Do I Need It?

The answer is...

Fare thee well my last $40

from lii luu via Shop til You Drop

You Can Bake Me One of These in a Dutch Oven

This necklace is called Mermaid Farts.

Had to share.

Be-Tray Me

How gorgeous are these arrangements from this real wedding on Snippet and Ink? I am going to steal the idea.

So simple. The tray is a clever idea. It makes me want to position them as extra arrangements on side tables or random pillars (everyone has random pillars floating around their place don't they) and have a main table with a long row of the different shaped green bottles and lilies, moss and tealights.

I actually wanted this to be a nice post, but couldn't resist... I'm getting flash backs to working in the pub and doing a bit of glassy work, although in that case the tray would have the empty bottles, the curly moss/grass would be used serviettes and the calla lilies would most likely be spent cigarettes and their odourous plumes of smoke.

Mmmm, appetising.

Very Hungry Me

Speaking of cake, have you seen this gorgeous Very Hungry Caterpillar Cupcake cake?

Coco Cake Cupcakes are soooo clever

How much fun could you have throwing a Very Hungry Caterpillar party for little kidlets? You could use all the foods in the book by making fruit salads, salami pizza and even mini hotdogs for the sausage. You could have a caterpillar pinata and you could pin leaves on a tree instead of pin the tail on the donkey. At the end, all the kids could get butterfly wings.

I might have to do it for an adult friend instead. Then we could have

2 Pear Mojitos

3 shots of Plum Brandy

4 Strawberry Daiquiris

5 Freshly squeezed Mimosas

and finish with

Watermelon Martinis

pic via Spice and Life

Gimme Some Sugar

So the cake I made a while back was delicious, but I need to learn to follow instructions as the icing I made did not work. I made it like a syrup instead of a glaze.

If only I could glaze like Heather Locklear's eyes

It would have been so good if it had worked. That's the good thing about having brothers though, they ate it all up without a word of complaint.

nom nom nom, cake

PS. My bros are going to love that the picture I have chosen to represent them has them as two chicks licking a giant cupcake. Actually, the more I think of their sick little brains, they are going to love that.

Taking the Cake

I've had a VERY full last few weeks ( I just did a typo when I was writing that and it said "eeks" which I thought was quite apt).

I'd planned to get organised today, sorting out my photos and finds from my AWESOME trip to the Big Apple, but suprisingly, I didn't get round to it. I got myself a bit distracted and this was one of the reasons...

A quick check on Tastespotting brought me to Dreamy Dish and what sounds like an amazing recipe for a Lemon Cornmeal Cake. So, now at 12:15 am, I am waiting for it to come out of the oven so I can glaze it and take it to dinner at my folks tomorrw. I'll let you know how it goes...

Blubber

How auspicious is this...

I started this little whimsy of a blog one year ago yesterday, with a post on my new Moby Dick print.

On this very anniversary day, a white whale calf was spotted just off the coast at Head of Bight. I think he's a little good luck charm, an encouragement to keep on blogging.



I'll have to get one of these from Thalassa Jewellery to make sure I stick with it



And while I'm on whales, how cute is this tweedy little fellow from the Cats Miaow

PS. I originally titled this post Cetacean Surprise, but it sounded like a really dodgy cocktail.

Ingredients:
1 part sperm oil
2 parts rum
Dash of lime
Serve over ice, in a tall glass and garnish with a frozen penguin, baleen stirrer and a twist of kelp

My Life is a Pointer Sisters' Song...

I'm so...and I just can't hide it...

In one week I will be getting on a plane and flying to New York for 10 days. I have not been on a holiday for soooo long and its been about a decade since I travelled overseas. I cannot wait. I've barely made an itinery as I like the idea of just wandering and taking everything in, but i'm going to spend every night this week scouring the net looking at things I can do. If anyone has any suggestions please, please, please let me know.

via here, here, here

Merci

From here

To everyone who has left me a comment, sent best wishes or said a private prayer, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My mum has had her radiotherapy, chemo and surgery and there is no sign left of the cancer. We feel very blessed.

One Big D and M

So kids, what’s new with you?

As evidenced by my lack of posts the last couple of months, I’ve been a bit sidetracked lately.

I have been weighing up for a long time about whether to write anything about this, but the sun feels like its peeking through the clouds now and I’ve been told that sharing is what makes things better with me – so I am exorcising (and for those who know my mantra – “fitness is shitness”, this is a big thing)
… Oh the puns, I do crack myself up.

Anyhoo, a few months ago I fell into a bit of a hole that, at the time, felt bottomless.

So, this is a cute black dog peeking around the corner, but mine was sucky

I’ve truly never felt that way before and I must say it scared the bejesus out of me. On top of that I had work issues and relationship issues and blah, blah, blah

Then right in the middle of all this came the kicker…

My mum was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer.

Now, my mum Margaret (Margie to her sisters, Mutti to me) is a trooper.

Mum skiing on the Murray in the 70s

She has handled all her treatments with absolute aplomb and a strength that has made me both beam with pride and bawl my eyes out at the same time.

She spent five weeks doing radiotherapy and chemo at the same time. She was given a jaunty bum bag to carry her chemo drugs with her at all times, which is supposed to make it less stressful on the body.

I laughed my arse off when I saw this picture of Madonna child shopping in Malawi as I never thought I’d see the day when my mother and the Queen of Pop were getting around in the same gear (I wouldn’t blink an eyelid if it was my father and the King of Pop; Michael Jackson – Dad’s love of surgical masks, sequinned gloves and military gloves is legendary)... BTW - that was a joke Brenton, we all know that all you share with MJ is a love of The Beatles as evidenced by this mighty Sgt Pepperesque mo.

Awww, young love. I think they're in their early 20's here

Mum got burns from the radiotherapy that sent her back into hospital, unable to walk, but as soon as they were under control, she was as bright and sunny as before again. It is an absolutely effed up situation, not being able to do anything for her, but it has made the family such a tight unit. I have never felt as close to my mum as I do now and I have so much respect for her.

Mum and me and my little bro Rowan

Mum (in the tea cosy - excellent sartorial choice there Marg) and me digging for pipis, I think its at Goolwa

Next week she goes into surgery to have the tumour removed and will have to have a colostomy bag for a few months, which she is already making jokes about.

I am shit-scared, but because of her attitude, I can’t feel anything but positive about the future.

Here’s to rainbows because they are beauty borne from turbulence.

(that sounded a bit happy clappy didn't it?)

Hee hee

Have a Ball

Image via Ffffound

This weekend I am going to take a deep breath and forget about "normal" life. I'm off to Melbourne to celebrate the beautiful Kimberlee's birthday. Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope you can take some time for a bit of fun.

My Day in Bling

Oh Daily Candy, thank you again for bringing the big wide world to my little computer.

I would especially like to thank you for the deals emails which put me on to Leviticus Jewellery.

They have helped me plan a really fun day...

I would start the day with a morning sail in an elegant balloon

I would blitz the boutiques

I would keep my morals about me by not coveting my neighbour's ass (this is a ten commandments necklace; that was in there, right? I'm sure i remember that from Sunday School)

But to temper my goodness, I would still like to get up to just enough mischief.

I would win a race. (I'd like to pretend it was a running race, but it would more likely be an eating competition).

And I would tell someone I loved them in American Sign Language

Is it Beer O'Clock yet?

I take my lemonade in almost the same way. Except mine is Gin with tonic and a dash of lime.

Cute print from franticmeerkat $US13 on etsy

Red Carpet Green Eyed Monster

Hermione is so grown up now! I love how Emma Watson has become such a stylish young thing. I am putting this Temperley London dress she wore to the BAFTAs on my wish list along with the vintage beauty worn by Thandie Newton. Black is back!

All I want is a room somewhere...

Pic from here

For a grey room, this seems so warm. Love the old black and white family pic at the back. Can just see myself curling up here with a cup of tea and a good book.

Having a crepe day?

This pancake cake should cure it.
How good would this have been for Shrove Tuesday yesterday?
From here, first seen on Snippet & Ink

Sigh

Me love.
If I owned this jumper, I would die happy.
Found via notcouture

Chemicool

If they'd had this Diane von Furstenbeg Lab Coat when I was at school, I surely would not have wagged so many Biology classes.

PS. I think I want to marry this one

Je suis une artiste

According to Typealyzer, I am an artist. (no jokes please about about my medium of choice being bovine excrement)

Pic minus painting acoutrement; Oscar de la Renta pre-fall 2008 from here

The gentle and compassionate type. They are especially attuned their inner values and what other people need. They are not friends of many words and tend to take the worries of the world on their shoulders. They tend to follow the path of least resistance and have to look out not to be taken advantage of. They often prefer working quietly, behind the scene as a part of a team. They tend to value their friends and family above what they do for a living.

Hmmm, kinda fits. Spooky.

Via Presurfer

Flash Trash

If I had a backyard or a driveway I would definitely be purchasing one of these. It is definitely now going to be my stock standard housewarming gift.
As it is, I might just get one of these and set up a hidden camera. Can you image....? Every woman's romantic dream...

These vinyl stickers are all from Wheeliedesigns and are only $35(!)ea for a 240Lt bin. Also, for a little extra, you can upload your own pictures and they will make up your custom design.

What would you get made?

Lustbucket

I have a friend who has a bit of a Chad habit, having dated three of them in a row.
Abner, this one is for you

Let them eat Cake

You know how the best vegies to eat are the strong coloured ones, like carrots, spinach, pumpkin and beetroot.
Surely this has to be good for you too.

Mmmm, Cake!

From The Omnomicom via Food Gawker

Perty Pictures

I am in love with these paintings. The artist, Benedetta Borrometi, is originally from Rome, but is now based in Tokyo.

Her paintings exude a childlike exuberence that seems to spring from the clash of the two cultures.

I am so drawn to the sense of whimsy in her execution (mainly cos I love the word whimsy - its pure euphony) .Her use of non-traditional elements in her mixture of media, such as wall ornaments and vintage kimono fabric as below, just adds to their unique outlook.

Glittery goodness.

Tuesday Tunesday - Hottest 100 2008

I meant to post this before the Hottest 100 was played on Australia Day, but I think its a vindication of my excellent taste that the 10 tunes for which I voted all fell within its top fifty.

Although I voted in no particular order, here is how they fell...

At number 43, was Ghosts by Laura Marling, which was a previous Tuesday Tunesday post

I so loved Soko's I'll Kill her and again was seduced by I will never love you more which came in at number 41

I channelled my inner emo at number 36, Death Cab for Cutie - I will possess your heart


So, I totally have a crush on all the boys in the Kooks - had to include them. They came in at number 33 with Always Where I need to be


I must admit, it was the filmclip that first made me love Vampire Weekend's A Punk, but its a really good song as well, hitting number 32 on the top 100.


I had to choose between the two Dizzee Rascal songs that I rock out to when I am driving, so I kept Flex as my car bopping little secret and voted for Dance with Me (obviously the girl in the filmclip has never heard Coco Chanel's infamous "Take one thing off before you leave the house")


Like Miss Kimberlalee, Ladyhawke's My Delirium causes me to bust some moves too. Must do so for the rest of Oz as well as it came in at number 11.


Jimmy Recard by Drapht reminds me of my workmate as she always gets us to turn it up loud when it comes on the radio. I'm sure she voted to get it to number 10.


Being a parochial South Aussie, I've always liked the Hilltop Hoods, but I'm only just getting into the whole Australian Hip Hop scene. As with the afore mentioned Drapht song, I tend to like songs with a sense of humour or something to which I can relate. I think almost anyone who has been to a music festival would love this song (they need to get a film clip together though). I actually thought The Festival Song by Pez would be number 2, but it ended up coming in at number 7.

And, at number 1, as very much expected, Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire. I wasn't going to vote for it because I thought it would get to number one without my help, but its such a damn good song, no matter how many times you hear it. Glad they are finally getting some of the recognition they deserve.

So, did you vote?

The Boys are back in Town

Yay, my fave show is back on.
I think its almost a community service to watch Bondi Rescue.
Its ALL about saving lives.
I know I now dream about mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Life's just a Merry-Go-Round

Hey Kids
Life's been a bit more like a circus lately and looks like its set to continue that way for a while. I haven't been to visit any of my faves in a while, but hope to do so soon, so big pictures please peoples til I catch up. My posting will probably continue to be a bit haphazard for a while, but we'll get there.
Thanks for your patience.

Pics from here and here respectively

Co-inky-dink

Look what I just found on Etsy. Still punk, but crafty, this piece is actually called Fuzzy Bollocks (stifle giggle now).

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sea People

For like, Punk Mermaids... Alexis Bittar Pyramid Lucite cuff $US122.50 from Net a Porter

Find a Penny, Pick it up, All Day Long You'll have Good Luck

Question

Is it still fortuitous when said penny falls from your own pocket?

Please excuse this picture as lovingly stolen from Flickr and then graffitied by me, as I have only had coffee and a piece of lemon slice today and the sugar and caffeine are playing havoc with my brain. This is a Botta's Pocket Gopher - I was hoping the picture would organically infer that one should keep such a creature in one's pocket and therefore not lose their change as I did today, but it doesn't appear to have worked well at all. It looks like he's just won the Rat Olympics.

Citius, Altius, Fortius.

Never go it alone in a pine forest

Another reason why I hate pine trees...
Day of Reckoning Tee on sale at Threadless for only $5. Watch your backs people. They are everywhere, especially at this time of year.

Dear Father Christmas

Not being greedy - just want one thing this year.

I'll have this little gem in Kensington thanks. No need to wrap it, just tie the keys with a big red bow and I'll be happy.

Yours,

Pip

Feed my Addiction

Last year was the first in ages that I didn't buy a new bikini (instead I got myself a couple of pairs of new boardies). This year, I am looking at my pale and pudgy post winter self and thinking that maybe I am over my bathers addiction...

But no.

The clever duo behind Kitten have come up with a new swimwear label; Hotel Bondi Swim. You probably wouldn't guess it from the label name, but their collections are inspired by Bondi and the ideas for the prints come from all the different vibes the place throws out - from the parrots behind the Bondi Pavillion to those dreamy boardriders.

And I am in luurrve.

Lets start with the pic that greated me when opening up their webpage

Heaven

My usual shopping day outfit.

I grew up with boxers, so I think I should get this Tshirt for free

The best dresses always have pockets.

They think my eyebrows are cool,

but most importantly, they do a mean bikini.

I still call Australia Home

I just saw the Baz Luhrmann movie Australia and I was completely suckered in. The whole movie was one glorious cliche after another and it pushed every emotional button it could. And I LOVED every moment of it.

Brandon Walters was just beautiful. I really hope he lands another great film after this as he was a natural. He had me laughing and crying - I was a bloody emotional wreck because of him.

Nicole Kidman's wardrobe was heaven sent. It was all designed by Catherine Martin, who has used the Lady Sarah Ashley character as inspiration for a new, exclusive (and super expensive) line for RM Williams. Its all rather flamboyant and romantic and cos I'm still in the lovesick throes of the movie, I'm rather taken by it all.

This last dress costs $7,900. I didn't think you could buy anything in Oz for that much, but apart from that, I think its lovely.

French Kiss

How gorgeous is this frock? Its made in France and it wants to live in my wardrobe (although I should tell it now - my wardrobe is time share; it will probably get about a month in there a year, the rest of the time it will have to live in its real home, the floor).

Tuesday Tunesday - Escape

The most exciting thing happened to me!!!!!!!! (I do not like exclamation marks, so that has got to be a good indication of how exciting it is!)

I got given an ipod touch!!

It has changed my life! I am a different person! I am way cooler for a start!

I loaded it up and culled songs that appeared across albums more than once, except for this one! I think it may be on there 3 times!

I love love love this song! (see how I did the 3 times thing there again!)

One afternoon in the unibar, my friends and I planned how we would make our own film clip, but several rounds of Pina Coladas later plans stalled, which sucks cos it would have been rad!!!

I think this version is very much on my wavelength!

Humphrey Fingers

Not typing too well today. I have Humphrey fingers.

Did a great spello though when entering a TV Schedule;

Movie Manatee

Heh heh

Shopping list - Purple fedora, fur coat, diamond cane...

Here I am with my brothers Rowan to the left and Brad to the right.

I am a bit sad tonight as Rowan is leaving for Canada tomorrow morning. He has had a quarter life crisis and is taking the year off and going to work at Panorama Mountain resort to be a ski bunny. I am very jealous (although he is missing Summer), but I'm hoping to catch up with him next year in Vegas for my birthday. We've just gone out to tea to say goodbye and got the waitress to take a photo so he could have one of our cheesy mugs.

The little presents on the table are early Christmas presents I got for my bros. They were bottle opener rings and I think they are just the coolest things ever. I got each one engraved with "Moose Knuckle" which is a completely tasteless term of affection between us.

I think this is the perfect opportunity to pimp him out (hence the shopping list) as he will be in a different country when he reads this.

He is single, only slightly annoying these days and has the same warped sense of humour that I do, so if anyone is thinking of hitting the slopes up in British Columbia, look him up eh.

Weakness - thy name is Kermit

This is the yummiest, scrummiest cake ever!
The South Australian Heritage Icon - the Balfours frog cake.

pic from here

Just like science class, I will now perform an amphibian dissection

I just drooled on my keyboard!

Personally, I think the green ones are the best and would never say no to the pink ones, but I'm not such a fan of the chocolate ones.

pic from here

At uni, I would be struck down with the biggest cravings and we would have to do frog cake runs - which is not the easiest thing to do as I'm pretty sure they are only made once a week and not all delis stock them, so it was sometimes a hit and miss affair.

These gorgeous paintings by Dianne Gall would solve my craving problem forever, in fact I think I would be on a permanent sugar high. If they were still available for sale, I would so be breaking into my piggy bank right now.

that's my kind of breakfast

Sweet Treats

Continuing with the cake theme...
I was at my folks' house the other day and came across this picture of a cake I made for my mum for mother's day when I was about 13.

those tim tams went in my belly!

I was so darn proud of it at the time, but now a look at it and think it would be perfect for the blog my brother recommended I peruse...

Cake Wrecks

It is now a firm favourite.

Here is a sample of some of the delights you will find over there

I see balloons, what do you see?

Mmmm, tasty severed head cake


Speaks for itself really

What the bride asked to be made, what the professional cake maker produced

Trust in technology

An extremely Curious George

Pugcakes

Darling Emma, who loves the puggies, would never ever put something like this on her ever so tasteful blog White and Wander. But she doesn't fool me, I know she'll love it.

Pic from B&T mag - an ad for www.electricart.com.au a digital retouching and 3D creative company

If only....

PS. I wonder if they are Choc Chip

Moses Supposes His Toeses Are Roses

My favourite chore is doing the laundry (only the washing bit though - not hanging it out, I would contribute greatly to the hole in the ozone layer if I had a dryer). I can only use one detergent and one fabric softener though as I'm a bit allergic to the rest. My mum changed it once when I was living at home and I came out in a rash, but they didn't link the change in washing powder with the little red spots and they thought I had scabies. Scabies! I was mortified!


I don't shrink stuff and colours rarely run, but I often forget to check pockets. I now have numerous tops that have holes in them from when there have been screws and nails hidden in a pair of work trousers.


So, I keep my eye out for cute badges and brooches to cover them. At the moment, I like rosettes.

sadie shop $18

make pie not war $20

exousia $8

poppy and clover $22

deciduous soul $16

lily draws pictures $9

coolsisters $45

sassafras gifts $6

The Evil Earwig and the Trout Pout

I was drinking a Pepsi Max last night when an earwig managed to crawl into my straw whilst I was concentrating on my samurai sudoku. Consequently, when I took a sip, it stung me on the lip.

I feel like the love child of a three way between Lisa Rinna, Meg Ryan and Nikki Cox.

Meanwhile this photo does not do justice to the weirdness that is Meg Ryan's new lips - I went to see The Women with Kimberlee and our friend Bec and I couldn't concentrate when she was on screen. I just kept staring at that mouth.

When Tan Lines become Phone Lines

I really love Good News Week. It is a terribly funny show and last week they were running an ad that had a line from the show and it made me double over every time I heard it. (Its in the first minute of Ep 4 if you did want to watch).
It was about a group of teenage girls in Sydney who were sunbaking with their mobile phone numbers in zinc across their back.

Line of the week…

“At least they were responsible enough to wear sunscreen; they’re Slip Slop Slappers.”

Gold.

Speaking of slappers and those who deserve gold, pick up line of the week goes to my friend Jemima*

Jemima: You're very cute
Random Boy at the pub: Why thank you. Can I buy you a drink?

J: Certainly, I'll have the most expensive cocktail on the list thanks
RB: Sure....So, what are you doing after here?

J: I'm not sure, but I can tell you that you may have a chance of coming back to my place
RB: Sounds good!

J: But first, I think we need to pash so I see if you're a good kisser, and only THEN will I decide if you can come home with me or not. Ok?
RB: OK!

Later - (J and RB - pashing in the corner of a pub behind a curtain).

PS. He wasn’t good enough


*Name has been changed to protect the not so innocent

Clutch Lust

This utterly divine Celestina Abalone Clutch would set you back a measly $880 when it was for sale on Net-a-Porter (sold out now - booooo). So what is an enterprising young filly like me supposed to do when she NEEDS one?

Why, pop on her fancy diving gear, hop in the deep blue briny and get one for herself, of course. It would have totally complimented that outfit.

We actually got 10 of these in a dive over Christmas. They look awful, but are delicious when tenderised and done on the barbie in butter and garlic. Its was real treat as they are getting fished out in the waters at Yorkes because there is such high demand for them in asian markets.

FYI, no purse was actually borne of this underwater adventure. I think the shells got turned into ashtrays.

Classy.

Comfort Blogging

Although I'm all for comfort eating (I love Tuna Mornay and gooey peppermint chocolate -not together though) and comfort drinking (gin), I find my real solace in shopping. Some of my best pairs of shoes have been found when I am low. When I have holes in my pockets, the next best thing for me is perty pictures.

Here are some that I am just loving at the moment

Polaroid prints of the beach from She Hit Pause Studios

Vintage seaside photos from JKL Design

Mmmm, I am soothed.

Tuesday Tunesday - My Happiness

Sometimes I need this



Damn, they are a great band.

Extreme Sports

My favourite group emails ever are the motivational posters. This one came in today from my gorgeous little pal Morgan. Had to share.

My Six Degrees

Media junkets are my fave. I was just at a Nova function where Merrick and Rosso did some stand up and were tres humorous, but the highlight of my night was, as I was leaving, I brushed passed SALLY FLETCHER.

So, I touched Kate who kissed Heath Ledger who was in The Patriot with Mel Gibson, who was in Conspiracy Theory with Julia Roberts who was in Flat Liners with KEVIN BACON .

I really like Kate Richie. I think it would have been extremely hard growing up in front of the public eye on Home and Away. I also feel I have a bond with her as her original foster mum and I share the same name - that practically makes us related doesn't it?

But what has really endeared her to me in the last few years is that she has developed an excellent taste in fashion. The girl frocks good.

Pics from Jamd

Just give me ten minutes free reign in her wardrobe and I'll be happy

Damn You Addictive Personality

Home Furniture on Consignment, I am glad you do not have a store in Adelaide, otherwise I would try to justify purchaes like this Modular Candle Holder


and I need a big "M", it would obviously stand for "Me" or "Mwha ha ha ha" which is the laugh of my evil genius alter ego



These would light up my life

These are practically art (grammar-wise that is right, oui/non? Cos its doors, not a singular door)

And because I am Miss Moneybags, I would get this for Emma. She loves sticks.

But, as it is, I will just have to give in to my addictive personality and just keep checking back to see when new stuff comes in.