have picked up around thirteen or so new books! My goal is to get back to my old reading pace and read at least three or four a month! Now is when I ask you all for suggestions...

4. Follow up the DIY's I have purchased materials for...

This one is pretty self explanatory. I have collected buttons and material of all sorts, I've even started cutting out the pattern for some DIY's. So Winter this year should be quite the productive one.

5. Cook a hearty vegetable soup!

Like I said, I crave soups in Winter. I can taste it now Mmmmmm.

6. Make an effort to spend time with my friends.

I often try to work as much as I can in the Uni break so I can cut down when the next semester starts and hopefully still have some money saved. But some much needed friend time is definitely on the cards this Winter.

7. Try my hardest to cross of any Winter related goals on my 101/1001 list.

You can view the list here. At a quick glance I can see myself knitting, sewing and trying my hand at solving a rubick's cube!

Oh and Winter would be complete if I saw someone wearing a Snuggie in public. That never happened last year. What would your Winter goals be?

May's Best Bits

2011-05-31T19:47:00.003+10:00

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

2011-05-29T09:00:00.000+10:00

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

2011-05-28T09:56:00.000+10:00

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.

Fill In The Blank Friday

2011-05-28T02:57:00.000+10:00

I'm finally home from a quick night on the bar, but I am still so full of energy! Must have been all that sugar I drank. I've decided to wind down by participating in Lauren's fill in the blank link-up. As always, head over to The Little Things We Do if you want to play along.

1. If I could go somewhere for the weekend I would go up the mountains to a whimsy little bed & breakfast and I would bring my boyfriend! While a weekend abroad would be amazing no doubt, I am really just in need of a very low key relaxing getaway. Nature walks, warm fireplaces, cozy reading spaces and delicious lunch dates are calling my name!

2. Something I often rant about is the incredibly shit people that sometimes come to my bar! Although everyone was lovely tonight, more often than not I am met with a really rude patron. I understand that I am in a service industry, but a 'please' would not kill you. End rant.

3. One thing I need to have in my fridge at all times is cordial. Preferably the orange flavor. Because if I have cordial, I can satisfy my sugar cravings without drinking fizzy rot your tooths soda!

4. My life saving product is dry shampoo! For obvious reasons. But mainly because darting between two jobs sometimes doesn't leave much time for a hair fix up. Aloe Vera facial wipes are also my saving grace!

5. A friend is someone who loves you unconditionally. They take the good with its sidekick, the bad, and they are there to stay. More importantly though, they can usually make you smile more than anyone else knows how.

6. If I could write my own blank it would be if Fairy God Mother's existed, what would your one wish be?

7. My favorite kind of Art is definitely photography. What some people can do with their photos amazes me!

That's all for now! Have a super weekend!

Autumn's Almost Over

2011-05-26T19:41:00.000+10:00

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).

Oh How Pinteresting

2011-05-26T01:08:00.000+10:00

I'm quite new to Pinterest, a little behind all the regulars. But I must say, it's the most handy website invented yet? Yes? Just in the last week I have discovered so many wonderful people, places and pictures! I've pinned new recipes, crafts to try and items to (one day) buy! If I thought Blogger and Flickr fueled my wonderlust, I was certainly wrong!

Anyway, Michelle over at The Vintage Apple has now created a weekly link-up to share all the things we've found particularly interesting called 'Oh How Pinteresting'. Since I am becoming increasingly addicted to this virtual pinboard, and since I'm a sucker for great puns, I've decided to play along!

This week I am in love with...

1. This fantastic idea! While I do love the cover art of books, I love uniform and cohesiveness so much more!

2. These repainted mason jars. What a perfect way to separate my herbs. So long tacky old plastic planter box!

3. This cute project. I would fill it with adventures and select one each time I was feeling a little restless.

4. These wise words! Definitely something to remind me to THINK before I speak.

5. This sweet set up! I'm currently making a list of all the things I would need to execute this one day!

You can find all the original sources for these pins on my Pinterest page!

Head over to The Vintage Apple to play along and find some other great ideas.

At The Drive In

2011-05-24T00:39:00.000+10:00

Last night, Joel and I headed to the local drive-in movies for a last minute date night to see Pirates 4! The set up was rather picturesque, like one of those typical American movies with their great drive-in scenes. We had our car pointed in an ideal direction and had just stocked up on popcorn, soda and other sweet treats. Everything seemed perfect, especially while I was adjusting my seat and getting snug under a blanket. But! Just as the opening credits were finishing, Joel realised that his stereo would not tune in to the frequency we needed! Luckily by chance we had parked next to a speaker box, so if I wound down my window I could hear just fine. But Joel spent the first half of the movie darting between 91.5 and 92.8, when all we needed was for it to stick to 92.4! Secretly I was hoping that with a little divine intervention it would just cooperate, but no! By the 60 minute mark, Joel had managed to google the settings of his car stereo, and figured out how to manually adjust the dial. I think the funniest moment was when he finally got it to work, he looked up to watch the movie and had absolutely no idea what was going on! But it wasn't all completely disastrous. If anything it just means that we get to have another date night and see it again!

Has anyone else seen Pirates 4: On Stranger Tides yet? What did you think?

Sunday Sounds: Foster The People

2011-05-22T17:30:00.000+10:00

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

2011-05-21T11:40:00.000+10:00

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

2011-05-20T18:58:00.002+10:00

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!