Thursday 22 December 2016

Outfit // It's Not Easy Being Green


I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if I should post these photos or not. Don't get me wrong, I loved the outfit, but I just don't love the photos... I'm not even sure why I don't like them - it might be the over abundance of green or it might be that I'm not used to posting outfits that are so casual, I'm really not sure but here they are! This outfit was very comfortable, it almost felt like a day out in my pyjamas but with much more style (and, trust me, that is never a bad thing).

I bought the playsuit second hand off of eBay and when it arrived it was Kermit frog green, not my favourite colour! Rather than getting rid of it I chucked it into a dye bath and turned it into a deep teal, now I love it.






Outfit Details: playsuit, top, shoes, bag - thrifted // necklace - Lovisa  

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Friday 16 December 2016

10 things that have made me happy this week


This week has been a pretty big one for me with some very exciting things happening! Let's get straight to all the excitement:

  1. Getting engaged! Mark planned out the most amazing proposal (and picked out an amazing ring) - details to follow, watch this space!
  2. Securing tickets to go see Hamilton while we are in San Fransisco next year!
  3. Charlie the Choo-Choo arriving in the mail.
  4. Wrapping all of the Christmas presents and putting them under the tree - I felt a tiny bit of my usual Christmas spirit returning!
  5. Glancing down at my hands and seeing my ring at odd times - makes me smile every time (yes, I'm in a bit of a sappy mood this week!)
  6. Giving the bunnies their papaya tablets (to keep their digestion all running smoothly while they moult) - they get so excited to gobble them down and it's adorable!
  7. Hidden Mickey nails.
  8. Cuddles with Akela - he was in a sooky mood yesterday and I loved every minute of it! 
  9. Starting to look at all the first wedding details: Honeymoon ideas (Disney World is looking like a possibility at this point), theming (again with Disney - don't tell me you're surprised!) and colour schemes... All very exciting!
  10. Watching movies with my classes on my last work day - such an easy and enjoyable way to finish of the working year. 



*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***

Friday 2 December 2016

Outfit: Zootopia

 When I get new things I usually want to wear them right away so I'll try and build an outfit around that item. Sometimes it takes ages to find the right combination and sometimes it all just falls into place. This was one of those outfits that just fell into place and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. This outfit was so comfortable and I felt so confident in this silhouette - It's definitely one I'll be looking at wearing again and again! Add to this the quirky bunny print and it's the skirt dreams are made off. I paired my perfect skirt with a fox print scarf and cute knit, running the burgundy in the scarf through the outfit with a little cardigan for the cooler parts of the day. Let's talk about this little jumper shall we, it's a nice muted pink colour but it has little sparkles through the fabric and the cute details in the sleeve just add a little something extra - classic but with an added quirk, exactly how I like my clothes!











Outfit details: Skirt - Chicwish // jumper - gift // boots - Target // scarf - eBay // cardigan - gift

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Goals: 30 before 30

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At the end of last year, when I had just moved house and gone through some pretty tough times, I wrote this list. 30 things I want to achieve before I am 30 years old. Since then my life has changed drastically all over again - some positive but also many negative. For the last 12 months I have quietly got on with some of these tasks but for many others the list has been pushed aside and forgotten about. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been feeling very uninspired of late, so I have dug that list up and I've decided to post it on here! Accountability and all that!

So, a bit of preface to the list: I will turn 30 in July of 2018 that give me just over a year and a half to complete the list! Also, I've had to change one item on the list. Those who know me IRL know that I had a dog when I wrote this list, she was my very best friend, one task involved her and us working together, when she passed away in February of this year I was absolutely gutted. I did not intend on getting another dog and I thought my list would just stay at 29 before 30... But, a chance encounter with another puppy softened my resolve, enter Akela - This little boy has gotten under my skin and into my heart, he in no way replaces my beautiful Echo but he has helped me heal. Consequently I have changed my initial goal to one shared with him, in honour of my beautiful Echo.

With that preamble out of the way, here's my list! I promise to post updates between now and my 30th birthday!

  1. Go on another overseas holiday
  2. Move into a bigger house – preferably my own!
  3. Get my blog off the ground with regular posts and readers
  4. Perfect my blog design
  5. Start an Etsy shop (or similar)
  6. Get my arrow and snowflake tattoos
  7. Get a good sized Christmas tree and fill it with homemade and special decorations
  8. Get back into running
  9. Complete one of my manuscripts
  10. Make crafts from my Pinterest craft board – including learning new skills
  11. Get back into scrapbooking
  12. Holiday around SA (camping and pet friendly)
  13. Get to know my local area
  14. Get a new camera and learn to use it properly to take great photos
  15. Be confident in myself and be more assertive (work through my anxiety)
  16. Live a healthier lifestyle (run, eat better, drink more water)
  17. Entertain more
  18. Decorate my house – including a gallery wall and styled shelves/mantle
  19. Read through my (current) Goodreads list (was 78 books now down to 47)
  20. Organise my house and schedule
  21. Get on top of the sewing/craft projects I have planned
  22. Start a herb and vegi garden
  23. Get a puppy and work to train it/ form a bond (Akela had not been named when this addition was made!)
  24. Be a good bunny mum – make sure they always have plenty of toys and a balanced diet
  25. Have regular ‘date nights’
  26. Have regular ‘pamper nights’
  27. Learn to make my own beauty products – bath bombs, scrubs etc
  28. Spend time with family
  29. Start a regular ‘smash book’ type journal    
  30. Enjoy life!

Friday 18 November 2016

Pupdate: Akela


When I first did my 'introducing' post for Akela I had had him for about a week and he was only about 10 weeks old. Now he is just past 5 months old and has been part of our lives for about 3 months I thought I would give you a little update on his progress. Here's what you need to know:


  • He now weighs over 20kg and stands at 60cm tall (to the withers)
  • His tail and ears are both still too large for his body.
  • He is very smart and is picking up commands and general obedience very well - his puppy destruction has mostly been confined to cardboard and papers.
  • He is very vocal and lets us know if anyone walks past the back gate or comes to the mailbox.
  • He is quickly learning his own strength and to change it based on his opponent - he is very gentle when he plays with Jack but knows how to rough and tumble when he's playing with a larger friend.
  • He now sleeps most of the night through, only getting up once to go outside.
  • he's very snuggly and thinks he's a big lap dog... I may encourage him a bit! 























Friday 11 November 2016

10 things that have made me happy this week


Those that read yesterday’s post will know that things have been a bit hectic and overwhelming for me at the moment, this is all the more reason I need to keep focusing on these posts and focusing on the little happy things going on in my life at the moment, so let’s dive right in, here is this weeks 10 things:

  1. Reading one of the best books I’ve read in a long time The Hate List by Jennifer Brown – I was so engrossed I read it in two days.
  2. Looking at pictures of Akela from when I first brought him home – where has my little puppy gone!
  3. One Facebook groups attempt at flooding out all of the American election coverage on our newfeeds – made my Facebook feed such a happy place for the day (think cute animals, geekery and crafty goodness)
  4. Wearing my acetylcholine necklace to work – I’m sure no one else recognised it but it felt rather fitting.
  5. Getting my hair done last Saturday – including requisite puppy related conversations with my lovely hairdresser.
  6. Crossing things off of my to do list – gives me a little room to breathe.
  7. Ending the working week with more days lined up for the following few weeks.
  8. Wearing a skirt and short sleeves and not getting cold.
  9. Seeing my little rescue bunnies Scully and Mulder get comfortable enough to flop down and snooze out in the open after breakfast.
  10. The service we got from the vets when Akela had his little accident, they were kind and accommodating and even sent us a quick text message this morning to check up on him.  






*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***


Thursday 10 November 2016

Life Lately: Thursday Update




Hello, thanks for stopping by for this little life update. Those that know me IRL know that I’ve had a lot going on at the moment and not all of them have been good things, consequently this little place on the internet has had to take the backseat. I have missed devoting time to my blog but I also will admit to feeling a little uninspired lately – I think I’ve just been too tired to think up new ideas!
So what’s been taking up my time lately: paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork! I’ve had applications for work, some legal documents and so much budgeting (trying to make the dollars and cents add up was hard this year!) I’ve also been trying to get on top of the mess that is currently my house, trying to sort out all the stuff I brought with me as well as all of Mark’s things that were left at his parent’s house until this past month. It’s been hard work and we are having to leave a reasonable amount of stuff packed away just to be able to move around the house! It’s been a lot of hard work and I’m just relieved that I’m starting to get on top of it all! Here's an update on the little things I've been up to lately: 

Watching: Old episodes of the Gilmore Girls in preparation for A Year in the Life.
Reading: The Hate List by Jennifer Brown - I just finished it this afternoon, two days after I started it!
Listening to: Revolution Radio by Green Day. On repeat.
Cooking: Nothing today! Had a pub meal for dinner.
Feeling: Overwhelmed - I've had so much on my plate recently and it just doesn't seem to stop piling up!
Planning: A relaxing weekend at home without needing to drive down to Adelaide!
Loving: Walking around without a thick winter coat on - I feel so light!
Enjoying: Getting out walking with my not-so-little puppy.

Little things of note:

  • We booked our trip to America (specifically California) for the July holidays next year.
  • Akela has turned out to be quite the little terror and needed ANOTHER trip to the vet - this time someone bit him a little too hard while there were playing on a rather sensitive part of his anatomy. 
  • I've been getting back into the kitchen and cooking up some simple little meals - nothing fancy but it's good when I get the time to actually cook!


Friday 4 November 2016

10 things that made me happy this week




















Well, here we are again, another week has passed, another hectic week I might add! I'd tell you all about my week but this post is suppose to be the happy things and this week hasn't been the best. So this weeks list is the epitome of finding the silver lining, let's get straight to listing those little bright parts of the week:

  1. Going to a 'Stranger Things' exhibition that was on in the city last weekend.
  2. Finishing 'What Alice Forgot' and crossing another book off of my 'to read' list.  
  3. Spending some time bonding with my bunnies over a banana.
  4. Cups of tea with apple tea cake.
  5. Crossing things off my to do list - I've felt a little snowed in recently and crossing off some tasks has been such a relief.
  6. Catching up with some of Mark's family after our visit to the city.
  7. A really successful class at work on Thursday - everything just clicked into place and left me feeling really focused.
  8. Wearing my new overalls, comfy and stylish.
  9.  Finding three pairs of jeans at Savers for less than I would have paid for new jeans. 
  10. Finally being able to walk Akela - getting out in the fresh air and walking off some of his energy.   


*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***


Thursday 27 October 2016

Review: 1918 Bistro and Grill




















Last week Mark and I took a little trip down to the Barossa Valley so that he could test drive a few cars, while we were there we decided to use the opportunity to have a bit of lunch at one of my favourite places: 1918 Bistro and Grill. I've been to 1918 on a few occasions and it never disappoints, this trip was no exception. As we were only there for lunch we opted for a lighter option and started with a charcuterie platter to share and each got a bowl of the soup of the day, which in this case was potato and leak. The platter had a good range of options enabling us both to find different things we liked on it and the soup was hearty and filling, definitely a winner! The thing I love most about 1918 is that it has a seasonal menu meaning that not only is the food fresh, and at the peak of flavour, but also that there is always something different to try each time you go back. While 1918 is definitely not the cheapest option for a meal out the serving sizes are generous and the quality is top notch, I will definitely be back! (again and again and again if I get half a chance)  




Friday 21 October 2016

10 things that have made me happy this week



The first week back of term is always a bad one for me, I'm a person of routine and going back to the uncertainty of relief of work is always difficult for me, because of that I find I need to really focus on the little things - even if they aren't the most exciting!
  1. Catching up with my Dad in Burra last weekend - lunch, cider tasting and coffee with scones, the perfect way to end the holidays.
  2. Putting on classical music for the bunnies and watching them relax - it helps drown out distractions and makes them feel calm enough to stretch out and sleep.
  3. Pub takeaway for dinner on Wednesday night - didn't have to cook and for once it wasn't even soggy! 
  4. Watching old episodes from the first season of Gilmore Girls - even if it's mildly scary that I'm now closer to the age of Lorelei than Rory! 
  5. Being able to take off my jacket yesterday and enjoy the sunshine in a light weight shirt.
  6. An unexpected two days at work for the week.
  7. My holds coming in at the library - new books to read always make me happy!
  8. Hot cups of earl grey tea.
  9. Lego bunnies arriving in the mail - since Mark's Lego takes up such a large part of our house I decided we needed some bunnies to add to the collection.
  10. Being able to see a noticeable improvement in Akela's training - sometimes it takes ages to start seeing results but it's so rewarding when you do!




*** Happy sharing inspired by Rosie ***


Wednesday 19 October 2016

Honestly Speaking: Why I Love Blogs

Today I intended to write up an account of a little trip we took to the Barossa Valley last week but I haven't been able to get the topic of blogging off my mind so I've postponed that little recount in favour of some random ramblings (why not, it's my blog after all!)

When I started this blog I didn't really know what I wanted to do with it, I knew I enjoyed reading blogs and I thought it would be a little bit of fun but the idea quickly floundered when I realised I had absolutely no aim or direction for it - enter reading even more blogs! For the last couple of years I have been exploring and finding more and more great blogs and realising that, for me, they are the perfect medium. There has been a lot of speculation recently that blogging is dead, I don't think it is, I think it's just slowed down a bit and ultimately it will stick around, I don't think I'm the only one that loves what blogs have done for our media! Ultimately it re-inspired me to jump back into blogging and I haven't looked back! Here's what I love about blogs and blogging:
Some different perspectives I've read recently (top to bottom): The birth of Rosie's daughter on Cider with Rosie // Jen's Personal Emergency Plans on Epbot // Michelle's Acts of self love on Life Outside London  

Different perspectives: blogging has given us an inside look into different peoples lives and often their personal feelings including many experiences we may not have shared. Lifestyle bloggers in particular open up so much of themselves to their work it is impossible not to gain some understanding of the differences in everyones lives.
Clockwise from top left: Paige Joanna // I Want You To Know // A Clothes Horse // Scathingly Brilliant

A step away from mainstream media: One of the things I like best about fashion blogging is all the differences of the individuals, in the mainstream media we tend to see models that all fit the same mould - blogging is a different story, rather that bloggers being restricted anyone can share their fashion journey enabling us to see clothes, outfits and creativity on people from all walks of life.

It's easy (and free): Well, it's not easy being the one to create the content but it's so easy to consume! We all have the internet on our phones now so when you get stuck in the waiting room you can still check the latest posts from bloggers you like! It's way better than magazines because it's on the spot, free and you get content more than once a month!

Product reviews: Yes, I hear the arguments with this one! Many bloggers do produce sponsored content but, in all honesty, this makes them no less reliable than magazines or other media and, as previously stated, you're getting the content for free! I do hate when a blog goes to all sponsored content but so what if they are getting a kick back sometimes! And who doesn't want to hear what the latest trends or the go to products are - even if it's basically in the form of an ad!

Community: Blogging, or even just reading blogs, bring a feeling of connection - you can relate to this person, maybe you comment on posts, maybe you just look at the pictures but you're making a connection with a complete stranger who you probably have something in common with (or why else would you be there!) and I think that's pretty amazing!

Sunday 16 October 2016

Outfit: End of the Line




















Hello, it's been awhile, hey? These last two weeks have just flown by! I always have grand plans for lots of blogging over the holidays and it just never happens but, rest assured, I have gathered lots of content that I'll be putting up over the coming weeks! Holidays seem to end up as a mad flurry of activity, some fun and some boring, but having Mark home from work does not put me in a working mood! These holidays have consisted of house work and yard work (the boring), a couple of trips into Port Pirie and a whirlwind trip to the Barossa Valley to have a look at cars (and a cheeky meal out). This little outfit was worn on one of the trips to Pirie and we stopped off in Gladstone to snap a few shots. It's a simple outfit but was comfortable for pottering around town and the lovely weather we managed allowed me to get away with just a light cardigan. I was gifted the beautiful Pandora snowflake charm earlier this year for my birthday and have finally, after much umming and ahhing, got myself a bracelet to put it on. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get a bracelet or just hang it from a chain as a pendant as I don't really like the traditional Pandora bead charms. Eventually I settled on a small bangle style bracelet, I can then hang a few more of the pendant style charms if I decide I want to but it's not big enough to clog up with the bead charms! (Who knew I had so much to say about a bracelet!)










































Outfit details: Hat - The Shoe Shed (old) // Blouse - Thrifted // Cardigan - Thrifted // Jeans - Big W (Similar) // Boots - Target // Rings - Lovisa // Bracelet - Pandora

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