Lists of Lists

>> Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I just came back from our local paper & craft shop, Lokta, because my husband and I's wedding Thank You cards are well over due and we will be getting them printed there. But while I was in the store I made a very big mental list of all the Nepali trinkets and souvenirs I need to buy before we go back to the dear shores of Australia.

Here are some of the few things:
♣ A photo album with handmade paper pages
♣ An antique Tibetan jewelery box (see my blog post on them here)
♣ Screen printed Nepali prints to be framed
♣ Many handmade paper lamp shades
♣ Lots of journals made from handmade paper
♣ A woven rattan seat
Don't ask me how they are going to fit in one suitcase...

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Twilight Geek alert!

>> Monday, June 29, 2009

I've finally finished reading Breaking Dawn (had to take it easy since I pretty much hurt my eyes from reading the other three books in a week!), and now I am ready for Round 2 of reading the Twilight Saga and will read anything any news website says about anything Twilight related.

Here is a video I found over at lovegeek, Buffy vs. Edward Cullen, with the description:
This is probably how most normal girls would react to Edward Cullen’s stalking habits.

Gold!

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Summer Cool

Ha! I wish this was me! But alas, it isn't. Just thought I'd repost this streetsy, summer look that I am loving. I especially like the striped cardigan and the headband...

Photo taken by M.A. Belle via Destined to Design

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Legendary

>> Friday, June 26, 2009

I am sure that today will probably be deemed, "World Moonwalk or Thriller Dance Day" following the death of everyone's beloved M.J. Most of you bloggers have felt the need to share your first encounter with the Pop Prince, so I feel like I should share my 'first time' too...

I was in grade three at Richmond Community Primary School and my favourite Art teacher of all time, Isabelle, let us have free time where we could dance, draw, paint or even clean the classroom if we wanted to (and let me tell you that we all loved Isabelle so much that we would've cleaned!). Of course me and my bestest friend Amanda chose to dance the afternoon away. Isabelle chose a tape and put it in the tape player. The first song that came on was Black & White and I was thrilled thinking, "my mom would never let me listen to this at home!" I was so excited, me and Amanda put together a little dance routine and learnt all the words to the song because we wanted it played over and over and over again...

Anyways, now that I feel like I have properly acknowledged this momentous day where Michael Jackson was layed to rest, I can get on with things that thrill my heart...

I have seen these gorgeous Ladurée Macaroons quite a bit around the blog world. Unfortunately I have not made it to Paris to try one first hand, but the pretty colours and amazing flavours that have been matched together do make my mouth water. Just imagine: jasmine/mango, blackcurrent/violet, vanilla, orange blossum, caramel, chocolate, raspberry, pistachio...

If you have tasted these famous macaroons in either Paris, London, Monaco, Geneva or Tokyo, please comment and let me know what you thought of them! I would love to know if they taste as good as they look!

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The Land of the Thai's

>> Tuesday, June 23, 2009

I love Thailand.

And I like it just the way it is. I don't care about protests and riots (which really are nothing compared to Nepal), about being ripped off or hearing "Sawadee kaa" five million times a day, or even arguing with the taxi and tuk tuk drivers...

On Sunday night I had a very exciting catch up with my best friend back in Australia, and she asked why I haven't posted anything about travel destinations in a while...but little did she know that I had one in the works. The problem was, I just had no idea what angle to take Thailand on because I love every aspect of it.

So I will begin with this, I have been to Thailand four times, it is supposed to be six by the end of 2009, but will only be five due to my work trip falling through. Yeah yeah, brag on I hear you say, but each visit has been different and has contributed to this love that I feel.

My love affair started on my first visit, which was part of a College field trip where we spent some time studying the post 2004 tsunami affects on the Thai's. My friend and I took an extra two weeks to travel around the south before we met up with our group. We went from Bangkok to Surat Thani to Koh Samui to Krabi to Phi Phi to Phuket, then up the coast to Khao Lak to visit the tsunami ravaged area. Island after beach, after island and then more beach!

It rained alot, which made the water brown not crystal blue like the photos, but this didn't deter us. Not even jellyfish sting's stopped us from enjoying our time beach side. We took island tours, swam alot, snorkled, splashed in the small waves, scooted around and walked during low tide to out laying islands. This trip was where I fell in love with Thai food. Oh oodles of noodles! Because of this trip Thai food will always be numero uno on my list, and also because of this trip will I never order green bean chilly satay stuff again since it put my stomach in a bad place just before our kyaking tour to James Bond island. Think about it, boat trip and an already swaying stomach? I felt like I was on the magic tea cup ride at Disneyland while being on a rollercoaster. The whole day was a bit of a blur, but I am sure I clutched my stomach and a roll of toilet paper everywhere we went. But hey, don't be paranoid of sickness - to me this is the stuff that memories are made of!

The people were friendly, and more than helpful. You always seemed to get more than what you were paying for. A one hour Thai massage by the seaside for only $9? A plate of pad see ew noodles for only $2? Colourful lights for only $4? For someone that loves a good bargain, can you see why I began to love Thailand so much?

Visit's no. 2 & 3, some probably wouldn't count since they were stopovers, but I say: if they stamp it - you've visited it. They were both 2 day stays that basically just involved shopping. We visited MBK, Paragon, Siam Square, the Weekend Market and Khao San Road. We got haircuts (permanent hair straightening), bought jackets and tees, dvds and jewelery, and even another suitcase to bring it all home. Khao San Road, the backpackers mecca was crazy and I held onto my bag for its dear life. The amount of foreigners, ladyboys and beggars really sets a fast pace. This along with the Patpong markets are experiences that shouldn't be missed. Even if you just stand at the end of the street at take a peek in, just watch your valuables!

My honeymoon was spent on Koh Samui, which is visit no. 4. I wish we relaxed more, but no. We did a jungle safari and rode an elephant, we also rented a scooter and went around the island which was loads of fun, (maybe not for my new husband as I constantly whispered in his ear that he was going too fast!). We saw a giant Buddha, felt the wind in my hair, and touched the warm crystal blue water. It was a rushed trip, as we were on our way to Nepal, but I still got to eat my noodles, get my hair cut and check out some pretty souveniers in the market. If you go to Koh Samui, make sure you hire a scooter!

So I guess that is why I love Thailand. I love it because I can shop, and do it cheaply. I love it because I can live the lifestyle of the wealthy and have a massage on the beach and then get my nails done. I love it because I can be adventurous and go kyaking, elephant riding and snorkeling just a stones throw from my hotel. And, I love it because of the freedom I feel to do and be whatever I want...

If you haven't embarked on your big adventure around the world yet, and are a bit wary of experiencing new cultures, Thailand is where to start. Be exposed to something different that won't slap you in the face, and take a baby step into the exotic and visit Thailand - wow, that sounded nearly as good as the advertising campaign ;)

Check out my previous post on a gorgeous boutique hotel we stayed in which is close to the most important thing to do in Bangkok, shop. (okay, I admit. It's not just close to shopping, but to everything!)

I wish I took these photos, but I didn't *sigh*, they are from the very talented sfgirlbybay on flickr
.

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Fabulous Fingerwear

>> Monday, June 22, 2009

Well it's a Monday and I need something bright to get this week started...

I love this new (or maybe not-so-new) idea of flashing gorgeous coloured fingernails along with that statement ring. Lucky I live in the land of massive chunky rings. Who ever said, too much is too much?

And Alexa Chung - gosh, you seem to do no wrong with fashion mags & zines at the moment!

Thanks Grazia for bringing this to my attention!

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A Perfect Little Home

>> Friday, June 19, 2009

I'm not sure what got into me. I was thinking about our return to Australia and where we were going to live, and then all of a sudden took a very large detour to France to see what houses they had on offer over there! And here I found this perfect little cottage near Lyon, with a big yard for all my children to run around in and that classic country home feel. I just hope that the blue couches and the moose head don't come with the house!

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London & Paris Calling

How beautiful are these London and Paris paper cut maps? Now, I have not been to either of these cities yet, but it would certainly make getting lost a whole lot more fun!


Paris is Pink and London is Turquoise Blue
Can be bought online at Famille Summerbelle
via a cup of jo

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Le Blanc

>> Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I was so overcome by inspiration and wanting a white over-sized clutch, that I made a visit to polyvore and created this set of summery whites...



Click on the image to find out item details...

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Just a minute in...June

>> Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Making... a list of things to buy while on holidays in Qatar :)
Watching... well I started watching Tomb Raider, but Angelina's fake English accent got to me
Reading... Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer - the third book in Twilight series
Listening... rediscovered the John Mayer Trio Live on my ipod and loving it
Wanting... a new bikini and some strappy sandals since I'm enduring 3 summers this year
Freaking out about... my husband and a scooter he's borrowing - I'm imagining him swerving in and out of traffic in the middle of Kathmandu, heart attack coming on?

pic from my current favourite photostream on flickr

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i heart Twilight

>> Sunday, June 14, 2009

I've finally had the time to sit and read the popular Twilight book series which I've been meaning to do for a good 8 months, but then I got engaged, worked my butt off for a wedding, had to prepare for a wedding and a big move to Nepal, then finally had the wedding and left for Nepal the next day *big breath*...so now that I've stayed in the one country for at least 3 months I finally did something on my to do list and finished reading Twilight.

Maybe it was because of the impending release of 'New Moon', the movie sequel to Twilight, that I decided to get my 'hussle on', but as soon as I finished Twilight I made my husband go out and buy the dvd and the New Moon book! Of course the movie isn't as good as the book but to see the story come to life and put faces to names just made the story so much more, and I have to admit that I have had dreams about the movie just about every night since I saw it...

So, I finished New Moon in 24 hours, when I gave myself until the release of the new movie (in October) - but it just got so addictive and juicy! The love story between Bella and Edward is just so captivating, and I must have a thing with vampire love stories or something since I was also obsessed with Buffy and Angel when I was in high school too.

I'm giving myself a couple of days to recover from my marathon read of New Moon before I delve into Eclipse, which is the third book from a total of four. I'm going to leave you with my favourite clip from Twilight (the movie) when The Lion fell in love with the Lamb...


Ohhh Bella & Edward *sigh*

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Oh to splash in a pool!

>> Friday, June 12, 2009

Can you tell that I'm not really craving the beach much?
My first Northern Hemisphere summer and I'm only just dreaming of splashing about in the waves, snorkeling my work woes away and feeling the sand between my toes...

Here is some fave's from Shoshanna's Swim 2009 range. The most they'll get with me is being worn around the apartment...





I really am killing myself by thinking about swimwear for the summer - at this point, a kiddies blow up pool would do to satisfy my cravings!

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Beach Joy

>> Thursday, June 11, 2009

I saw this over at Oh Joy! and had to repost it...*sigh* I wish there was a beach nearby...
from lookbook

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Arniko Skateboard Store Opening

>> Wednesday, June 10, 2009

So the opening of Nepal's first Skateboarding store has been a bit of a success. There has been International interest and quite a few tourists coming by. Here are some pics I took from the grand hoo haa!






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Tree Lover

I once ran a protest against my parents for cutting down a big gum tree in front of our house. They said it was for our safety, I said I liked hiding behind it.

By now you should know that I am a tree lover. Always posting about hot tree houses that I find...

Well if I was in Sydney next year during February, I would definitely attend TreeLife Sydney, Hyde Park 2010.

It is a free, brand new event that is trying to promote eco-sustainable architecture. A range of tree houses will be showcased, and there will even be an offer for a sleep over in a treehouse - the ultimate tree house experience. There will be eco-friendly art exhibitions, a 'silent' cinema, free bikes for people to use to ride around from exhibit to exhibit, a 'high tea room' and many many more very cool things to see and do.So if your in Sydney, February 2010 make sure you head to Hyde Park and check it out for me!

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Scott Lowe

>> Monday, June 8, 2009

Here are some pics from fashion photographer Scott Lowe who does shoots for Aussie mags like Monster Children, Russh and Shop til You Drop. Check out his website...

I love the lazy afternoon sunlight in these pics...


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Sequiny & Sparkly

>> Friday, June 5, 2009

How gorgeous is this colourful 'Anya' sequined skirt by Barron Duquette?

You can buy it online at shopbop.com

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The logo and all written and personal material published on this blog is copyrighted. Photos and ideas should link to their origin (if it's not from my own brain) if not stated. If you desire to use or publish any personal material (including Polyvore sets) - please ask me!

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