Things I Love Thursday

I mentioned earlier that I was having the week from hell. It's starting to look up, thankfully! My lovely Mum is sending me in for the works on Saturday. I'm getting hair, waxing, tinting, mani & pedi. I'm so super excited. I haven't been to a 'real' hair salon in years, and I haven't been to the cheap hair cut place in months. I seriously am so excited. Also, my best friend is being induced today, so obviously depending on how things go, I might have a new baby to visit tomorrow (excuse me while my ovaries do a little flip).

Via Forever 21

These jeans are AMAZING! They are, like, my dream jeans. I have to own them one day. HAVE TO!

Via Uptights

 These sushi leggings are the bomb. I have loved sushi print since I saw Buffy wear her Yummy Sushi Pajamas, and my brother bought me the very same Pajamas. I wore them all the time. 

Via ASOS

 I think this dragonfly print puplum is cute!

Via Book Depository

Via Book Depository

I want these colouring books! how cool are they!

Via Sole Struck

These space shoes are awesome. Wearing them with galaxy print leggings would be rad. 

Also, these photos are funny!

Anyway, that's it for this week!

Life, Lately

I know it's only Tuesday, but I am having the week from hell. I'm so tempted to pack everything in and go and live in a remote little cottage somewhere. Seriously. I often say to Jesse 'That wouldn't happen if I was in charge' and that is very much the case in the situation I am now in. But, anyway.

I wore this outfit to go and see Mulder play at Pica Bar on Saturday afternoon. It was a really lovely afternoon, and I was super comfortable. I picked these jeans up at Kmart for $8 in the sales. And the top is one of my favourites from ASOS.

Sunday I made banana bread. I had some bananas in the fridge that were just at the right stage (black!) to make bread. And seeing as my besties were on their way over, I thought it would be nice to give them a slice, fresh and warm from the oven. They brought coffee, so the match was perfect!

Then I ate some yesterday for my afternoon tea. I put Nutella on it. Yum!

Talking of my best friend, she is super pregnant at the moment. Like, being induced in 2 days pregnant. Every morning she gets this text from me

This morning she beat me to it, telling me he was still in there, instead of me asking. Doesn't he realise how many people want to meet him?!?!

Well, I hope you are all having a better week that I am. 

Aussie Curves - Animalistic

I had a bit of a hard time choosing what to wear for this weeks Aussie Curves theme. I have quite a bit of animal print in my wardrobe. But, I decided to go with one of my favourite peices. 

I bought this shirt probably 2 years ago, when I still worked a corporate job. But, I still love it. It's sheer, and breezy, and animal print!

I was going to pair it with skinny jeans, then this body con skirt peeked out at me from the wardrobe. I rarley wear it, because of previous body issues, but I put it on, and loved the way it looked, so I think it will be worn a lot more!

Shirt - Sportscraft

Skirt - Target

Heels - Target

(all 2011)

Liebster Blog Award

Yay for Friday! I'm so super looking forward to my weekend. It's been a big week. 

I'm just stopping by to say Thank You to The Gingham Ginger, Live Well & Breathe & Miya Loves for all nominating me for a Liebster Blog Award. 

I haven't done anything about the nominations until now, because I wasn't sure that I wanted to participate. I appreciate the hell out of the nominations, and out of my readers, but I don't know that I like the idea of participating in what is basically a 'chain letter' thing. 

It's not that I am not grateful, because believe me I am, to be nominated not just once, but 3 times, is absolutely amazing! It's great to know that people read and enjoy my blog. And it's not that I don't want to show my appreciation for blogs that I enjoy, I'm just not sure that this is the way to do it. 

I'm still not sure yet, what I want to do. This may make me sound like a real bitch, but it's the way I feel. I also feel that I am fairly open with my blogging. There isn't much that I don't share here. And that's because I feel like it's an online diary, of sorts. I like to keep it real. 

Anyway...I'm still mulling it over. What are your thoughts?

Things I Love Thursday

I haven't really spent much time looking at things on the internet this week. I've been enjoying reading far too much :) But, I did find a few things to share

Via Amazon

 A 3D dinosaur cookie? Um, Yes please!

Via Ali Buttons Designs

 I love, love, love this galaxy skirt by Ali Buttons Designs. I will be buying one when I have some money come my way

Via ASOS

 We all know about my monochrome obsession at the moment. These pants don't come in Curve, and I doubt I'd be able to squish my hips in to a size 18, but how I want them

Via ASOS

 The same goes for these floral pants. Although, they look a bit looser fitting, so maybe I could get my hips in them? Come on ASOS, make these cool pants in Curve as well!!

Via Topshop

The pattern on these boots in just gorgeous! It's even on the heel as well! So pretty.

That's it for this week, short and sweet :)

Books, Books, Books!

On my '30 by 30' list, I've got 'Read 15 new books'. I put this on there to remind to me read. I absolutely love to read. I always have. When I was younger it was rare to find me without a book in my hand. But, the usual happens, you grow up and have other responsibilities  and don't find the time so much anymore. But, I'm decided not to let that happen. I have definitely rediscovered my love of reading, and I am making time to read every day. Even if it's just a few pages. 

Now, I've always been hugely opposed to e-readers. They are not books. Holding an electronic device that you tap to turn the page, is nothing like holding a real book, and turning the page. A real book, with that book smell, and the imperfections in the print. I love them. But, and I say this EXTREMELY reluctantly, I have grown to love reading on my iPad. And, this is only because I've just moved. And, moving my books was an absolute nightmare. As much as I love books, and perusing the used book store, e-readers are just so convenient  I need a book, I search for the one I want on the Kindle store, and 2 minutes later its on my iPad. 

Plus, I updated my Kindle wishlist, and let all my friends and family know, and the next thing I knew, I had 2 books gifted to me. Ready to read, right there. As much as I love real books, and swore I would NEVER EVER EVER use an e-reader, I caved. I caved to the convenience  It's often cheaper, I don't have to find space to store my books, and I never have to pack and move them!

Anyway, that rant is not what this post was about! I was dropping in to share the list of books I plan to read. I've already read a few this year, but I've got a huge list to get through before April 2014!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for romance novels. Especially ones about cowboys. I like to read these in between reading 'real' books. Like a palate cleanser, if you will. So, don't be shocked when some of these book show up in my list :) I've marked off the ones that I've read so far. 

1. Two Whole Cakes: Stop Dieting and Learn To Love Your Body- Lezley Kinzel
2. Bootscootin' Blahniks - D.D Scott
3. Lessons From The Fat-o-sphere: Quit Dieting and Declare a Truce With Your Body- Kate Harding & Marianne Kirby
4. Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling
5. Stompin' On Stetsons - D.D. Scott
6. Hot & Heavy: Fierce Fat Girls on Life, Love & Fashion - Virgie Tovar
7. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - Susanna Clarke
8. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
9. Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight - Linda Bacon
10. The Obesity Myth: Why America's Obsession with Weight is Hazardous to Your Health - Paul Campos
11. The Unapologetic Fat Girl's Guide to Exercise and Other Incendiary Acts - Hanne Blank
12. Bossypants - Tina Fey
13. Oh Dear Silvia - Dawn French
14. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
15. Down Among the Dead Men - Michelle Williams

I'm hoping to read more than the 15 on this list, but we will see. So far, my favourites have been Lessons From the Fat-o-Sphere, and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?. 

Yes, this is a real book. It's the last I bought.

Maybe, I'll do some reviews in another post...??

Life, Lately - CousCous

I've obsessed with couscous at the moment. I'm eating so much of it. It's so yummy, and easy to make taste delicious. So, I thought I would share my favourite, simple way of eating it. 

Ingredients

200g couscous
200ml water
1 chicken stock cube
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Lebanese cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onions, finely diced
1 capsicum, seeds removed, diced
1/4 cup of lemon olive oil
Haloumi or chicken (or both, I just use store bought chicken)

Method

Place the couscous is a large bowl. Place the water, stock cube and olive oil in a saucepan on the stove. Bring to just boiling point, the pour over the couscous. Cover this and set aside for 10 minutes. 

While this is sitting, prepare your cucumber, onions and capsicum. And cook either your haloumi or chicken (or both). 

Once couscous is done, fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and mix through your cucumber, onions and capsicum. Add your lemon olive oil, and mix to combine. Place haloumi or chicken (or both) on top, and serve!

This salad is great warm or cold, and it oh so tasty!

The first time I made it, I used chicken, but then I was really craving haloumi the other day, so I had it with that, and I think it was better. Then yesterday I was feeling like falafel and couscous, so we had some for lunch. And now I'm writing this I feel like it again.

I had a very wonderful weekend again. I worked, I saw Mulder, I sold my house, I washed my car, I visited my parents, and I spent lovely time with my prince (pizza and beer party!)

I wore my X-Files inspired tee to see Mulder play

Mulder

Jesse and I spotted this cola last week, but we forgot to buy it. We tried it yesterday, and it's our new favourite

we found this chocolate bar as well. It's like Nutella covered puffed rice. 

Aussie Curves - Black and White

This is my first Aussie Curves post in a while, and it's a good one to be coming back with! I have a massive thing for monochrome at the moment, and it was hard to narrow down what outfit I was going to choose, but I'm happy with the one I went with.

I am so in love with these leggings. I have been waiting and waiting for the cooler weather so that I'm able to actually wear them. And the top I picked up in the ASOS sale. I had my eye on it for a while, and I'm glad that I got it. I think it's the perfect match for these leggings.

Top - ASOS

Leggings - eBay 

Flats - Big W

I'm still trying to find somewhere to take photos in the new house. I tried 4 or 5 places, including outside, and none of them worked. I might have to set up some lamps or something. So, these will have to do :)

PS: I'm blogging from my bed, coz it's my day off and I don't want to get up yet :)

Happy For

I'm feeling very out of sorts today. I woke up feeling that way, and it hasn't passed and the day has gone on :( Let's just say I'm looking forward to heading home and getting stuck in to the housework, and then catching up on some TV shows!

This week I'm happy for

Sweet Potato Crisps - I love them! Jesse likes them too. And so does Kitty. The bunnies didn't even want to try them. Silly bunnies. 

Air Con - We had no power at my office on Wednesday morning, and it was 40C outside. no power meant no air con. It sucked. So I was super thankful when it came back on. I'm also loving that my new place has air con. It's just too hot to not have it. 

Two Gallants - See Wednesday's post :) I'm so happy I got to see them live.

Mondays - Yep, Mondays. Seeing as I'm now working Saturday AND Sunday mornings, I've started taking Mondays off. I like this. I like this a lot. Because I don't just get an entire day off, I get and entire day off with Jesse. Every week. It's amazing.

Well, that's it for today!

Oh I feel better already after having written this post :)

Things I Love Thursday

It's that time of the week again!

Via Zu Shoes

I am so loving these shoes. I can see me wearing them with brightly coloured tights!

Via Sourpuss Clothing

I've been looking for cute homewares for when Jesse and I buy our new house, and I think these flamingo salt and pepper shakers are so cute.

Via Sourpuss Clothing

I've been on the hunt for a new purse. Mine always seem to be breaking after only a few weeks of use. I think this might be my new one!

Via Sourpurss Clothing

I love brains. They are such an amazing organ. I think a couple of these brain candles will in in order for the new house!

Via Lark

These duck measuring cups are super cute! I love the pastel colours. 

I've Waited 7 Years, and I wasn't Disappointed

That's right. 7 years to see Two Gallants. And it was AMAZING. I could have sat through the entire show again. Right away. I wasn't ready for it to end. 

My outfit for the evening

It was an absolutely wonderful evening. There was a lovely breeze, the venue was just delightful, the food was good (Pulled pork roll? Yes please!). We got a bottle of French Champagne (it was $35 for a plastic cup, or $100 a bottle, go figure!).

Me and Jesse before the show

The venue

More venue

I felt a bit sorry for the band, because I don't think a huge portion of the audience were familiar with them. This happens when bands come as part of the Perth Festival, people just buy tickets to everything, which is good, because they experience new things, but also bad for little bands like Two Gallants, because I feel like they feel like people didn't enjoy the show, which I don't think was the case. 

Fountain

Abby, Alex & Tim

We came across them when my littlest brothers best friends girl friend saw them play in a  club in San Francisco (where they hail from) and bought back a live demo. This was before they were even signed to a label, or had any sort of ep out. There was the opportunity for us to see them in New York 7 years ago, but they were playing at the Bowery Ballroom, and it was 21+ show. They wouldn't even let the under agers in with Dad. So, I waited. And I waited. And finally, I got to see them. And I was not disappointed. 

Waiting, waiting!

They played a whole mix of stuff. Stuff from their new album, and stuff from older albums. Like I said, I could have sat through it again. What a fun night!

Life, Lately

I had my first day off in 3 weeks yesterday! It was wonderful! I slept in, and got to spend the entire day with Jesse. ahh.

The Perth Fringe Festival, and The Perth Festival are both on at the moment, and my little brother has been doing the sound and lighting at one of the Fringe Festival venues. He told us that we absolutely had to go and see some of the shows he had been able to see, due to the job. We could only make one, but I'm so glad we did. We went on Sunday night to see It's Me Dayne, and it was awesome. It was so awkwardly funny and clever. He's heading to the Adelaide Fringe next, so if you are there, go see it!

And, as part of the Perth Festival, tonight I get to see one of my all time favourite bands, Two Gallants. I'm so excited! 

I went up to my parents house on Friday night, and Dad handed me this amazing plate of figs, chevre, prosciutto and honey. My oh my. It was delicious!

Saturday night, I dyed my hair. I like it. I like it better dark I think. 

Sunday after we got home from the show, we decided to watch some Voyager in bed, and I got a craving for a slushy. So my amazing Prince, made me one. It was so yummy. 

Outfit from yesterday. It's been 40C the last few days here, so I wanted something flowy and not clingy. This skirt fits the bill!

While we were out shopping, my boy bought me this! AMAZING! I backed the Kickstarter, but could only afford the digital copy at the time. I can't wait to listen to this vinyl copy.

Last nights dinner, again being spoiled by my boy, he made baked potatoes with cheese, bacon & sour cream. We washed them down with some honey mead. yum yum!