Foxy falls for...

A much lauded serum...and it's gift time!

2012-02-02T22:36:00.000+11:00

I've been lusting over Estee Lauder's Advance Night Repair Serum for many months now.

I'm so sure my skin would love (NEEDS!) it. My 26 year old peepers are starting to show the signs of premature ageing (sure Beth, sure...!), and if I don't have this (NOW!) I'll have crows feet the size of a pelican's feet before I know it (TOMORROW, even!). I've also heard it does wonders for evening skin tone.

Oh the things we tell ourselves to justify expensive beauty products.

Need another reason to justify it? It's Gift Time at David Jones. And look at the pick-and-mix bag of goodies on offer this time 'round!!

That's right, you get to pick 6 products to suit your skin tone! Simply spend $75 in one transaction and receive all these goodies in a cute little bag to carry them all home.

How on earth will I resist this temptation...

the beauty, of revenge...

2012-01-08T13:18:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the American drama/thriller TV show 'Revenge' - and not just for the juicy plot line!

The beauty and fashion in the show is To. Die. For. - the lifestyles of the Hamptons elite - wowzers!!

Lead role 'Emily Thorn/Amanda Clarke' (played by stunner Emily VanCamp) dresses to impress time and time again. If only I could play in her wardrobe!!

As with the entire cast of dames, Emily's hair/makeup combos are right on trend and hot to trot! Lush curled locks, glowing skin - and a great selection of fancy frocks.

My pick for best dressed though always goes to Emily's friend and party planner Ashley (played by Ashley Madekwe, above) Just gorgeous!

Revenge - best served H-O-T!

xx

gold, gold!

2011-12-12T15:21:00.002+11:00

If only Santa Clause was still coming to my town....this little baby would be high on my wish-list!

I think my penchant for gold is growing by the second....to me, this ring is hands down perfect...

Karen Walker jewellery available at Incu, QV building, Melbourne CBD / Shimmer, Chapel St, South Yarra.

xo

Benefiting from the Brow Experts

2011-12-10T10:31:00.000+11:00

Benefit Brow Bar via

Brows.

They really do shape a lady's face. There's nothing like that fresh feeling when you've just had a tidy up, leaving so much more room to play with eye makeup in the area - and so much more expression.

Well, I thought I had it down pat, my brow specialist Maya had been shaping my face for the past few years. The shape was great. But I wanted more. I wanted more arch, more thickness, more more more!

Insert Benefit Brow Bar.

The ladies at Melb CBD Benefit getting their brow on!

Benefit's marketing strategy is a corker. Imagine being 'just another' beauty counter at department stores around the world. How on earth do you get cut through? Cute packaging, tick, reliable products, tick - but everyone has those bases covered! Clearly one of their best sellers, brows a-go-go got them thinking outside the cute-as-pie box --- no one specialises in brows. Let's do it!

Hats off to you Benefit, you've outdone yourself!

The whole experience was a lot of fun. I booked early to avoid disappointment, got to the counter and it was a buzzing - girls everywhere, waxing, powdering, ra ra ra! It may not be for those who like a little privacy when they're having teeny tiny hairs ripped from their face. But fun all the same!

My brow specialist, a cute pommy girl, lined up her measuring stick to make sure she had the right angle to get the super arch happening. She asked if I'd like a tint. A tint? I'd never had a tint before! Hell, why not!

Tint on, wax twirling, the whole process was over in 15 mins and the results were outstanding. Until today my brows were so sparse - but the tint really bulked up the beauty!

But then the fun really started - my pommy waxer sat me down with another girl, Hannah, who spent a good 20 min playing beauty show&tell with me. By the end I wanted to ask her if she'd be my BFF and go buy matching charm bracelets with me! ha! She was so lovely - and showed me heaps of products which I'd totally overlooked in the past.

I took home a new lippy and gloss - so stunning - and left with a Christmas wish-list a mile long (and the good sense to not purchase anything more in-store until I look online for a cheaper deal, my bad!)!

Thanks Benefit - I'll be back!

The big move

2011-12-07T20:07:00.000+11:00

So the biggest news to come from my four month absence has been something that I've been looking forward to for a while: moving.

Yep - farewell green walls - we're outta here!

Where to you ask? Well, rather than packing our bags and heading to some far away majestical place - we've decided to keep things simple. And move 100 metres down the road!

Too funny.

But we're chuffed. The new place reminds me of a little European manor, it's lovely:

We're on the ground floor, with two rooms, a sunroom, and a very spacious outdoor area! Loving the prospect of a new-ish kitchen and (most importantly) a dish washer! (Although LB does a great job of dish washer in our house ;))

Needless to say we're counting down the next 10 sleeps until move in day! Can you just picture LB and I wheeling our worldly possessions down the road! Hilarious.

And now the fun begins...decorating!!

xx

Recap: four months fell.

2011-12-06T20:10:00.001+11:00

Well! That was what one would potentially call a baptism of fire!

The past four months have flown right on by. Learning the ropes of my new job and trying to figure out the whole work/life balance has been difficult. The last thing on my mind after a nine hour day has unfortunately been blogging. Poor little Foxy.

Although after four months away from all my favourite blogs, I must say that it has been a lot of fun to sit down a read the back catalogue of my faves tonight! I've missed out on a lot! But that's what's great about blogging - you can pick up right where you left off.

So here I am, picking up Foxy and falling in love all over again.

xx

image

What diet?

2011-07-15T15:25:00.000+10:00

My stomach is crying out for me to make these CHOCOLATE CREME BRULEE tarts over the weekend...(I haven't counted a propoint in weeks, the jolly fat (wo)man has entered my home and it's not even Christmas! Oh dear...save me..no...feed me...no..save me from these amazing looking treats!!)

DONNA HAY

3 sheets store-bought shortcrust pastry
butter, for greasing
2 cups (500ml) milk
200g dark chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
1/3 cup (75g) caster (superfine) sugar
1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
caster (superfine) sugar, extra, to sprinkle
dark chocolate shavings and double cream, to serve

Preheat oven to 160ºC (320ºF). Cut the pastry into 12 x 10cm rounds. Cut a slit halfway through each round (this will make it easier to mould into tart shells). Line the bases of 12 x ½ cup-capacity (125ml) lightly greased muffin tins with the pastry. Prick the bases with a fork and line with non-stick baking paper. Fill with pastry weights and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and weights and bake for a further 5–8 minutes or until golden and crisp. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Place the milk, chocolate and vanilla in saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted. Bring to the boil and remove from heat. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and whisk until pale and creamy. Add the cornflour and whisk to combine. Gradually pour in the hot milk mixture, whisking continuously. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, for 1–2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir through the coffee liqueur. Pour mixture into the tart shells and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. Sprinkle tarts with caster sugar. Use a blowtorch to caramelise the sugar. Top with chocolate shavings and double cream to serve. Makes 12.

Try not to eat all 12 at once!
Recipe stalked down and hunted from here.

leaving the farm...

2011-07-12T16:51:00.000+10:00

All good things must come to an end, greener pastures, time for a change, yadda yadda yadda...

You get the drift. My days 'on the farm' (well, as close to a farm as these well-manicured fingers were ever going to get!) are drawing to a close. I'm leaving my job in agricultural lobbying for a new role. Still in the environment sector, but a fresh start. I'm excited :)

And here's a picture of a ridiculously stunning pair of shoes. Just because every celebration deserves a pair...

Shoes, here, of course ;)

How have I lived 26 years without concealer?

2011-07-08T16:36:00.000+10:00

Now that I know totally everything there is to know about beauty ;) , thanks to Zoe Foster and her new book Amazing Faces, my one question really is how did I ever survive without concealer?

On reading the book and watching a few YouTube vids I decided it was high time to do something about my dark circles. And, on her recommendation (and to my initial fear), I stepped away from my beloved MAC counter and walked on over to....Bobbi Brown.

Oh My Lordy! How did I not know the amazing ability of these little pots of goodness?!

Bobbi Brown - Corrector and Concealer Kit.

I now have no black circles, and a perfect, radiant, young looking eye area. I feel a million bucks! Thanks Bobbi!

Beauty Bliss!

Return of the mack..or was it max? And a new beauty book to knock your socks off!

2011-07-07T16:14:00.001+10:00

I always sang 'return of the max..' - but that's very 'beth' - my Lover Boy (Happy Birthday today!) always laughs at my ability to make up my own lyrics to songs. He will forever be known as my 'shaving grace', after a roadtrip where Beyonce's 'Halo' featured prominently and it wasn't until we had travelled quite far along the Great Ocean Road that my interpretation was corrected, with much laughter to ensue...

Meanwhile, back to the topic - I'm alive! I didn't die after my surgery (my worrying once again hitting where it hurts). The surgery went well, we found Endo, treated it, and my little uterus is all ready to house many many happy fat bouncing babies (one day...). Enough of the over share - time to return to fun topics, methinks!

Like Beauty. I admit - I have a girl crush.

The other day I was walking through the city DJs on my lunch break, when I saw a cluster of people all gushing over a gorgeous brunette, who was signing books and smiling for cameras. My thoughts of 'who's the D-grade celebrity today?' were quickly overshadowed by something shining over on the MAC counter, and I quickly forgot about said brunette.

Until I saw an snippet of an interview on TV, and had to track her down. And by her, I mean Zoe Foster.

Beauty editor, author, youtube-producer-extraordinaire. This girl has serious Wow! factor. I've spent the whole afternoon looking at her YouTube clips and flicking through her new book Amazing Face which I quickly ran to Dymocks to buy today.

I just wish I'd discovered her last week so that I could have had my book signed too!!

when Layton entered my life

2011-06-03T14:17:00.000+10:00

Who can resist the marketing pull of mid-season sales? Not I!

I've been handbag browsing for a while, determined to find a nice tan leather handbag, preferably with gold features. Today I walked in to David Jones, and left a little bit poorer. But at 40% off - who could resist.

Michael Kors - Layton. Welcome to my life.

(excuse the image, he's sitting on my desk at work showing off to the world!)

I actually lusted over the wallet version of this bag when I was in the UK - isn't it pretty:

Unfortunately the backpackers bank account said no at the time...but I'm loving the bag instead!!

the gift that keeps giving

2011-06-01T10:37:00.000+10:00

One of my b'day presents from LB this year was a 12 month subscription to Marie Claire. I thought this to be an awesome gift - as when the first edition arrived in the mail yesterday it felt like my b'day all over again!

Thanks babe!

Looking forward to snuggling up in my PJs and reading tonight - although my version didn't have all of text on the front cover - simply the pic of Gale and the MC header. Not sure whether that's because I'm a subscriber and get an early edition? Hmm..interesting...love that frock tho!

luscious lips!

2011-05-26T15:18:00.001+10:00

As part of the Seriously Smooth Skin challenge that I have set myself, I'm paying particular attention to rediscovering my once-luscious lips. The have been far from luscious in recent times, more like dry and cracked :( Not even Katy Perry's cherry chapstick would do the trick!

But now..behold! It's Clinique's Superbalm to the rescue!

Yep, this little baby tube of goodness came in the post yesterday, and after treating my lips to a dose before bed last night I've already noticed an improvement today. So much so that I've cracked out my favourite pink lippy to show off the pout! Mmm...love this shade of MAC lippy!

Lustering

How do you keep your lips looking luscious all year round?
xx

skin shopping

2011-05-23T16:23:00.001+10:00

I've spent too much time this last few weeks browsing StrawberryNet and reading reviews on Makeup Alley - it's addictive to say the least!

I've tried this year to make more of an effort with my skincare routine. Being 26 and all, I'm starting to fret about the damage I've probably done as a youngster; forgetting to moisturise, wearing makeup to bed after coming home from a massive night on the town, and generally not taking great care of my body's biggest organ.

So. I've started mixing things up. A few of my latest purchases to help see me through the Winter, rehydrate my skin and undo some of the damage of the past:

Dermalogica: Skin refining masque

A skin-clarifying, texture-refining masque with oil-absorbing clays and purifying plant extracts to deep-cleanse the skin, helping to reduce oily-skin breakouts.

Dermalogica: multi-active toner

An ultra-light facial spritz that refreshes and hydrates the skin while smoothing the surface. Helps condition skin to prepare for proper moisture absorption.

Dermalogica: intensive moisture balance

An ultra-rich phytonutrient moisturizer designed to combat dry skin and reduce the signs of premature aging.

I've been using Clinique products for a while now, but have read so many great reviews about Dermalogica that I've decided to extend my routine and bring a few new babies into the fold! It's amazing how addictive beauty products can be! Let's hope these new products do as they say - and I'll be on my way to smooth-as-a-baby skin in no time!!

What skin care products do you swear by??

keeping calm, carrying on

2011-05-12T12:08:00.000+10:00

Sometimes it doesn't all go the way we planned. I get that.

I've always planned on falling in love, getting married, having a million babies, and living happily ever after. Living the simple life, but loving it.

So you never think anything would ever get in the way of said plan. Like, your health.

As I blogged about a while ago, I've had a few health issues this year. While I hoped and prayed they'd go away it doesn't seem to be going my way. It would appear my body wants to challenge me a little bit. So I have to raise to the challenge and get things sorted to ensure my dreams of happy baby-infested simple life can happen.

I'm booked in for investigative surgery on 17 June. At this stage all signs are pointing towards endometriosis.

I'm drawing inspiration from this one person's story, who I blogged about here, before I had any idea that I would one day may be heading down this road too. Unlike this blogger, whose story is quite simply amazing, my troubles have come on suddenly. Who knows what has been brewing inside me over the past 10 years - if anything at all. Best I find out, treat, and hopefully - move on.

So it looks like I'll have a bit of spare time while cooped up at home recovering in June - a good chance to get serious about Foxy and get stuck into blogging! I treat Foxy as a bit of a diary of sorts, so I hope no one reading minds me taking this personal approach. Writing is good for the soul, so they say.

Who knows what we'll find - but I'm in good safe hands with an absolute expert specialist who is as determined as me to get to the bottom of this whole saga and make things right again.

Here's hoping the fairytale ending remains.

boots not made for walking.

2011-05-04T13:59:00.000+10:00

Ankle boots. I want some. But I can't decide what style I like or what would suit my wardrobe the best.

Walking past Joanne Mercer the other day I was surprised to see quite a few hot boots in their window display - I've never shopped there before. But I'm thinking I might have to stop by soon!

These so don't go with much in my wardrobe but I love them! Perhaps it's the farm girl coming out in me, but I think they could be so funked up!

These guys come in tan too!

Love the wrap around the back!

What do you love about this season's winter boots?! Have you seen any to-die-for boots that I should keep my eye out for?

Princess dreaming...

2011-04-28T10:47:00.000+10:00

Like most Commonwealth girls, I grew up believing I would marry Prince William.

From a young age I told my Mum and my Nanna that Willy was my man. I'd play dress-ups with Mum's old heels and strings of Nanna's fake pearls, practising my Royal Wave.

I bet you Catherine Middleton played those same games of dress-ups. Only difference is that her childhood dream came true. Oh Katie, you're one lucky lady!

And while I'll be watching the Royal Affair on the big screen at home, in my comfy PJs, eating take-out and critiquing her every move, I'm sure Miss Middleton will have her Wave down pat.

Meanwhile, the dream of being a fairytale princess bride still rages inside me. (I blame the Little Golden Books and Disney for that.) If I were frocking up to meet Willy at the end of the Abby Aisle here is the dress I'd have stolen from Mummy's wardrobe:

There will be lots of lace and classic elegance...

...Autumn leaves will be falling...

...pink and pearls will have their way...

And because I still can't decide whether I'm gold or silver (my skin suits gold, my mind prefers silver) - I'd have one of each!!

A girl can only dream, right?!

makeup bags. A dying breed.

2011-04-20T15:21:00.000+10:00

I love my makeup collection. Lots of pretty tubs and tubes to keep me entertained for hours. I have a lovely nice big black case to store them in, it's all fine and dandy.

However. My 'everyday makeup' needs a new home. Rather than lugging around the big black case I am ashamed to admit that I cram my beautiful MAC babies into a hideous Malaysian Air makeup bag similar to the one below. It was a freebie that LB scored when he flirted his way into 1st class when taking off to join me in Europe (yes, I was insanely jealous of his upgraded, and angry when he couldn't replicate his skills on the way home - having me by his side surely didn't help our chances :P).

Ewww. Anyway, back to the story.

I'm quite embarrassed when I have to open my handbag to get something and that grubby white makeup case pokes it's ugly face out! But the dilemma? NOWHERE stocks cute and fun makeup bags anymore!!

The ones at the chemist are all ugly, priceline have let me down, myer/djs sent me back to the drawing board. I look and look and cannot find! The below babies are what I'm after - fun fabrics and a decent size - but I can't find a website to ship them into Australia at a decent cost for me (sorry Nordstrom - $70 postage for a $30 case won't cut it).

SO - suggestions?? Where is your makeup bag from? Have you seen and cute ones out and about?

do you scoop?

2011-04-14T15:57:00.001+10:00

Scoopon, Cudo, Spreets.

Three words I anxiously wait to pop up in my inbox each day.

Daily deals. Are you a fan?

I never 'did' vouchers. Until I met LB. He loves his Entertainment Book, and we can often be found eating out at new restaurants that we'd never think of to try had we not a 25% discount for.

Then along came the daily deals. I was late to the party. And boy have I splurged since! So far we've enjoyed three course meals at extravagant steak houses, pizza&pasta feasts, indian banquets and beauty treatments - all at a fraction of the normal price! Not to mention countless of glasses of free wine and sides of bruschcetta. I even scored a $40 Spreets voucher just for filling out a survey for them! Sweet!

So have you checked out your daily deal?

Today's is a rippa on Scoopon!

$49 for $420 worth of beauty treatments - ooh laa laa! I think I may have found my month early birthday present to myself :P

Are there any other voucher sites that I should know about? What bargains can you never resist?

Take me for a ride on a big jet plane!

2011-04-06T15:08:00.000+10:00

And so the busy-ness continues.

Tomorrow we're off - to New Zealand! My beautiful friend Tamara and her partner Xavier are set to say their I dos! MC Hammer here has her lines written, yet I'm feeling very under prepared. It has been another crazy week and I haven't had a chance to really sit down and practice. Or pack for that matter. Or look for my passport. Here's hoping I can pull a rabbit...

Meanwhile - I'm totally excited about checking out Queenstown over the next few days! Any must sees??

Can you think of a more sensational backdrop for a wedding? I'll be sure to take plenty of happy snaps :)

Have a fantastic end to your week!

image via here

flowers flowers everywhere!

2011-04-01T15:37:00.003+11:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I was lucky enough this week to be asked by my company to head along to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - Growers Avenue Cocktail Party - and take some photos of the awesome work our members were involved in.

The Growers Avenue is an initiative by Flowers Victoria, the peak industry group for Victorian flower growers. The Avenue offers Victorian growers an opportunity to showcase their flowers to the public - and what a bloomin' marvellous display there was!

Unlike last year, this year the growers worked with florists to arrange their flowers in the big produce bins, with lots of creative designs on show.

Victoria's cut-flower growers do a magnificent job, don't you agree? I might just have to go out and buy myself a bunch this weekend!

look at those cute little guys hiding away in there! loved this display!

beautiful roses!

I've always had a soft spot for iris', love how they're tucked away in there!

I'm kicking myself for not writing down the creators of these marvellous designs, how fantastic are they?! There was a whole row of them, these two were my faves!

If you're in Melbourne and looking for something to do this weekend - don't hesitate - rush off to the Flower Show before it's finished for another year!

busy in the bush...

2011-04-01T13:39:00.001+11:00

I know, another week with no new posts...

I've been busy. Not saving the world busy, but busy.

This week I traded my heels for boots and headed to the Wimmera for an annual grains industry conference that the organisation I work for hosts. The Wimmera is a big, flat, dry place - perfect for getting lost in (which I managed to, successfully, twice).

After my few days in the bush I headed back to Melbourne in time for the opening cocktail party of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - which my work is also 50% owner of. This is one gig I really don't mind - each year I'm asked to head along and take photos. I'm no pro, but I'll be sure to share a few more soon - so many beautiful displays!

For now, there's a million things I need to get done before my weekend begins. Very excited for tomorrow - Aunty Beth is babysitting little baby Jessica while her Mama and Papa Bears are off at a wedding! Oh I can't wait!

This goes with that ...

2011-03-22T17:16:00.001+11:00

Ok, I'm not a Mum (yet. cluck, cluck, cluck!). And I'm not even close to middle aged. Heck, some would say I still have a spring in my chicken step! But I have a confession - I shop at Sussan.

Have you seen their latest season's fashion? When the catalogue arrived in my letter box a few weeks ago I actually undid the plastic wrapping and read it cover to cover. Sexy YOUNG ladies scooting around Rome (gush!) on vespas, sipping lattes, and chatting up hunky hunky italianos!

Perhaps I'm still recovering from my post Europe holiday blues, but it had me hooked!

I'm not saying you can walk in there and find your little black dress for this weekend's hot cocktail event - but when it comes to basics, Sussan has some rocking stuff! I've already bought two long tops that cover the bad bits but show off the good - and I must say for a girl with *cough* a bit of a stomach - Sussan's jeans are a great fit! Don't believe me? Look!

And my picks for the season?

And the best bit? I walk out of the shop in a size 10 pair of jeans and size 'small' tops - gotta love the 'mature' sizing range!

still kicking...

2011-03-22T16:14:00.001+11:00

Leaving my blog on that sour note was rather rude of me, yes?

Just to clarify, I didn't die from said illness. I'm still being poked and prodded at with no real answer in sight. Sigh...

Meanwhile, I've been ridiculously busy with social commitments that have kept me smiling throughout it all.

Will smother foxy in some love soon, for now I need to catch up on what I've been missing in bloggy-world!

xx

image via we♥it

taking it all for granted.

2011-03-10T15:06:00.001+11:00

I haven't been around. I haven't had the desire to blog.

I took it all for granted. I stress and worry about all those around me, what they're doing, what they're putting in their bodies, how they're treating themselves, how they're treating others. I never turn the mirror on myself.

The one thing I should never take for granted and I did. My health.

It's a waiting game now. I try telling myself to stay positive, that it will be something minor, that it will all be over with in a week or two. Then that ugly face of worry rears its head. What if it's not ok? What if it can't be fixed? What if I can't be fixed? Too many what ifs, not enough answers. For that I have to wait. Patiently. Never my strong point.

It's been a crap week. But it has shown another side to those I feel closest to. Having support is one thing. Reaching a whole new depth of support is another. Seeing someone there next to me, who I thought I knew inside and out, seeing their love and support go one step deeper. I'm so blessed.

It could be nothing. There is every reason for me not to fear.

I need to fill that glass, instead of watch it empty.

It will be ok.

image via here

ADDICTION.

2011-03-02T20:41:00.000+11:00

I have a confession to make.

My name is Beth, and I'm a frozen-raspberry-aholic.

I made the below Raspberry Eton Mess for dessert when a friend came over for dinner last weekend - and the 500g bag of frozen berries lasted all of 24hrs thereafter. We are now onto our second bag. If I eat a kilo of raspberries in a week will my skin begin to glow red? I sure hope not!

But they're so good! They're like little frozen treats of goodness that pop in your mouth! A small handful of these berries totally hits my evening sugar craving for six!

Enjoy the waist-friendly recipe below :)

RASPBERRY ETON MESS

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 5 min

Ingredients
120 g Raspberries, fresh
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tub(s) Weight Watchers , Ice Cream Mini Cups, French Vanilla, (290g)
30 g meringue, (3 x 10g nests), lightly crushed

Instructions
1. Reserve 8 raspberries to garnish. Place the remaining raspberries and juice in a medium bowl and lightly crush with a fork.

2. Fold in the ice-cream and meringue until just combined. Spoon Eton mess into four small serving glasses. Serve garnished with the reserved raspberries.

coffee and kilos

2011-03-01T13:42:00.000+11:00

So, end of week 1 of the challenge and how did I fair? Dismal to say the least. I'm a bit annoyed, as I stuck to 'the plan' every day this week - and managed a 100g gain! I guess I need to step up the exercise. Hopefully next Tuesday I can report better news.

Speaking of news. Have you heard? The Broadsheet Cafe is coming to town! As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, this cafe will exist for 14 days and bring Melbournians the ultimate in coffee indulgence! I'm so excited - I LOVE my morning coffee and it will be well worth the trek over to Crossley St to order!

And I'm ashamed to admit that I only JUST discovered the Broadsheet website when a colleague told me about the cafe. It's a pretty awesome website which claims to be a "definitive guide to exploring Melbourne. These are some of our favourite spots, whether you're here for a day, a week or forever, check them out."

I'm sold!

image via here

fab frocks at the Oscars!

2011-02-28T16:03:00.000+11:00

My pics from today's red carpet?

Loving lilac these days - and Mila pulls it off perfectly!

Cate always gets it right. LOVE the colour and beaded detail...

Hello Halle! Is that bod for real?! Great amount of tulle going on here...

Lots of red on the carpet today - Sandra's got my tick today!

For a 14 year old, Hailee (from True Grit awesomeness!) looks as cute as a button. I read an interview with Hailee the other day - what a down to earth girl she is! Love how in all her red carpet appearances she's dressed like a 14 year old should (so many child actors {and parents!} could take note here!)

more OPI love

2011-02-24T13:21:00.001+11:00

I love it when our mail lady at work phones me up from a few levels below and says "there's a package down here for you. International" and quickly hangs up - as if it's something from out of space that may harm her from having any connection with...

I was delighted to get said call about half an hour ago - with - wait for it - more OPI goodnesssssss!!

And what bottles do I add to my collection this month:

Top row (l-r): big apple red; bubble bath; you don't know jaques; ski teal we drop

Bottom row (l-r): nail envy for thin nails; here today...aragon tomorrow; Mrs O'leary's BBQ; party in my cabana; start to finish top and bottom coat.

LOVE!

Very happy with this selection - although party in my cabana is not as dull of a pink as I had hoped for. It's very similar to strawberry margarita which I bought in my last haul. Loving Mrs O'Leary's BBQ - I had it for a mani the other week and fell in love big time!

Big apple red is seriously the bomb! I know it's some time away, but I always imagined that if I had an engagement party I would throw a backyard gathering in the fun colour scheme of turqoise or aqua and pops of RED! And this is EXACTLY the red I had in mind - it's like a POP of red, bold yet fun and young. It's beautiful - and I can already tell it will coat my fingers should such a backyard party ever occur!

If you're an Aussie and looking for a nail polish hit - I cannot recommend Transdesign highly enough. These

polishes retail in David Jones for upward of $19.95, on this site - they are all $5.75.

Happy nail polish shopping!

too much blog-goodness to know where to begin!

2011-02-24T11:59:00.001+11:00

Every morning I arrive at my desk, coffee in hand, email up and running. After paying attention to any important work emails first and foremost, I then turn my attention to blogger. I usually have a quick scroll of what's on offer for the day, open one or two of my favourite blogs, then get back to my work - making a mental note of all the blogs I'll come back to at lunch time.

Today was different. Every where I looked there were posts I HAD to read then and there! Blog world - I'm impressed. You are all churning through some AWESOME, inspiring work.

So I thought I'd post my favourites, in case you're yet to read:

Awesome kitchen inspiration at Once Daily Chick - I am loving the Samantha Pynn kitchen that keeps popping up everywhere!
Embroidery hoop pinboards at House Mad - who'd have thought! This is one project I plan on recreating in our little pad!
Emma's got the goods - whipping up another gorgeous baby outfit! I think I know where I'll be going for my little niece's birthday presents - the Little Miss Emma range is adorable! Go the Victorian talent!
Sarah brings us another uber cool Fashionable Wednesday - and reminds me how much I wish Chanel lived in my wardrobe....
Louise has finished her very lucky little girl's bedroom - I'm wishing her Mum was mine today, that crochet blanket is just perfect!
And finally the gorgeous Sonja (whose little girl Allegra is way too cute!) draws our attention to the most fun online linen tool! POP by Sheriden allows us to create our own virtual bedroom look - how cool! Let the inspiration flow!

Thanks to all the above bloggers and their way too-cool-for-school blogs! You rocked my world this morning! Just don't tell my boss - I promise my work productivity will increase as the day wears on....

image via here

The 8 week challenge

2011-02-23T13:48:00.001+11:00

LB has spent the last five weeks shedding 5kgs. I'm impressed to say the least. And it has made me envious. I have about 5kg to go to get to my ultimate WW goal, yet have hovered at the same weight for months now, with no motivation to really try and achieve what I set out to do.

So - introducing the 8 Week Challenge.

I'm joining LB on his quest to shed a further 5kg. I've given myself eight weeks - which will bring us to 19 April 2011 (with weigh in being every Tuesday). I plan on following the WW plan to the tee during these eight weeks - and showing my forgotten face at the gym to really kick things along.

Looking back over my weight chart on the WW online tools, I can't believe how many months have passed with zero movement. Back in May of 2010 I was three kilos lighter - I need to get back there and then lose a few more.

Having LB by my side will sure help. He has been unwavering in his quest to lighten up to lower his cholesterol. I'm so proud of him - and he's looking super sexy! Hopefully this is something we can achieve together - and be all the healthier for!

Stay tuned for week 1 results next Tuesday!

image via here

Can this leopard have her spots?

2011-02-18T15:26:00.002+11:00

For year's I've kept my deep-seeded desire to cover my body in leopard print garb at bay...

A quick walk through Myer's fabulous new Melbourne CBD store during my lunch break however would let me believe I can let this leopard out of her cage!!!

YAY! Leopard is in again!!!

First things first: I want a pretty pussy-bow shirt! NOW!

FAVOURITE: from Jigsaw, but at $249 a little exy for a blouse...

Is this print too big and bold? Bardot's buxom version

All sold out: ASOS

D&G (I'm really dreaming now...)

Tony Birch

If it's not a blouse then it will most definitely be some 'wow' factor leopard print shoes...oh the decisions!!

How do you like your spots?!

Amazon UK - free postage to Au - get it while it's HOT!

2011-02-18T09:26:00.006+11:00

Online shopping. High Aussie dollar. Free postage to Australia until 15 May.

Need I say more?

Head on over to Amazon UK and pick yourself up a bargain. All purchases over £25 incur no shipping costs. Wahoooo!!!!

My latest purchases?

The Italian Mama's cooking bible (I swear I was Italian in a former life...)

Carrying on the obsession. We're still addicted to this series of Jamie!

Enjoy!

hens on the loooooose!

2011-02-17T14:07:00.000+11:00

In a few weeks time I'm throwing my lovely kiwi friend Tam-Tam the ultimate Hens Party!

LB and I are flying to Tam and her Aussie lover boy's wedding in Queenstown, NZ in April. Alongside a trip to a country I've never been to - and a chance to wear that Alannah Hill dress again - I'm most excited that I've been asked to conduct the official proceedings during the reception: hello MC Hammer! ('break it down!)

To celebrate Tam's nuptials, I've helped her kiwi based bridesmaids organise a super-rad bachelorette party to be held here in Melbourne on 5 March! Two of her bridesmaids are flying over for the occasion, and Tam and my previous housemate Sarah is flying in from QLD too! To say I'm excited is an understatement!

And what do we have planned?

Well Tam's a total wild child, so with the theme "Paint the town red" we're out to cause some trouble!

A lovely late lunch will kick things off; followed by bridal games, champagne and canapés at the bride's house. Then we're set to get our creative juices flowing with a male nude life art drawing class! Following all the giggling that this will surely evoke, we'll then have a knock at the door from a certain male visitor who will leave nothing to the imagination! Good thing Tam's mother-in-law-to-be has a wicked sense of humour - I hope this doesn't offend anyone!

A trip into the city to a host of our favourite bars and we're sure to make Tam's send off into married life a night she'll never forget!

Time to find me another red dress to wear!

a year in the making.

2011-02-17T10:23:00.000+11:00

Foxy came into fruition a year ago today.

Happy birthday foxy - thanks for opening my eyes to the extraordinary talents of the bloggersphere. I know you're small and humble in comparison - but to me, you're ace.

♥ We can only get better from here ♥

Alice the camel...

2011-02-09T20:26:00.002+11:00

In Europe last year, I prepared myself for the long haul flight out of the bustling Heathrow in London with plenty of reading material: UK Marie Claire (sooo much better than the Aussie version), UK Vogue, UK Red, UK Grazia. Boy was it fun! Being a few seasons in front of our fashion back home in Aussieland, it was great to see what the UK girls were rocking out in the lead up to their winter.

One word: camel.

Camel from top to toe, but most importantly - the camel coat.

I had one of these when I was a teen that I picked up from an opshop - that I thought was grand but at the time it was a little unfashionable. I wish I had held on to it! I could have totally done camel vintage.

I know it's a long way from winter here in Victoria (although the weather Gods would have you thinking otherwise with the strange summer season that we've had!) - but I can't wait to don a camel coat this year!

The much heralded Max Mara 101801 (gush...!)

Burburry Prorsum

Sportmax Camel Coat

Miu Miu Pleated Twill Coat

Max Mara

What's your fashion-must-have for the upcoming autumn/winter season?

Lovers, and oh what a bonus!

2011-02-07T19:37:00.002+11:00

So late last year my boss presented me with a fun bonus: a gift voucher for 2 night's stay at Melbourne's Rydges Hotel, smack in the middle of the CBD.

Living in St Kilda, and working in the city Mon - Fri, I could have thought of a few different places for the boss to send me as a treat. But I'm not complaining - as LB and I have decided to cash in our voucher this weekend as a fun Valentine's Day adventure!

So Melbourne tourists we will be this weekend - with an upgrade to the spa suite I can't wait! Really hoping the sun will show it's face by the time Friday rolls around (wishful thinking?) With its renovated pool, city views and complimentary buffet breakfast this is one V'day weekend I'm sure we'll enjoy!

The cozy bed I plan on sleeping-in in...before frocking up for a night of good food and wine at some of Melbourne's hot-spots!

The lobby bar where we'll indulge in a cocktail or two! (loving those yellow chairs!)

The pool that we'll relax by! (Gosh, if only I had that bikini body...stunner!)

How are you spending V'Day?!

Guess who's cooking at my house?

2011-02-05T12:36:00.000+11:00

Well, me...actually. But guess who I'm cooking with?

JAMIE!

This fabulous book travelled through Amazon's trusty courier services across the globe to my hot little hands. Can't tell you how excited I was! The Jamie obsession continues in our house.

This book is great, Jamie talks his readers through basic cooking techniques, cuts of meat, how to shop for the best produce and what to pair with what. I'm excited - as a novice cook this book is bound to help with my tasty creations!!

Now - all that's left is to decide which amazing dish we'll create tonight!

Happy weekend all!

xxx

Picking tulips

2011-02-04T10:25:00.004+11:00

I'm going a little ga-ga over the thought of tulip tables of late. I know, they're everywhere - but who cares? They're fab! And tulips are one of my favourite flowers - and the the tulip skirt is most definitely the most flattering for my body shape. I think I'm sold.

Wanna know what's best? - I even found a few cheap(er) replicas here in Melbourne (we all love a bargain!)

Examples? Sure...

If only I had a pretty tulip table to adorn with bright bunches of freshly-picked tulips - am I now going a little tulip-crazy?!

images 1|2|3|4|5|6

2011-02-03T11:14:00.000+11:00

We can always count on decor8 to bring us fabulous new finds - loving these interiors by Bolaget - if only I could understand Swedish a little more!

love!! Especially the bottom right hand image with the blue chair and bird printed chair. That bird print is to-die-for!

OD'ing on OPI!

2011-02-01T19:50:00.000+11:00

I had always lusted over the overpriced (but beautiful) range of OPI nail polishes. When in London (gush - Selfridges!) I picked up my very first pot - a lovely neutral sandy colour. On my way back through duty free in Australia - I picked up a few more, "OPI on Collins Ave" and "Russian Navy"

Needless to say, I'm now hooked.

Thankfully, through the ever-trustworthy girls on the Vogue forums, I found a US website selling them for a tiny $5.75 a bottle! With the Aussie dollar at parity - who could resist! They retail at David Jones at around the $20 - 25 mark! BARGAIN!

I spent an entire evening working my way through the different colours and picking out a few (ok, 7!) to buy. I placed my order (and yes - got those tingling feelings of buyer-satisfaction that come with all good online purchases!) And then I waited. And waited. A month passed - no nail polishes. I was sad. Then I was angry. I emailed the company thinking I'd just parted with my money for a scam - only to have them responded quickly and promise to refund my card - which they did.

So. Can you imagine my surprise when a parcel full of pretty polishes showed up at my door today?!?

Yep - they're here!! Now to the question: is it bad Karma for me to keep them??? If it were a small Aussie retailer then yep, sure - I'd be the first to contact them and pay my dues. But this large, American company that had me waiting months and months, longing in anticipation for them to arrive?

Oh I already feel guilty. But aren't they preeeeeeeety??

Colours L-R: Do you lilac-it?; Chapel of love; Chocolate Moose; Strawberry Margarita; OPI Red; and Alpine Snow.

Maybe I'll just jump back online and buy some more to make up for it?!

And yes - I know a few of these look very similar - but they're quite a bit different in real life :)

Friday's feast!

2011-01-28T11:51:00.001+11:00

This recipe is quickly becoming a favourite in our home. With a dollop of home made guacamole on top - this salmon dish is tasty to the max!

Ingredients (serves 6)

Salmon
1 tbs each dried thyme and oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbs ground coriander
1 tbs ground dried garlic
2 tbs pimenton (sweet smoked paprika)
6 x 120g skinless salmon fillets
2 tbs olive oil
Guacamole and lime wedges, to serve

Corn salsa
2 tbs olive oil
Cooked kernels from 2 fresh corn cobs
1 red capsicum, roasted, peeled, diced
1 small red chilli, seeded, finely chopped
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tbs lime juice
1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves

Method
For salsa, heat 2 tsp oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. When hot, pan-fry corn until just golden. Mix with remaining oil and ingredients, then season.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix herbs and spices with 1 tbs ground white pepper and 2 tbs salt. Brush salmon with 1 tbs oil and coat in spice mixture. Heat remaining oil in an ovenproof frypan over medium heat. Cook fish for 2 minutes. Turn and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to oven for 3-5 minutes until cooked. Serve with salsa, guacamole and lime.

Enjoy!

lushing over lilac marshmellows

2011-01-27T20:40:00.000+11:00

Australia Day was a lot of fun for us: barbeque at LB's family home in Mornington. It's always great to get down there and catch up with everyone - good food and good discussion will always win me over :)

Thought I'd share a pic of my outfit for the day! This gorgeous (Marshmall Me!) cardi and (Cunning as a snake) skirt are my latest 'investments'. I love Alannah Hill's beautiful pieces - and when the neon sale! sign is flashing I can never resist!

I absolutely love pink and purple - the epitome of femininity! (and no, I didn't leave my hair in pigtail plaits - straight haired gal's just gotta try harder for the kinks!)

This combination got me thinking of a few interiors I've been drooling over of late! Not to mention - Pantone's colour of the year is honeysuckle - too perfect!

green thumb!

2011-01-21T14:11:00.007+11:00

image curtesy of here

So the love obsession with Jame Oliver continues.

There's just something so wholesome about the guy. Seeing the way he talks about his wife and children seriously warms my heart. And his passion for food is really addictive. Watching him hack away at food and create the most amazing dishes has kept me and LB busy this week. It's become our weeknight ritual, watch an episode of Jamie while we cook/eat our (not-as-appealing-as-jamie's) dinner.

The "Jamie at home" series is on our box at the moment (and the catchy jingle stuck in my head all day!) and it's made me realise what our dishes are missing: fresh herbs.

Fast-forward to DIY weekend activities and guess what LB and I have planned for tomorrow? Making our own herb garden! We don't have a courtyard at our apartment, so instead a herb box on our balcony will make do. I'm rather excited about this: hello Bunnings! Yes, even a girl can get mighty excited about a trip to Bunnings!!

Really looking forward to creating my own dishes with fresh home grown herbs and spices!

Happy weekend y'all!

Read.

2011-01-19T17:05:00.000+11:00

Read this post. Today. Be moved.

I was.

a promise to myself

2011-01-18T15:29:00.001+11:00

"I will take my lazy butt to the gym tonight"

I'm sorry, I know this is a lame post - but I really really really need some motivation and if I put it out there on this blog then I'm going to have to stick to it! The gym is 300m from my doorstep and I haven't been there once this month. My jelly belly is screaming out for a decent workout and as a wise friend reminded me today: "to be blunt you are the only person who can make it happen".

Today I will make it happen.

Smiling.

2011-01-14T14:21:00.001+11:00

Good news found its way to us this week.

♥ There's a party going on inside me, the smile will never fade. ♥

Image via we♥it

I've got a bit of a thing...

2011-01-13T16:51:00.000+11:00

...for Michael Kors.

I never knew this 'thing' of mine existed until I was strolling through the streets of Amsterdam (ohhh, to be back in Europe!) and stumbled upon a Michael Kors watch that I instantly fell for. Nothing fancy, just a simple, classic, everyday watch. I've never been a watch wearer - but after my little Amsterdam purchase I'm now lost without it!

It is also the watch which made me realise that I really suit gold better than silver. But that can be saved for another post altogether - gold is hot on me, but always falls second best to its silver sister in the fashion stakes!

My pretty MK watch - purchased in Amsterdam when visiting my uni friend Hanneke!

But back to Mr Kors, and now I can't stop i-spying his designs everywhere! Check out some of my objects of desire below! All the gold accents/buckles - I'm in accessory heaven!

How ridiculously cute are these iphone holders?! I want one bad! Jen over at MadeByGirl has one in python print - jealous! But my favourite is definitely the patent black!

And just for fun - here are some happy snaps from my time in the Netherlands!

Hanneke and Me!

Utrecht - Hannek's home town (with more bicycles than people!)

My very own Mr Oliver

2011-01-12T22:12:00.000+11:00

It has been a tough second week back at work - ridiculously busy! Lucky LB has a whole month off work, jealous!! Last night he asked whether he could cook me dinner tonight since he would have the whole day off to prepare something. 'Fo sho!' I hollered back - my desire to cook having dwindled away with this week's busy work schedule...

I came home tonight thinking I'd be greeted with a curry of some description (LB's favourite - which I rarely cook due to their incompatibility with the WW way of life!) But low and behold he was in the kitchen rocking out a Jamie Oliver meal and dessert!

Ok, so the TV show boasts "30 minute meals" and I'm sure the skilled cook could meet Jamie's pace...but the novice cook in LB took a little longer to complete his dishes - bless his cotton socks! I was so proud of his efforts - all this for me! What a sweetheart.

So what was this tasty treat of a surprise? Piri Piri chicken, rocket salad, dressed potatoes and quick Portuguese tarts! With a yummy glass of Wolf Blass Verae (a great summer red - chilled!) and we have ourselves a romantic home date! And yep - those flowers were surprise flowers from last weekend, lots of surprises in this house of late!

{lucky we have those extra 49 pro points, WW ladies - I think I used them all up tonight!}

Curtailing the sun!

2011-01-11T20:00:00.001+11:00

{Green walls. Blah, blah blah!}

Now that we've got that out of our systems, let's move on to my latest project, replacing the curtains in our living room.

As we're renters, we thought we were stuck with the vertical blinds that let the sun flood on in during the summer and the blistering chill during winter. Not to mention that half of the blinds were missing and those that were there were filthy dirty.

After months of 'umming and ahhhing' over whether we could get away with ripping them down, we finally decided over the Christmas break to go for it. I spent a good hour in Spotlight looking at all the different curtains on display. With our mint green walls (insert another blah!) and chocolate brown couch it was tough to pick a colour. We knew we wanted curtains heavy enough to block out the sun, but I was also worried that too thick/heavy would be too overpowering for our small space.

In the end I chose a taupe pair of pencil pleated curtains. Once home, my trusty Handyman LB helped in pulling down the old curtains and rail and helping set up the new brackets and pulling the pleats into place.

We had absolutely no idea how to use the curtain hooks and no amount of Googling or Wiki-how-to could solve our woes, but alas - they're up. I'm sure my Mama Bear would have done a better job - but they sure beat their predecessors! What do you think?

Before

After

Now shhhh, don't tell the real estate agent - at least until we do!

bangs and balayage - can they co-exist?

2011-01-09T10:36:00.002+11:00

Hair, hair, hair. I'm always contemplating a new 'do!

At the moment I'm rocking out the fringe and long dark brown locks (bordering on black in the below pic, but quite lighter and longer now). I'm happy with this look - yet now that we're in the peak of summer it's looking rather 'winter' (I always associate a fringe with winter...strange?)

Me and my buddy Sarah in Pag Island, Croatia

Loving all the ladies with their two-tone balayage look. My question is - can I pull off this look with a fringe and straight hair? I curl it often when I go out - but day to day it's naturally straight. Would it look strange? I wouldn't go too light at the bottom, more of a caramel brown, similar to Rachel Bilson (hotty!)

Rachel Bilson

Lily Aldridge

Stunning Drew

Cameron Diaz

Thoughts?

paper, prettttties!

2011-01-08T11:19:00.000+11:00

I think I've found a new hobby to try! I've always loved pretty papers and stationary, and over the last week I've been toying with the idea of trying my hand at card making! So I thought I'd do a little blog researching and came across a number of really cool sites.

In particular, Melbourne graphic designer Amy Moss' absolutely beautiful blog Eat drink chic really took my fancy! Amy's quirky yet feminine style really is something special - and her surprise wedding (yep - what a surprise!) oozed style!

Amy kindly offers her readers many DIY paper projects to try at home - like this gorgeous card that she illustrated below.

From Amy's blog listings I've now stumbled upon a whole new world of inspiration! I'm really excited about trying some new crafts this year and paper crafts are creeping up that list pretty quickly!!

(Card by All in an inch)

Be sure to check out these GREAT blogs:

All in an inch
Mint
Imprintables
How about orange
Creature comforts
Love. Obsess. Inspire.

Resolving to...

2011-01-05T10:54:00.000+11:00

I always ponder a few resolutions to carry into each New Year. In the past, they have almost always revolved around weight loss. But not this year. I don't need to resolve to lose weight, I've been slowly chipping away at that goal for the last year with my trusty WW membership. I feel confident in achieving my goal at my own pace without making a resolution to do so.

Today I came across a fun website to help get the creative resolution juices flowing. Out of the quirky (eat a whole tomato at once like I would an apple), sweet (make cookies from scratch), typical (win the lottery) and random (stay away from gas station slushies) - I thought the following best summed up my desires.

I have a terrible habit of letting my mind live in the future. I'm a 'what if' kind of girl - it goes hand in hand with my worrying. If I could only start enjoying the present, and all the fun and happiness that it involves, then maybe I will be able to help curb the worrying about what may or may not lie ahead.

Along with living in the present, I have set a few other goals for 2011.

Financial stability: after Europe the bank balance took a bit of a blow! During my break I checked out a few websites to help set myself a budget and get things back on track.
Think positively: if I had one word to sum up my outlook for 2011 it would be positivity (again, I guess it fits in well with the worrying!). Chin up love, there's a lot of good around you!

And that just about sums it up - here's to 2011, and all slushies and cookie mix that your lottery money can buy!

To you and yours,

2010-12-24T11:32:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas bloggersphere!

May your champagne flutes overflow with bubbles and plenty of kisses be found under the mistletoe.

image via here

Girl crush...

2010-12-23T11:42:00.000+11:00

So there is one lady that LB and I both agree is absolutely smokin'!

Julianne Moore is an outright stunner. She has shown that beauty ages gracefully, and boy is she a beauty! Moore oozes effortless class, with those red locks and porcelain skin. While LB thought she was a hotty in her hay days, I think she has reached her peak now: 50 and fabulous!

After seeing this hot-to-trot pic over at Dustjacket Attic, I couldn't help but do a little more googling....yep, I think I have a girl crush!

via Dustjacket Attic

Images via random googling

Baby's first Christmas

2010-12-21T16:42:00.003+11:00

Becoming an Aunty has sure brought out a touch of creativity in time for Christmas! Inspired by Emma of Cinderella at Brindabella's baby creations, I thought I'd try my hand at making little baby Jessica's Christmas presents over the weekend.

With Nanna's sewing machine still stuck firmly in reverse, I gave it my all - determined not to let that slinky minky blanket slip from my grip!

Excuse the photos, they were quick shots on my iphone before they were quickly wrapped to store under the tree :) I can't wait to visit the little love over the Christmas weekend and smother her with lots of cuddles and kisses!

love at first sight

2010-12-14T16:29:00.001+11:00

Delighted to announce that over the weekend I became an Aunty!

My big bro and his lovely wife gave birth to beautiful Jessica Rose on 11 December. Mumma bear and baby bear are doing well, Papa bear is chuffed!

I met baby Jessica last night, it was love at first sight. A precious little doll for us to treasure.

Little Jessica, I cannot wait for all the fun times we have ahead!

What's up, Doc!

2010-12-10T11:40:00.000+11:00

Today is an exciting day! One of my best and dearest friends Stephanie has graduated from her medical degree! Tonight will be filled with celebratory champagne, plenty of dancing and general tomfoolery!

Stephie is one of those friends. The type who's always there when needed; or only a phone call away. She has been a constant support over the years and her friendship is one I could not do without.

Her road to doctor-hood hasn't always been easy, and today I couldn't be more proud of her.

Well done Dr. Alexander, you ROCK!

Wish(ful thinking) list!

2010-12-09T12:00:00.002+11:00

So with all the hype around blogersphere about the joyful Christmas season, I thought I'd join in with my wish list for the silly season!!

Isn't it just divine?!?!

It's a lovely swarovski ring!! Eeeep! I can't handle it's beauty!!!

Cute TILKAH purse!!

Classy TILKAH swarovski earings!

Stunning THOMAS SABO ring (gush!)

Who doesn't wish they were one of the SATC girls?! My own Beth necklace = adorable! (thanks Sare for the link!)

BREVILLE bread maker

BREVILLE coffee machine

TILKAH bangles!

Christmas is the BEST time of year! Everyone's happy and jolly and there's always plenty of champagne flowing - my favourite!! Of course it's fun to have wish lists, but it's not the gifts that make Christmas special, it's the time spent with loved ones that really makes it the best...gush for Christmas!! And this year we're going to have a new baby in the family to smother with Christmas joy!! My little nei-phew is due next week!

sew, la, ti, d'oh!!

2010-12-07T15:11:00.000+11:00

I recently inherited the use of my late grandmother's Janome sewing machine. Well, to be honest - it was more like I finally found the courage to ask my grandpa if I could borrow it from the room where it was collecting dust...

After a long, incredibly uncomfortable silence, he said "well, I guess you can borrow it for a while". Then, after I said my million thank yous, he said with a wry smile "if I kick the bucket tonight you can keep it".

His sense of humour sure has withstood the time!

(not the real Lady Sew-So, but a not to distant relative...)

So after a good scrub my Lady Sew-So is ready to go! Over the weekend I hunted through my fabric box for a pretty pink piece which I decided to make some cushions from. Once the bobbin was thread (I forgot how much I hated doing that in year 8 textiles!) I took her for a spin - only to find that Lady Sew-So was stuck in reverse! D'oh! I think I'll need to get her serviced...she is from the late 80's afterall, a tune up should do the trick!

Then I'll be ready for my next project: hellllllo adorable patchwork quilt!!! I spotted this one on Urban Outfitters the other day and thought 'hey, I could do that!'. Time to hunt down a copy of Quilt Making for Dummies methinks!

wedding getup!

2010-11-22T11:17:00.001+11:00

Blogging? What's that again? Yes, lately I have been rather neglectful of foxy...

But with one of my high school besties getting married on the weekend I thought what better way to get back into the swing of things than by sharing the cute little outfit I have planned.

When I was overseas I was really conscious about not spending too much money in the first few weeks for fear of running out before it was time to come home. Then by the time we were spending our last few days in London I found I had plenty of money left over - but couldn't find anything that I liked to buy!

That was until I stumbled upon this pretty pale pink dress from Oasis - on sale for 100 pounds - and thought it would make for a pretty addition to my wardrobe back home!

Unfortunately Oasis doesn't ship to Australia - yet - although for any interested lassies, ASOS stocks a lot of their products and ships them straight to your doorstep!

With the dress sorted, I made my way to the shops over the weekend to find a suitable 'wow-factor' shoe to accompany the somewhat simple, but elegant, dress. Check out these Siren babies!

I will no doubt break an ankle or be nursing blister wounds for weeks to come, but the beading is sooo pretty and detailed that I just had to have them!

A few new toys from MAC (the best makeup brand - ever - ) and I think I'm ready for my friend's big day!

Love a good wedding!

2010-11-04T12:21:00.000+11:00

Something so beautiful, something so fragile,

How could I have pushed it so close to the edge?

To be so confused, but now so sure. Only perhaps too late.

Hopeful. L'amour triomphe de tout.

Storage woes...

2010-10-27T12:28:00.003+11:00

So our place is small, and I like to hoard.

Not the greatest marriage.

Our living area is home to a number of mismatched items: a dark brown really big couch; a pine wood tv stand; a dark brown/walnut coffee table; a dark brown wooden table...you get the picture.

With our small bookshelf overcrowding and my collection of junk ever-growing, I've been looking at the Ikea expdit series to help solve some of our storage woes. The only problem is - which colour do I go?

In my ideal world our whole house would be white with light/natural/taupe pieces of furniture (like my obsession with these couches which are popping up more and more). But our rented walls are green and the furniture that we have is dark...so I should go with the dark option, right? Keeping everything same same and possibly making the room look even smaller with all the dark heavy pieces?

Or do I throw caution to the wind and start my collection of white pieces - so that gradually I can start changing things over to how I really want the place to be. I've always wanted to get my DIY-hat on and paint the table white, after seeing too many cool examples in Real Living over the years, and I could easily paint the TV stand white. Or is that just a lot of unnecessary work?

But look at how pretty the white shelves can look:

But then the dark are not too bad either:

Oh decisions, decisions. I seem awfully incapable of making them these days!

Paris; she stole my heart...

2010-10-26T11:18:00.000+11:00

I could have stayed forever...with my love, in the city of love...bliss!

But now I'm back, after seven glorious weeks exploring all that Europe had to offer. So many highlights, so many surprises, so much fun. I'll be sure to share some more...

I've decided to put together a scrapbook of my Europe travels, so plenty of research to be done - I've never scrapbooked before! I want to make a beautiful collection of the best photos and memorabilia that I collected along the way - a fun little project to keep my mind from the 'post travel blues' !!

Are you a scrapbook pro? Any hints or tips to get me started?!

(Ali I think I'll be stalking your blog for the next little while...!!)

Roma, roma, roma!

2010-08-27T11:05:00.000+10:00

Last day of work today! Three more sleeps and I'm out of here! Shame my travelling wardrobe won't be filled with this kind of Italian glamour!

Ahhh, Italy! 30 degrees at the moment in Rome - perfecto!

images via here.

a week in time..

2010-08-23T09:31:00.004+10:00

I'm starting to fret - it's only a week until I leave! So much to do, so little time...

Image via here.

Saying no to the french pastries...

2010-08-19T13:33:00.006+10:00

That time of the week again - Diminishing Lucy's Fat to Fit blog hop! Oh, I wish I had stories of greatness to report! But after a weekend of over indulgence with my parents in town things aren't looking the best.

And I'm about to go into damage control: EUROPE HOLIDAY!

How does a girl survive 7 weeks touring Europe - with the most amazing of food cultures - and not put weight on? I know I'll be doing heaps of walking, but how do I avoid the amazing pastries in France or churros in Spain!?!

Some advice from the handy team at Weight Watchers below!

How to keep healthy on holiday

1. Keep it simple
For starters, instead of aiming to lose weight on holiday simply focus on not gaining instead.

2. Beware the breakfast buffet
If you're staying somewhere that offers breakfast, remember you don't have to eat everything on the buffet. Go for wholegrain breads over pastries; boiled or scrambled eggs instead of cheeses and meats; and take advantage of seasonal fruits and low-fat yoghurt. As long as you make smart choices, you can still enjoy a filling, healthy breakfast.

3. Keep moving
Regular exercise can actually be easier when you're away from the constrictions of everyday life. Many resorts have an on-site gym and/or swimming pool, perfect for an early morning workout.
If it's a beach holiday, take advantage of the ocean. Go for a swim or a brisk walk along the sand - both are great ways to get your heart-rate up.

4. Get around on foot
Rather than taking taxis or public transport, do as much walking as you can. Plot a map of the sites and attractions you want to see each day and walk to the furthest, then work your way back to the hotel. You'll experience more of the local culture and probably discover things that aren't even on the map! Remember to pack good walking shoes.

5. Eat out
Don't avoid lovely restaurants but do dine out creatively. Instead of a giant main, have two starters or a starter and a salad. Also, ask that dressings and sauces are served on the side.

6. Drink and snack wisely
Skip the false economy of a bargain-basement carafe. Order a great wine by the glass and savour it. Avoid creamy cocktails if you can.

If snacking before dinner, opt for fresh produce (in small doses) over chips and salted nuts. It's a great way to taste the local delicacies and experience new flavours.

And finally...
Don't stress if you have an ice-cream by the pool or an extra glass of wine. Just don't overdo it and try to keep track of what you've eaten throughout the day. Most important of all, have a wonderful time!

image via here.

Paris Paris Paris GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

2010-08-18T16:37:00.003+10:00

Of course I had to discover these two websites at work today...

Hello work productivity? o.u.t t.h.e w.i.n.d.o.w!

12 more sleeps!

Day-dreaming of a glamorous life in the 1950s

2010-08-18T14:17:00.009+10:00

Louis Vuitton AW 2010 advertising campaign....

*sigh*

images via here

A girl can dream, right?

Speaking of dreaming - my idea of jewellery perfection was materialised today as I looked through Coco+Kelly's back catalogue...

This was a post about dreaming...right? :P

Tasty Tuesday: home-made sausage rolls!

2010-08-17T10:25:00.008+10:00

This weekend, being the Australian Federal Election weekend, LB and I have decided to host an Election Party!

While the party will have an election flavour (hello blue balloons decorations!) it won't be all polly-waffle! LB plans on perfecting his wintry mulled wine for the occasion too!

In preparation I've started on some baking to feed the troops - and what better way to add an Australian feel to the party than with home made sausage rolls! I'm sure everyone knows this recipe - but just to make your mouth water a little...here it is!

HOME-MADE SAUSAGE ROLLS
Recipe from http://www.taste.com.au/
Preparation Time25 - 40 minutes
Cooking Time40 minutes
Makes20

Ingredients
2 sheets (25 x 25cm) frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed
500g pork or sausage mince
70g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)
1 small brown onion, finely chopped
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbs poppy seeds

Method
Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Cut pastry sheets in half. Combine the mince, breadcrumbs, onion, thyme and reserved chutney in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Divide the mince mixture into 4 portions and shape each portion into a 25cm log.

Arrange sausage logs along the centres of pastry sheets.

Brush 1 long side of the pastry with the egg. Roll up to enclose the filling. Cut each roll evenly into 5 pieces. Place rolls, seam-side down, on the lined trays.

Preheat oven to 220°C. Brush the rolls with the remaining egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until golden. Serve with tomato sauce (in our case - my grandpa's home made tomato sauce!)

And as for the election...may the best man win! (can I say that? did I just say that? I think I just said that....)

the 'heel' dilemma...

2010-08-16T13:45:00.005+10:00

Packing for 7 weeks, 10 countries and a whole 'lotta different weather proves a daunting task!

The biggest dilemma so far has been when it comes to shoes. Thongs, casual shoes, running shoes, flat black shoes, boots, heels, sandals...hmmm...you get the drift....

With only 20kgs of room available (and a back not worth breaking) - I thought I had narrowed it down to thongs, converse casuals and black flats. But my travelling buddy mentioned that she was taking a pair of heels - after all, who wants to be seen out on the town after dark in Paris in flats? :P

Then, while browsing over some of my latest (awesome!) blog finds - I was totally drawn to Kirsten from my.happy.home's latest purchase:

Needless to say, when I wandered through bourke st mall at lunch time today, I couldn't walk past Myer without a quick sneak peak - and once these Diana Ferrari beauties were on my foot they really didn't want to come off!

Small heel for Europe: check.

thoughts of no other...

2010-08-14T19:10:00.005+10:00

I can't stop day dreaming...it's so close I can almost feel it; reach out and touch it...breathe in its air...

Did I mention cherry blossoms were one of my favourite? I saw a cherry blossom tree today and willed to pull over and bundle up a few branches to bring home for my dining room table. I have big plans for cherry blossoms one of these days ;)

images by Francoise Rachez via Lanalou.

foxy frollics at foxey's!

2010-08-14T09:00:00.001+10:00

My folks have come to stay with LB and I this weekend - a quick catch up before I set sail!

Today we're off for a drive along the Mornington Peninsula where we'll be sure to stop by a winery or two (or three)...one of which has caught my eye: Foxey's Hangout!

I'm sure this little fox will feel right at home here:

While I'm off sipping this year's best vintage, what do you think of these lovely fabrics sitting in my fat quarter shopping cart:

images via here and here

30th Wedding Anniversary surprise!

2010-08-13T15:20:00.010+10:00

So I was pretty lucky growing up - my folks are still quite smitten with one another.

Mum and Dad married on 6 September 1980 - and 30 years on they have four happy children and appear pretty darn happy with life themselves. Not a lot phases them, they're good country people and don't bother with a lot of fuss nor fancy.

That's why for their 30th wedding anniversary my siblings and I are sending them off for a romantic weekend away in Daylesford - with all the frills!

As I will be away (oohhh, 2 weeks and I'm in Rome, baby!!) - I've had to organise everything now (and I took the lead as I don't trust my older brother's taste :P nor my younger sister's attention to detail :P :P) So this is where we'll be sending them!

Pendower House -Spring Spa Escape

I'm totally jealous! Four course breakfast and luxurious spa for two at this romantic B&B which I know Mum will love! They won't know themselves - and that makes me smile! 30 years of marriage - that's the kind of stuff worth celebrating! If I'm lucky enough to have ever-lasting love like theirs I will count my blessings every day!

For my 24th b'day LB took me away to Daylesford and I fell in love with the beauty of this little town.

I must say - I plan on making quite a few return ventures there myself! One place in particular which has caught my eye (and garnered a lot of press) is the white house.

*gush*

images via here and here.

Could gold really be the silver lining?

2010-08-12T13:12:00.008+10:00

Ok, so I hate to bang on about the silly telephone table any longer...

BUT

I keep going back to Camila's High-heeled Foot In the Door and looking at this blog post.

Camila re-upholstered a little stool - AND left the legs GOLD!

Perhaps I should leave my little seat gold (just give it a recoat so that it shines) - and then simply give it a fresh face of fabric?

American Wom(e)n!

2010-08-11T13:30:00.004+10:00

I know, supporting Aussie Bloggers is best. But boy-oh-boy have I had a fun lunch break browsing over a few newly discovered American blogs!

Be sure to drop on by if you haven't already - so many tips for the home and so much PRETTINESS!

I discovered all three blogs via one of my all time favourites - Coco+Kelly. Man that girl (and her contributors) has style!

Back to work I go...

Tasty Tuesday: She's a lemon, tart!

2010-08-10T10:40:00.007+10:00

Who said watching your weight meant a diet of celery sticks and lettuce leaves?

Check out this lemon tart - I made little mini ones for LB and I over the weekend and they were Divine! Might have to whip up another over the weekend as Mum and Dad are coming to visit!

Ginger nut biscuits always make me think of my Pa (below). Pa is a legend. At 86 he's still as sharp as a tack and by far the wisest person I know. Growing up I have fond memories of Pa sitting at the head of his laminated table, sipping Lipton tea and crunching down on a few ginger nut bikkies. I thought they tasted terrible at the time, but now - they make for a great tart base!

Creamy lemon tart

As featured on Weight Watchers

POINTS® Value: 3

Servings: 10

Preparation Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 15 min

Ingredients

100 g ginger biscuit

25 g butter

405 g Nestle Skim Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 whole whole egg, lightly beaten

1 serve (s) egg white, (1 egg white)

2 medium lemon, rind finely grated, plus juice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180C. Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse until fine. Transfer to a bowl.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the biscuit crumbs and carefully press the mixture into the base of a 23cm cake tin. Refrigerate until required.

Place the condensed milk and eggs in a bowl. Beat until smooth. Add the lemon zest and juice and stir well. The mixture will begin to thicken. Pour into the prepared base. Bake the tart for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Refrigerate until set.

Decorate with a slice of lemon just before serving.

Ta-da!

Telephone table inspiration

2010-08-09T15:28:00.008+10:00

So after this weekend's find at the Camberwell Markets, I've been toying around with the idea of painting the telephone table white, using a velvet fabric for the seat (and maybe extending it to make the seat fill more of the empty space next to it and between the table), and a colour matching print for the tabletop (using wallpaper). With pink and red being my two favourite colours, here's two alternative inspiration boards that I have put together - using a white telephone chair that I stumbled across.

The red is totally based on my love of Viv's (from awesome blog Ish and Chi) amazing makeover of this stunning two seater.

This is just my first round of ideas. The other thought is to paint it white and just use one patterned fabric for the seat, and paint the tabletop plain white. The apartment we currently live in has mint green walls - so a few of these would suit it much better than red which would look terrible together. Although if we move at the end of the year I don't want to have restricted myself on the colour just because of the mint green walls - and knowing me I may not even be finished it by the time we move!

I'm in love with these Amy butler fabrics - so maybe just the seat recovered in one of these (and painted white):

I also haven't ruled out painting it black - but I do much prefer white furniture! Just not sure how the frame would come up in white...

As you can tell I'm totally throwing around too many ideas and realistically may not be able to achieve any of them. Would love some further help from the blogging world!

Market finds: telephone table!

2010-08-08T13:27:00.017+10:00

So LB and I slept through the initial alarm for 7.30 but made it to Camberwell Markets by a little closer to 9am. I told you I'm hopeless at making it there early!

Nevertheless, a fun morning was had! I still struggled with the crowds though.

And what did I find? This funky 1960s telephone table! (excuse the photo quality, not the best!)

At the moment it's sitting in our very narrow entryway. For a cheap $35 I couldn't leave it at the stall!

I recalled seeing one of these tables recovered in really funky fabric - but of course now that I search through my favourite blogs I cannot find the exact image for inspiration. But there's a few good DIY examples online - a few of which I've featured below. Only problem is that most of them are wooden tables - which would be easy to paint white.

What do you think? Should I leave the original gold frame or strip it back and paint it? And the cushion? What kind of fabric? And the table top? Should I find some funky wall paper to use on the top? obviously it would have to suit the cushion...hmmm, decisions, decisions...time to go blog hunting for more inspiration I think!!

Design*Sponge

Not beige

Thoughts and opinions definitely welcome!

all round cuteness!

2010-08-06T14:27:00.004+10:00

I went for a wander up the street at lunch time and picked up some PINK cushions, following on from my latest obsession. On special - gotta love that! Looking forward to spruking up the loungeroom tonight - not sure what LB will think of all the PINK!

While on the topic of cuteness...um, hello! Thank you Decor8 for bring this room to my attention :)

Treasure troving!

2010-08-06T11:04:00.012+10:00

After seeing the latest before and after shots on Design*Sponge this week I'm really feeling the need to get all DIY this weekend!

Isn't this coffee table - com - bench perfect? DROOL!

First stop - a trip to Camberwell Markets on Sunday! I have a bad habit of getting to these markets too late in the morning, being overwhelmed by the crowds, walking around aimlessly and in the end give up and say "I cannot be bothered, let's go have brunch".

This week I'm going to power through those markets like the bargain hunter my mother trained me to be!

I might swing by a few opp shops tomorrow as well, who knows what treasures I'll find!

Have a great weekend!

when motivation crosses my path

2010-08-05T14:08:00.008+10:00

Well I'll be jiggered. For the last week I have been trying my hardest to follow the WW plan. I've tracked all my food intake for a full seven days for the first time in months. And you WILL believe it - it WORKED!

This morning's weigh in showed a whopping 1.5kg loss!

BooYeah!

I haven't felt this good in months, I finally feel like I'm getting back on track - thanks to the support of my WW girls (and my decision to forgo the parma at the pub last night - a first for me!). I've also started (on and off) walking the 6km home after work again, which was my secret to success over summer. A lot harder in the winter!

So here's to keeping motivation tucked neatly away in my pocket for the coming few weeks. And to TRACK TRACK TRACKING!

image via we heart it

because I don't need another reason to fall in love with paris

2010-08-04T10:32:00.004+10:00

...I stumbled upon Alix's The Cherry Blossom Girl blog....

I have no words. None. Zip.

Oh, actually, I do.

Chanel.

Do yourself a favour and go check out her blog - this girl oozes french, chic style...and she just tied the knot - cannot wait to see more pics from her amazing looking wedding!

fabric fantasties

2010-08-03T21:54:00.004+10:00

After drooling over the front cover of this month's real living, I've been thinking more and more about adding a touch of pink to our living room. At the moment we have a dark brown couch - thoughts on a few pink cushions?

A few fabrics I'm considering...

Which do you like? And where do you source your fabric from?

Tuesday's bite

2010-08-03T14:59:00.005+10:00

As mentioned, I'm part of a fat fighting group of marvellous women who subscribe to the weight watchers lifestyle. I started WW in September and soon found the support of this great bunch of ladies and have not looked back since! Well, from time to time the motivation has wavered, but the girls have been there to pull me back on course whenever it's needed.

While it may be taking me a little longer than planned to reach my goal, I do enjoy the WW way, being able to eat what I want, when I want - so long as I account for it within my set points.

One of the greatest aspects of being part of the group is sharing yummy yummy recipes! A few years ago if you had told me I'd be eating tofu or lentils - and loving them - I'd have scoffed a laugh! But when one of the girls suggested this WW recipe I decided to give it go, and boy is it good! It's a great dish to cook a big batch of and freeze to have for lunch throughout the week - keeping you full all afternoon long!

But let me get off my soapbox and share the recipe with you, it's a cracker!

RED LENTIL AND TOFU CURRY

Adapted slightly :) from www.weightwatchers.com.au

Points value: 4.5

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 50 min

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

2 tsp (s) vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 clove garlic, crushed

2 tbs (s) curry paste, (tikka curry paste)

1 tbs (s) ground cumin

400 g canned chopped tomatoes

3 whole stock cube, dissolved in 3 cups (750ml) hot water

1/2 cup (s) dry lentils, (red), rinsed, drained

175 g fresh green beans, ends trimmed

300 g cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets

300g brocolli, trimmed, cut into florets

2 carrots, chopped

200 g Tofu, cut into 1.5cm cubes

3/4 cup (s) raw white rice, (basmati)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until very soft and golden brown. Add garlic, curry paste and cumin. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in tomatoes, stock and lentils. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid lentils catching on the bottom of the pan.

Add beans and cauliflower, and cook for 5 minutes. Add tofu and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and tofu is heated through.

Meanwhile, cook rice according to packet instructions. Serve curry on rice :)

Notes

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. This curry is best reheated in the microwave.

zoom, zoom ZOOOOM!

2010-08-02T10:43:00.005+10:00

Four weeks and I'm out of here!!

It still seems so surreal, but in four weeks time I will be boarding a jumbo jet and making my way to Europe. We've booked most of our accommodation for the first half, but are leaving a lot of the planning until we are there and seeing where the northern hemisphere winds take us!

I feel like I've placed so much emphasis on this Europe trip. As cliché as it may be, a time to 'find myself'. To have a few weeks exploring and opening my eyes to the possibilities of life seems so alluring of late. I want this trip to teach me more about the world, but more importantly - more about myself.

For some reason I seem to think of life in two stages at the moment, BE and AE. Before and after Europe. Right now I feel quite trapped by everything. I've put all this pressure on Europe as being the place to escape, the place to discover.

I just hope I discover enough...

Comfort with a capital C-ouch!

2010-07-31T21:04:00.003+10:00

I'm spending a quiet night in tonight, LB is off watching the footy with his bro and I'm having a fun night at home watching terribly girlie movies, reading mags and browsing blogs.

Loving this month's Real Living magazine - the room featured on the front cover is to die for! I've noticed my eye has been drawn to neutral/light brown couches of late. A few examples to whet the appetite....

images via Ada&Darcy and Coco+Kelley

oh me, oh my!

2010-07-21T10:39:00.004+10:00

The ever inspiring Dustjacket Attic has brought us another stunning fashion post today....ohhhh check out the beauty of this bride!

The lace, the pearls....that ring! ohhhhh gollllllly!

15ft of snow...

2010-07-15T11:12:00.005+10:00

I'm in the happiest of moods today. I put this down to the way I woke, certainly on the right side of the bed this morning!

Usually we're running late. We always sleep through the multiple alarms that ring every 5 minutes, refusing to feel the cold winter air on our faces trying to rouse us from our wonderland; and eventually I'm the first to get up and drag myself to the shower. Hopeless! This morning LB had to get up early to be at early meetings - when he woke he put on one of my favourite songs that really makes me think of our love - the ever corny "15 ft of snow" buy Aussie rocker Johnny Diesel...

With a kiss on my forehead I woke to the happiest of mornings...and I've been smiling ever since...

Bliss! ♥

images via here, here, here and here.

italiano!

2010-07-09T15:56:00.006+10:00

Did I mention I have two days to discover Rome by myself before the tour starts in September?

Aside from being petrified about getting lost or having my belongings snapped up by the local gypsies, I must say I'm totally stoked to be arriving wide eyed and bushy tailed (or just plain jet-lagged) in this ancient holy city...making my way through the sights....and eating a few thousand gelatos along the way!

Have you explored Italy in all its greatness? Any tips on how a solo traveller should spend her days?

image via here

a trick of the eye, oh my!

2010-07-09T12:04:00.008+10:00

For part of LB's b'day present I took him along to the Melbourne Magic Festival! LB loves British optical illusion specialist Derren Brown (check out that russian roulette - nuts!) - so I was mighty impressed to see the young fellow whose show we were attending had modelled himself on Derren.

Melbournians I recommend you head over to the Northcote Town Hall and check out Christopher's Illusion and Delusion show!

It was a great show and even involved both myself and LB getting up on stage to help out with a few of his tricks. Including his very own version of the russian roulette using a massive sharp metal stake! eeeeep!

Very cool how much control one can have of another's mind!

PS - anyone else planning their afternoon of macaroon making after another awesome week of Masterchef? See the tower hiding away in this pic? delish!

image via dustjacket attic

the hovering darkness...

2010-07-07T14:41:00.005+10:00

It all seems a little mundane these days.

I've decided I'm spending far too much time locked up in doors this winter and not using my free time adequately. I need to make a few adjustments before I send myself a little loopy!

Outside of work I'm becoming awfully slack as well! Working 9 - 5 means I'm home before 6pm and not a lot of productivity emanates from there on. I have a good 4 - 5 hours each day which I could easily fill with more fruitful or constructive activities. Hello exercise? You've certainly suffered your due share in this energy-lacking-crisis, as have my relationships with friends - which I'm the first to admit I have been neglecting.

Time for a few new hobbies and a fresh lease on life!

What keeps you busy and busts the boredom of winter blues???

image by luis monteiro

...the best kind of news!

2010-07-07T10:43:00.006+10:00

And the award for 'Best Aunty of the Year' goes to....

ME!

Yesterday I found out the most wonderful news, my brother and his new wife are expecting a BABY! I'm going to be an Aunty for the first time!!! The little one will have arrived in time for Christmas this year; the best present any family could wish for.

In my mega-clucky family this news has thrilled us all, my poor mother was beside herself with excitement at the thought of becoming a grandmother.

I could not be more happy for my bro and sis-in-law! They will make the best parents and the little bubba will be spoilt rotten by his or her uber excited Aunty Beth!!

Fringe or foe?

2010-06-30T10:19:00.003+10:00

This always happens. Winter strolls around, and I crave a fringe. It's like a fringe is the one thing that sums up winter for me. A cute little fringe to frame your face and poke out from underneath your beanie.

My hair is the longest it has been since about grade 5. And it's still only just past my shoulders! Yet as it grows, it feels more and more underwhelming. I went from short fun hair, to longer dull dead straight hair. Where are the 'long, luscious locks' that I was promised when saying no to the chop?!

So - I'm thinking of dropping by my hairdresser on the weekend and getting a cute little winter fringe installed. Thoughts?

The blunt fringe: friend or foe??

My first love, la ville d'amour...

2010-06-22T16:02:00.006+10:00

When I was in grade 5, my brother began high school. I thought the coolest thing about him being at high school was that he got to learn French. Two years later, I remember my very first french class. I was beside myself with excitement. I'd waited a while for that class.

13 years later, I'm beside myself with excitement once again. I'm realising my dream, and heading to France.

I cannot express how much joy this brings me. I know, people say the French are rude, arrogant, Paris is expensive, it's this, it's that. But in my mind, it's the epitome of beauty. And it's language speaks of love.

After studying french at school, then at uni, then doing a refresher class at a french school in Melbourne a few years back, you'd think I'd have the lingo down pat. Problem is, I have the memory of a sieve. My challenge for the next two months is to study up!

While I've always been obsessed about going to France, I had never really thought my first trip there would be with the one I love. So I'd have to say going to the city of love, with my love, is pretty darn cool. I can not think of a more perfect first time french experience than lying in a country field with LB, bottle of red, baguette and cheese, sharing secrets, building dreams...

Like that young school girl, I will be jumping up and down and dancing around in little circles the second we cross the border....

images via we♥it

I followed it, all night long

2010-06-19T21:13:00.005+10:00

Do you think this awesome fellow Melbourne based blogger would be a little freaked out to hear that I spent my Saturday night at home on the couch reading her entire back catalogue? Perhaps she'd be flattered? Or perhaps she'd just think I was sad and in need of a social life?!

She should be flattered though, her blog is tops! I love her sense of style, kind of vintage/retro 50s, with a good splash of crisp white paint and a touch of that kind of Scandinavian wooden detailing look. As you can see, I'm no pro when it comes to interior design lingo - but I sure do like the blog 'It followed me home'! (as seen at Table Tonic)

And LB if you're reading - time for another trip to Camberwell Markets!!

A few of the particulars which caught my eye:

images via here

cherry-chocolate, my blossoms

2010-06-19T16:52:00.009+10:00

A lazy afternoon at home has seen me whipping up the chocolate cake in this month's WW magazine...mmm...as it cooks away in the oven I've been browsing the wonderful, delightful clothes that I'm not allowed to buy this winter as I save my pennies for Europe.

Cherry blossoms, delicate and romantic...they add a very charming feel to any winter's garden.

Images via here and here

worrying about worrying...when enough is enough

2010-06-18T12:56:00.005+10:00

I worry.

A lot. I first became aware of this tendency when I was a teenager, waiting for my Mum to collect me from the front of the school one afternoon. All of the other kids had been collected, and still…I waited. In the time it took between the last kid jumping in her Mum’s car and my Mum pulling up to the curb (all of three minutes, at a guess), I thought through every possible traumatic reason as to why my Mum was late. This generally ranged from ‘she’s crashed the car and died’ to ‘my little brother has fallen out of a tree and died’. Whatever the reason I conjured, it included death and tragedy. I had a happy childhood - there was no tragedy, just fear of it.

I’m glad that I’m conscious of this worry. I know that it’s unhealthy, but have not yet mastered a helpful mechanism to put it to bed. These days my worries don’t generally involved death on daily basis – even this worry wart has managed to mellow a tad since those impressionable teenage years. Now, I worry about a host of other things: happiness (and the potential loss of); love (and the potential loss of); health (again…another loss…); and family (yep…you get my drift)…oh and there’s work and professional ability – but hey, right about now I wouldn’t mind if that was lost! (anyone got a new job for me?)

I sometimes fear that my constant worrying thoughts will bring about this worry into actual reality. For example my worrying about the state of my relationship will cause my relationship to fall apart because of all the extra stress I'm putting on it. It’s a nasty vicious circle.

At one of my close friend’s weddings this year, whilst I was busy playing bridesmaid, my partner went for drinks with my folks until the reception started. While there, my folks spoke to LB about what they would do if one of them became ill and they had to sell off the family’s farm – talking about how no matter what they’d make things work. Dad mentioned to LB that this wasn’t the kind of conversation they’d have with me – as they know me, ‘Beth would just worry’.

It got me thinking. When I think about my friends, and the fantastic qualities they have and the reasons I feel grateful to call them ‘friend’, I never think of personality traits like ‘she worries too much, she’s too anxious, she’s too negative’. I really hope my worrying is not a stand out feature of mine. I’m sure (well, I know) LB becomes increasingly frustrated with this habit of mine. I hope this isn't the image I present to the world. That would be a worry :P

Perhaps it’s time to speak to a pro – work out some mechanisms to banish the worry – and live happily ever after. Imagine if this worry is causing me a stomach ulcer? (there I go again…)

This month’s edition of Notebook has an article on ‘breaking the worry cycle’. A starting point, at least.

images via we ♥ it

breaking the mould with the breakfast nook

2010-06-18T11:19:00.006+10:00

Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, but indeed my favourite!

Be it warm oats with honey during winter, bircher muslie in the summer or lazy scrambled eggs on the weekends...a decent brekkie is always on my menu.

Some scrumptious little breakfast nooks to feast your eyes on...I can so see myself here - snuggled up in my pj's, reading the weekend's news...

look at that tea set!!! And those chairs..oh me, oh my! via here

Loving SFGirl's new little nook - chalkboard walls, and a cute little herb garden to the side!

Gorgeous white windows via here

Have a happy weekend!

Flamingo fever!

2010-06-11T14:18:00.006+10:00

Pink flamingos. I've always thought they were creatures of art. Those long legs and bright feathers...if I were a bird I'd be a flamingo...standing our like sore thumb and proud of it!

Loving the new Lonny mag - I spy a flamingo!

And why stop there? Every time I walk into my bathroom, I pretend I'm walking into this magical space....check that tub....oh how I long for a house with a bath....and how outrageously perfect is that wallpaper?!

Have a relaxing bubble bath of a weekend y'all!

Images here and here.

Foxy falls for...

A much lauded serum...and it's gift time!

the beauty, of revenge...

gold, gold!

Benefiting from the Brow Experts

The big move

Recap: four months fell.

What diet?

leaving the farm...

How have I lived 26 years without concealer?

Return of the mack..or was it max? And a new beauty book to knock your socks off!

when Layton entered my life

the gift that keeps giving

luscious lips!

skin shopping

keeping calm, carrying on

boots not made for walking.

Princess dreaming...

makeup bags. A dying breed.

do you scoop?

Take me for a ride on a big jet plane!

flowers flowers everywhere!

busy in the bush...

This goes with that ...

still kicking...

taking it all for granted.

ADDICTION.

coffee and kilos

fab frocks at the Oscars!

more OPI love

too much blog-goodness to know where to begin!

The 8 week challenge

Can this leopard *have* her spots?

Amazon UK - free postage to Au - get it while it's HOT!

hens on the loooooose!

a year in the making.

Alice the camel...

Lovers, and oh what a bonus!

Guess who's cooking at my house?

Picking tulips

OD'ing on OPI!

Friday's feast!

lushing over lilac marshmellows

green thumb!

Read.

a promise to myself

Smiling.

I've got a bit of a thing...

My very own Mr Oliver

Curtailing the sun!

bangs and balayage - can they co-exist?

paper, prettttties!

Resolving to...

To you and yours,

Girl crush...

Baby's first Christmas

love at first sight

What's up, Doc!

Wish(ful thinking) list!

sew, la, ti, d'oh!!

wedding getup!

Storage woes...

Paris; she stole my heart...

Roma, roma, roma!

a week in time..

Saying no to the french pastries...

Paris Paris Paris GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

Day-dreaming of a glamorous life in the 1950s

Tasty Tuesday: home-made sausage rolls!

the 'heel' dilemma...

thoughts of no other...

foxy frollics at foxey's!

30th Wedding Anniversary surprise!

Could gold really be the silver lining?

American Wom(e)n!

Tasty Tuesday: She's a lemon, tart!

Telephone table inspiration

Market finds: telephone table!

all round cuteness!

Treasure troving!

Can this leopard have her spots?