Fancy a dance?

Question 10

2012-01-11T08:32:00.000Z

What can you do today that you weren't capable a year ago?

Ride a bicycle in Sydney

Embroider

Sort out my Australian superannuation (I'm an adult now)

Go into a nail bar and be comfortable with asking for a service

I haven't learnt a terrific amount in the past year have I? Dang, and here I am saying I love to learn.

Question 9

2012-01-11T08:27:00.001Z

What's a belief that you believe that many people disagree with?

As previously mentioned, I was raised a Catholic. This resonates with me, it always has. From a very young age, mum would say prayers with us; we'd appeal to 'Mr. God' to help whatever pickle we were in or to thank Him for our day, our loved ones, or our good graces.

Interestingly we were C&E Catholics (Christmas and Easter) most of the time, though I was always spiritual. I loved the history of the Church, the mysteries it presented, the Gothic columns, the carved sculptures of Mary looking solemn, the traditions, the hymns, the ritual of the mass. I resented my Grandmother pushing the church on me, religion had to be on my terms, as my interpretation was private and rarely discussed.

Over the past five years or so, I began to attend mass more frequently, certainly not every Sunday, though maybe once a month. Over the past five months however, I have been attending every Sunday. I can't tell you my reasons, though I never want to lose that feeling that I have someone looking after me. God provides that comfort for me, the church gives me solace from any outside troubles I face. An hour a week, I escape whatever issue i have or am experiencing, and I become part of a community to share a common love.

I have developed a religious belief that I know a lot of people do not believe in, and outright criticise. I often think it's interesting how discriminatory they are by doing so, and if the roles were reversed, how incredibly bigoted it would seem. It does sadden me that I cannot be completely open about my beliefs, though I'm not a preacher, and never will be. My religion is my own and I keep it close to my chest. I draw happiness from the scriptures and lessons and beliefs; this of course is not to say I respond to every teaching, made up by nomadic desert people 2000 years ago to suit their needs. I respond to the good of the church; I choose messages that provide growth and inner peace, and some people may say that's accepting a percentage of Catholicism, that's their prerogative. My faith is my own, and none else's.

Question 8

2012-01-11T08:11:00.003Z

Who do you love and what are you doing about it?

What a strange and perplexing question. Terribly convoluted.

I love my family, and I see them as much as I can. I love my niece and nephew, almost a year old now. I give them kisses and cuddles and squish their little faces up to mine, and watch them sleep, and tickle their toes, and blow raspberries on their bellies. I love my 94 year old great aunt and try to stay with her at least once a month. She makes me smile, her wisdom, her eccentricities, the fact that she insists on cooking a meal for me when I visit. I love my sister, she's a tough cookie though she loves me back and I know that out of anyone in this world, she would be the one who is there for me. She makes me laugh uncontrollably, and for this fact alone, she is awesome.

Question 7

2012-01-11T08:05:00.002Z

Do you ask enough questions, or do you settle for what you know?

I allow myself to ask questions when questions are called for, though when a question can be passed in lieu of finding the answer myself, then I will take the road of research. I have no qualms about asking for a response, for help, for clarification; I know I'm not a stupid person, and though my questions sometime may appear simplistic, chances are someone else didn't have the courage to ask what they didn't understand, and would silently appreciate me asking.

I seek answers, I am learning constantly. Learning is rad, though as always, I will only pay heed to things I'm actually interested in. Like in school, I'll tune out if I'm not interested. Glaze over. Zombify.

Currently I am learning about embroidery, bicycle maintenance and Coco Chanel. Oh, I'm also researching the vibrator, all in the name of work research of course. Check out Hysteria...

Question 6

2012-01-11T07:58:00.001Z

What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?

Five years ago I was about to turn 25, I was living in Notting Hill, I was working for a large Arts organisation, I was seeing a boy.

There are no regrets, though for the purposes of completing the assignment, I wish I saw more of the UK, took more weekend trips. Lame answer, I know.

Honestly, it was a brilliant time in my life, and I was extremely lucky to have all the experiences I did. Travels, love, laughs, living.

Question 5

2012-01-11T07:53:00.001Z

What life lesson did you learn the hard way?

You cannot 'fix' people.

All the words, the ideas, the hope you may have for someone will not change them for the better, unless they are willing to change themselves. Unless they see the hope for themselves. Unless they have the desire.

You can choose to put yourself in that situation. It's always a choice.

Question 4

2012-01-04T03:54:00.000Z

What gets you excited about life?

I could write a very long winded post about this, though to put it simply, my future gets me excited about life.

A friend once told me that I never lived in the present, therefore I was never happy in the moment as I was always looking ahead. I would say, 'I can't wait til this happens', or 'It'll be so much better when that happens'. Of course this is not the most efficient state of mind to always be in, though my dreamy complexities seems to waddle in the pools of future moments.

I look forward to things, and when they happen, I love them. Those things keep me distracted from the everyday things, which of course I know I am missing, though I'm sure if they were exciting enough I would be focused on them as well.

You follow?

I'm excited about owning and operating my own business one day.

I'm excited about meeting someone and having a family.

I'm excited about heading over to Perth to celebrate my best friends 30th birthday with her.

I'm excited about breaking 10kms on the treadmill in under an hour.

I'm excited about my twin niece and nephew growing up and being able to talk with me about life's little challenges.

I'm excited about the tomato plant in the backyard sprouting a harvest.

I'm excited about making chocolate gelato with my new ice cream machine.

I'm excited about learning to embroider.

And that's just the start of it.

Question 3

2012-01-04T03:44:00.001Z

What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?

I'm not entirely sure I can answer this question, as I can't recall sage pieces of advice being handed down, or over to me. I've had to read the advice, or experience things in order to learn the lessons.

I guess having my heart broken at age 20 was something I always looked back on and thought, 'I'm glad I know what heartbreak is, because now I will be able to tell the difference between infatuation and love'.

Maybe someone would be able to share some wisdom?

Question 2

2012-01-04T03:38:00.003Z

Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

Try as I might to not compare myself to others, it's inevitable that I do.

I, like any other person, have their down days, their fat days and their dull days. Though sometimes I also wake up and feel fantastic, invincible, elated; it could almost be described as enigmatic.

I was bought up Catholic, and that means I have a cloud of guilt pretty much hanging over my head all-the-time. We cannot feel sorry for ourselves, yet we frequently do. We cannot dwell on our own problems, yet we bemoan our grievances. We must have trust and love for our fellow human beings, though we are amongst some of the greediest humans (past and present).

This brings me to my roundabout point of comparison. To compare means that you are thinking you'd rather be something else, somewhere else, or someplace else. It signifies desire, want, need - not attractive traits in the average person.

I used to want to be any other person when I was in my late teens. Then, several years later, I turned down a path whereby I became truer to myself. I stopped focusing on what other people thought about me, and decided my opinion of myself was the one that mattered. I began deciding how I wanted to live and began to grow steadily into myself. Into my quirks. Into my bodyshape. Into my erratic mood swings. Into my sometimes inappropriate mouth. Into my bookishness. Into my gentleness.

We're all a combination of traits, never being wholly good or wholly bad. As Judy Garland said once, 'Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.'

365 questions - number one

2012-01-01T05:05:00.000Z

I'm a believer that we need to keep asking questions, it's the only way to learn (as well as observing and listening). And I like learning. And searching. I like challenging myself and exposing myself and finding a moment to see the possibilities.

I have 365 thought provoking questions to ask myself this year, and I'll endeavour to answer one a day. Some will be lengthy in response, some will be minimal. Let's get started.

1. When was the last time I tried something new?
I craft. I enjoy crafting, and I find the more you do it, the more you want to learn and challenge yourself in new techniques. I scour the internet for beautiful and inspiring patterns and tutorials, and it was by this method that I found instructions for a lovely Larksfoot Blanket, provided in turn by the lovely Pip Lincolne, on her blog, Meet Me at Mikes.

I've done a lot of crocheting; I prefer it to knitting as the results are somewhat more immediate. Lately I've been wanting to expand upon my craft repertoire, so I've decided 2012 is the year of the embroider. I've turned through pages and pages of Etsy wares, finding patterns such as the ones below. I guess if i was to respond to the above question in about a week, I would have answered 'I am learning to embroider'.

Buy here

I have also been trying my hand at running at the gym. Although I am not new to running (having learnt the art almost 28 years ago), I assure you I found it repulsive as my gangly awkwardness clustered my ambition to be gracious. Nevertheless, in the vain hope to carve out some sort of Summer physique, I jumped on the treadmill on a quiet Saturday morning not so long ago, and decided to try my hand (or feet, as it were). I lasted 13 minutes.

Since that day, I have increased my speed and length; now I run for about 30 minutes, my last efforts tracking 8.3kms. I was a proud girl. And the best thing, I felt like I could come home and eat anything I wanted. I conquered that fear, because it definitely was a fear.

It's come up roses

2011-12-09T09:43:00.001Z

Just finished my lovely petal cushion, magnificently excited! It's a medium sized pillow, that was crocheted in Debbie Bliss cashmerino and wool. It's such a bit of a knockout piece, if I don't say so myself.

Not the best picture given it's from my iPhone, though it's Friday night and I'm beat.

It'll be on The Owl Space very soon, along with some other lovely crocheted ditties.

Watching last season of Friday Night Lights makes me very happy on a very sad day. It's a year tomorrow that I left London and I'm a bit teary.

The Owl Space

2011-11-27T05:02:00.001Z

I've mentioned the impending ETSY store for a little bit now, and finally it's breathing!

Called The Owl Space, come and visit us!

It's not complete yet as we need an aesthetic, though the core of the products are on there. this includes baby afghan blankets, crochet cushion covers, which have been crocheted (obviously), sewn and hand stitched, plus crocheted rose and petal brooches. We'll be adding more products as and when we produce them, as we're constantly challenging ourselves with new and exciting projects.

Here is a work-in-progress sneak peak of my latest work, the petal cushion. This is the front, with the rear being flat treble crochet (not a petal design). The finished product will be a round cushion, though perhaps not something you'd lay your head on. This piece is decorative; comfortable as it will be, it'll stand out on your couch/bed/chair.

We also have fascinators, which are super flattering and exciting. They're not your typical spring-racing tat, they're an100% wool, hexagon-shaped headpiece. Priced at $20, they're a bit of a bar-gain.

We're able to make bespoke pieces as well, with all the colours listed on the product descriptions.

So jump on board and take a look. They make a pretty swell Christmas pressie; we can even deliver in time if you order up to one week in advance.

Hoot, Hoot!

Recipe

2011-11-27T04:46:00.001Z

I was after a lovely little recipe to satisfy my sweet tooth yesterday, so decided to gaze upon the behemoth wonderment of taste.com.au.

It is overwhelming, though it's always my go-to site for recipes. I have a gazillion recipes floating around, including endless copies of Delicious magazine, though there is nothing quite like perusing the numerous categories on Taste. I know, food dork.

It didn't take me long to choose the White chocolate and passionfruit muffins. Thinking that I actually had a muffin tin, I went to the store and began with a gusto. Seemed I only had patty tins though (WTF?), so out popped 16 little morsels on deliciousness.

Over the top is a simple passionfruit icing, which 'made' the little cakes. I would amend the Taste portions in the future though, to use less liquid as it was very runny and didn't come out pale; it was practically translucent.

Give them a go, particularly patty-cake size. They're actually quite perfect to take into work for morning tea, and score points with colleagues.

Balmain markets - this Saturday!

2011-11-15T05:26:00.001Z

Here's a little teaser for what's literally in store this Saturday at Balmain Markets!

Pop down and say hello; we'll be under the gazebo, selling crocheted cushions, baby blankets and brooches. We can do bespoke pieces in a variety of colour choices as well - just ask us! Makes a great christmas present...

Prices start at $10 for a rose brooch, $40 for a cushion, and go to $70 for a baby blanket. They are one-of-a-kind pieces, with a lot of time and energy (and love) put into each creation. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

If you're not in Sydney, we'll have all our wares on our Etsy store this week. Another post shall follow with URL and details.

Bike ♥

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000Z

This is just so darn cute, I thought I'd share it.

bike ♥ from Rick Darge on Vimeo.

I think I'll go buy that second lock. Paranoia set in from living in London, where stealing bikes was a common sport. Those bastards were so brazen! Now that I'm back in Sydney with my bitchin Toyko wheels, I've become more lax. Big mistake! Both of my wheels are quick release, as is my seat.I would cry my little heart out if anyone stole my bike.

Anticipated film of the summer...

2011-11-11T04:47:00.001Z

Quiet Ryan - watch more funny videos

Good Stuff Holiday Guide

2011-11-09T01:17:00.000Z

One of my favourite stores to visit in Melbourne was Meet me at Mikes. Now no longer, the owner Pip Lincolne is concentrating on her writing career (check out her books here) which to my benefit, is fruitful and oh so helpful.

I really do want to be Pip's best friend, though because we live in different cities and aside from the minor detail that we don't know any of the same people to meet to become besties, best that I just follow her online activities.

Pip's done us all a wee favour this Chrissie. Good Stuff Holiday Guide is just what it says on the tin - pretty awesome shit to get for your loved ones this present season. It's got 127 pages of things for your table, things for your feet, things for your mouth (corn fritters, yuuuummmmm), things to make, things to do, and things to visit. C'arn, get it in ya.

Updated: I realise that this is a flash file so doesn't come up on your smart phone. Here's the direct link, go forth.

Open publication - Free publishing - More craft

Balmain craft stall, 19 Nov

2011-11-08T05:28:00.000Z

Feeling so ridiculously happy of late, I think due to being purposeful.

I have a new job starting very soon in my dream company.
I have a new bicycle that is so beautiful to ride.
I have a spanking new MacBook Pro transferring info from my 'cough' PC 'cough', as I type.
I have a couple of new projects, one of which I'll happily discuss...

Housemate and I will be holding a market stall at Balmain Markets on the 19th Nov. We're been busily crocheting and sewing cushions, necklaces, brooches and table runners to sell in a variety of beautiful colours. Off the back of this project, we'll be selling bespoke pieces though our Etsy store (details to follow).

So if you're free, come down and check out our little stall. We're also raiding our wardrobes and being RUTHLESS. I'll be selling things from Zimmerman, Sisley, Topshop, H&M, Reiss (the posh UK store, not the cheap Aussie one), Uniqlo, plus loads of vintage.

Christmas is coming up too, and that means summer, which means margaritas and BBQ's by the kiddy pool in the backyard with 2CH providing the tunes.

What is not to love about this time of year?

Tessuti Fabrics sewing lesson

2011-10-26T03:53:00.000+01:00

A while ago my housie told me about an amazing urban sewing legend place, whose waiting list extended beyond the new year. Apparently there was a waiting list to be on the waiting list, or some shiz like that.

Unperturbed, I logged on to said urban sewing place's website and yep, she was right - Sydney = SOLD OUT. Seems we all want to sew our way into our granny's good books.

A couple of months later, I browsed the website again. Like the shining sun coming through a grey cloud, there it was - an opening for a beginner sewing class the following Saturday. BOOKED!

Tessuti Fabrics sits aptly amidst the hipster-scum-cum-crafty-bum suburb of Surry Hills. My first introduction to the shop was only to be told to wait outside as they weren't open yet (I was seven mins early). Then, the owner and his baby son came along and asked if I was waiting for the lesson? Yep, well come on in then!

Customer service pays dude. If he hadn't of overwritten what the old bat had said, this little post could have been different. Be nice to your paying customers.

Onto the lesson. There were seven of us around our oldish Bernina and Janome machines. They were perfectly fine and in good working order, though they had already been threaded. I am a BEG-INN-ER. Let me thread my own damn machine after you TEACH me how. My thoughts at this was 'Here we go, I'm going to be way out of my depth again, and get frustrated and wield that roll of dusty pink duchess satin around in unfulfilled crafting angst'.

Except, it didn't quite go all She-Ra in Tessuti. The lesson progressed nicely and at a pace where we could all grasp the basics. I'll admit, my quizzical eyebrows were getting a workout though like the dag student I am, I promptly raised my hand and asked questions. I have no patience for teachers who assume knowledge cause once again, I am a BEG-INN-ER. Sound it out, cause that's what I am.

So we learnt this stitch and that hem, and how to sew waistbands into skirts. I came out of it thinking yeah good start, now i'll just have to book continuous classes. For $75, it's more expensive then your tech/college courses (that are a couple hundred bucks over several weeks), though it's a taster plate if you will. If you want to do cushions, napkins, table clothes, you're covered. If you want to sew a summer dress, best book a longer course.

Overall, the teacher Georgia was exceptionally lovely and positive. She mentioned the adjective 'perfect' a few times about my work. I was glowing like the girl geek I am, and then overextended my abilities to the point where I ruined what I was working on. I patiently unpicked, re-pinned, re-sewed and still managed an ok job though. Star.

Negatives about the class was that it didn't start from the beginning (how to thread the bobbin, names of the machine parts) and it perhaps didn't quite give adequate notes to take (I would have liked explanations for what the parts do, because I don't remember). There was also only one iron, and that chomped into a lot of time.

Positives about the class was that it was an overall experience and was fun to dive straight in and challenge my abilities. I may have been messy, or cause the bobbin to spaz a few time, though Georgia was always there to help.

Tessuti Fabrics
110 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Also in Melbourne and Chatswood (NSW)

Bikes bikes bikes

2011-10-19T02:21:00.001+01:00

How exciting to see all the bicycles out on the streets of Sydney! The fixed view that cyclists should be wearing lycra is out; step forward into the global city chic movement, and you'll be onto something.

My bike has been out of action for the past six weeks, and I miss her. More accurately, the little Tokyo Bike that could will be out of action forever. A car caused major damage and it's beyond repairs; suggestions for what to do with the amazing red Bisou frame are welcome. I'm thinking garden sculpture; the wheels would make excellent climbing plant stakes.

Last night was the first time I stepped on a bike, although I wasn't riding - I got a dink from housemate! It was slighty pissy and irresponsible, but fuck it was fun. I was terrified as housie's brown locks licked my face and I couldn't see the road, but it felt like we were time warping, back to school days of 1992. Sorry about the incessant snorts of laughter Gowrie St, Newtown, we just found it so funny that we couldn't steer straight and almost stacked it into your cars (several times).

I'll be heading to Tokyo Bike to order my spankin new wheels this week (below). What do you think? Imagine a basket like in the above picture, and I'm good to go, right? I feel like I've taken ten steps backwards in cycling confidence due to the whole 'two car's hitting me in two weeks' thing, but that won't beat me. Something has to give Sydney, and it won't be me.

Tokyo Bike CS in Mustard

I'm going social.

2011-10-15T02:40:00.000+01:00

You should warmly congratulate me. It may have taken years, though I have finally opened up a Twitter account.

I've been in marketing for the best part of ten years now, and know all about the power of the brand. Suffice to say, I never wanted to shamelessly promote myself to hundreds of strangers who didn't give a shit about whether I'm having toast or porridge for brekkie...so what's changed, eh?

Let me give you some insight into the situation. Bear with me.

Last night my housemate, gorgeous older sis and brother-in-law tottered down to Taylor Square to watch the MC Cyclery Goldsprints as part of the Bicycle Film Festival. I've been psyching my sister up for a while now, so when she got up there on the stage (the very first competitor no less), I couldn't be prouder! I was like a shrieking maniac, yelling that she was winning, Winning, WINNING. I may have looked like a retarded tiger mum, though I didn't give a shit.

So as the Goldsprinter's took their place, the projector next to the stage was following tweets from the crowd. I mean, as well as the TANK commentating, we had everyone in the room who was on Twitter taunting or supporting the awesomeness. Housemate and I jumped in on the action and commented on the very good boy/gal ratio there was at The Standard (my first husband could have been there, there was plenty of potential), and even got a bit cheeky and applauded the dance moves of one very fine young MC Cyclery gent. It was interactive engagement at its best!

So the conclusion is, Twitter has finally teased me into submission by way of commenting anonymously on hot babes. I'm tweeting to improve self-esteems you could say. I'm a self-esteem fairy.

If you want to see your self esteem rise, follow me here and I'll tweet how hot you are.

And if you ever get the opportunity to view Goldsprints (happens worldwide), jump at it. Best night out in ages!

What's going on...?

2011-10-14T02:36:00.000+01:00

Well in the lull of life, I've decided to take back my little corner of cyber space and claim it once again for my musings.

I'm not sure what the direction will be, though I note in the past few years my passions have evolved and honed themselves. My previous entries have revolved around the arts, fashion, craft, music, food, and my own philosophies. I guess that what's a blog allows you to do; assume that anyone and everyone who is reading it actually gives a penny.

But that's OK if you don't, because blogs are clothed in anonymity. Those that aren't want something more - press, adulation, free clothes. Truthfully, I could do without the pressure and frankly, I would be coming down on myself for not being as good a writer as some wonderful people I know. So it all works out. I get to practice my communication skills, and you (whoever you are), get to read about whatever takes my fancy that day and the next.

Aren't you fantastically lucky?

OK, so buckle in babes. We're in Sydney town and who knows what adventures will come our way! Maybe I'll even let you into the secret world of the single ladies...I know a few of them and my God we have some stories.

Stephen Fry on self pity

2010-09-05T17:08:00.001+01:00

If you're British, you'd need no introduction to Stephen Fry.

If you're not, this man is on another level of celebrity in the UK. He is famous for being a personality of television, film, theatre, comedy, etc etc though probably on equal measures, his fame resides around his health, that being his mental health. Fry is a manic-depressant.

I could rattle on about Fry for a while, though I think he is a niche subject, albeit one I am extremely interested in. He is a former juvenile delinquent, a Cambridge graduate, a brilliant man, a Jew against the state of Israel, a complete anomaly.

Instead, I just wanted to embed this one-minute opinion piece where Fry speaks of self pity. I abhor self pity, and I try to live my life avoiding it; this is turn makes me somewhat unsympathetic towards other people. Not the best trait, I hasten to add.

YouTube is refusing to allow me to embed the video, though do click here to hear it. See what you think.

Perth says come hither

2010-08-23T13:19:00.004+01:00

Apart from the very adequate reason that one of my dearest friends is in Perth, I have found an equally lovely reason to visit the furthest Western city of Australia- Pigeonhole.

I picked up Marie Claire's 15th birthday issue whilst in Australia last week, and have only just gotten around to reading the behemoth 426 pages (let's assume a few bonus' are heading their ways to the MC advertising execs).

Here I was alerted to Pigenhole, through the article 50 Best Boutiques. As mentioned, the store (or stores, to be precise) is located in Perth though one can browse their wares online- yes, they have gone digital. Brands include Secret Squirrel Clothing, Limedrop, Colab and more more more.

Stocking clothes, homewares, stationary, jewellery and even toys, this store seems like a labour of someones intense need to be surrounded by everything they love- and to capitalise on this. When you know you have taste, you may as well provide to the masses. I hear Perth needs more of the same to suckle the hungry inhabitants; for a city that produces such beauty (Gemma Ward, Nicole Trufino), perhaps Pigenhole can lead the way.

Top to bottom: Shafto Lane store; London Court store

The online shop is not the best display of their wares, though the experience is not hampered by this. The website is powered through Wordpress, and has a blog attached.

I'm coveting these pants, left. Not too expensive, though I think to carry these off you have to offer height minus weight to the equation.

Left: Minimarket pants ($165), Pigeonhole loop necklace ($65), Leather brogues ($185), Soto Smith Aztec tee ($75), Pigeonhole bag ($200).

Check website for the locations of their four stores, including the most recent arrival of all things vintage, bless.

For Sale

2010-08-22T18:06:00.000+01:00

I'm still here, and hopelessly apologise for ignoring the glories of daily blogging.

I'm still working like a chump, still riding my very sweet, yet very vintage bike around London and I'm still trying to save the pennies to afford the lifestyle I shall like to lead in the near future...more to follow. This leads me to announce I have several things currently on Ebay.

Please feel free to check out the beyond gorgeous cape I am rebaying (is this a word? It should be!), the white polka dot dress, Whistles chinos, and more!

Sorry I've been away...

2010-08-01T15:12:00.000+01:00

Started three crocheted blankets, in assorted colours
Moved house
Went to Paris
Watched the Tour de France obsessively
Acquired Lucy Hutchings jewellery
Purchased daily coffees on Whitecross St
Ventured to John Lewis to admire and choose yarn at heavily discounted prices
Made Magnolia cupcakes, with pink buttercream icing
Visted Grace Kelly exhibition at the V&A, and got lost in the emotion of its beauty
Planned Winter adventures to Morocco
Counselled friends
Bought new headphones
Admired Swedish Hasbeens and wished I could afford them
Read Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, now taking a break and reading something more serious
Ridden many kilometres of London roads
Watched Toy Story 3, and frankly, was a bit scared at times
Saw Band of Horses, and thought it was one of the best live shows I've seen
Saw Beach House and thought it was one of the worst live shows I've ever seen

This is why I have ignored my blog. Well, primarily because I have deadlines on the blankets. I have skills, and shall use them.

Look what I can do!

2010-06-26T17:47:00.001+01:00

Check out my new skill! It was my aim to learn to crochet this year, and true to my word, here are the spoils.

I took a class on Thursday in central London, which taught me the basics of how to make a 'granny square'. I can now follow a pattern and understand the basic stitches, which in turn will make it easier to understand the extended stitches such as triple crochet.

I am not one of those terribly co-ordinated people I have to say, though I wasn't going to go into this experience thinking that I couldn't do it. After almost dropping the f bomb a couple of times in class, my teacher patiently guided me through the loops and hooks that makes a stitch, reaffirmed that I could do it, and told me not to worry. By the third 'round', I was understanding that crochet is basically a formula, and by following that formula (i.e. the pattern), you'll get the desired design. So dense I no longer felt; instead, pats on the back all round.

With no wool on Friday, I was on edge. This morning, almost timing it to perfection, the God's of retail had blessed today be the start of the summer sales, therefore I bought 20 reams of wool for 50% off. Nice one.

So here I am on a beautiful London Summer's day, enjoying the breeze, whilst watching Nadal at Wimbledon, and crocheting my granny squares.

Today is bliss.

Somewhere- Sofia Coppola- wetting my pants

2010-06-22T13:42:00.001+01:00

I cannot sing the praises of Sofia Coppola high enough, and her latest work Somewhere, does not change this opinion.

I fell in love with Coppola through her work, The Virgin Suicides then again with Lost in Translation. I even favoured Marie Antoinette, despite less than positive reviews.

Somewhere stars Stephen Dorff, the 90s posterboy that people of my generation favoured before he got drug-haggled and disappeared (probably got fat, then decided to pull a Mickey Rourke on us and take a chance). It also features little Elle Fanning (sister of Dakota) in what looks like a role which will break through her family shackles.

Because Somewhere was written by Coppola (she received an Oscar for screenwriting Lost in Translation), I know me and this film are going to get along like a house on fire. Slow, meloncholic, serious, contemplative- throw all these words at me and they shall roll off my back. For Coppola knows how to write, perhaps because she draws upon so many of her own experiences. And who wouldn't want to find out more about the life she has led?

Somewhere will premiere at Venice Film Festival in September, then has a release date of December elsewhere. Crossing off my calendar now.

2010-06-21T12:33:00.000+01:00

“I just knew in my heart that there was more. And I don’t know what that necessarily means, maybe it was just a yearning to live outside the parameters I lived in. I knew - particularly when I was a teenager - that I wasn’t cut out to live where I was from, where I was born.”
Karen Elson

I've re-blogged this quote, originally found on Russh.

It's something that I can relate to. I thought a lot more people felt this way, until I realised they were there and I was here. I thought we all wanted to escape. I guess contentness comes in many different forms. Like Karen, I just wasn't cut out to stay put.

Karen Elson & Jack White: Vogue US June 2010
Picture credit: Fashionising.com. Click to enlarge.

Who is she?

2010-06-20T18:20:00.001+01:00

Imagine if you were the inspiration for this song.

The life you must have led...

Peter Sarstedt, Where do you go to my lovely?

Biscuits + Football

2010-06-19T20:13:00.002+01:00

Today I woke up resolute to fill the day with all sorts of activity.

Then I looked at the clock, and realised Australia's World Cup match was mere hours aways. So instead, I bided my time and fixated myself on recipes that I would cook later today.

I'm not really a follower of football, though I understand the appeal of 'the beautiful game' and the emotion attached to it. The World Cup, to lean upon many cliches, brings attention not just to a simple ball game; this spectacle draws countries together, builds hope, conjures fear, delivers disappointment, delivers joy. I am a fan, and I support Australia, with England being my 'second' team. Oh, and Switzerland, though only because I drew them in my office sweep and I stand to profit.

So you can imagine my nerves this morning when the hour upon 3 was drawing closer. To occupy my mind, I pedalled down to my local shops and bought some ingredients to make delightful chocolatey mint morsels. Cooking relaxes me, it focuses me and I couldn't think of anything more I'd rather do. Especially when the outcome of such efforts turn out like the below.

So here is the recipe I used, though to be honest it definately didn't turn out like proposed. Even though I diligently converted the annoying US measurements (a stick of butter? Whatever.), at the point where the batter was supposed to resemble 'pebbles', it more took the shape of cake batter. So I added more flour. Then more sugar. It still looked like batter, albeit a little stiffer.

I refrigerated for an hour during the first half of the game (score Aus 1: Ghana 1; Kewell red carded for a hand ball, fool), then decided to roll these into balls and make choc mint melting moments. Delicious.

So after I made what seemed like 50 biscuits, the game ended. The tenseness of the match was eased when I stepped into the kitchen.

So I decided to melt some dark chocolate (with some mint essence) and coat half of these little soldiers into submission. I drowned them into the chocolate, then femmed them up somewhat (more petticoated them) with hundreds & thousands.

The other half I used as planned; I combined a couple of cups of icing sugar, with about 50g of butter and a good dollop of milk and peppermint essence. Then I beat this concoction, until it thickened and was good to ice one biscuit.

So here is the outcome. I'm home alone this week, so have over baked once again, though such is the result when I want to relax. I may take these into work, though I fear they will not travel well. We shall see how long they last.

I ♥ my bicycle

2010-06-17T13:50:00.002+01:00

Images from We♥it.

Canon woop.

2010-06-14T20:04:00.000+01:00

'I tried taking pictures, but they were so mediocre. I guess every girl goes through a photography phase. You know, horses... taking dumb pictures of your feet' Lost in Translation.

...so said Charlotte, as she mused through life sipping her drink at a Tokyo Hotel bar.

She could be right, though I doubt when she went through her phase, that she had the awesome tools that I now have as I go though my photography phase.

Squeals of delight could be heard throughout Londontown when I purchased the beautiful Canon EOS 550D a few weeks ago.

After doing my research (flicking through some digital camera magazines over a flat white, browsing The Gadget Show's online site, and conducting a facebook focus group*), I decided that the Canon was indeed worthy of investment.

I've since been around the neighbourhood, snapping everything in sight. I'm preferring manual focus for now, though once I understand the science behind my camera, I'm sure I'll become accustomed with the other settings at my fingertips.

I almost feel unworthy, though I know CC and I will be mates for a while. I was even thinking of getting her a friend in the form of a tripod, to take steadier pictures.

Here's some test shots from our first couple of days together.

*Thanks to Patrick, Jess and Nat who told me to go for the Canon. I know you know your shit.

Sheer delight

2010-06-13T12:29:00.001+01:00

Intrigued by sheerness.

As the season tries to make it into Summertime, I'm sticking with the femininity of the cooler days, allowing me to show a touch of skin...

From left-right (click image to enlarge):

byCORPUS Gingham Check Sheer Blouse
£58
Available from Urban Outfitters online

Stella McCartney ruffled sheer blouse
£645
Available from Net-a-Porter

Surface To Air Jukebox Sheer Blouse
£148
Available from Urban Outfitters online

Bothered.

2010-06-12T22:16:00.003+01:00

Forgive me if I offend anyone, though is anyone else extremely bothered by the constant media presence of Cheryl Cole, (soon to be Tweedy)?

I shamefully am aware that Cole will soon revert to her maiden name, because I read an inane article last week that referred to her divorce proceedings. And why did I drag my eyes across the 80-words of drivel found in a non-descript commuter-newssheet? Because it was there. She is everywhere. The woman who was considered the talentless one in that bubblegum girl group she is part of. The one whose accent screeches in my ears, though melts the hearts of the grannies who watch her judging a production-line 'talent' show favoured by the majority in the UK. The one who married a reportedly gay footballer, to cover- up her racist tendencies, evident when she physically assualted an African bathroom attendant in a London club. The very one that now features in adverts promoting haircare, and lip colour, whilst her family deal with drug addiction and criminal records. The one who drips herself in designer goods, though is let's face it, a bit of a chav.

My point is not to belittle this woman for being something that she is not; the majority of people who have some degree of fame are acting, playing their roles on and off the stage. I just find Cole/Tweedy incredibly irritating, both to listen to and to look at. She is considered by most accounts to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, though does this also look at the type of person she is? Of course not.

Before/after the machines got to Cole/Tweedy

Cole/Tweedy was once a foul-mouthed trollop who got into slanging matches against Lily Cole and fancied a few gyrating moves in music videos. These days, the 27-year-old has some mighty good public relations backing her, probably on the request of her boss, Mr.Simon Cowell (who incidentally, has some major secrets to hide of his own). The cosmetic endorsements, talent-show judging jobs and album releases can all come to a swift halt, I say. Please Cole/Tweedy, crawl back into the hole where you came out of and give me some peace. You're really annoying, though to assign some blame elsewhere, I would also say to the British press, please don't give coloumn inches where inches are not deserved. Who cares about this Geordie woman? She is not befitting of your national treasure.

And yes, I do understand the irony of this post.

Norwegian Wood, the aftermath

2010-06-08T14:21:00.005+01:00

I meant to do a follow-up post a few weeks ago about Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood, alas time got away from me.

I won't attempt to write a review, this isn't my aim.

Norwegian Wood suprised me. I did have reservations about Murakami, as I stopped reading another one of his novels about six years ago because of the pace. This novel was different. I took to Norwegian Wood like a child takes to icecream, jumping head first into its depth, loneliness, hedonism and tragedy.

I wasn't sure who I identified with the most, the central character of Toru, or the ghost throughout the novel, Naoko. Both had their meloncholies, both had their moments.

Naoko assumed tragedy from the onset, being the 'widowed' teen; her first love Kizuki committed suicide, and it haunted her throughout her young life. As too with Toru, his one true friend taken from him. Suicide and death runs constantly throughout the novel.

You needn't be able to identify with the characters or their situations to enjoy this book, though you will need to bear with the pace. The book flows like a mountain stream, though concentrates on heavier episodes with pagination indulgence. For instance, when Toru first goes to the mountains to visit Naoko, Norwegian Wood settles in its place and stays there like a dog infront of a warm fire. It sometimes made for uncomfortable reading, as I was unsure of the motivations of the newly introduced Raiko. I feel you don't get her intentions until right at the end of the novel, though even then it's not entirely clear.

Midori, the carefree, porn-curious character forces a different side of Toru to be introduced, though I couldn't help wanting her to go away. Naoko held me entranced, even though she was so far away, suffering and enduring mental health treatments of the 1960s. Perhaps I wanted a happy ending, though Murakami was setting the story in the most obvious of directions.

Did I enjoy the novel? Thoroughly. It took me a few days to read, because I was so entranced. The character studies were so deceptively simple, that the work did inspire my own stories. Underlying the multitude of characters though, are the efforts to conjure such simplicity. And that is the irony of the novel.

A London weekend

2010-06-06T20:26:00.001+01:00

A weekend of London.

Pedalling along the London streets, Islington was my destination. I wanted to replicate the perfect weekend I had about a month ago when I had picked up my beautiful blue 1940s skirt. Sadly, the stall was not up in Camden Passage, though the experience did provide me with plenty of opportunities to try out my new Canon EOS 550D. I love love love it.

Today I went to Present in Shoreditch. I wasn't particularly interested in the clothes they had on offer, for they were against my gender. Nay, I wanted to try the coffee that was to be made and served to me by the 2009 World Barista Champion, Gwilym Davies.

Davies is based out of men's clothing store, Present. Using Square Mile beans and a very beautiful machine, my flat white came out perfectly sized to make it a lovely combination of strength and creaminess.

I do recommend.

From there, my companion and I meandered down Shoreditch High St, only to merge right towards Mile End Rd.

My research had led me to a new vintage store in town, well new to my ears anyway. The East End Thrift Store is situated down a shifty laneway, off Mile End Rd. Hemmed in by warehouses that look like they are no longer in use, the store is packed full of vintage, divided somewhat down the middle by ladies and mens clothing.

I was attracted to this store, primarily because I had read promises of many items costing no more than £10. Incredible. London is the home of the overpriced second-hand dress, so this was something to see.

Sadly, the atmosphere in the store lacked the potential exitement that would lead you into that perfect vintage find. It didn't feel shabby chic, it just felt shabby. The concrete floor, dressing rooms that were covered by scrap material (and only three-quarters at that), the two art students who ran the store, though couldn't really care less, all contributed to a disappointing experience. The clothes would have saved the day, had they been something to coo about. Sadly, there was a reason why they started at £10. They simply were not at the quality Londoner's expect.

Of course, the store is a fair size so I would recommend a gaze as everyone has subjective vintage expectations. I wanted to find uniqueness; instead I found clothes that had either been manipulated to suit the look of the present day, or were so unappealing, the fabrics and styles look like they should be retired, not re-used.

Present
140 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE

East End Thrift Store
Watermans Building, Unit 1A Assembly Passage,
London, E1 4UT

Modcloth

2010-05-27T09:35:00.000+01:00

Fancy flexing your credit card on some vintage slash vintage reproduction homewares and fashion? Oui oui?

Go to modcloth.

Where is my mind?

2010-05-24T21:53:00.002+01:00

On the road unknown.

All photos from we♥it.

Vintage! Vintage!

2010-05-23T16:55:00.000+01:00

I can't say I stick to a particular style when I dress, more I am a slave to my emotion that day, choosing to grab whatever clones my mood.

Always one to tread the vintage clothing waters though, I do love a classic cut, a tailored jacket/dress/pant et al, and the way certain clothes envelope my body.

As I grow in age (and retain my modesty), I find dressing to my shape is imperative when I purchase anything. I can't stand people who go outside only to have the world subjected to their gut hanging over their bottom wares. Ill-fitting clothes, or just ill-fitting taste? And leggings! Oh my, why must these be around? They do not suit most people on the best of days, let alone when you're wearing them as pants (bottoms). There should be no public camel toes, something should cover your ass, and perhaps you should throw on a pair of shoes and stop pretending Uggs are for outdoor use. They're not, they're expensive slippers. For indoors only.

Having a relatively small waist, I seek out skirts, tailored trousers and dresses; vintage makes my heart sing, and over the years i've practically recorded an album. I've been so lucky to be able to find some beautiful clothes, some of which include, a gorgeous 1940s blue above-the-knee skirt, with pleated detail front and back, for £10; a collection of summer dresses with button details to the waist, then a broad flowing skirt to twirl in (ranging from £10-45); a lovely brown leather day purse, with short double straps for £15; and many, many more.

Vintage shopping has become part of my travelling repertoire, I do thorough research before I go anywhere, to try and get the best I can get. London has definately spoilt me, though I find it is so expensive here, so don't come expecting a bargain, especially where tourists lurk (like Portobello Rd).

Here are some of my favourite vintage spots in London. They're not a secret, so enjoy.

- Vintage Market
F Block T2 | 85 Brick Lane, London
Every Friday, Saturday 11am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm

Coinciding with the Up Markets, grab some lovely thai duck rolls, and head up the stairs to the top floor. Here you'll find the professional stall holders, amongst the grots and gits of East London, selling anything from the 20s, right through to late 90s. A treasure trove of one-off things that change from week to week.

- Beyond Retro
110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
Monday - Wednesday 10am - 7pm; Thursday 10am - 8pm; Friday & Saturday 10am - 7pm; Sunday 10am - 6pm

This is the site of the original store, now pratically a chain after its expansion to central London, Brighton and even abroad to Sweden! Situated off Brick Lane, come here for cool clothes, colour coded on the racks and sorted down the line for men and women. I picked up an awesome silk scarve from the 70s, with the entire Waltzing Matilda poem penned on it (plus illustrations). Perhaps come here first, and then head to the many thrifts along Brick Lane.

- Absolute Vintage
15 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR
Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm; Sunday 11am - 7pm

Frequented by stylists and those who want to pay a little more for their vintage, this medium-sized shop filled to the rafters with cloth, is definately one to poke your head in. Even just to scope the amount of second-hand shoes for sale. I have an elephant foot, though one can always look...

There are so many more thoroughout London, though I suspect these should be stumbled upon by yourself. That way, you can say 'I went to London, and discovered the most amazing little shop...'

Hint: Brick Lane, Portobello Rd (under the freeway overpass, ONLY), Camden Passage parallel to Upper St, and Shoreditch will all provide you with suitable starting points.

Still looking for inspirations, click here for a reliable guide.

Defaults

2010-05-17T12:11:00.000+01:00

I have always thought that to ask someone their favourite song, movie, band et al was rather ignorant. Considering we explore creativity through a myriad of emotions, elements and desires, the answer to the aformentioned question would change depending on any number of characterisitics.

Having said that, there always seems to be defaults that we fall back on, not necessarily classing them as our favourites, though we're happy to oblige them over and over again in our short lives.

I couldn't tell you what my favourite film was, though I can divulge that I have seen Sound of Music more times than I have counted. I first saw it when I was a little girl; we had taped it from the TV on our 1980s VCR- I was 4 years old. I went to Salzburg, just to see some of the film set. Sound of Music delivers everything I covet- song, romance, secrets, history, freedom.

I also seem to have a couple of default songs, that I listen to over and over again. One is for nostalgic reasons and the other, well perhaps it's the meloncholic melody uprising that I love to bear.

My mum used to sing 'Little Ray of Sunshine' to me, well for as long as I can remember really. It's from Axiom, an Australian band and was released in 1970. Even now, it features heavily on my playlists. It's a beautiful song, take a listen.

The second song is by Regina Spektor, called 'Samson'. I've blogged the lyrics before, though I thought I'd give you the clip. It's stunningly beautiful, passionate though whimsical. I had the good fortune is see Regina play this live, then fuck up the lyrics, then stop suddenly to say 'fuck', then start all over again. So I have heard the beauty 1.5 times. I could play this song on the hour, every hour and not tire of it.

Care to share your defaults?

Arshile Gorky

2010-05-14T12:48:00.000+01:00

One Year the Milkweed, 1944

Golden Brown, 1944

The Liver is the Cocks Comb, 1944

Agony, 1947

I look at Arshile Gorky's magnificent body of work and I get lost in the chasms of colour...and the chasms of disturbance. I am by no means an expert in any facet of art (except in the sense of what I like and don't like), so all my comments must be taken with a grain of salt.

Gorky's work is recognisable by its wild lashings of colour and patterns, throwing tradition to the side and replacing it with abstract freedom. I saw some of his work earlier this year at MOMA in New York; it delivered such a sense of wonderment and delight which is ironic, given the pain in his lifetime.

Gorky hanged himself at the age of 44, after considerable misfortune. I seem to be drawn to untimely deaths and the sorrow that surround people's lives. I could have almost predicted that I would like the work of someone with such a fate; perhaps you never choose what you like, perhaps it chooses you.

I am in a less than sparkly mood today, so I am reaching for the beauty of Gorky to uplift me. Even writing about this, his expression, will me to concentrate on what I deem to be important. Arguring over trivial matters with work colleagues, not so important. Be gone stress, Gorky is present.

Lovegeek

2010-05-13T13:35:00.001+01:00

Your view on all things lovely and geeky has moved!

Check out lovegeek here!

Wee Birdy

2010-05-12T12:25:00.002+01:00

One of my favourite bloggers Wee Birdy, is flying the coop!

Originally from Sydney, she's seems to be reluctantly heading home after a couple of years in London. Her posts are delightful little morsels of shopping wisdom, and she has an amazing ability to make you feel like one of her girlfriends on the receiving end of a gushing email.

I've posted her sign off below and I commisserate, because I too have had an agonising decision to make. I now know how hard it is to consider leaving London, therefore I have decided to stay for another 6 months.

Oh the love/hate perils you have put me through London. Minx.

Here's what Wee Birdy will miss...

But it's goodbye London for now...

Goodbye riding in the front seat up the top of a double-decker bus
Goodbye getting mugged
Goodbye marvellous weekend newspapers
Goodbye hot air vents on the buses in summer (oh why oh why?)
Goodbye Tatty Devine, Rob Ryan and Alex Monroe
Goodbye 2am bagels on Brick Lane
Goodbye foxes crying like tortured banshees in the middle of the night
Goodbye proper afternoon tea with clotted cream
Goodbye Sherlock Holmes tiles at Baker Street tube station
Goodbye eternal queues at Monmouth coffee
Goodbye University Challenge and the ever-excitable voice of Roger Tilling
Goodbye perfectly formed snowflakes that sparkle in the weak morning sun
Goodbye Central Line, you served me well (most of the time)
Goodbye narrow lanes and hedgerows in the countryside
Goodbye Sunday roast dinners with Yorkshire pudding
Goodbye sugar mice and Parma Violets
Goodbye brilliant, wonderful Guardian mini mag supplements
Goodbye wild buttercups growing outside Greenwich park
Goodbye picking over 400-year old clay pipes on the banks of the Thames
Goodbye incredible museums and art galleries
Goodbye Time Out (and thanks for employing me in the middle of a recession!)
Goodbye lazy Saturday mornings trawling the stalls at Broadway Market
Goodbye skidding on icy streets because the council couldn’t be arsed to grit
Goodbye daily repeats of Friends on E4
Goodbye 'three for a fiver' bunches of flowers at Columbia Road
Goodbye dusty old bookshops (and rather odd owners) on Charing Cross Road
Goodbye 4pm darkness in December
Goodbye glorious Knickerbocker Glory at Fortnum & Mason
Goodbye pretty little blue tits in the tree outside my window
Goodbye limescale sludge in my tea
Goodbye sitting in the bar at the Tate Modern watching the sun go down
Goodbye walking up Piccadilly in the rain
Goodbye having ice-creams in Hyde Park on green and white striped deckchairs
Goodbye robins in the snow
Goodbye peat bog man at the British Museum
Goodbye getting lost again in Soho
Goodbye ring-necked parakeets in Greenwich park
Goodbye car boot sales
Goodbye Tunnock's Teacakes, how do they make your marshmallow so soft?
Goodbye some of the shittiest customer service I’ve ever experienced in my life
Goodbye installations in the Turbine Hall
Goodbye Waitrose and M&S ready-made meals
Goodbye crazy tile mosaics at Tottenham Court Road tube
Goodbye Selfridges’ Christmas windows
Goodbye people who don’t move down into the carriage
Goodbye geese and squirrels in St James’s Park
Goodbye London sales
Goodbye coots on Regent’s Canal
Goodbye Charbonnel et Walker powdery-pink champagne chocolates
Goodbye shiny mahogany conkers in autumn
Goodbye pink petal showers in spring
Goodbye cheese, coffee and cake at Borough Market
Goodbye grey squirrels - I know I'm not meant to like you, but I do
Goodbye South Eastern trains coming to a standstill within inches of the platform at London Bridge
Goodbye to all my wonderful, wonderful London and UK friends, hope you all keep reading… maybe I can treat you to a coffee in Sydney some time?
Goodbye London, thanks for having me. It’s been a treat and I'll miss you terribly (sob!).

Luckily, Ms Birdy will be blogging about Sydney- my favourite city! Woo! It's about time someone shared the love.

V&A

2010-05-11T13:44:00.003+01:00

OH the glee, the gayness, the splendour!

London's Victoria and Albert Museum are hosting an exhibition entitled Grace Kelly: Style Icon. From the 17 Apr- 26 Sep 2010, lucky visitors will get to gaze upon some of the loveliest haute couture fit for a WASP, who was to become a Princess.

Information from the V&A's website states:

This exhibition shows the spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s. Featuring dresses from her films including High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955, the display will examine Grace Kelly's glamorous Hollywood image and enduring appeal.

It will also explore the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955 to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and '70s by her favourite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent.

Now this is something to pay attention to! The importance of this exhibition, proves the enduring role Kelly plays, both before and after her tragic death. She is truly a classic whose memory is kept alive by her class and stature.

Hot step it to the V&A- tickets are just £6 online.

Iceland

2010-05-10T12:33:00.005+01:00

I wanted to share some pictures I took from my most intriguing trip to Iceland.

I came back a week ago, the volcano was crumping into action again, and like an angry old dragon, was blowing hot ash, steam and smoke all over the rocky land.

And rocky it was. Oh Floki, you deceptive Viking you. It may have been a harsh winter when you arrived, though perhaps calling it Rockland would have been a little more appropropriate. Being a hotspot for geological activity and sitting on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, Iceland literally rose from the sea from past volcanic activity, thus rendering it treeless (I didn't quite believe it, though it's true- there are no natural trees).

Reykjavik is situated on a fishing harbour, essentially the lifeline of most Icelanders. Cool air comes sweeping off the sea and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it, sending this Australian shivering whilst traising up and down the narrow streets.

I imagined there to be small bistros serving traditional food, i'd have even settled for fish stew. Instead, there were mainly influences from the American GI's that were here during and after WW2, the diners selling hamburgers, steak and beer. The supermarkets sold Bisquick and squirty cheese. The food was a major bummer, though I did have 'cheap' in mind.

I did dine (I use that term loosley) at sægreifinn, which came recommended through the Reykjavik Grapevine (pick up this free English-speaking rag - it's an absolute must for Icelandic navigation! It's also probably the coolest streetpress, I've ever read). It stated it had weird Icelanic food, for which I was down for. However, asking to see the menu, the waitress pointed at the fridge full of fish kebabs and replied 'That is the menu'. I bypassed the red, dense whale meat and went for the saltfish. It was delicious, but one fish kebab does not make a meal. I was still quite hungry after my meal, so grabbed a cheeseburger down the street afterwards.

The city iself serves three-fifths of the Icelandic population, though it doesn't feel like it. The city centre is extremely small, with the outer surburbs sprawled amongst the rocky terrain. Like any small place, I can imagine Reykjavik to be quite dull if you've lived there all your life. The same people, same places to go. I guess that's why we explore in the end.

Iceland though, is not the sort of place you go to for its cities. Of course, there is the raging volcano that I mention above, that has been huffing and puffing since Apr 20th. And wasn't I the lucky one to have this thrust upon me after I had booked my ticket? I booked a jeep trip to the outer surrounds, getting between 8-10kms away from the erupting Eyjafjallajökull. Eight hours later, I was back at the hostel, dusty, tired and proud to say that I have seen a volcano erupt.

One thing that I can say for Icelanders- they know how to make coffee. I felt like I was home! Having lived in Europe now for the better part of 4 years, good coffee was something I have had to seek out. England, France, Spain, Germany et al all bomb in coffee making skills. They do, I've said it. However, the small, isolated island of Iceland, well it's like they'd all taken a trip to Lygon St Melbourne and received barista training. It was such a lovely suprise, that I ended up drinking far more coffee than I should have. I couldn't help it, their cafes were from the kingdom of cool.

So below are a small selection of pictures from my trip. Enjoy.

The view from the bus, driving back from the Blue Lagoon. This was pretty much the view from anywhere.

This was one of many dead casts within the church, Hallgrimskirkja. It sort of intrigued me, then concerned me as to why these faces were there. There was no explanation, nor were the faces marked in any way. And then I came across this smiling fellow. He looked happy. And then, so was I.

I went to the Reykjavik Flea Markets (every Sat. and Sun), and the most interesting thing was this dried, cured shark meat they were flogging. This is an Icelandic delicacy. It really smelt terrible, though I bought a small sample to try. I just couldn't in the end, and threw it in the bin. A welcome smell for the people I shared a room with.

My double latte. Interestingly, they only half filled it with milk, and sort of looked at me funny when I said fill it up. Hardcore, those Icelanders.

How to keep warm in Iceland- wear an eyeless fox. Creepy.

Norwegian Wood

2010-05-09T17:27:00.000+01:00

I picked up Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood in Foyles yesterday. This is interesting to me, because I remember deciding a couple of years ago that I didn't like Murakami's writing style, after attempting to read one of his other novels.

I think I purchased this book on the basis that the film adaptation is due to be released in December of this year (one of only two of Murakami's work to be sold to film). Plus, it's about time I wised up to what all the world already know- that Murakami is a literary genius.

My friend has read all his novels, and gushes over his prowess. I am now up to chapter three of Norwegian Wood, and perhaps it's too early to say. His prose is direct and not at all dense. He flips back and forth, forcing his reader to keep up with the present, and the past. He does inspire me to write, in fact I shall credit him with my 3000 words today.

Has anyone read this novel, (or other Murakami novels) and care to explain his genius tag?

Voting Schmoting

2010-05-06T14:15:00.001+01:00

I've wanted to blog so badly lately; everywhere I turn, it seems there is inspiration for an entry. Could it be Summer on our doorsteps (sorry southern hemisphere, I hear it is chilly manilly at the moment!), or just the rad city I reside in? I think, a bit of both.

Time. Bloody time. It hold me back in what I want to do and share with you all. Time can suck.

So I resolve to find more time and just go for it. There is literally post after post I want to share!

The UK general election is today, and speculation of the winner is rife. No one seems to be able to guess a clear majority- I guess we shall see come 2am tonight/tomorrow morning. People have vowed to take power naps when they get home, and stay up for the results...we'll see how long that lasts.

I can't actually vote here, though I have kept abreast of the candidates policies. A lot of people have mentioned that they had no idea on whom to vote for, that they got into the booth and almost waved their hand around, waiting for it to land on a name. Is this a wasted vote? Most certainly. It's not compulsory to vote here (one should, I believe), though if you are going to, then shouldn't you know who you want to be your future leader for the next four years? One would hope so.

This time tomorrow, the UK shall wake up either with a new Tory government whose leader is a floppy-haired, public school educated conservative, or they'll keep their Labour government, led by a stout Scotsman, who comes across gruff, though apparently has a wicked sense of humour. The options are slim.

The difference being...

2010-04-27T13:55:00.000+01:00

Do you agree?

Smug

2010-04-25T21:49:00.004+01:00

Is an indication of a good weekend purchasing a beautifully tailored vintage skirt? Visiting another cracking East London pub? Having the sun shine whilst walking along the street, popping in and out of interior design stores?

It's got to be, doesn't it?

A cloudy day, turned into sunny skies as my companions and I meandered along Upper St today. I normally ride along this road on my way to work, pedalling along furiously, my internal competitiveness kicking in. So today I wanted to take it in, peruse the boutiques and absorb their wares.

I've been in and out of the laneways that run parallel to Upper St many time before. Today turned a corner however, as it the first time I noticed SMUG, an interior design store housed with just about everything I love.

Filled with deco glasswear, retro furniture, accessories, kitchen utensils and more, SMUG made me smile- it's exactly the store I want to own. Immediately, SMUG made me want to have my own space to fill with all SMUG wear.

I'm keeping my eye on this one; I suggest you pop in when you're around Islington. Make day of it, then maybe your weekend will be as good as mine just was.

Smug
13 Camden Passage
Islington London N1 8EA

Swedes

2010-04-14T09:59:00.002+01:00

Clearly I cannot post YouTube clips without them taking over my side panels. I've tried to use the smallest videos, though they are still too large.

Oh the perils of life.

Home from Sweden after a small city break long weekend.

Shall I say that the cliches are all true about the beauty of the Swedes? True beauty, beauty that you see once every so often that you have to double take to believe.

The men are channelling shoulder length viking-esque hair with amazing style, and imaginative dress sense. Cons were worn with disregard, as were skinny jeans, chinos, distressed jackets, and tailored blazers.

The girls were Nordic queens and resembled every Hollywood beauty that lived. They were styled with oversized reading glasses, again wearing converse with opaque tights or jeans, and an amazing coat. The coolest were seen riding their bikes along the avenues, with their brown leather satchels poking out of their baskets.

At night, one could say the style for the ladies changed and was a little too minxy (read: tacky). Perhaps these were just the girls that slept all day, after partying all night thereby swaying my daytime view of the Swedish lady fashion. Anyhoo, high, high heels with skintight spandex dresses (oh brother), coupled with a little bag conveniently fitting in their fags and kroners, seemed to be the go.

It was so delightful to be led by some lovely Swedish friends, who took us to a gorgeous Gotherburg 'restaurang' where we partook in smoked herring, pea and smoked salmon tartar soup, veal with celeriac mash and for desert, poached pear. Sensational.

Oh, the coffee was definately passable too. Whopping suprise!

I shall probably post more about this, though am minutes away from starting my working day.

Now I can plan my activities for Iceland- volcano watching anyone? x

Eat, Pray, Love film trailer

2010-04-08T09:20:00.005+01:00

A couple of entries ago, I blogged about a book I was reading called Eat, Pray, Love.

Well now that I have finished the book, onwards to the film. I noted that it probably won't honour the book and it's good name (and I maintain this), though I do believe it will try. Watch the trailer above to come to your own conclusions.

Lesbian laughs

2010-04-06T21:17:00.001+01:00

Mondays were tested last night with the season break of Glee. I rarely just sit and engage with the television and to be fair, I didn't really with Glee either though for those moments of sarcasm and song, I relish it. And now I wait for season 2.

And now, I thought there was no better way to fill the gap then to recap on some classic Sue Sylvester quotes. Let's go.

"You'll be adding revenge to the long list of things you're no good at, right next to being married, running a high school glee club and finding a hairstyle that doesn't look like a lesbian."

"All I want is just one day a year when I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties."

"I, for one, think intimacy has no place in a marriage. Walked in on my parents once and it was like seeing two walruses wrestling."

"I don't trust a man with curly hair. I can't help but picture little birds laying sulfurous eggs in there, and it disgusts me."

"I'll often yell at homeless people: 'Hey, how is that homelessness working out for you? Try not being homeless for once."

See below for the fresh promo for Glee, season 2.

1 + 1 = I'm missing out.

2010-03-31T15:51:00.003+01:00

If two people could copulate and produce musical wonderment, it would be these fine individuals- Robin Pecknold (of Fleet Foxes fame) and Joanna Newsom (of tremendous harp talent fame).

And that is exactly what they are doing right now, just in the wrong frigging country. They're doing the rounds across the US, and perhaps having a whale of a time titillating their audience into dazy folk splendour.

I want to be titillated by them.I want to be their private audience.

News of the upcoming new Fleet Foxes album is imminent- some say Summer 2010! And also worthy of a mention is Newsom's new album, 'Have One on Me'. I wish.

Chanel AW

2010-03-30T14:25:00.001+01:00

If you've been reading this blog, or indeed if you know the inner-workings of what I covet, you will know that my ears prick up with any news relating to the French house of Chanel.

Creative Director Karl Lagerfield, has positioned the brand into the 21st Century, retaining Coco's original ideas of modesty, grace, sensuality and above all, tailoring. It does pain me to see fake chain bags hawking past from yet another unnamed high street retailer; I know trends are ripped off all the time, but this is like copying the most gorious of handbag hardware, one that has roots and class and all the goodness a ladies bag requires.

Though enough of my ranting on Chanel copies, this post is about some delightful news indeed!

The lovely Australian model Abby Lee Kershaw (below), has recently been announced to front Chanel's AW 10/11 campaign- a considerate feat for a 22 yr old Australian. Apparently, Lagerfield sees Kershaw as a 'modern beauty', and although I definately agree, I somehow did not consider her to be a Chanel lady. How I shall be proven wrong.

The campaign stars Freja Beha Erichsen and Brad Kroenig (excellent choices), and apparently features a considerate amount of fur (perhaps not such an excellent choice).

And just because I think he's a gas, here are some quotes from Karl Lagerfield. Mad-hatter that he is.

'What I hate most in life are people who are not really the peach of the day but who want to be young and sexy. You can fool nobody. There is a moment when you have to accept that somebody else is younger and fresher and hotter. Life is not a beauty contest.'

'There is a sort of melancholia which I find quite elegant after the 'bimbo years'.'

'Yes, some people say to me you're too skinny, but never a skinny person says that to me, only people who could lose a few pounds say that.'

Ég elska þig

2010-03-27T17:34:00.001Z

When I travelled to the US in 2003, I met a man who told me that he wandered past a garage in Iceland one day, and did a double take. He thought the music coming out of that garage was particularly good, so he poked his head around and playing in front of him, was Dave Grohl. He was jamming with some kids, before he was due to play that evening.

That initial anecdote provided my interest in Iceland; further reading and stories maintained it.

So 7 years later, after hearing of the amazing creativity flowing like its geothermal pools, I will be heading to the northern most capital in the world, Reykjavik.

Terrifically excited, bumbling around like a child, deciding what to do in the short time I am there, I would like to make 100% use of what Iceland has to offer me. Of course, suggestions are welcome.

I like Vikings. I like museums. I like design stores. I like gigs. And books. And great coffee. And delicious food.I'm opening up to Reykjavik.

Takk.

NB: Apparently, this is a useful phrase in Icelandic, 'Svifnökkvinn minn er fullur af álum.' It means, 'My hovercraft is full of eels.'

Eat, Pray, Love

2010-03-22T13:52:00.001Z

Wow, neglect!

Pure laziness, no. Tiredness, definately. Time for myself, somewhat attainable though want more.

I claimed time to myself last weekend, and I did something that I haven't done since I was a teen- I read all day. I was on the couch, I pulled the duvet up so I was nice and toasty, I made a cup of tea and then I read. It was indulgent. It was bliss.

The book I am fixated on is called 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert. I purchased it at the airport on the way to NYC, and thought it would be a good holiday read. I also purchased and read, 'The Lovely Bones' which was depressing as hell, and so I ended up not even touching 'Eat, Pray, Love'.

I was rewarded for my wait though, as the aforementioned does take me on a bender of emotions; it's witty, moving, empathetic, sad, happy, and set across the universe, just the way I like it.

I did think that this novel was going to be somewhat of a bore, given that the film version is due out in Summer with Julia Roberts playing the title role, though I implore you not to be distracted by this minor setback. It is well-written, and as it's based on Gilbert's own experiences, it's touching to read how she overcame 'it' all. 'It' is a divorce, a heartbreak and her subsequent depression.

My sister tried to read the first few pages and found it awfully off putting. I don't know if that's because she isn't a social reader (she devours medical textbooks for fun), or because she is happily married. I on the other hand, am not married, nor can see myself married in the foreseeable future, and do eat books like they're on a never-ending sale at Dymocks. I am a traveller, and it literally pains me that I can't just buy all the books I want. Instead, I probably pick up two a month. Excess baggage, pfft.

So lunchtime ranting over. The book is worth it.

Throws

2010-03-14T13:31:00.014Z

Because I'm a bit of a nanna, there is nothing better for me than couch-time on a cold day with a soft throw. I have sensitive skin, so it's paramount that the throw be the right fabric, nothing itchy will suffice.
Here are some ones that I could love to adorn my couch with.

Jocker Throw, by Missoni Home - £213

Merino Throw, by Waverley Woollen - $289

Large camel wool throw, by Cammello - £239

Nancy knitted grey throw, by feather & black -£99

Maca-swoon.

2010-03-13T19:28:00.002Z

They are typically pastel in colour.

They are slightly chewy though delicate in flavour.

In fact, they can come in a variety of flavours.

They are French in origin, though this is debated by the Italians.

They melt my heart whenever I look at them.

They are, the macaroon.

To me, macaroons as absolutely gorgeous to look at, one cannot pass by their sugary beauty. They adorn the cover of Delicious magazine this month and being frivolous in spirit, I picked up a copy and intend to try my hand in making them.

The flavours perhaps shall be chocolate, strawberry and vanilla though once I have mastered the basics, maybe I can take a page out of celebrity macaroon chef Adriano Zumbo.

Zumbo is based in Sydney's Balmain, and has a hole-in-the-wall patisserie that is filled with tarts, cakes and of course, macaroons. Though I have never been there, I have read about it extensively, all from my London living room- such is the power of the written word on sugar. I intend to visit when I get back, though if the articles written are to be believed, haste is to be had as dawdlers miss out due to his powerful reputation.

If my intentions of making macaroons where to be in question, they were reaffirmed when reading the free magazine Stylist (damn good read when travelling on the tube on Wednesday morning). They wrote about the L'atelier des Chefs, a cookery school in London that is hosting 2 hr macaroon-making classes- bliss.

Macaroons seem like special occcasion food, though they don't seem that difficult. Maybe they should replace biscuits with our tea. Imagine a world.

If you would like to explore more, perhaps a good place to start is Ladurée - they claim to sell 15 000 macaroons every day.

NB: When researching macaroons, I came across a blog gem http://www.davidlebovitz.com/. Food heaven in Paris.

Another NB: There are variations in the spelling of macaroons (macarons).

Asos discount code

2010-03-10T14:27:00.001Z

To those of you who are interested, Asos Outlet have up to 70% off their stock.

PLUS, until March 14th you can claim an extra 20% off by entering OUTLETLFW at the checkout.

Visit Asos here.

Alice at the Barbican

2010-03-09T13:49:00.001Z

Last Saturday, I saw the much-anticipated Alice in Wonderland 3D.

Since I visited Tim Burton's exhibition a few weeks back at the MoMA (below) in New York, I was keen to see how his images translated to Alice. He isn't my favourite director by any stretch, though I love his designs, illustrations and intriguing ideas. He's the original ideas man, perhaps.

Watching Alice felt like a visual trip, encrusted in a rainbow and blended with sugar. It was ridiculously detailed and even if the film ran at half of its intended speed, you would still miss elements of its mis en scene. Alice was a rich exploration of one man's mind, combing through a classic and making it into the bizarre.

On a general scale, Alice in Wonderland was not entirely my cup of sweet tea, though I was absorbed beyond the story. Getting something out of this story is certainly inevitable.

Ms Newsom

2010-03-04T13:46:00.001Z

The beautifully talented Ms Joanna Newsom is visting London in May and tragedy upon tragedy, I do not have a ticket.

It seems the world has opened up to her harpist talents and gravel-like voice, all the more captivating for it.

In some ways, I wish her talents were contained and she didn't have these grand venues to play it (Royal Festival Hall, Sydney Opera House), though I am glad her music is so accepted and people are so receptive.

I am beyond upset about not seeing her for the second time, though I can live with the fact that her music will not go away and there's always next time...

WTF McD & WW?

2010-03-03T14:11:00.002Z

My first job was at a fast food chain restaurant, typically known to all that exist. I was 14 and a half, my first shift coinciding with Princess Diana's televised funeral. I remember poking my head around the corner of the drive thru area, into the breakroom where the TV was, keen to catch a glimpse of those sad faces. I was a Royalist at age 14.

I worked there, earning my 5.35 an hour for about a year and half. I didn't always enjoy the work, though I didn't so much mind the food; looking back, I'm wondering who I was back then to have worked for a place such as that. I suppose I blame the recruitment drive running through my high school and the fact that I wanted to buy my own clothes.

After moving onwards and upwards in my career, I have managed to avoid hospitality (save the part-time 2nd job I obtained whilst saving for my travels). This intrigues me, as pretty much my favourite thing is food. I talk about it constantly. I judge it to no end. I'm decidedly a 'foodie', and though my standards are high, I do go low sometimes.

So I come back to my first job. An article in today's Sydney Morning Herald caught my eye as it reported that this chain made a deal with Weight Watchers, to label their food 'point' friendly, ie, 2 points for one burger etc.

This to me seems utterly irresponsible and ultimately astounding that no amount of governance can block this obvious marketing initiative. How can this obvious promotion of fat-laden, calorie-heavy 'food' be promoted as healthy? Even when it does meet Weight Watcher standards, the drive to get people in will ultimately feed further than the dieter. For instance, getting a dieting mother in for a point-friendly option, will surely see her buy a cheery meal for her 2 whinging kids?

I just don't understand this relationship. This to me demerits the credibility of Weight Watchers, advising its international clientele that it doesn't matter what you put in your body, just as long as it has under 'x' amount of calories.Completely negligent behavious.

It doesn't cost much to eat at fast food restaurants, just as it doesn't cost much to prepare healthy options. Often times, the healthy otions will keep on feeding for more than one sitdown meal. Leftovers are one of the brilliant things!

I'm not standing on any soapbox, though I do abhor the fact that people are feeding their fat faces with junk, and then are developing conditions which my tax dollars pay for in later life. No, that's not even it, that's what taxes are for often times. I just care about food and it's right to be not turned into something that kills you.

A Vogue treat

2010-03-02T19:59:00.001Z

Alexa Chung has just round up a month of 'What I'm wearing' on the British Vogue website, posting her glorious wears with a predilection for vintage, Chanel, APC and Miu Miu. A girl after my own heart, really.

Alexa is becoming a bit of a style icon, and in my opinon this title is well deserved. She is divine, quick-witted and so fun to watch- such a shame she hopped over the pond whilst I was back in Australia. Now that MTV had dropped her US show, I wonder if she is tempted to head back home.

Here are some of my favourite outfits from Alexa:

'Dress, bag and shoes all Chanel - my dream outfit.'

'All of this is Miu Miu... Beige cat skirt, black cardi and black cage shoes.'

To see Alexa's February wardrobe, click here.

Today

2010-02-20T13:39:00.001Z

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?

2010-02-17T14:16:00.001Z

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

2010-02-16T14:09:00.002Z

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

2010-02-14T18:37:00.001Z

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

2010-02-08T12:30:00.007Z

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

2010-02-07T12:12:00.002Z

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

2010-02-04T12:07:00.003Z

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

2010-02-02T12:47:00.003Z

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

2010-02-01T14:11:00.002Z

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.

Glee-ful for Emma

2010-01-31T13:59:00.008Z

For those of you who have caught wind of Glee, you perhaps would have noticed the stylings of Miss Emma Pillsbury, the school guidance councillor. She's a little sweet, a little crazy, and is all over prim- I adore her wears.

Teaming colour matches and blocks, I doubt anyone could just wear what she does. Her coral ensemble may make someone other than Emma look like a giant salmon fillet, though combined with her pale skin and beautiful soft red hair, she matches perfectly.

Emma's accessories are quite experimental compared with her twee look book. Her necklaces often finish her outfits, and by all accounts such as various blogs who document her outfits, they aren't too expensive.

So enjoy Glee, and the extra character that is Emma's clothes. It's sort of exciting seeing what she's going to pull out of the bag every episode.

Perfection

2010-01-28T12:48:00.004Z

One word: Amazing.

I ♥ this cover.

Natalia Vodianova- UK Vogue- Feb 2010

Nara to my heart

2010-01-25T19:32:00.002Z

I'm not sure when I came across Yoshitomo Nara, it seemed I always knew the iconic girl in his images. Her snarled eyes and pursed little mouth, wishing your chances away as she stands there so ironically.

admire the way Nara can create a story in one image, one stare. Why is the little girl angry, why is she sad, or man alive she is awesome at the guitar.

Pop art normally doesn't register with me, although I think Nara's anime and punk influences drive his art more to a universal point, rather than 'I live in a warehouse in New York City and make fabulous art that is ironic'.

It's simple, it's sweet and his subjects intrigue me. I think the ability to intrigue means that the artist can claim a degree of success.

Artwork 1. Cosmic Girl - Eyes Wide Open

Perception

2010-01-21T16:26:00.003Z

It's funny how people perceive you, or how hard you desperately try for them to perceive you. You would say one thing, and mean another. You can smile through gritted teeth and be told you were the nicest thing on earth. You could go out of your way, only to be told you've wasted your time and that isn't the way things are done. Is it as easy as Descartes put it in the 17th century, 'I think, therefore I am'?

I know I am here, as Descartes asserts, therefore I must exist...though as I am, or as other people perceive me? Why are there so many faces, do we mould our existence to each person we come across? Are we kind to the friendly neighbour we hardly know, then moody to the partner we're angry at for not putting away the milk? Does this make us several different people in one, or one person with several different personalities? And there is the fine line between sanity and schizophrenia.

How many people actually are true to their own feelings and moods when they interact? If one wakes up in a mood, do they reply when asked how they are, 'I'm feeling horrible today, though thanks for your concern'? Rarely, it's too much effort, and who the hell cares. Interestingly, do we call those people who are dictated by their feelings mentally ill, because they live by their lows, and ride the highs when they come by? It seems so.

So to the issue of perception, coupled with existence. Existing is all about perception. Privately we live as well as we can cope, some better than others. It's when people judge that existence that we want to manipulate their perception and begin to act in a way that may not be true to our feelings.

Remember when...

2010-01-15T18:03:00.002Z

...you used to tape your favourite movies on your VCR, wearing the tapes thin after endlessly watching them, quoting the lines with the characters?

Here are some of my favourites movies doing the circuit in the 80s.

Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Goonies (1985)

The Parent Trap (1961)

Round 2

2010-01-14T17:56:00.004Z

Amazing, i've now been in London for a year. As this is my second time around it doesn't feel as significant, though man am I lucky to have had to the opportunity to live abroad.

I've been in and out of Australia since I was 21, hopping around, expanding my repertoire of countries.

Gaining experience, gaining confidence, flying the nest, flying away.
I've seen things, felt things, heard things and tasted things.
I've met people I never would have spoken to.
There are still so many more people to speak to.

Don't worry, we were all scared once.

The passion is in the pudding

2010-01-11T16:51:00.001Z

What is your porn?

Mine's cookbooks. I love them. I read them, devour them, scan them, would lick them if I could.

I have a number of them, not including ripped out pages of magazines, photocopied pages from borrowed recipe books and handwritten snippets from relatives.

When I read them, I scan the method and visualise it all coming together, resulting in something that not only looks amazing, but tastes worth it.

I cook to relax. I cook to realise tension. I cook for creativity. I cook to eat.

I just love it.

My latest cookbook- awesome

What is your porn?

Twenty-Ten

2010-01-04T16:50:00.001Z

It seems almost irrelevant, though hoping all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. I'm not huge on this time of year, my family is small and divorced and I tend to see it as lovely, though very minimal. I go to midnight mass, I thank the Big-G for my blessings and I wake up to a lovely meal.

Again with New Year's, it's never been on my radar. I suppose the aforementioned makes me somewhat different, in which I am, though I've never minded, I've never felt like I'm missing out on anything.

I spent Christmas in the North of England; it was exceedingly cold, though exceedingly beautiful. Alas, it was one of our parties first Christmases, so I suppose it was what Christmas should feel like: magical and childlike. I was thoroughly spoilt this year, and I certainly was not expecting to be. DVD boxsets, money, cookbooks and facials at dayspa's, what else could I need?

I've posted a picture of ice in the garden, just before we left on the 22nd. That evening it started to snow quite heavily; it was such a beautiful train ride with what felt like the whole of England coated in snow.

New Year brings about silly and what is most likely, half-hearted endeavours to do/be/act/love something new. For this reason, I don't do resolutions. Instead I choose to see everyday as a new opportunity and change something then and there if need be. Of course, thinking is easier than doing.

The latter half of 2010 will see me leave England and unpack my suitcase in the city I called home until I was 23. February sees me head to New York City. Other plans include Iceland and Morocco. I'm learning to pace myself though, Europe will always be here, I can come back.

My first White Christmas!

2009-12-24T18:58:00.002Z

Happy Christmas!

I'm off to midnight mass, in the freezing cold.

London love

2009-12-21T14:07:00.001Z

Living in a foreign country is pretty awesome, though around Christmas time I do miss home, my family and my soon to be doggy mama, Scarlett.

To offset this, I've made a list of all the rad things that I love about London, and the UK.

- Broadway Markets
I think I've blogged about this before though seriously, if you are coming to London, head here for an authentic market experience. It's set along a little street in London Fields, giving it a charming village feel. Some of my favourite things are the yummy Climpson and Sons coffee (with the Aussie's behind the counter, which beckons the question, where do I know the Climpson chick from?! She's worked in Surry Hills before, though it's really bothering me), the Vege stall with their 'Heavenly Halloumi' burgers which are ta-sty, and the scattered couple of vintagey stalls that are a bit of a bargain. Smaller, less crowds, yummy food and cool Londoner's- do it.

- Hyde Park
I love this park, for all of its glory. It's huge, picturesque, doggy friendly, and full of seasonal goodness. In Autumn, leaves coat the greenery; in Winter, frost covers the ground; Summer brings the picnicer's, and Spring brings the bulbs and colour. I love to walk through Hyde Park, though I do avoid the Serpentine- the geese are scary!

- The Gastro Pubs
The UK is known for its pubs, and there is reason why. They're warm, intimate, serve lovely seasonal food and, you can take your puppies into them! My local is as good as any restaurant, making it an easy choice on a night out. And the thing is, all are welcome unlike many at home where you stick to certain places, because they're a certain way. Plus, my alcohol threshold has gone up since schooners were replaced with pints.

- Quirky shops
Ok, I couldn't not mention it, although they've become less important with the popularity of online shopping. When I first got here in 2005, it was all about Topshop, the High Priestess of Oxford St. It's a one stop shop, though the crowds make it monotonous. Some alternatives to Oxford St include, Brick Lane Up Markets (Sunday), Upper St Islington (for one off boutiques and homewares) and High St Kensington (similiar to Oxford St, though far less crowds).

- Come Dine With Me
Channel 4 spoils me with this programme, based on 4 strangers hosting a dinner party for each other over the course of the week. Hit and miss food, akward conversations, drunken antics and bitchy comments make this show super watchable.

- Proximity
...to the rest of Europe, making travel easier, cheaper and more plentiful.

Sessun

2009-12-15T22:52:00.003Z

My brother-in-law came to visit on the weekend and lovely as he and my sister are, he hid a special Christmas present for me in the room where he was staying.

After he texted me and dared me to discover the present, I was somewhat dubious- surely he wants me to climb three flights of stairs to discover nothing? Joker.

But there it was, a gift voucher for Urban Outfitters!

It was such a lovely gesture, afterall my family are so far away and even though we do presents, they're not expected and are given humbly and simply.

I'll probs spend the voucher during the sales though really, what's the harm in looking early?

In the Oxford St branch, I wandered upstairs to the boutique, aiming to seek out Karen Walker gear. Instead, French label Sessun saw me gawk, with their South American/APC influenced tunic shirts and dresses. Luckily, you can buy them online and avoid gross Oxford St Christmas caos. Double woop.

Here is my wish list.

Sessun Fine Wool Tunic Shirt

£120.00

Loose fit tunic shirt by Sessun has pintuck design at round neckline with button placket front and long cord tassel feature; finished with 3/4 length sleeves and gold thread stretch detailing.

Sessun Long Sleeve Shirt Dress

£100.00

Get smart in this collarless cotton checked pull on dress from Sessun with button placket front.

Sessun Check '70s Gillet Lining

£120.00

Starve off the cold and look well dressed doing it in this checked wool mix gilet from Sessun complete with shearling lining and leather toggle front fastening.

Cracks

2009-12-12T11:03:00.001Z

I missed this at the London Film Festival and am loathe to miss it during its theatrical release.

Set in the 30s, Eva Green plays a school mistress at an elite English boarding school. With the arrival of a new pupil, secrets are unravelled and darkness presents itself.

It seems, right up my alley.

TED

2009-12-11T10:40:00.002Z

Have you discovered TED yet??

Comparisons

2009-12-10T20:51:00.007Z

I feel so horribly inadequate. I know I'm only young and there is a lot more life to live, though comparisons are inevitable and Lord above, do I compare.

As I watch TV, I'm comparing myself to Kirstie Allsopp, right now. She's a bit amazing in my eyes, and has achieved so much at 35 years. I know she's had a small helping hand, what with her lineage and being deemed 'The Honourable' from birth, though she truly has achieved. TV career, amazing style, home, family etc etc. She also has a kitchen to die for!

I think I need to cast aside this emotional immaturity and grow up. It's a hard pill to swallow when you realise you are falling behind and you not being taken seriously is due to your own shortcomings. My answer is to always educate yourself further, be it through a school or a course; to better one's mind is to be one's self.

There are so many options, which contributes to a intolerance of life. I need a bravery coat to jump in at the deep end. Or a therapist. Oh such indulgence!

When I grow up, I want to be Kirstie.

Flash Trash

2009-12-09T20:00:00.009Z

Just look at this lady, how cute is she?!

At 18, she is the founder of UK online store Flash Trash and is on my list of ladies that are on my radar.

Amber Atherton has seemingly lived a life of a lady twice her age, having been a model and lived abroad. It seems her experience and exposure to the design industry fuelled her desire to have longevity in such a fickle world, thus she created Flash Trash.

In its own word, Flash Trash "attempt(s) to give unique jewellery designers a platform to display their creativity and sell their pieces online to savvy, fashion forward consumers." Yes, the last couple of words are really in italics.

The site comprises of lovely little pieces that span all budgets. Most designers are unknown to most of us, though this represents better value for money!

Here are some of my picks.

Dans Le Jardin Ring

Price £8.00

Tanya Davison, Black Pearl + Gold Coin necklace
Price £197.00

Alice in Wonderland Bracelet

Price £26.00

Can't get this out of my head

2009-12-09T19:38:00.003Z

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first, I loved you first
Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth
I have to go, I have to go
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
He ate a slice of wonder bread and went right back to bed
And history books forgot about us and the bible didn't mention us
And the bible didn't mention us, not even once

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
Ate a slice of wonderbread and went right back to bed
Oh, we couldn't bring the columns down
Yeah we couldn't destroy a single one
And history books forgot about us
And the bible didn't mention us, not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first

Samson- Regina Spektor

Interspersed with Talitha Getty

Samson came to my bed
Told me that my hair was red
Told me I was beautiful and came into my bed
Oh I cut his hair myself one night
A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light
And he told me that I'd done alright
And kissed me 'til the mornin' light, the mornin' light
And he kissed me 'til the mornin' lightYou are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first, I loved you first
Beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads
But they're just old light, they're just old light
Your hair was long when we first met

Mad (about) Men

2009-12-09T07:05:00.002Z

Who amongst us are watching Mad Men?

I have to say I had become absorbed by it, watching all three seasons in the same amount of months. I love the sexual power of the female characters, and the irony that it is their gender that renders them powerless.

Also noteworthy is the style, the elegance, all reflective of the time. When Don Draper snaps at a fellow elevator passenger who is still wearing his hat in the presence of a lady, my jealously jumps. Manners seem to be memories.
So I await season 4 in anticipation like no other TV series. What part will Joanie play in the new agency? Has Roger's affections transferred so early on in his marriage? What of Betty's soon to be acquired freedom? And Don, oh sort yourself out.

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-08T06:25:00.005Z

Robin cushion by Donna Wilson100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland.

Available in 3 colourways: brown with red robin, mustard with a bluebird and lilac with a green bird!Just beautiful and I can just image it sitting on my bed, tweeting away.

40cm x 40cm
Price £65.00

In Good Company Oiva plate by Marimekko
Design by Sami Ruotsalainen

The collection includes five cups, three bowls, three plates, a tea pot. I love the beautiful turquoise colour- I can just see my dressed table now, the pale pink peonies contrasting against the setting.

Available through the Finnish Design Shop.
Price on application.

Henry Dreyfuss 1950's Princess Phone in Baby Pink

I would be sitting on my bed, talking to 'Bud' or 'Chip', twirling the cord around my finger and popping my gum.

Available through PMC Telecom.

Price £29.35

Miu Miu Leather studded tote

I drool over this bag, it's such such a statement piece.

Of course, it would probably put my shoulder out after I fill it with copious amounts of let's face it, junk. Doesn't stop me from lusting.

Available through Net-A-Porter

Price £920

New York City

2009-12-07T14:44:00.005Z

February 2010 sees me head across the pond and land in New York City.

Although not my first visit (more on that in a sec), NYC will be seen through fresh eyes because I'll be going there to meet up with my family. My sister is doing her med internship there, and my mum will be heading out to experience the US for the first time. Oh, how we will laugh.

I was there in August 2003, off the back of a 2-month Summer camp 'experience' in Ohio. I did little research, instead carried myself around for 10 days, happy to go where the tourist track took me. Although I could see its merits, NYC didn't wow me like it should have and by the end of my stay, I was desperate to leave and get off the island of Manhattan- I felt claustrophobic.

This time around it shall be different. Along with taking my mum around (although she isn't one for museums et al,) I'll be perusing more relevant things like food halls, one of a kind clothes stores, music history venues and film sets. I want to see my NYC, not the NYC sold to overweight package deal tourists from Kentucky or Bristol.

So, having said that and on the eve of me constructing a bespoke NYC google map, if there is anyone out there reading this and has anything to offer, please drop me a comment. It will be much appreciated.

V Magazine. Summer 2009. Mario Testino

2009-12-06T13:52:00.008Z

V Magazine swimwear fashion editorial, by Mario Testino.

Featuring Lara Stone, Raquel Zimmermann, Natalia Vodianova, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Isabeli Fontana, Gisele Bundchen, Eva Herzigova, Erin Wasson, Claudia Schiffer, Catherine McNeil, Carolyn Murphy, Doutzen Kroes, Carmen Kass, Daria Werbowy, Anna Selezneva, and Angela Lindvall.

Amazing. Beautiful.

Who's your favourite?

It's controversial, though I think it has to be Daria.

Drink! Shop! Do!

2009-12-04T16:18:00.003Z

Ah, Cocktails? Bitch and Stitch? Cakes!!

Hysteria aside, this is more exciting than Christmas. Inspired silly season fun- enjoy!

Ebay vintage guide

2009-12-03T11:06:00.007Z

I think it's quite normal to confess that not so long ago, I had an ebay problem. It would be part of my internet routine, and became as normal as checking my email or social networking accounts. Bidding on something, eventually winning was not the attraction (although I can see how it could be for so many people), it was the pull of a virtual op-shop, dutifully laid out for my enjoyment.

Vintage clothes shopping is one of my hobbies and I would estimate that a good 40% of my wardrobe was pre-worn at the time of purchase. I'm not afraid of vintage as some are, instead I like to imagine the history and stories that could be told if the little garment had a voice.

Ebay provides and feeds my vintage love and is never further than a few clicks away. For all the places I have lived, I have a few faithful sellers that are convient and close by. Here are some that deserve to be shared.

MakiMaki Vintage

The model may be tiny, rendering it hard for one to imagine themselves in Maki's gear, though what gear it is! Careful, this store is not a secret so bids do run high.

MouseVox Vintage

Affordable, classic and not-so-classic. Always has really clear measurements and accurate photos.

Venus in Vintage

It began here, and I loyally check in from time to time to see her wares. Not always fully stocked, though when she does it's generally pretty, girly and won't break the bank. She also packages up the goods in tissue paper and sends gorgeous hand written notes.

Tin Roof Vintage

Whilst Tin Roof have some amazing things, the long auction periods and inevitable high bidding prices are a little off putting. Still, when you have the cash and want something you'll love, come here.

Mama Stone Vintage

Options to bid or buy it now on some sexy, sweet and stuffy clothes.

There are loads more, like California Vintage Connect, Mill St Vintage and Meat Market Vintage though I don't want to fuel an obsession.

Real Love

2009-12-02T19:36:00.003Z

With Regina Spektor on the horizon, my mind is cast to a cover that takes my breath away.

I pray that she sings this on Friday.

Pondering the Pond

2009-12-01T18:25:00.003Z

How I wish I were in Sydney, to find the Pond.

Yes I do.

2009-12-01T17:56:00.001Z

Bonjour

2009-11-28T10:27:00.003Z

Oh, I miss my blog!

When I have time, I promise to write, if not for myself.

The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival

2009-09-20T14:15:00.003+01:00

OK, so I have an invested interest in this particular post, however my entry comes from a completely relevant place- film is food for the soul...or something like that.

The London Film Festival runs from 14-29 October, a little under a month away now. With so many great films, docos and shorts to choose from, you'll need one of those fancy delegate passes to manage them all. For the plebs among us, you'll just have to settle for my recommendations.

In the interest of saving time, below is my top ten films for the LFF...bearing in mind my tastes may not be your tastes, rendering this post useless.

An Education60s, Peter Sarsgaard seducing a bored school girl, smokey bars and supper clubs. Look out for Peter at the Gala screening, and hopefully the beautiful Maggie G as well!

La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet
An insightful behind the scenes glimpse at the Paris Opera Ballet. Decidedly beautiful.

Mother
A South Korean gem, telling the story of a mother proving her son's innocence of a brutal murder.

No one Knows About Persian Cats
Tehran indie scene? Who would have thought.

Precious
I cried at the trailer. Chances are, I'll cry throughout the whole film, though at least I'll be prepared. An African-American teenager's journey to leave her abusive background behind.

Lourdes
More than a pilgrimage, it's enlightenment. Nominated for the Golden Lion at Venice.

Alexander the Last
An honest study on relationships, intimacy, deception. Produced by Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Life Aquatic) makes me intrigued.

Eyes Wide Open
A Jewish Orthodox gay love story. So voyeuristic.

Shed Your Tears and Walk Away
The West Yorkshire community is seemingly idealistic, though is laden with unemployment, alcohol problems and drug dependency. A very personal exploration.

Adrift
A Vietnamese tale of sexual dependency and liaisons.