Stuff that I haven't bought, that you should buy me

Think of this as a visual birthday wishlist.

Disney Couture Peter Pan panpipes necklace.
From: Dobry Den, Surry Hills
Why I want it: it would look ace with my green dress, and I don't have any gold necklaces.






Born Standing Up - Steve Martin memoirs
From: Borders
Why I want it: I have always been a big Steve Martin fan. I think he is fascinating and hilarious and I think his memoirs would be a great read. Plus, he looks like my Dad.



Frangipani Tree
From: The Urban Balcony, surry Hills
Why I want it: Frangipanis (aka Plumerias) are my FAVOURITE flowers. I love their beautiful scent and their gorgeous colours, and I feel like I'm on holidays when I have one tucked behind my ear.



This is by no means a conclusive list, and rest assured it will be added to on a daily basis.

Get ye to Gotye!

aka. The 'Straya Day post that's a day late.
ok...lamest subject line EVER! but it's a long weekend.

I know I'm a little late to the Gotye party, so please don't hold it against me. But, WOW, is this album amazing. Like Drawing Blood is part dance, part rock, part blues, part chill, all class.

Gotye is Belgium born Melbourne lad Wally DeBacker, and this album is a home-grown bedroom job, put together over the course of two years. Doing most of the vocals himself and taking samples from all over the place, the eclectic sound has something for everyone. The highlights for me are Hearts A Mess (the amazing emotional tune), Learnalilgivinanlovin (the booty-shaking fun track) and A Distinctive Sound (the track with the amazing samples). I can totally understand why he won the ARIA for best male artist last year.

I could try and wax lyrical about the highs and lows and break each track down to analyse it, but that's not my bag, baby. Instead I am going to post some clips from my favourite songs so that you will listen to them and then go and buy the album. It's a worthy addition to any music collection and appropriate for dinner parties, birthday parties and party pies.



Price: $16.99
From: iTunes
Why you need it: because you need some new music in your life! Plus, it's always cool to support 'Strayan artists. It's 'Straya Day weekend after all.

PS - in case you are wondering how to pronounce Gotye, think Jean-Paul Gaultier without the Jean-Paul (gore-ti-yeah)

It's my party (and I'll cry if I want to)

So there are a few important birthdays coming up. Most importantly is mine, obviously, but it's also my Mums and my Nans. Whilst I am planning a ridiculously awesome party to celebrate my turning of age (think pass the parcel, fairy bread and crazy hats), my Nan is celebrating an even more important birthday than me, if that's possible. To mark my Nans 80th, we are throwing a super special happy fun times party for a whole bunch of relatives I only see at funerals. No offense to them of course.

One of the most important aspects of throwing a party is the invitation. It sets the tone for the whole event and peoples expectations are positioned accordingly. And you know what? The art of invitation writing is gone. These days it's all about text messages and group emails and facebook. Eww. Facebook. Do you really want all those weirdos from high school who you have on your list knowing about your private business? Didn't think so. Not that facebook would have been appropriate for my Nans 80th. But we could very well have sent out an email.

But we didn't! I took great delight in going into Pepe's Papiere at Bondi to look through all the beautiful papers and envelopes and wax seals and luscious shiny gel pens. Swoon. I love stationary. The invitations I selected are by a company called hiPP and they are beautiful pink with a burgundy flocked damask pattern on them. Even the envelopes are gorgeous! They also came with little magnets to stick on the back of each invite. What a brilliant idea. It was so much fun sitting down and hand writing each of the invitations, and there have been lots of compliments thank.you.very.much! The best part is, I bought the matching thank you cards for my Nan so she can write and thank all of her friends after the event and still be in theme. If I really wanted to go all out I could have gotten matching placecards too, but I don't want to set table places because frankly I don't want to put myself in a position of being stuck sitting next to some distant relo who will interrogate me about buying a house and getting married. No fun.

I am however, giving my Nan the matching guest book as a gift. But don't tell her because it's a surprise.

Price: Invitations - $19.95, Thank you cards - $14.95
From: Pepe's Papiere, or any good newsagent
Why you need them: For a beautiful, well themed party that teems with sophistication

Gosh and Golly Olly Molly!

It has been a very busy week in shopping land! So many purchases that I need to review over the weekend, although it's always hard to review a book until I have actually had a fair crack at it. I picked up the Tom Cruise Unauthorised Biography by Andrew Morton today from Kinokuniya ($45), one of the very few outlets in Australia that was able to get it in stock, and I'm really looking forward to sinking my teeth into it over the weekend. After all the press coverage that Cruise and his wacky band of Scientologists have gotten this week, I'm not sure what I'm expecting but I have no doubt it will be amusing. As GWAS rightly points out, one of Australia's biggest media players is himself a Scientologist and close friend of Cruise, so Channel Nine and all of the ACP stable wont be giving this much, if any, media coverage. But that's ok, I prefer to make up my own mind about things anyway.

Speaking of books, I ordered Style A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe and The Little Black Book Of Style by Nina Garcia about 2 months ago from Amazon and they have been sitting on my desk just crying out to be loved ever since. Even my 2 weeks off over Christmas didn't leave me enough time to tackle them, which makes me a very sad panda. Again, best of intentions for this weekend. In reality I have to work over the weekend thanks to a horrible ugly deadline, but I'll do my best.

In less complicated purchases, someone very special has a birthday coming up (you know her, totally hot brunette with big cans) so we are having a party! And we all know party is just another word for cocktail. I picked up an Urban Thirst Pina Colada Slush cocktail in a bucket today, which is a big plastic bucket that you fill up with the mixture, add rum and freeze. Instant fun! Of course no cocktail is complete without a little umbrella on the side, so I grabbed those too. Best bit...sale! Hooray for Freedom and their post-Christmas clearance.

Price: cocktail - $12.95; umbrellas - $5.95 both on sale!
From: Freedom Furniture
Why you need it: Do you seriously need an excuse to have a cocktail?

While I was hanging around Freedom I also made probably my coolest impulse purchase this week...a collection of 7 photo frames in various sizes to hang on our feature wall behind the dining table. I love that whole 'casual black and white shots artfully grouped in matching photo frames', and these are really beautiful glossy black frames with lovely detailing on them. If only I had some decent photos. Thankfully they come with cool pictures in there already so I'm just going to pretend the girls in the photos are my housemate and I and just hang them anyway. Lame, no?

Price: $49.95 (and they also come in cream...I made the girl I sit next to buy them)
From: Freedom Furniture
Why you need them: So you look cool and chic, with purposeful "art" on your walls.

MOOOO!!!

Seriously, any company that writes me an email with the subject line MOOO!!! has to be cool, right.

So on the recommendation of a fellow beauty fiend, I jumped onto moogoo and went a little nuts ordering stuff. Moogoo is a small skin care company based in Queensland that makes beautiful all natural products. Originally developing product for keeping cows udders in great shape for their twice-daily milkings, they have taken all their lovely creamy knowledge and applied it to human skin so that we too can be as soft as udders.

Incidentally, I ordered the Udder Cream and my legs have never been softer. And I smell like a baby too! The udder cream has an ingredient called MSM in it, which is incredibly calming to the skin and perfect for people who have problems with psoriasis, raw, flaky, itchy or dry skin. I really think this is going to save my skin through winter, when you go from cold and windy to dry and air conditiony all day. Eww, I shudder just thinking about it.

I also bought the Double Cream Anti-Ageing Face Cream, which smells like donuts. I love the fact that every single ingredient they use is detailed on the label so you know exactly what you are putting onto your precious face. Time will tell if it reverses the effect of my sun damage, but in the meantime it feels real nice and my skin looks good so I'm happy.

My final purchase was Edible Lip Balm. I have always always been a very dedicated Chapstick girl. Nothing else ever keeps my lips moisturised and soft the way Chapstick does (only strawberry, or raspberry if I'm in America). But gosh and golly the Cow Lick Lip Balm has kept my smackers in tip top condition since I started using it. I swear I am even applying it less than I used to apply my chapstick too.

My parcel was received very promptly (2 business days, meaning they posted it off the second my money went through) and I was most pleased to find they had thrown in an extra sample of their body wash for me too. Yay! Everyone loves presents. All in all a positive experience wrapped up in some cute cow print labels.

Price: Udder Cream and Face Cream - $24.95; Lip Balm -$4.50; Domestic shipping - $6.90
From: www.moogoo.com.au
Why you need it: For pretty skin, great lips and creamy pins. Plus it's all natural so you know what you're putting on your body. Moo!

Liquid delights

I'm not sure if I can claim this as a purchase because technically I didn't pay the bill (thank you Father of Boyfriend), but this experience was just too gosh darn good not to write about.

I had the extreme pleasure of enjoying lunch at Berowra Waters Inn and I cannot heap enough praise on this beautiful little hidden treasure. Tucked away in bushland along the Hawkesbury River, it's only accessible by boat or seaplane (jump on a charter at Rose Bay dahhling). The restaurant has their own private ferry, so take the scenic drive through the bush and park at the wharf. Make sure you clear your schedule because this is a long lunch, and don't bother trying to ring anyone while you're there because there is zero mobile reception down in the valley. You will be so relaxed though that it shouldn't matter.

Chef Dietmar Sawyere has composed a DIY mini-degustation menu, giving you the option of four, five or six courses and presenting you with a sumptuous menu of Modern Australian, including a lot of seafood, which makes you wish you could just sample it all. The courses are beautifully spaced out so you can enjoy the scenery and take time to savour each dish, and the kitchen sends out beautiful treats in-between courses that help to punctuate an already superb culinary offering (do I sound like a wanky food reviewer yet?). For an additional charge, you can also have wine matched to each course that you select, so I would recommend nominating someone else to drive.

As for the location...WOW. You're sitting just above the river, down in a valley of amazing greenery. The only sounds are birds and cicadas and the occasional propeller of a sea plane slowly whizzing along. The entire outlook of the restaurant is glass, and the interior is clean and polished, white and light timber, so as not to distract from the view.

All in all this is a special occasion destination. Momentous birthday, wedding anniversary, proposing to your girlfriend. Perhaps a wedding reception if you have money to burn. Be sure to ask if you can have a look at the wine cellar. They keep a selection of 300 different labels, about a dozen of each in stock. It's a collection to make any aficionado drool.

Price: 4 course menu starts at $125, 5 and 6 also an option. More to match wines.
Where: Berowra Waters Inn, on the Hawkesbury River nestled in Berowra Waters valley.
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday dinner and Friday, Saturday, Sunday lunch.
Why you need to go there: To experience some amazing cuisine in a heavenly location. I promise you will spend your afternoon omitting heavenly sighs.

Click Click

So I have two pretty major addictions. Actually, three. Shopping. Internet. Magazines. Not necessarily in that order, but all three play a pretty major role in my everyday. Quite often I like to combine two of them at a time...shopping online, shopping for magazines, reading about magazines online. And now I can read a magazine about shopping online! Cleo have put out an extension title (one off? periodical?) called Cleo click! If I'm going to be honest, I'm not a huge Cleo girl. Once upon a time I was an avid reader, but these days it isn't relevant to me anymore. When I think of a Cleo reader I imagine hot young things in mini dresses with spray on tans, partying all night and carrying their high heels home at 4am, a time when I am usually asleep. But when this landed on my desk* I was most impressed. Of all the cover lines, only one made me cringe (Gisele-ify your life online), but I guess that was because the cover model is a very gorgeous Gisele, so they are excused.

I consider myself a fairly knowledgeable online shopper and I was blown away by the amount of sites this title has covered. It details everything you would ever want to buy online, plus everything you need to know and (in theory) all the sites are legit so you won't be getting ripped off and having your credit card details and identity stolen. How traumatising.

The most valuable thing in the magazine (in my opinion) is the instructions for ordering online from the States and having it sent to a special US post box which then forwards your parcel on to your home address in Aus. Hello Sephora! I have been looking into this for some time because Sephora don't post internationally, so this was perfect (and well timed, because I have just run out of some things).

You don't need to read the 'how to look like a celebrity' articles, but I truly recommend this mag as a reference guide to buying online, particularly for the holy trinity of fashion, accessories and beauty. I have a feeling that I am going to have a lot more to write about (and a lot more credit card debt) when I am through with all the things I post-it flagged in here.

Price: $7.95
From: Newsagents
Why you need it: So you can experience the joy of shopping online! Pick something out, fire up your card and sit by your mail-box.

*In the interest of full disclosure, I work for the magazine company that publishes Cleo, but I don't have anything to do with that title beyond knowing a couple of the staff members.

Got big cans?

Because I have big cans. Great, heaving masses of flesh that get in the way a lot. I can't wear anything strapless, dainty or delicate because they just get swamped by my enormous girth. Gravity is not my friend. Swimsuits are not my friend. Shopping at Myer/DJs/BnT...also not my friend. Which is why I had to seek out alternative methods of purchasing boulder-holders. Cue Storm In A D-Cup.

I can't even remember how I first stumbled upon this website. I might have read about it somewhere, or I might have been googling, I'm not sure. Either way, I was glad I got there. There is a nice range of pretty and feminine bras for those of us who are 'endowed' (I HATE this word) and the customer service is really great. If something is being ordered from overseas, you get update emails. They don't charge you until you receive everything that you ordered. They accept returns. They do fittings if you can make it to their Bondi location. All in all, they help make what is normally a terribly traumatic experience, pleasant.

My most recent purchase was an Impact Free by Royce, which is a very scary looking sports bra. I try to get to the gym a couple of times a week, but it's always low impact because I don't "do" running and jumping. I'm afraid that if I run: a) I'll hit myself in the eye and b) gravity will finally win and I will literally have nipples at my knees. So I ordered myself one of these snazzy looking contraptions and so far I am enjoying my 'female jockey tested' impact free experience. Granted, it is for low to medium impact (so still no running or jumping, but truly I'm ok with that) and for a sports bra it is surprisingly comfortable. It has a wide, padded band around the bottom and padding in the shoulders, plus a super heavy duty 3 hook clip at the back, which you cover by velcro. Velcro on my bra! It might take a while to receive it if they don't have it in stock, but it's worth the wait. They range in sizes from 10D - 16J. Yes, that's right, J. And I thought I had it bad! Imagine trying to exercise with those mams.

Price: $89.95
From: Storm in a D Cup
Why you need it: So you can exercise without causing you, your cans, or anyone nearby, major damage.

PS - that's totally not me in the picture. I have the good sense to tie my hair back when I exercise!

Burn Baby Burn...

...disco inferno! Or, summer inferno. Or, whatever.

If you're like me and have gone back to work today, chances are you are:

a) suffering from an affliction I like to call 'the dumb'
b) mortally depressed
c) praying to some sort of god that you will be transported back home to continue watching cricket and eating mangoes
d) all of the above

then hopefully this might cheer you up. I spent my 2 week break lying by the pool (apologies to anyone not in Sydney, it seems we were the only ones who got tolerable weather for the break) and now I am brown and relaxed and incredibly well read, thanks to all the magazines I devoured whilst lying by the pool getting brown.

'Tanning?' you say, 'What's this? Haven't you seen those creepy ads where the cancer turns into a slimy little black monster and gets into your bloodstream? And you haven't even started burning yet?! For the love of god, kill the little black monster!!'. Yes. Yes, I have seen the horrifying tanning ad. Thank you government scare campaigns. I get squeamish every time it comes on and, believe me, I am ever vigilant in the fight against cancer monsters. I slip slop slap, wear a hat, wear sunscreen every day, wear sunglasses etc etc. But, come on, we are a nation of lizards. There is nothing more relaxing than lying by the pool/lying on the sand and enjoying the heat. It just means we have to be more careful. I will be the first to admit that I spent a good many years very stupidly frying myself in pursuit of a tan. These days, I am slightly more sensible. And that brings me to todays awesomeness.

Spray sunscreen. It's not new. You've seen the ads. But...wow...use it! Banana Boat UltraMist SPF 30 clear spray is waterproof, moisturising, rub free, broad spectrum UVA/UVB (means doubly nasties protection) and dries instantly. Not as romantic as getting someone to rub sunscreen on your back for you, but a darn sight quicker! I recommend doing it outside or in a well ventilated area because it's pretty powerful juice. 'Carn, you have no excuses with a spray!

Price: $14.95 (or there abouts)
From: Your local chemist.
Why you need it: So you don't look like a lobster and end up with the slimy black cancer bug.

Now...I know tanning is bad. I know! I'm a big advocate of fake tan. But. I found a great product that you can slap on over your Banana Boat UltraMist and you will go lovely and brown very quickly, but not burn. No burning. It's called Maui Babe Browning Lotion. Sounds very 80s doesn't it? It's a greasy oily mess and you smell like a chocolate peanut satay, but that's cool. It keeps bugs away (win), it has aloe in it so it keeps your skin hydrated and cool (double win), and you brown up quicker than you can say melanoma, so you don't need to be out there on your towel for hours. It's from Hawaii (did the name give it away?) so you can either pop on over to the islands and grab some at an ABC Store, or order online. Buy in bulk to save on shipping and split it amongst your friends. You can all smell like chocolate peanut satay together!

Price: starts at $10.95 for 4oz bottle
From: The Maui Babe Website
Why you need it: So you don't have orange palms.

There's a lesson in there...

I have been contemplating this entry for quite some time now, trying to figure out exactly how to put into words what this book means.

After coming to realise she didn't want to be stuck in the life she was in, Gilbert packs her bags and heads off to Italy, India and Indonesia to find herself through eating, meditating, balance and reflecting on what pleasure means. What ensues is a beautiful journey where she encounters all the people who will help her find herself and set her in the direction of what she really wants. She writes in a light and casual tone and you feel like you are sharing a laugh with a friend over coffee. I liken this book to a block of chocolate...you race through it because it is so yummy and you just want to enjoy it all, and suddenly you realise you only have a few squares left and you need to hold onto them and take it slowly to savour the goodness.

The beauty of her multi-faceted story is that each of us can identify with at least one aspect of it and take away something from her journey that we can apply to our own lives. If nothing else, she has caused me to take some time every day to slow down and just reflect, breathe and be in the moment. I really enjoyed this book, not only because I learnt some valuable lessons and was caused to look at myself, but also because she is really freaking funny! If I can be half as witty as she is then that's good enough for me!

Price: $24.95
From: Borders (or any other book store on the planet)
Why you need it: You just do. And so does your Mum, your sister, your boss, your best friend and your mother-in-law. Read it...I personally promise you won't be disappointed.