Today

It's going to be 45F in NYC today.

I have given up icecream for Lent (my favourite food) and Ben and Jerry's is EVERYWHERE.

The clothes sitch is still in a bit of a sitch. I'm yet to hit the thrifts, however.

I'm yet to feel like I'm actually in NYC.

Giving up...what?

My earliest recollection of Ash Wednesday was as a child, I believe it was 1987 and I was 5. I remember it, because it was my birthday and I felt so smug having a special day at the same time as my first 'school' Ash Wednesday. We attended Church, rather than class. There was a lot of chatter and rumours of cake, probably started by myself. We were told we had to give something up for Lent. What did one give up at age 5? It was my birthday, was I exempt because it was my day?

Many more Ash Wednesday have been had since then, and I have given up over the years, biscuits (a hard 40 days, that one), swearing and I think judging people (what was I thinking?). You can also take something up and to me, this is much more production and positive.

In my adult years, one of the key things I have tried to maintain, is the practice of no meat on Friday's. I haven't always succeeded (tucking into Pizza Hut buffet on Good Friday on my way to a music festival in Victoria, the shame), though the intention is there and it's the least I can do.

So Lent goes until early April this year. What shall I give/take up? The mind boggles.

DIYcouture

Perusing The Big Issue online this afternoon, I have been led to a wonderful discovery.

Rosie Martin's idea goes like this: Don't buy it, make it.

DIYcouture are a collection of online books on how to make sweet ladies clothing such as a wrap, a pleated skirt, a cloak (current favourite), or a even a kaftan et al. Apparently suitable for the nimble fingered, as well as the simple sewers among us, DIYcouture is a sensational idea.

Download DIYcouture books here.

Frames

Minor obsession with finding appropriate round-framed, tortoiseshell shades.

Karen Walker does some awesome shapes, so naturally the google mission led me there first. This is what I found.

I sort of love them, though am unsure if they would suit my face shape.

So over buying cheapies- need to be more French and buy investment accessories and clothing.

Maybe my search will lead me to New York?

Crystal Caves

Discovered in 2000, Mexico's Cave of Crystals contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found, some over 10m long.

Going underground to see natures beauty is not easy though, apparently only a handful of geologists have had the priviledge. With temperatures between 50-60C and 100% humidity, explorers need to gear up as conditions such as these causes fluid to condense inside the lungs.

Discovered by accident by miners working in the Naica silver caves, it makes me wonder just how many more beautiful scenes there out there, waiting for human discovery.

That thought is exciting.

Etsy Vintage

I did a post not so long ago about my favourite ebay vintage stores.

As it becomes more popular, I thought i'd replicate that post, but with Etsy instead. Similarly to Ebay, you can get lost in time and space in Etsy though the below is by no means comprehensive. It's merely a beginning as clicking into Etsy is almost like a Choose Your Own Adventure novel- take one path and bam, there's another opportunity. Take another, then another, and boom, a different shop catches your eye. You'll get to know your own bam's and boom's.

So here are a few that I enjoy.

The Pigeon Chest

Does she take her vintage seriously? Of course she does! The deer's head in the background is testament to that.

Retro Threadz

Wide variety of true vintage and stocks a lot of shoes. Can be very hit and miss.

Thrush

I've posted about this gorgeous shop before, though they do remain one to peruse. The name still leaves a lot to be desired though.

Noble Town Vintage

Cute pieces here and there. Pretty affordable for most currencies.

Graybird Vintage

'Functional' vintage, and more of it.

Young Hollywood

Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood edition sees the above bevy of beauties pose for Annie Leibovitz.

The cover features Abbie Cornish, Rebecca Hall, Anna Kendrick, Carey Mulligan, Amanda Seyfried, Kristen Stewart, Emma Stone and Mia Wasikowska. Interestingly, two Australians in the mix.

I loved Rebecca Hall in Frost/Nixon, though found her trying in Vicky Christina Barcelona. I am intrigued to see Alice in Wonderland, which Mia Wasikowska stars as the eponyomous character. Mulligan was pretty good in An Education, and Cornish was very comprehensive in Bright Star. Well, relatively speaking.

I'm not really one to praise actors, finding their endless ego driven pursuits (Emmy's, Oscar's, SAG's, can we stop...) pointless given the nature of their work is to entertain, not save the world. However, I do adore the Hollywood Vanity Fair issue; I suppose I enjoy the glamour that VF translates to the cover, regardless of it dripping from their subjects pores anyway.

I think this cover is lovely. Will I buy the magazine? Of course not.

Skin voyeur

I'm a voyeur. Specifically a skin voyeur. I love to peek in and see what people's skin regime consists of, particularly if their skin glows.

I joined the Dermalogica bandwagon late, and it was only after a particularly awesome facial that I was hooked. I immediately purchased their Special Cleansing Gel, Skin Smoothing Cream and Gentle Cream Exfoliant, later trying out their Total Eye Cream.

It's not cheap, but I think it is worth it. I think if you shop around you can get it cheaper at some places more than others, though read up and try to avoid ebay and the like, as sometimes you'll receive fake designer skincare. A good cleanser, toner and moisturiser should cost between $A80-100.

Lately, I've been trying Chromowhite trx though am going back to my original regime, as my skin is far too sensitive for this range. I've also began to use Rosewater as a toner, as it is supposed to be beneficial. It smells nice, if nothing else.

Yohan Kim

Spending a cold, wet Sunday at Brick Lane's Up Market not too long ago, saw me stumble across a veritable bargain. I didn't expect it, though a 13 quid tee was too much to pass by.

Made in Korea, Yohan Kim's tee's are soft cotton, comparable to Sass and Bide (the early years), though without the price tag. I've worn mine every chance I can get because not only do they go with everything, they are also cut perfectly (not sqaure and are long- 'yay' says the tall girls).

If you're not in London, visit Yohan Kim's online shop here.