Koren B

smile

2012-02-11T08:30:00.001+10:00

The rainbow house

2012-02-02T09:15:00.001+10:00

beautiful sexy cool. Devendra Banhart and his girlfriend Rebecca Schwartz in this short film together created for Oliver Peoples Eyewear. So beautiful its enough to make any of us singles out there choke on our own vomit.

watch and enjoy (without envy)

home sweet home

2012-02-01T18:03:00.003+10:00

Walking through the gates at Brisbane Airport and seeing my Mums smiling face waiting for me was the cutest thing ever. It felt so great to finally be back in Australia, in the heat! First thing I did in the car was take off my winter boots, aaaah relief!

After a week of pure relaxing, at home with my parents I wasn't feeling the usual withdrawls that I've had in the past after arriving home from a holiday. I was actually content to be back!

Seeing my family again, and my friends has kept me busy. Some friends I still haven't seen yet, but all in good time.

I've been home 8 weeks already! In this time, I've been to a wedding; watched two of my best friends start the rest of their life together. I've had brilliant Christmas, New Years Eve, found out another one of my best friends is pregnant. Had numerous lunches and outings with my family. Celebrated my Grandmothers 91st birthday, my Stepdads 60th birthday, frollicked at the beach, been severely sunburned a few times, been asked to be a bridesmaid in my brothers wedding AND started a new job. With all this happiness around, who's got time to complain?

So the job is working in the hotel industry. Something I started becoming interested in whilst travelling. I feel comfortable in my new role, working with really lovely people and I think this job will keep me busy for quite a while.

With all the excitement and love around me I found it hard to ever contemplate moving away from Australia. Why fix something if it aint broke and why leave a place that really and truly I am happy in? It's home.

Since I'd been home I had maintained regular contact via Internet with Patrick. What I hadn't realised back in Europe was how I was going to feel upon coming home. He had invested quite a lot emotionally in 'us' and was quite dependent on me and hopeful that I would return and we would start a life together over there which in the end only made me uncomfortable. I don't share that same hope, and for me continuing any kind of relationship over the internet is not what I want in my life. I need something real, a man here, right now to do all the fun coupley things that new couples do! I've been completely honest and ended things a few weeks ago. He can't move here, and I won't move there. I don't want to. I love my life, I'm happy and Mr Right will be around the corner, waiting for me and with him there will be compromise and freedom for us to do and plan whatever we want, together.

The end

2012-02-01T17:30:00.000+10:00

So after arriving in Munich I spent the final two weeks of my trip there. I had a lovely time and Patricks family took me under their wing and I was treated wonferfully as a guest in their home.

On my last day there weren't too many tears, i was prepared and ready to come home. As I had been sick. The weather was the coldest I had every experienced and I a terrible flu so all I could think of was getting my hands on some cold & flu medication and relaxing. I've never spent time in a place that was so cold, this was 0 degrees and just way out of my comfort zone!

I took the train to Amsterdam for my final night. As this was the city I was originally supposed to end my trip in and fly home from. As I was sick and not there for long I did not venture out or bother to mingle. I packed my bags ready for my flight the next morning and slept well.

As I was leaving the hostel, somehow I took a wrong turn walking back to the main train station! I was walking around the gorgeous city, lined with Canals, and plenty of those "special" coffee shops, I had to ask someone where the station was! I turned around, evetually got to the station, only to find the airport train I was on was delayed. I was stressing a little as I was SO ready to fly home by this point. I did not want to miss my flight.

I arrived at the airport about 45mins before takeoff. Sweaty and stressed I wondered if customs would question me thinking I was a drug smuggler! Thank God it was all smooth sailing, straight through I went, sat on the plane and smiled with pure excitement as the plane ascended into the air to soon be seeing my family and friends again. I say goodbye to Europe it's been a great three months, I'll be seeing you again soon.


Munich

Oui Paris

2011-11-25T02:41:00.004+10:00

After an 8hr train ride I arrived in Paris. I stayed in one of the better hostels but quite far out of the city, about 12 stops on the metro. Paris is a really dirty city, like rubbish everywhere and it smells like pee. This is the first city I have really been surprised by. I checked into my hostel which is the most expensive one I have stayed in throughout Europe and also the worst.

The girls in my hostel were lovely and we had dinner downstairs in the Restaurant and Bar. I had a vegie burger with blue cheese, fries and of course red wine. This place was the cheapest place to eat and drink around. It was pretty cool too. It was not a late night, the girls were all leaving the next morning.

While we were having breakfast, an Australian guy came and sat with us. His name is Scott and was staying in Paris the same amount of time as me so that was good to have a mate to hang out with as the other girls were checking out.

Our first day we did one of the New Europe walking tours of the city, again another fantastic tour filled with free information, sight seeing and its always a great way to meet people in a new city. During the tour we came across a bridge, featured in many movies i.e Sex And The City and the fence is covered in padlocks - Love Locks! Couples come to the bridge, write their initials on the padlock, lock it to the fence then throw the keys in the river as a symbol of their everlasting love. I just so happened to have a small spare lock in my handbag...... . So I did what I had to do and threw the keys in the river.

That night we went on a Pub Crawl. Hmm what a disappointment. There was no nightlife in Paris on this night ...a Tuesday night, the bars were dead, the drinks were overpriced and it was just super lame. We also were not told the Metro stops running at 1am so when we went to the metro at 1.04am and discovered it was closed up we had to order a taxi! The highlight of the evening was a ham and cheese crepe I ate, it was so fat and tasty. Next time I need a feed at home in the middle of the night and drunk all I will want is a crepe!

The next day we went shopping in the Layfayette district, but I was not overly impressed. Its quite cool if you have a lot of money but otherwise window shopping is all that can be done. The Louvre was opening this evening until 10pm so that was the plan for our day. We arrived after dinner and I was surprised to see we are allowed to take pictures inside, just no flash. So we viewed some of the most beautiful artworks in the world, most importantly the Mona Lisa. She is a small painting but very impressive.

Next morning the weather was not great but we made our way to the Eiffel Tower. It is quite impressive from a distance, but up close I can completely understand why the Parisians hate it. It is an eyesore, a monstrosity of metal. I went up to the second level and did enjoy a nice view of the city though. We then had a plan to head to the red light district but got lost, so decided to head back to the hostel for a meal and some drinks.

The next day we visited Notre Dame. It was magnificent. I would say this gorgeous church was my highlight of my visit to Paris. Inside their are many tombes, stained glass windows, candles. It has a dark, gothic ambience also a very peaceful energy. I sat on my own and said a prayer for my family and friends. Afterwards Scott and I walked around, checking out the souvenir shops. We ate more crepes, yummy.

After my fourth day in Paris, I was starting to feel ready to leave. I had one more night to stay as I was waiting on mail to arrive to my hostel and it had not yet come. I had decided after Paris I would go back to Munich to see Patrick. I owed it to both of us to see if there is anything there worth pursuing. So I gave up my plans, to see more of France, to see Belgium and the Netherlands to go back to a city I loved and perhaps spend my last 2 weeks in Europe with him. A gamble, risk, people may think I am silly. Thankfully I had nothing booked and no set plans for after Paris.

After more sightseeing, Scott and I went back to the Hostel. I checked at reception to see if any mail had arrived for me. Much to my surprise, both letters I was waiting on had arrived early! So realising I had no reason to stay, I asked if I could have a refund on my final night, which I could! So I received back my 35euros. I then raced up to the metro, caught the train back into the city to book my ticket to Munich! It was all taken care of, everything fell into place and I knew Munich was where I was meant to be going.

Overall, I know I need to see Paris again. I need a real Parisian to show me the beautiful city, I need to see the ins and outs, the underground! Not just the tourism side. I want to come back and get to the heart of Paris, I will give it the second chance it deserves. I just know that I will need a wad of cash to be able to afford it.

I look forward to returning to Europe and giving France a lot more of my attention.

Salzburgs surprises

2011-11-17T18:54:00.002+10:00

So Friday afternoon, checked into Yoho youth hostel, a really nice place! It turns out the tour of the ice caves I wanted to do is closed for the season, aww but it's ok.
First night alone of course I make a beeline for the bar at happy hour. There is no one at the bar, awkward! So I go to the computer room. I notice a young Australian couple and we get to talking. Cam and Ash, very nice people, we went to the bar, had dinner, a couple of beers and chatted about our times. Ash went upstairs to go to bed while Cam and I finished our drinks. The bar was starting to fill up and 4 guys came over and asked to sit with us. So here we have Alex, Philip, Tasos and Patrick. Guess where they're from? ... bloody Munich! They were funny, interesting, great to talk to. Cam went upstairs and I stayed with my 4 new Bavarian friends. It turns out its Tasos birthday and they are here to celebrate.
The 5 of us headed off on foot to find a bar, with frozen faces, beating hearts and much laughter we eventually get to the river which is where we find some action. We go to a bar called Roses, drinks are a little expensive but it plays a good mix of music and has a good mix of people around.
A little dumbfounded I realise Patrick has an interest in me. Unlike an Australian guy, he tells me straight up and there's no bullshit. So we have a mutual attraction which is fantastic. He is intelligent, funny, sensitive and all round great guy. Phillip was not drinking too much so he and I were talking a lot, he was my little information source and told me stories about Patrick and his other friends. Nothing sinister haha just sharing life tales. He is really lovely too and I made a good friend out of Philip.
I went to the bathroom and met a great girl named Sarah we bonded straight away as she had spent some time in Australia and loved it. She bought me a Spritzer (wine & soda) and we had a lot of fun, I met all her friends, so we had a pretty large group by the end. Whats funny about the Austrian hospitality is they will buy you a drink as a guest but then you are not allowed to buy in return!
After however many hours, me and the boys went back to the hostel. I woke in a haze the next day, my brain was not processing much. I met Patrick downstairs and then we walked the city up to the castle. The sun was shining , we had such a nice day! I really enjoyed spending time with these crazy Bavarians! Sadly I waved them off at the train station that afternoon. Sad again of course I am really hating these goodbyes.
I slept for 12 hours that night. I woke, had breakfast and then watched the Sound Of Music. What a lovely story, I cant believe I had never seen it to the end! I walked the city then had another early night as I was leaving early for Paris the next day.

Bavarians do it better

2011-11-17T18:25:00.001+10:00

Munich round 2! Boy am I glad I made the decision to come back and do some sightseeing. This city rocks, I have a feeling I will be back.

Day 1

As I am checking into Wombats Munich, I am checking in at the same time as an American girl. We get told we are roomates. Boom, instant friend and man is she a legend. Megan- fellow traveller from San Francisco, a summer camp director and all round awesome chick.

We went out that night to the famous Hofbrauhaus, pork knuckles for dinner and I was soft, I only drank a Radler (lemonade & beer). We talked among some other Aussies we met who shared our table. In these beer halls, if there are no small tables you generally share a large one with other people. Fyi Hoffbrauhaus is where the National Socialists started.

Day 2

Megan and I headed off to our free tour of the city (New Europe tours) it was a fantastic day! Our guide, Marcin was an ex history professor / musician now tour guide. So we learned about the fascinating history of Munich, saw some gorgeous sights and had a lot of fun! Marcin has a documentary in progress, about the genocide of Ww2 but how unfortunately genocide still exists today. After all we have been through, how do we still allow this to happen? He rode his bike around Europe and Africa documenting his every move. Visit www.marcinonabike.com

That night after hearing from Marcin of an amazingly huge schnitzel, we headed off to find this restaurant and quench our schnitzel desires! So we get there and our waiter is ao lovely, we order the one schnitzel between two of us and a drink each. Out comes this plate, the schnitzel is freaking huge, about 40cm long and sitting on a bed of fried potatoes. We got a salad too but sheesh who needs it. And I wonder why I am getting so fat haha! Megan and I devoured this thing! Oh lordy, I love Bavaria.

Day 3

Up early, Meg and I head to Dachau concentration camp. Infamous and gruesome. We watched a documentary in the museum which gives a fantastic and in-your-face history on Dachau. 12 yrs of fucked up shit. Pardon my french, but what else can I say.... We were so emotionally drained we did not stay at the site long. So off we went to feed our souls and get some lunch. We walked around Marionplatz and decided on eating at the Augustiner Beer Haus. We each ordered an Augustiner Edelstoff, after Marcin telling us it was his favourite beer. Well he was right, its bloody delicious! We ordered Goulash soup each, it was the cheapest on the menu. I wasn't too excited. Anyways it came out, first mouthful in I swear tears of joy came to my eyes. What was this hot pot of liquid gold we had just stumbled upon!? The flavours were incredible, mouthgasms were had.
After lunch we walked up to the English gardens. So massive we only scoured a small section of it. Very beautiful but I wasn't sure what was so english about it. We watched people walk their dogs and we admired the crazy critters running around, into the freezing creek then rolling in the leaves. Some part of the gardens there is a naked section, safe to say we didn't come across it.

After heading back to the dorm, having a nap Megan and I headed out to dinner. We ate at a Bratwurst beer haus. And yeah we ate sausages. Oh my lord, how good they were! Of course washed down with Edelstoff. We headed over to an Irish pub called Killians, its a cool place, just like at home with a live cover band. Killians is right next door to an Aussie pub, but its crap and only serves Fosters and Vb. So we had a couple of drinks, sang along to the music then headed home for some sleep.

Day 4

At breakfast I met a Canadian girl named Rachel. I told her we were visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle and she was welcome to join us, which she did. Its a 2 hr train ride to Fussen, then you get a bus into the cute little fairy tale town, castles and horse drawn carriages but sadly no Princes. The castle is freakin huge, flamboyant (the king was controversially gay) and it was never completed inside. Only 16 rooms are done. It is a bit of a rip, €12 and only half an hour inside. Afterwards we walked to the bridge and took some gorgeous pics looking back at the castle.
After a big day the 3 of us went out for dinner and then back to Killians Irish pub. Back for beer, music and good times. We met 2 Canadian soldiers who were on leave with their father. Very lovely people, it was a big night, lots of laughs, good conversation and bad dancing.

Day 5

Megan checks out in the morning, nooooo! Off to her next destination. We had a very hungover goodbye, when I woke up later she had left me a thankyou card and a token of friendship/appreciation. So cute, God love her, I will miss her. Damn these goodbyes!

After coffee and a sandwhich, I spent some time on the internet, booking my next hostel, catching up on emails and applying for jobs back home.

Rachel and I went to dinner that night, we call the last supper. The only place deserving of such a name is of course Augustiner Brau Munchen. Now this meal, turns out to be the tastiest most amazing in all of Germany. Rach had an incredible pork knuckle, I had roast pork. It was so delicious, I honestly said I could die happy right now! After dinner we raced back home and I walked Rachel to the train station and waved her off. I had an early night, the next morning I am off to Salzburg Austria! I'm a little excited for you all to read my next story....

Beautiful Baden

2011-11-14T03:19:00.001+10:00

It is so difficult, to meet people who welcome me, a mere stranger, with open arms, pure kindness and friendship to then just leave them. Not knowing if we ever meet again.

I arrived to Baden-Baden station after lunch Friday afternoon where Simon met me. I was a little nerve wracked knowing I would be spending time at a house where nobody spoke english.

We pulled into the street and perched at the end is a gorgeous, very german two story house with litttle picket fence and typical high set pointy roof.

I received a warm welcome from Simons parents. Ingrid his mother and Bernd (Bernie) his father. So lovely.

After our introductions we headed off to see Baden. Right in the Black Forest, the trees are golden, orange, red and green. Perfect autumn, leaves fall around and litter the streets like beautiful, natural confetti. We drove up to Mummelsee, a lake up the mountain and walked around it. We then went to a ride. Then the tv tower, we climbed to the top and looked down on the city and forest. After this we went to the Old Castle. A castle built in 1100's that is now ruins. On our way home that evening we stopped in to the shopping centre to pick up some schnitzel for dinner. The shopping centre is like 2 large Ufo's! Very space agey. The grocery store was massive and had the largest deli sections i've ever seen! Probably double the size of our supermarkets at home but the shelving is not so high, everything is in reach. The delis run the whole length of the store, cheese, seafood, meat, wurst, chicken, bread - the selections are HUGE!

So that night Ingrid prepared schnitzel with chips, pasta spirals, brown sauce and salad. We sat and attempted conversations using the translation book that Bernie had. He had beem practicing! They are so cute, very precious. He then brought out a globe and wanted to see where I lived and learn more about Australia. We had icecream and sat in the loungeroom. We sat by the 'oven' a large enclosed fireplace, it was a very lovely evening.

Next morning, I came out to see a lovely breakfast. Rolls, cheeses, deli meats, coffee. Fresh rolls might I add. In Europe you never find mass produced commercialised bread products. Everything is bakery made, fresh and fancy.

We drove to the palace, Schloss Favorite and went on a guided tour inside. Admiring the 600yr old rooms still in tact with original wall coverings, ceiling art and flooring. Adorned with porcelain in every room the dutchess who lived here loved to show off her wealth. The kitchen still had the original copper pots and pans and one of the sitting rooms has the oldest glass chandelier in europe. There are some 3000 pieces of hand painted blue and white tiles that are tiled around the place.

Afterwards we headed into the city, walked around, saw the famous Roman baths, Trinkhalle, Casino, and the Allee. We then drove up to the cable train, which took us up the top of mountain where we can overlool the entire region of Baden. So beautiful and colourful.

That evening we went to dinner at the Y Burg. An old castle, the front has been remodelled into a restaurant. I ate a steak salad then a berry crepe for dessert. Washed down with a glass of Sekt. When you go to dinner with someone who you cant really converse with, it is often awkward. Car rides are often quiet and when we do talk, it can get frustrating trying to explain and translate, that attempting conversation just becomes too hard. A lot of what we talk about is small talk, it sux because the friendship will never grow. It is an odd situation to be in, especially for me, who is so verbal. The novelty of interaction with a friend who is so foreign, wears off. It can feel disappointing as I have made a good friend but I cannot make the friendship stronger as we can't bond and share life stories and or compare our life experiences.

Next morning as I am out of the shower, the breakfast spread is even more impressive. More rolls, the meat and cheeses are laid out on a platter, with addition of smoked salmon and jams. I am feeling heavy in my chest knowing I am parting from such a lovely family who I appreciate so much.

When I say goodbye to Ingrid and Bernie they both give me huge warm hugs, tell me (in german) I am welcome anytime.

I wave goodbye and soon enough I am boarding another train.

Lubeck

2011-11-13T21:53:00.001+10:00

I checked into the Hotel Stadt in Lubeck, very nice place, great value, a beautiful breakfast was included both mornings.

A unesco listed city, Lubeck is gorgeous. Very small, old and cute! I walked the city which is very easy to navigate as it is so small. I came across the worlds oldest, largest puppet and marionette museum. For only €5 I had to go in and I was glad I did! It displayed puppets from all over the world, each continent and some 500 yrs old.
Afterwards, I did a little shopping, had a haircut and went back to my room to pack. I was to leave early the next morning. So just a short stay in Lubeck but still loved it!

Howl.

2011-11-10T23:36:00.002+10:00

“I don't think there is any truth. There are only points of view. ” Allen Ginsberg

While in Sweden I watched a film starring James Franco called Howl.

Named after the poem Howl by Allen Ginsberg, the film has Franco playing the part of Ginsberg retelling the story of his life and times surrounding the release of his controversial poetry.

As a young poet growing up in the 50's struggling with his sexuality. He's confused until he realises he is homosexual after he falls in love with his friend Jack Kerouac. Back then if you were gay, you were crazy and quite often were thrown in the loony bin and given electroshock therapy to 'fix' your brain.
The poem Howl, is a based on Ginsbergs experiences of growing up with a mentally ill mother, his idenity, his sexuality, his lovers, friendships and society. Most noteably he writes of his friend Neal Cassidy who me met in hospital. A fellow homosexual. While Ginsberg did not receive electroshock therapy, as he promised Doctors he was turning straight and would marry a woman (he was clearly lying) his friend did receive this treatment. Ginsberg watched Neal friend become a shell of a man, as slowly his brain was fried.

The movie follows the story of the poem (book) going to trial for Obscenity. The poem uses 'obscene' language which is questionable in society. It is asked if some of the language needs to be replaced with less offensive terms before it can be returned to shelves.

I'm not writing this as a movie review. Just sharing a story of an artist whose words touched me.

“Concentrate on what you want to say to yourself and your friends. Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness. You say what you want to say when you don't care who's listening.”

Sweden round two.

2011-11-10T23:35:00.002+10:00

Well here I am back on the train, onto the next stage of my journey. I
said goodbye to Amy then Adam drove me to Malmo Hyllie station where I was to transfer at Copenhagen then onto Lübeck. When I arrived to Copenhagen I found out the trains had been re-routed so now a 3hr journey is taking 6hrs. Oh well not to worry, the rides are very relaxing and I tend to fall asleep pretty easily.

While in Sweden this time around we had the Halloween party which was a lot of preparation with spooky decorations, pumpkin carving, cooking, costume organising etc. Everyone who attended put great effort into their costumes, they looked great! I was a thrown together pirate, Amy and Adam Aristocrats from the 1700's. We drank plenty of wine, of course. As I had a cold, still from Switzerland, I lost my voice! Over the next few nights, I would continue to lose my voice, I think someone may have been telling me I need to shut up for a few days.

One Friday, Adam, Amy and I caught the train to Helsingor in Denmark to visit the Kronburg castle. A real castle built in 1420 with canons and a moat, coool! It is a large castle, on the water. The interior though was lacking as the castle had been damaged from being used for military baracks, so their was no original wall coverings and few fittings. Most of the furniture, tapestries and artwork do remain though. My favourite was the casements. An underground basement / cave... Casement - fitting name huh. Anyway it was extremely dark and would be easy to get lost down there if you took a wrong turn into one of the little casement rooms. It was very cold in Denmark by the way I said 'this is the most clothes I've ever worn!'

The following day was Isabels birthday, so for the morning we went to Isabels mothers house for the traditional Swedish birthday greeting where you all gather and wake the birthday boy or girl up, singing and with presents in arms. We then had breakfast together, it was a lovely morning. That evening we were to return for dinner, a dinner party with a few more guests. A very nice evening, much to my surprise. It was a warm and happy atmosphere, not a late night. We returned home for a glass of wine and a movie.

I had such a lovely time at Adam and Amy's. I got a good feel for the place. It was very relaxing, a home away from home. I had a few tears as I sat on the train and waved goodbye to Adam.

Suisse. Swiss. Switzerland!

2011-10-21T21:03:00.088+10:00

A train ride from Italy to Switzerland is so lovely, but when you actually cross that border to Switzerland, it's intense. Switzerland is so beautifully picturesque, it's like the perfect backdrop for a disney movie!

Day 1
I checked into The Happy Inn Lodge. Very cool with the Brasserie 17 bar/ restaurant downstairs and all the rooms above. That afternoon walked around Interlaken West taking in the incredible scenery, looking in the shops (admiring cow bells, swiss army knives and cuckoo clocks)= watching paragliders with envy. Oooh I so wanted to go paragliding but it was just so overpriced!

That evening my mate Simon and I got ready and and walked around town in search of somewhere to have a good, reasonably priced meal and a few drinks. It was extremely quiet for a Saturday night, much to my surprise. As popular as Interlaken is for tourism, it is not a party town. We found a restaurant, not too much charm but we were lured in by the free salad with every meal. I had a cordon bleu schnitzel and chips but poor Simon. He ordered a pizza which took forever to arrive, and when it did it was a large, flat, cardboard slab with a minimal toppings. Worst pizza I have ever seen, ick! Lucky we had a couple of carafes of wine to wash it all down.

Day 2
Next morning, after breakfast we walked to the train station to make our way up the mountains. Interlaken West - East - Grund - Grindlewald - ooh woops here comes the ticket master and we have no tickets. Damn it! Luckily he saw we were just a pair of dumb tourists and we just bought our tickets at the next stop. Then we headed all the way over the other side to Lauterbrunnen. Here we get our first cable car! Then its a couple more trains and cable cars until we get to Murren. Murren is incredibly cute, a lovely town, up a mountain, gorgeous homes, cows and of course... goats! We walk through the town to which we get another cable car. up..up...up we go. Thinking we had arrived at the top of the mountain, I was surprised to see yet another cable car. So we are on the final leg, heading up to the top of Schilthorn Mountain (the famous Jungfrau Mountains neighbor). It's cool seeing yourself thousands and thousands of feet above ground, in a small box literally dangling from a cable that connects one mountain to the next!

We arrived to the summit at the top of Schilthorn Mountain. Snow decorates the mountain tops. Mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, land so vast. Standing on the deck, a large round platform, it's so quiet, peaceful and cold up there. Black birds flying and darting in and out, as the sun is starting to go very slowly go down, it's a remarkable moment in time. There is a panoramic revolving restaurant, named Piz Gloria, at the summit, which is where the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service was set. We had a couple of sandwiches and a drink never taking our eyes off the large windows as the mountains go by.

We took the last cable car at 6.00pm back down to Murren where we made our way back down. Stopping in Lauterbrunnen at a pub for a warm glass of Gluhwein before eventually getting back to our hostel. That evening we made the right choice in eating at Brasserie 17, sharing tapas consisting of albondigas (meatballs), pepper balls (cheese stuffed jalapeños), mini bruschettas and a bowl of farmer fries. Of course my friend wine is never far away and we shared a carafe of tuscan red.

Day 3
Next day we took a train over to the East, walked along the river up to where it meets the sea. I've never seen water so blue. The river was aqua, so gorgeous it doesn't look real. After a relaxing walk and a sit by the sea we went back to the West for lunch. Having a sandwich each, neither of us were satisfied and decided we needed to try the famous Swiss specialty, Cheese Fondue. We told the waiter we wanted to share one between two of us but he insisted we have a fondue for 2.... so out comes the pot of melting cheese and bread basket. Oh boy we were excited! In we go with our bread squares, lathering them in cheese, rotating them in the liquid hot goo. So good! I had a glass of white wine with mine while Simon had a bottle of water. Now the water and wine costs exactly the same! When water costs as much as wine, you order wine, always! He's crazy I dont understand people that dont drink! Ok so by now we are halfway through the fondue realizing that it was too much buuuut we kept on going. One bread cube after the next until I started to yawn. I was getting cheese lethargic, like the way babies do after a bottle of milk. Oh I was so dozy and starting to feel really ill. TOOO MUCH CHHEEEESE! I had had it, no more cheese!

That evening, cheese drunk I walked Simon to the station. So I had a night to myself where I went to sleep early and prepared myself to leave the next morning.

Day 4
Next day I woke up fluey, I blame the cheese of course. I left at lunchtime and caught the train to Basel where I would spend one night.

Basel is a cool town, but unfortunately I did not get to spend any time exploring. Check in at the YMCA hostel was not until 3.30pm so I waited in the lobby for reception to open. While I was waiting there was a very large and rowdy group of men, I think they were Italians. All drunk, stupid and OLD. Ick they were middle aged men all carrying on in preparation for some sporting event. When I checked in I asked if there was any female dorms to which she replied no. I said I did not want to be placed in a room with any of those men, I was under the impression this was a youth hostel! So up I went to my room . I opened the door and was hit in the face with the smell of salami. Oh My God. Only one thing smells of salami, other than salami of course, and thats a dirty old Italian. There was no one in the room, I realized that some of the men downstairs were occupying this room. Beer cans, mens shoes, deodorant and other crap littered the room. I could have cried. I was sick, tired and did not want to stay in a room with drunk, old, European men. So I went downstairs, told reception I could not stay. They had no other beds left! So I used their computer, found another hostel and left.

Just a 10 minute walk away to Basel Backpack. It was perfect. Urban culture, young and I got a female dorm no hassles! Just one other girl in my room. So I ate a microwave lasagna for dinner and hit the hay by 9.30pm. I checked out at 8.30am took the bus to the airport and boarded a flight bound for Copenhagen where I then took the train to Sweden. So here I am again, back home with my family planning the next stage of my trip. I was supposed to fly home to Australia Nov 10 but its just not an option. I have ummed and ahhhed about what to do. I would ideally love to stay, work and travel but finding jobs without a visa is very difficult. So I am extending my trip, just until the beginning of December. Giving me the freedom to see and do what I want without rushing. The journey continues....

Florentine

2011-10-21T19:23:00.002+10:00

I arrived to my hostel Florence Plus, massively impressed, it's perfect. I would say even better than the Wombats hostel I stayed at in Vienna. This room was even bigger, I'd even say this place was like a hotel especially since it had a restaurant.
I went down to the tour desk first up to book in for the pub crawl that night. Also booking in was an Aussie, a Korean Aussie medical inturn named Van. On first glance he looks like a sumo wrestler / gangsta. Nice enough though we walked around the city, grabbed a beer and chatted before I went back to the dorm to chill out and get ready.

The Pub Crawlers all met down in the lobby at 8pm a small group of 11 people. Dinner was included upstairs on the terrace we got pasta, bruschetta, croquettes and bottomless wine. It was a great way for us to warm up and get to know eachother. A really lovely bunch of people, mainly English speaking i.e. Aussies, Brits, Kiwis etc.
We all headed to the first bar, free sparkling wine and a shot on arrival. I made a new friend, David. He and I were of similar age, he's a Canadian Scottsman and was like my little spiritual mate, bonding over universal law, alignment, stars, destiny, dreams, childhoods and travels. We were kind of like twins... espeically considering we share the same birthday... spooky!

At the 2nd bar Van, David and I thought more shots were a good idea so on came tequila slammers, limoncello, meanwhile I was already drinking a sex on the beach cocktail.

At the 3rd bar, it was a free shot with any drink. Oh dear, this is where things go blank. My bad. To cut a long story short, I wasn't feeling too well so I had to bail.

The next day was a complete waste. I was a wreck! Thankfully noone else had checked into my room so I could suffer in silence. I was really upset with myself for wasting a day, it was irresponsible and stupid, but there's no point in dwelling on it. After sleeping most of the day, that night all I knew all I could stomach was McDonalds, so off I went. When I returned I did a load of washing and then watched MTV.

Next morning I went down to the restaurant for some breakfast and bumped into lovely Londoner Mel. She was on my pubcrawl. After breaky her and I went to find our other Aussie mates from the night Connor and Jess. The four of us walked the city and made out way to Galleria dell Accademia where the most famous statue in the world lies... David.

There are many beautiful sculptures in this museum but when your eyes set upon David, isolated in his own corner of the building, with his own domed ceiling, with light beaming down on him, its beautiful. He is huge, smooth, white, you just want to reach out and run your hands over his foot. His hands and feet and massive, almost out of proportion. He looks sad, almost like he is not proud of his deafeat of Golliath. He stands there, in perfect form, sling slung over his shoulder gazing off to who knows where.

That night I enjoyed a delicious Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni with my friends and we parted ways about 10pm. I was to go pack, and have an early night as the next morning I would get my train to Interlaken.

Florence is a gorgous, safe city. It is not overrun with tourists, beggars or peddlers the way Rome is. I wish I had more time here, but as always I must leave and make way to my next destination.
x

Perugian confusion

2011-10-14T09:38:00.001+10:00

I left Rome to head to Perugia. I arrived in Perugia where I then needed to get on a bus to get to my hostel. The hostel is out of town, at a backpackers farmhouse. Being in the country with an Italian family, animals, wine, relaxing for a couple of days is just what I wanted. I arrived at the bus stop, following the directions which lead me on about 1km of unecessary walking in the hot sun. I rang the hostel for better directions, the man on the other end of the phone hardly spoke english. I went back to the bus stop to start again, realising I missed a turn. I eventually arrived to a large double story house, ever so quiet. Not a peep! I found an open door and was greeted by a young American girl, Maria who I assumed was another guest, but she told me she worked there. I was kind of confused, there's no check in desk or anything official. I was wondering why she was American and asked if she was related to the family, she said no.
So she showed me around a little, explained a few things then took me to the dorm room. I met Nora, another American girl, also working there.
The funny thing is, I was the only guest! This was the strangest place I have stayed so far on my journey. I met old Rita, the Grandmother who runs the farm but I never saw her again. Although it wasn't exactly what I expected it was still very relaxing and I enjoyed it thanks to Nora.
She explained she had only arrived 2 days prior to me and she hated it. Poor love! She was as confused as I was. She told me about a program called HelpX where you apply to work at various places in Europe with a host, they pay you to work and house you which is a great concept, provided you get what you are expecting and have agreed on.
The farmhouse has been running for years and gets great reviews but I guess at this time of year, it's dead.
Maria was a little lazy and nonchalant. Luckilly Nora and I had eachother to pass time with.
That evening I walked down to the supermarket to get my food for the next 2 days. I grabbed a bottle of wine and some cheese for the 3 of us to enjoy while getting to know eachother. I suggested the 3 of us go out to a bar so we caught a bus into the University to go to the local bar there for students.
Maria asked if we didn't mind going to her boyfriends apartment beforehand. So we walked in, oh geez. It smelled of cigarettes and body odour, the guys that lived there were Moroccan and blasting their bizarro bollywood tunes. I had to hold back the laughter. Nora and I sat side by side trying to disguise our sheer awkwardness. The guys were nice enough, after being there for an hour or so we headed to the bar.
The bar was thankfully full of young people, it was karaoke night and shots were only €1. It was a cool place, the bartenders were funky Italians, singing and grooving and slinging drinks. It was a good vibe in this place. After not too long though, Maria left to go stay with her boyfriend. So Nora and I stayed, had a couple more drinks and even got up to sing a No Doubt song together. We had some strange guy cracking on to us who was not cute at all and I must have told him 3 times I only speak english. We decided to head home and we were in bed around 2am.

Next morning I had breakfast then jumped online for a little then decided I should go and visit Assisi. I asked Nora to join me and we headed out on the train just after lunch.

Assisi is an incredible town. I would love to come back and stay a couple of days. A very old town set up on a hill - holy, safe, beautiful and relaxing.
The birthplace of three saints, most famously St Francis of Assisi.

The basilica where Francesco's tomb lies is a huge, world heritage listed structure. You have to be silent, no cameras allowed. A mass was in progress when we entered. There were a couple of different prayer temples inside. Downstairs in a dark, gothic room is the tomb. It stops your heart a little, you feel sad but at the same time really peaceful.

We caught a bus up to the top of the town where we could then walk back down through and explore on foot. The streets are gorgeous, old, quiet, quaint and just what I expect from an old historical Italian town. We walked through to the centro, just smiling and being amazed of the cuteness of this place. Stopping to admire bakeries, delis and stores and the magnificent views of the world below Assisi. Priests, sisters and friars walk the streets while the locals sip wine, coffee and talk amongst eachother.
A place not to be missed on a visit to Italy. No tourists, no hustle and bustle just pure beauty.

That night Nora and I made dinner while discussing our travel plans.

I think really we needed eachother for the 2 days I was there, she was a wreck unsure on what to do and I would have been the same had I not had her, more as my friend than a host, hopefully our paths cross in our future travels.

Mamma mia

2011-10-11T18:29:00.101+10:00

My flight to Milan was good, I must have been crazy when I booked a 6am flight though. I arrived to my hostel in Milan, hot, sweaty and tired at 9.30am and check in was not until 1.30! The host, Francesco was lovely though he gave me a room to shower and change in, gave me juice and a croissant and I sat outside reading until check in.... I was falling asleep when he came out to me and says andiamo! (lets go) I stared at him confused! He told me he had my room made up already, so I was able to check in at 10.45am, I was sooo happy and grateful. I settled in and was literally asleep by 11am, woke up at 2.30pm and went for a walk into the city. Now Milan is kinda pooey. I dont like it. The people are nice but the city is dirty, smoggy and boring. So I was happy to check out and catch the train to Rome early the next morning.

Rome Day 1

Nothing is weirder than checking into your hostel dorm room and seeing someone in there you met at a previous hostel in another country! Crazy stuff I tell you.
This young Aussie guy I met really briefly in Frankfurt was in the same room as me, which was handy. He and his friends and I hung out for the first couple off days.
Walked up to the Victorian Monument, which is beautiful, white marble, massive, impressive, nicknamed the wedding cake.
Following that, walked up to the Colleseo or Colloseum as we know it. I did the tour there, learning of the history and construction and ultimate downfall of the structure. It is by far the oldest thing my eyes have seen, with it being as I say nearly as old as Jesus! It is huge, I can only imagine how beautiful it would have been in its original state, covered in Marble - all white and glossy.

That night we walked into town to go to dinner. The streets are all cobblestoned, narrow, bustling with tourists, street vendors, mopeds and locals. We picked a little restaurant that was well priced. I had a bruchetta, stuffed Zucchini flowers and a Spaghetti with cheese and pepper. Sounds plain, but it was delicious. Who would have thought a simple cheese and pepper sauce could be so heavenly. We shared 2 bottles of house white then walked off to get some Gelati. I had a combination of Baileys and Cappuccino. Oh Mamma mia! Afterwards we came to a couple of little bars, to have a few more drinks. They weren't the most atmospheric places, the Romans do not mingle.

Day 2

We headed off to the see the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Along the walk we stopped in a cafe that served Panini's and Club sandwhiches, but not just any club sandwhich, an epic club sandwhich. Four layers of bread with ham, tomato, egg, cheese, rocket and potato salad. Again, the food oh Mamma mia!
Arriving at the Spanish Steps, people are everwhere! The steps are the widest set of steps in Europe, they are really steep too! At the top sits a church The Trinità dei Monti then the 138 steps flow out from the base of the church, this monument built in the early 1700's.
After visiting inside the church, taking a few photos and trying with all my might to not fall down the steps, we headed over to the Trevi Fountain. One of the most famous fountains in the world, the thing is massive! 26mtrs by 20mtrs. I dropped in a couple of coins, I think I made a wish...! There were people everywhere, lots of dodgy street vendors, I was keeping my handbag clutched tight to me.
Walking the city I just happened to stumble upon a Sephora. I purchased a little D&G Light Blue Perfume and Body lotion gift pack, I didn't bring any perfume with me so now I smell ok again.
We went out for dinner again that night, this time around sharing a mixed bruchetta plate and I had a seafood linguini. It was an early night as my friends were checking out early the next day.

Day 3

By myself today, I had to check out of my dorm and was put into a girls only room, booooo.
I took the metro to Ottavia station which takes you to Vatican City. I walked up to Saint Peters Basilica. It is breathtaking. Beautiful. Renaissance. Holy.

I like this: The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson described St Peter's as "an ornament of the earth ....the sublime of the beautiful"

I had lunch at a Pizzeria, pizza of course, and Americano Caffe. There was not much else to do so I took the metro back to the hostel and rested before dinner. Dinner was provided by the hostel this evening, at a pizzeria. Dry pizza made by Koreans, but it was ok as it came with free wine. I met some American guys, we talked for a couple of hours before I headed back to the room for an early night.

Day 4

I had a tour booked to tour The Vatican Museum. It was an 8am start, the bus drove us up to Vatican City. We had priority entrance, so lining up was quite short. We had a great, knowledgable guide who talked us through the museum. We walked through the Frescoes -galleries of tapestries, paintings, sculptures. Then walking in to the Sistene Chapel.

The Sistene Chapel is everything you'd imagine it to be. Jaw dropping. Decorated by of course Michaelangelo and Botticelli works. The Last Judement, I could stare at for hours. That wall that Michaelangelo painted has to be seen by all, it took him 4-5 years to paint, starting it in 1535. The stories and explanations told about this piece are very interesting. Seems old Michaelangelo was quite a witty man.

The side walls of the chapel are covered with panels painted almost in a storyboard fashion. The life of Moses on one side of the chapel and the life of Jesus on the other. Then of course there is the ceiling which we all know about, again Michaelangelo at his best, depicting 9 panels of Gods creation of the world.

After the chapel we venture out through the museum libraries and make our way back into the city and eventually on the bus.

It really is far better to go here with an organised tour to take you to The Vatican. On my way out, I saw lines that extended so far, wrapping right around the block, lining up for hours upon hours these people will be. Just pay an extra €30, have the tour, no lines and you get a bus and a guide. Well worth it!

Jesus Shaves mug

Spanish Steps

Epic Sandwhiches

Oh Vienna!

2011-10-09T18:22:00.002+10:00

Vienna. Wien. My beloved. A city so old yet so modern. Safe, clean and exciting.

Day 1
I arrived Sunday evening to Wombats City Hostel at The Naschmarkt. A brand spanking new hostel decked out with modern amenities and facilities. A large dining room, trendy dark lit bar, aptly named The Wombar. In the lobby is a common room with lounges, free wifi and about 20 computers. My dorm room was cool. Timber bunk beds, each bed with its own in built lamp & power point. Acces card activated lockers, hairdrier, clean bathroom, cosy linens. I hardly saw any of my dorm mates which was on one hand fantastic to have privacy and peace, but on the other hand, a roommate.is the first point of contact and easiest way to make friends.
I showered, changed and headed down to the Wombar for my first complimentary beer and to find some friends. The first beer was consumed in roughly 90 seconds. There wern't too many people in the bar, but I liked the music. Metronomy, Nirvana, Snow Patrol, Powderfinger - the list goes on I ordered another beer (Ottakringer), when behind me I heard a voice discussing Oktoberfest. Naturally I chimed in. This is the start of my first friendships in Vienna.
Three people. A 26yr old German biology student - Daniel. A 28yr old biochemist from Spain - Susana. And a 30yr old Vietnamese Australian interior architect who I shall nickname - VA. On account of me not remembering his name.
Susana, Daniel, VA and I got along very well. We chatted and drank for a while before agreeing to go out for dinner and of course more drinks. We walked into the modern museum square, only to find most places were closed. It was a school night after all. We found a bar finally and ordered some tapas. We talked about our cultural and language differences, travels and ninties cartoons. We headed off on a mission to find another bar but failed and ended up getting a little lost. We walked and walked trying to work out the map, all the while my bladder was slowly filling up, ready to burst. I literally needed to wee so bad I thought I would vomit. So there was only one thing to do.... Ninja pee. I did it. I quickly found a dark, quiet space, nestled between two large cars, squatted and felt the best release of 2011. It was a success. The four of us eventually worked out how to get back to the hostel, had one last drink before heading to bed, agreeing to meet next morning and go out for breakfast.

Day 2
The four of us met in the lobby and made our way across the road to the Naschmarkt. An outdoor, multicultural permanent market. We found a nice cafe and sat in the beautiful Vienna sun reading our menus, all of us deciding on an Israeli breakfast. Literally having no idea what to expect we were delightfully surprised when our four.meals came out served on 3 tiered serving dishes! Bottom tier was scrambled eggs, middle tier was a salsa type salad of fresh, chopped.tomato and cucumbers. Top tier was a a soft, spreadable goats cheese, olives and olive oil, all served with warm flat rolls. The meal was delicious, fresh and fullfulling, a perfect start to the day.
It was now time for Susana to check out so we said our goodbyes. Daniel, VA and I were off on our way to see the Schonbrunn Palace. We were joined by a newcomer, Rick. A big middle aged Australian man, intelligent, kind and well spoken (except for a nervous tick he had) we were the strangest looking group of companions! The blonde girl, the german, the old man and the asian.
We arrived at the Schonbrunn Palace. A grand building. It was originally a mansion built in 1548. Then a palace was added between 1638-1643, becoming the summer home of Queen Marie Theresa and her sixteen children. One of whom was the famous 'let them eat cake' Queen Marie Antoinette of France. A 6yr old Mozart performed here for the Queen. Napoleon stayed here twice. A very powerful and notorious empire she held sovereign over Milan, Croatia, Bohemia,Hungary, Austria for 40 yrs. Every room was laden with gold. Hand drawn and painted wall papers covered the walls. One thing I noticed was how short the grand beds looked. Then Daniel informed me 'people were short back then' I'm like 'yeah but this wasn't the dark ages!' Well anyway they must have been really short back then!
Ok back to the palace... It's pretty damn impressive, as you'd imagine a palace to be. Outside are the french gardens, The Great Parterre. Massive backyard I tell you! Immaculately manicured, perfectly and symetrically designed with blooming colours of yellow, red, pink, purple, blue. I defied instruction and of course had to run up and get a photo on such a beautiful piece of floral art.
Lining either side of this amazing backyard are the gravel paths, every few meters stands a large white marble statue, I'm not 100% sure who the statues were of or what they symbolised, but they're cool, and massive. As was the monument that stood perhaps a kilometer from the palace, directly parallell and centered called The Sun Fountain. Raised on a hill, so when the queen looked out from her windows and balcony, she had something to look at. When you walk and climb your way to the monument, there in front of it lies a beautiful fountain and a pool. From up here the view is incredible. You literally stand there looking back down on the palace and the whole city of Vienna stands behind it. What a site!
We had a great time, we ate cornetto ice creams and got lost in the palace maze gardens. Then made our way back to the hostel where we had to say goodbye as the others were checking out.
I used my time that evening to take care of any business I needed to on the computers. I met two Aussies, Dwayne and Ken. I had an early night.that night.

Day 3
I got up and ready to cease the day. Today I was heading to the Albertina Gallery. An impressive building built in 17th century, bombed in 1945 and refurbished. It houses 65,000 artworks. Only €9.50 entrance fee. I started in the Rennaissance section where the work of artists like Michaelangelo, Rafael, Rubens hung. My brain has mini explosions and my heart skips a beat when my eyes witness 500 year old artworks.
I then made my way into the Max Weiler exhibition. He is a very famous, influential Austrian artist. His impressionism confused me.
Then came the Picasso and Monet exhibition. It's cool seeing them in real life, alongside Kandinski and Matisse.
After a couple of hours there I headed over to the main street, shopping! Oh my lord. This is the shit right here, anything you need you can get here. Just so happens my bag was breaking and my boots had worn down. Needless to say they were replaced, alongside a black cardigan, a pair of tights and 2 t-shirts.
I then went over to Crossfields, the Aussie pub for a feed. The food there is overpriced and terrible. I met an older Australian business man and he paid for my food and two beers, yeaaah. I couldn't tell if he was creepy or just very kind. Anyways I bailed and headed back to the hostel where I bumped into Ken and Dwayne who invited me to a trivia night at a nearby Irish Pub.
There was us three plus another aussie girl and an english girl. Our team name was The Fritzel Kids. We came third, well third last actually. It was good clean fun though and I had another early night as my winery tour was booked the following morning
Day 4
Up early, the tour bus picked up the group at 9am. Our guide, Sascha was lovely and very informative. The bus was made up of Aussies, Canadians and Americans. We headed off into the Wachau Valley where we went to pick up our bikes, then rode to our first winery. Tables set up outside of this beautiful, exclusive winery, nestled in between valleys of vineyards. I sat with two Aussie girls, Gemma and Jackie. We got along great, giggling and chatting over our first 3 glasses of wine. We then rode about 30mins to our next winery, where we had lunch. Traditional style, meats, salads, cheeses, breads... More wine. We rode to the next place, this was tasting of apricot schnaps and apricot brandy. Us girls sat and had a coffee, melange. While the rest of the group climbed a mountain to a castle ruin. We then rode to a beach where we relaxed for a while before heading to our next and last venue, more wine. Yummy yummy wine.
The busride home was quiet but filled with happy, tipsy, worn out winos.
I did not go out that night with my new friends as I had some things to do. I heard so many bad stories of Naples, I needed to cancel my hostel there and research what I'm doing instead. As I had to be up at 3am next morning for my flight to Italy, I had to get myself sorted out. I've decided on visiting Perugia instead.

Vienna has been a trip highlight. The friends, shopping, art, history and culture. Vienna is the underdog of Europe. I can't wait to visit again.

X

Rusted wheel

2011-10-05T03:43:00.002+10:00

I've had a great couple of days with my sweet cousins Isabel and Marcus. Such lovely, smart, loving kids. It's sad to leave but I shall see them again in a couple of weeks.

Well I left Adams early Saturday morning. Took the train up to Stockholm, a 4hr ride that I read, napped and listened to music on. Arcade Fire, Silversun Pickups and Bon Iver created the perfect soundtrack for my journey. I find the rides so peaceful. I smile, content with the fact I'm on to the next leg of my journey.

As I sit here and the song Rusted Wheel comes on by Silversun Pickups. It reminds me of how I felt at home on the Gold Coast... Rusted wheel planted still, rusted wheel can't move on. And it feels just like the ground. Trapped in another way just still, in the ground.

My hostel was located at Zinkensdam. It was a little difficult to find, and searching for a hostel with 12kgs on your back sux majorly but after some helpful strangers I made it fine. The room was tiny, cosy I guess. Just me and two other women. One I nicknamed Snuffleuffagus due to her terrible snoring. The other was Eve, a lovely, smart, friendly Brit.
After walking the very trendy area on my own for a while I went back to the room and Eve invited me to join her for dinner. So we caught the Undergound to Slussen. Even trendier if you can believe it. All the women with their naturally long, glossy, flowing hair. Vintage, just thrown together so effortlessly cool wardrobes. The men: preppies, goths, hipsters, pretty boys, all just so handsome and well dressed. The Swedes know how to put more than just furniture together that's for sure.

One thing I noticed is how composed the Swedes are. Me laughing out loud during conversation often shocked people around me. Like I should be put into a glass cabinet and studied. Loud obnoxious Australian girl!
We had a beer at Snaps, an outdoor lounge bar. Then ate out at a Chinese restaurant, Ming Garden. Very nice but the little Chinese waiter took it upon himself to take our change as a tip. After dinner we made our way back to the hostel where we had a wine, more great.conversation and laughs.

I haven't seen nearly enough of Stockholm yet as it was merely a stop over as I'm flying out of here to Austria. I shall return one day to explore more of this lovely, cool city.

I didn't take any pictures in Stockholm but here are a few more of my stay at Adams.
Adam in his soccer coaching outfit.... the baltic sea and our swedish meatballs!

Hej hej!

2011-09-26T22:33:00.005+10:00

Oooh I do love Europe and I have only seen Germany and small parts of Sweden so far. GEEZ. There is so much to see and do, it's just a completely different world to Australia.
Even though I am on the other side of the world, when I first arrived I didn't get a big culture shock. I never got off my first train, or first plane and freaked out. I never really get jetlagged or feel overwhelmed. It's just sort of... natural.

I must thank everyone for their kind words, love and support regarding my last post. It was a very small hiccup on my trip, as disappointing as it is - it has happened for a reason. Mum is right, she said 'darl, he's done you a favour' He certainly did. So, thank you again for all your love, I am ok. I am using my alone time, (while Uncle Adam is at work) to research and organise my new itinerary. So hopefully by tomorrow I will have a fairly good idea on whats going on. I will be working in my trip, to come back to Sweden for a Halloween Party my Uncle and his parter Amy, will be hosting. Anyone that knows me would know there is no way I'll miss a good party, especially with the opportunity to dress up. My rule: Dressing up means messing up. Goodbye inhibitions.

Adam met me at the train station 9pm Friday in Hyllie. It was so easy to get here from Berlin, surprisingly. It never felt like 8hrs travel! I have to tell you, the train from Hamburg (north Germany) to Copenhagen... it goes onto a Ferry. YES that's right the train was on a boat!   Upon the Ferry there's restaurants and duty free shopping. I had dinner, a schnitzel with chips and some Aussie wine.

On my first night, I was shown to my room, which is my cousin Marcus's bedroom. A batman bed, just what I always wanted! Just a few glasses of wine and some catching up before bed.

Hölvikken is a cute little town in the South of Sweden just a short stroll from the shores of the Baltic Sea. Through these parts are farming towns. Sugar beets, onions, potatoes, wheat all grow here, among other things , I am sure to hear about.   Everyone rides bikes everywhere, just like in Germany. It is so flat and everyone is so close by, a car is not necessary unless heading into Malmö for shopping, working or nights out.

On Saturday we went for a bike ride then took a drive into Malmö. I purchased a winter jacket (winterjack!). Knowing that Scandanavia would be the best place to get one.   It's getting bloody cold here, and winter hasn't even hit.
On our drive home we picked out own Corn! Yep, went to a Cornfield (Children of The Corn, E.T or Signs never crossed my mind...)
I met Adams Australian friend, Chappy. Chappy has been here for about 25years, married to a Swedish woman. He is a 40 something, crazy haired, chatty, happy, crazy, full-steam-ahead kind of a guy. I imagine there is never a dull moment when Chappy is around. After meeting him for 10 minutes he was already trying to organise for me a job, a car and friends! God love him.
That night we baked an Apple crumble and cooked up and ate our hand picked corn, with chicken, fried polenta, salad and a few glasses of red wine and sat watching Big Bang Theory.
Sunday I got to uploading my photos of Germany to facebook while Adam mowed the lawn. We then took a drive out to his Vineyard in Trelleborg. It is gorgeous. A Vineyard that sits out the back of a restaurant / B&B. I tasted the grapes, so yummy. We cooked dinner, more yummy corn of course. More wine, duh! And then went for a night ride at 9.30pm we set off with frozen faces for about half an hour. I have to laugh, I am too short for the bikes. Everyone rides them so high! I am trying to get used to my feet not touching the ground. I nearly stacked it the other day trying to stop and push off, right in front of a car full of people. I think I made their day, I would have looked like a massive dork.

Anyways, back to the trip planning. Big love to you all

Red Grapes

Green grapes

Adams Vineyard

dork in a vineyard

Sun setting behind a Cheiftan burial mound

day follows night

2011-09-24T09:07:00.004+10:00

So. Here I am. I'm aboard a train to Sweden, via Copenhagen. On my own.
Let me tell you something. People come into our lives for a reason. Some amazing, blessed beautiful people. Some you may consider just plain bad and wouldn't pee on them if they were on fire. Then a few in between.
I like to think that most of the people that enter my life are from the first option. I believe it! All of you, family, friends, readers. Have all touched my heart - hence why we're connected.

Then sometimes people enter your life and put a foul taste in your mouth. They take advantage of you, your kindness, your spirit, your heart. They are selfish. They exist! But we do not need to attract then into our existence. If, for whatever reason you have attracted one of these people, like I have, well we need to look at the reason why. Why did this person enter my life, put vinegar onto a wound, a wound that was never there in the first place? Ouch.

Where am I going with this? Stay with me folks I'm getting there.

So my travel buddy, most of you are aware who this is. He is not who I thought and hoped he'd be. Not a companion to tour Europe with, not a comrade to drink wine with, not a friend to rely on. Not a human being with respect, responsibility or resolve in their being. He has what I would call an underdeveloped mind and devoid of emotion. Not able to communicate like an adult. No compromise, no discussion, nothing. Nothing but a passive-agressive, immature, irresponsible behaviour that has truly saddened and disappointed me.

Stay with me guys...

This person has in 1.5 weeks, stayed out drunk and not returned home 3 times. I worry, he has a dead phone battery twice, then the third time actually lost the phone. I do worry, this is a normal emotion to have for a friend, especially when we are over the other side of the world. Apparently if the roles were reversed, he wouldn't worry. Awesome!

Yesterday evening, we were separated again, not a big deal, it was early still. But when I did see him I asked if he was organising another phone to which he simply says no. I explain why I think its necessary, trying to discuss the importance of us needing to be there for eachother while we are in foreign lands for the next 2 months. Explaining we need to back eachother up and watch out for eachother. He has no responses, passive-agressive, unable to communicate. I get one response I dont know what the big deal is, girls travel alone all the time. Wow. I agree, yes they do but I am new to this, I'm not other girls, I say he isn't comprehending anything I've been saying. If I was happy to travel alone, I would have done it by now. He says: did you want to go out tonight? Me: no thank you I'll be ok. He then sprays himself with deodorant, walks out without a word, no goodbye - nothing. I am shocked, what just happened? Are we children in a sandpit and I just stole his truck, so he storms off? I cry wondering who this person is, why am I travelling with someone that doesn't care? I cry, upset with confusion and fear.

He doesn't return.

When I wake next morning he is there sleeping, I shower, change and get ready. He does not wake although I saw his eyes peek open. I head downstairs to use the internet for one hour. Go back up to wake him and he's gone. Bags, bed linen, everything. He's checked out, without a word, not bothering to come and speak to me. He would have seen me at the computer when he checked out. I have no words. I shakily pack my bag, and check out. I waited another hour downstairs, I was there until midday - still nothing. I speak to my Uncle Adam, my Godfather. We agree best thing for me to do is make way for Sweden asap. I've resigned myself to the fact I've been abandoned. This person who has let me down and left me behind is no friend. This persons actions are a disgrace. Who would ever do this? What would a person have done to be treated so?

Well all I can do is pick myself up. Find strength, it does exist it me. Sometimes I just deny it's there. We all do. I can continue my journey, I can make this worth my while. I have the faith, people have faith in me and I have my Angels.

So from this experience. I learn, I am strong, I am smart, I am capable. I had reservations about trusting and travelling with this person, so again I learn my instincts are right and to trust in them always. I learn I don't need anyone to hold my hand.

So to wrap up this tangent, people will turn up and mess with you a little. It happens. But by God are we resilient! When we live without fear we will always be ok.

X

Berlin

2011-09-24T08:36:00.002+10:00

It took a mere 6 hours by train to arrive to Berlin. First class of course! Thankfully when you purchase a eurorail pass it must be first class travel (unless of course you take the express trains, there is no classes as the ride is too quick). Its so comfortable, I actually didn't feel like it took so long. I just put my headphones in, wrote in my journal and looked at the beautiful scenery. Crops, Windmills, Castles. There is so much vacant land, it surprises me as the population is so high for a small country, but the Germans are very organised.

Day 1

Staying at the Heart Of Gold hostel which is a pretty cool place, in a great part of town. Its a pretty alternative place, what you would expect from Berlin. My roomates and I became instant friends. Jonas (a young German kiwi!) Abraham from Saudi Arabia and Jared from Australia.

I did a walking tour of Berlin, organised through Sandemans New Europe Tours. They are a really good group, the guide James was super smart and impressive for an English bloke. We walked for miles and saw some incredible sights (Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Hitlers Bunker, Holocaust Museum, Richestag, Cathedrals etc). It went for about 4 hours. Feet were so soooore by the end of the day.
I met some really nice American girls on the tour, who were doing the pub crawl that night, organised by the same crew. So we all met up at 8pm for the drinking shenanigans.

So Nick, myself, Jonas and Abraham all headed off to the pub crawl. At the first bar, the Silberfisch we sat and had our first free beer. I met two young guys from Canberra who I donned as my little brothers, I just love them - Steve and Martin. This bar was really cool, played some great music (The Pixes, Kasabian, The Killers)

At the last night club a fair few hours later. It was seriously so bad and cheesy I wanted to get the hell out of there. Terrible late 90's pop music. I dont even know what the place was called.

Unfortunately my little buddy Martin had 5 stitches in his big toe from Oktoberfest, and he kicked his toe and busted his stitches. Oh my lord there was blood everwhere! So I took him outside and spoke to the door man who sent me inside to speak to the bar staff who sent me back outside to speak to the door man! I was getting pretty mad. Eventually the door man called Martin an Ambulance. Poor mate - it was pretty funny. His second trip to a German hospital in a week.

Nick stayed out with one of the American girls. So Jonas, Abraham and I headed back to the dorm. We got lost, of course. Abraham hailed a cab, paid for it thankfully and we were home in only a few minutes.

Day 2

was a late start. We met up with the American girls at midday and then we all headed on our own tour of the city. We wanted to get to the parts of the wall we had not yet seen. The Eastside Gallery it is known as. The wall has been covered in some great artworks. We walked the entire city, revisited the sights we had seen on day one, plus went down to the holocaust memorial.

After walking and sight seeing for 7 hrs, it was time to say goodbye to the Americans. So Nick and I headed back to the dorm and got ready for dinner. Jonas came with us, thankfully as he can translate for us ;) We ate at a lovely Italian/German restaurant. I wanted a Schnitzel, no way was I leaving Germany without having one. So that is what I had, it came with scalloped potatoes that had been fried with bacon, yum! And salad and I washed it all down with a glass of Italian Merlot. (I still think Aussie wine is better)

Day 3

Nick and I did a self guided tour of the concentration camp Sachsenhausen in Oranianburg. About a 45minute train ride out of the City. It was the housing for political prisoners established in 1936 and the training centre for the SS. Much of the original structures still exist in their original form.

The killings in this camp were usually done by hangings or shootings. A lot of the people also died here from torture, malnourishment but most commonly tuberculosis. Then eventually in 1942 they built the gas chamber and ovens. The camp also contained a brothel where female prisoners were forced to work. It was all pretty disturbing, but it has to be seen. It's all very fascinating. I wasn't emotional visiting this place as I was sick. My stomach was pretty unsettled with the stories. Also so difficult to comprehend the terror that existed right underneath my feet.

At the end of the day, I simply had a takeaway pasta in my room and spent some time downstairs with fellow hostel buddies. I was in bed by 11am and early to rise the next day.

I loved Berlins history, a tortured soul that has bounced back with vibrance and strength. After 4 days however I was ready to leave.

Munchen: beer and love

2011-09-20T06:12:00.002+10:00

It was a 2-3 hr train ride, 1st class with our rail pass to Munich. The rail system is extraordinary, so functional.

We checked in to Hotel Kent in the very quiet, Bavarian town of Engleschalking. A great room, 3 single beds, clean & tidy with great ammenities. The room came with a old trouser press, too cute! In the hall was a shoe shine machine, cuter! First night in we just grabbed some snacks, drinks and pizza and were in bed by 9pm in preparation for Oktoberfest.

Awake by about 5.50am, the dress up process began. Hair, makeup and dirndl all go! We headed into town (very quick ride on the S Bahn) and when we got off, joined the masses on the walk to the grounds. We arrived between 7.30-8.00am and lined up at the main tent the Haufbrau. Doors were opening at 9am. The doors cracked open about 10mins early and it was a wave of bodies, a moshpit! I dont think my feet touched the ground, I was jammed so tightly between bodies. We ran and secured a table, in a great spot near the stage and close to the bathrooms. We were joined by two other lovely girls, Cleo and Amy. We all got along very well. We were all hungry and parched. I needed caffeine, so ordered a coke but had to wait for 10am for any drink service. I ate a poppyseed roll with ham/salad. They have cute people with food baskets walking around, serving pretzels and rolls. When my coke came, I was so relieved to have liquid, caffeine and sugar... Only 2 more hours until the bells ring and its beer time.

At about 11.30 our assigned 'beer wench' Bettina took our beer orders. In the meantime, the band and family of the tent (each tent is named after a family) came on stage and received massive applause. A marching band came through the crowd about 11.50, everyone stood on their chairs cheering! Then right on 12pm the gong went off, bells rang, the band started and the crowd of thousands cheered! Bettina had our drinks over to us straight away, she was onto it! Prost! Ahhh that first stein went down well, I reckon it took about an hour to get through. By our 2nd round of steins we were all mingling with surrounding tables and everyone was pretty loose and happy. People from all over: aussies, kiwis, irish, german, italian, swiss, austrian! It was honestly one of the most exciting, electric and happy environments I'd ever experienced. Everyone smiling, getting to know eachother, drinking and dancing together. There was attractive men in lederhosen everywhere. There's something magical about the traditional suede lederhosen, every man just looks so handsome! And those beer wenches, holy crap some of them carry 10 if not more, steins at a time - it was mental! These are mostly older women, with arms of steel.

Later in the evening, after a few bathroom runs, a cheese pretzel, a couple of steins later, (at one point I actually pretended I didn't speak english to a couple of aussie girls in the bathroom line haha) tabletops by now where dancefloors. I had met so many lovely, happy, drunk people two which were a couple, I dont know their names. He was Swiss, she was Irish and they had actually just met that morning! They seemed in love, very cute. I had said I wanted that, a nice guy - but no Aussie ;) We were all dancing on table tops, laughing, smashing our steins together and singing along to the band until the drinks stopped at midnight and it was time to leave the tents.

Following morning I was a little worse for wear. Lack of sleep, water and food took it's toll and I decided I couldn't do a second day/ night at Oktoberfest. Nick headed in and I went to sleep. At 1.45 I woke up, watched german Mtv and caught up on the internet. I decided to head in so I got ready. Then I sat there fully dressed but still could not muster the strength or desire to head in. So my trackies came on, I went and got a pizza and spent the night in. It was nice to have some space to myself. I fell asleep after dinner, woke up about 2am and Nick was still not back. I hoped he was ok and with his aussie mates. I woke up at 7am, showered packed my bag and tried to contact Nick, no go. Check-out was at 11am, he just turned up at 11.02. Lucky! We checked out and decided to get the soonest train out to Berlin. It was raining a lot in Munich so not worth site seeing. So off we went to catch our 6hr train ride to Berlin.

I didn't have any expectations of Munich or Oktoberfest but it certainly delivered happiness, beer and love in bucket loads (or Stein loads!)

Sunny Frankfurt

2011-09-16T19:21:00.001+10:00

Frankfurt is a beautiful big city. It's a bank town, business district. Very smooth running and organised.

I have really loved the 2 days I've spent here. The weather is beautiful & sunny. It does get cool at night but no cooler than at home right now.

Day 1
arrived at Frankfurt Hostel early, 9.30am and could not check in until 2. I has tired but more so very.dehydrated from travelling so I was pretty out of it. I mingled a little, drank water and tea and rested on the couch until nick (my travel buddy) arrived at 12.30. I was lookin pretty nasty, greasy hair and my face needed a good scrub. We walked the streets a little until check in. I purchased some shampoo/conditioner haha and then it was time to check in, that first shower as you can imagine was divine. The hostel rooms are very tidy, clean linens and towel are provided. I am a rare female in this hostel. I realise now the sausage fest was due to a car show that is on. So after a shower I went in for a quick nap. 3.5hrs later haha! We got ready and walked looking for a genuine German pub with cheap beer and food. No go. In the area we walked, it was all cafes and restaurants! So we settled for an awesome restaurant/bar called Chicago. Yup, it was american! We shared a pitcher of Becks. I had a delicious shrimp salad. Then we were pretty spent so it was back to the hostel. It was in interesting night. 3 older men must have booked the other beds. One of them slept above me, gross! Lucky for earplugs, it was a dirty snore choir in that room.

Day 2
Early to rise for our buffet breakfast that comes free at the hostel. Cheese, ham, tomato, toast, rolls, coffee, tea, juice, fruit etc. at 11am we had to meet for our Rhine Valley day tour that I'd booked. Joking around we thought it would just be us in the back of a VW Golf. But no, it was a proper fully booked and catered bus tour through Greenline Tours. Our guide was a very funny, witty, intelligent German named Michael. We love Michael! There was about 25 ppl on the tour, 8 of them Australian! It started with a bus ride taking us through the Rhine river valley to Rudesheim. On one side of the road, vineyards and homes on the other. All cute, pointy roofed homes, made of render and stones with shutters and flowers pots in the windows. I want one of these homes! We got to our stop which actually took us to a chair lift. And down we all went in pairs down a chair lift that actually passed us through the backyards of homes! Down the bottom (the base of Hells Mountain) we met and walked over to a restaurant. The restaurant was so cute and kitsch. Extremely over decorated. Pictures, paintings and fake grape vines adorned every single space on the walls. For lunch we all had grilled chicken with fries and salad. Well the salad was more of a slaw. I washed this down with a glass of Hells Mountain Red wine. After lunch we jumped aboard a large 3 level steamer boat which took us down the Rhine River. It was so cool! Beautiful ancient castles, vineyards, and quaint towns line the river. One particular place The Loreley, has a legend. Loreley was a beautiful lady/mermaid who would sit upon a rock. Her beauty (boobs) would distract the sailors and their boats would crash, fall to pieces and sink.

At lunch we were seated with some lovely Americans. 26yr old twins, Brendan & Chad and their father Ned - from Kentucky. Chad and I got on like a house on fire, like we were separated at birth. The 5 of us sat on the top level of.the boat, in the sun drinks in hand, enjoying the views and great conversation. The tour ended about 8pm and we decided to go to dinner to a Restaurant recommended by Michael. Steinen Haus (i think) its a 500 yr old restaurant serving genuine, traditional food. €12.50 for my delicious and generous pork knuckle with roast potatoes & sauerkraut. I requested some of Frankfurts famous green sauce on the side. Best thing ever! Its like a creamy herbal sauce that I reckon you could eat with anything. Full, tipsy and happy we went nextdoor to a pub for one after dinner beverage. A little place where the bartender did everthing by hand. No cash register, no dishwasher. There was a funny german who I nick named Duran Duran, he offered Nick some snuff haha to which he declined. This guy actually guessed I was from the Gold Coast!

On our last day, Nick and I visited the St Bartholemew cathedral, the only structure to survive the war in that area, very beautiful and grand.
Frankfurt was a great start to my trip, made some beautiful new friends and seen gorgeous sites.


Shrimp Salad at 'Chicago'


view from the chairlift

the homes we pass thru on the chairlift

Hells Mountain

View from the Rhine Steamer

the beautiful restaurant

Malay away

2011-09-16T16:20:00.001+10:00

So I'm sitting at Kuala Lumpur international airport. I've been here for just over 12hrs. The good thing about this place is the airside transit hotel, it books in 6hr increments rather than the usual check in/out times. So i've caught up on heaps of sleep, had lunch, had a reflexology foot massage (ouch!) A shower, now enjoying some Starbucks. I've checked out of my room, fly out in about 4hrs. So in the meantime I'm going to do some shopping at the MAC counter then go have some dinner.

I had to have a giggle, on the flight over here they served breakfast on the plane at about 4am. Rice with chilli shrimp. Yum, but noooot at 4am! The smell was making me dry reach. So I just ate my fruit & croissant.
Also during my foot/leg massage oh boy that little asian dude stuck his knuckles right in the arches of my feet, holy moley! I reckon tomorrow too my calves may have some bruises. But it's all that good pain. It was all going ok until the end I felt something being shaken over my legs. I looked and realised it was talcum powder. Now anyone who really knows me would remember I hate the stuff! The squeaky texture makes me want to scream and or vomit. So I was dying while he rubbed it in, in my head I was screaming get it off! Even now just thinking about it I'm getting goosebumps.

P.s Malaysia has no sky, its jusy grey! We're so lucky in Oz to have clouds, blue sky, rainbows and stars.

P.p.s the airport smells like burnt cheese all the time!

the garden lounge in the transit hotel

the view from my hotel window at 7am, pitch black!

stoked I got a toothbrush!

The New

2011-09-16T16:14:00.000+10:00

At the start of the year I had a few goals, one of them was to learn a new language. I started this! Italiano, but unfortunately got bored after 5 weeks, but I believe I'll pick it up again. Especially since I'm going to Italy, which brings me to another of my goals - travel.

The world is such a big beautiful place, dying to be explored. So armed with a heavy backpack, I've come to Europe via Malaysia for a 2 month site seeing trip.
This brings me to yet another goal I had, change career. I quit my job before embarking on this trip. A job I had for 10 years but in order to open myself to other opportunity, I had to close the door on that job. So what's next...?

the cake I got on my last day of work

x

Take it away

2011-09-12T14:09:00.002+10:00

What do you take travelling? What can't we live without?
Well here's a few snaps of me in the process of packing for my trip to Europe. I'm backpacking for a couple of months so I've got the essentials.

Here I have my Soap & Glory travel minis so I smell, look & feel clean.
Check out the cute as laundry kit, comes with dirty clothes bag, clothes line, universal plug (for washing in hostel basins) & a handy little pack of laundry soap sheets.

You may also notice a box of Degas.. well that is pretty obvious what its for! There's just something about long plane rides that gets my gut a little well... windy. Also I was concerned about the change in cuisine (sausage, cabbage and beer!) So I bought those to be prepared. After all - I'm a lady!

Don't forget to take confidence, friendliness and manners. Always makes for a happy and easy experience.
X

Giggle in yo wiggle

2011-07-13T20:19:00.001+10:00

Aawww let me tell you about the coolest and cutest new website to hit the intrawebs.

HELLOGIGGLES

It is the love child of Zooey Deschanel, Sophia Rossi & Molly McAleer and it is the most quirky, fun, fantastical, informative, random, interesting site I have seen in ages! Actually I don't even think I've ever come across anything like it, well clearly if I had I'd remember right? It's a girly site, made by girls for well - us guurls. Nothing is off limits, beauty, boy talk, fashion, movies, music, how-to's - the list goes on, you'll just have to check it out. Many articles are written by contributors who are equally as funny and intelligent as the boss ladys who run the show.

HELLOGIGGLES

"Founded by actress/musician Zooey Deschanel, producer Sophia Rossi and writer/Internet Sensation Molly McAleer, hellogiggles.com is the ultimate entertainment destination for smart, independent and creative females. Everything hosted on the site will be lady-friendly, so visitors need not worry about finding the standard Boys Club content that makes many entertainment sites unappealing to so many of us."

also follow them on Twitter and Facebook

open your eyes

2011-07-12T22:29:00.001+10:00

you know we all get moved by beauty, beauty is in the eye of the beholder yet it is all around us, every minute of every day. Do you see it?

Driving by an old wooden house with weathered peeling panels and seeing its quirky beauty, my curiosity is moved by what history it may hold. Or It may be a picture perfect sunset, hot pink and orange colours painting the sky. Music, moving into our ears, into our brains down into our hearts and stains our souls. What about scent? That smell of Jasmine blooming in the spring, that stings through the crisp air, gives me a smile like no other scent can give me. Food glorious food, the allure of deliciously, sweet, fresh fruit or the hearty smell of a home cooked lasagne that fills our bellies then washing it down with a glass of full bodied Merlot. And a smile and a 'good morning' from the old cashier that sold you your newspaper this morning?
All of it is beautiful, its inspiring and its the simple things we need to appreciate in life. You see, we can find beauty in everything, it is there right in front of us!
When you see, smell, taste, hear, or feel something appealing, that moves you, even just a little bit - smile, soak it up and take it in.

The more you appreciate everything and everyone around you, the more you smile and the happier you will be.

A favourite quote of mine is from a book "The Four Agreements" by don Miguel Ruiz

"The world is very beautiful and very wonderful.
Life can be very easy when love is your way of life"

Its so true....this book is amazing and turned my life around. I lent it to a friend a few months back, its been about 12mths since I read it and I can feel I need it in my life again.

What made you smile today? Better still, what made you frown and was it really worth all your energy?

x

Nailed it!

2011-06-23T22:46:00.000+10:00

So I am totes in love with Sally Hansens ingenious product Salon Effects real nail polish strips!
Now I am not a nail person, I dont go to salons, I don't get em did. I don't like long nails and all that jazz, I'm a simple, short, neat nailed gal, often seen sporting vivid coloured nails on my lil childlike fingers. But now I can bling them up, next level!

Admittedly this isn't the first time I have seen a product like this, I had seen Sephora release a nail sticker when I was in the States last year. Now I am stoked that a similar product is sold here! Sally Hansens Salon Effects are sold at Priceline, RRP $15 a pop. You get 16 stickers, a lil nail file/buff and cuticle stick.

So quick and easy to apply, I am in love and wont party with out these again! No drying time, but I do find a clear top coat extends the life of them a few extra days.

Favourite designs worn so far are the fun and girly Collide A Scope and the sassy Laced Up

Pink ladies

2011-06-23T22:09:00.001+10:00

I recently did makeup for Kerrie Gaines for her new website for her photography company http://www.kerriegainesphotography.com/. The models, Amber and Ella were wonderful to work on, the shoot was a joy and lots of fun!

Amber

make up used:

Yaby creme foundations - mixed shades

Graftobian powder palette (powder & contour)

Yaby Best of Both Worlds eyeshadow palette

Lancome Hyponse Drama mascara

OCC Lip Tar - Hush & Conquest mixed

Ella

make up used:
Make Up Forever Hi Def foundation - 127
Graftobian powder
Masquerade blush
Bobbi Brown black gel liner
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
Mac Paint Pot - Painterly
OCC Lip Tar - Anime

From within

2011-05-29T21:23:00.001+10:00

From years of lighting, heat products, travelling etc my hair has finally had it! I could scream, but instead I cut it off (take THAT hair!)

Whats your favourite hair products for damaged hair? I have been taking QSilica tablets for the last month and now starting on a new round of vitamins. Super Colloidal Silica from Blooms which is a higher dose than the QSilica. Also some Biotin from Thompson Nutrition. These will ensure I tackle the problem from the inside out,strengthening and encouraging growth. I am thinking of trying the John Frieda Root Awakening shampoo/conditioners as well.

Do you have a favourite brand/product to restore and repair damaged hair? Tell me!!

Run to Paradise

2011-05-29T20:58:00.001+10:00

A quick trip to Sydney. Was flying down to see the White Lies in concert, but it was cancelled due to their tour not being financially viable after the earthquakes in Japan. Still a wicked little weekend away though

Darling Harbour

Opera House

Opera House / Harbour Bridge view from boat

Tall ships cruise on the harbour at sunset

This cocktail had chili in it... and I threw it up. Good times!

Bondi Beach

feel no shame too brave

2011-05-29T20:39:00.000+10:00

if you appreciate art in all forms, you will watch this
you're welcome
x

California Dreamin

2011-05-29T20:24:00.001+10:00

In November out of the middle of nowhere I had the chance to go to California to visit a friend. This literally was planned, booked and I was on a plane within 36hrs of the first joke about me just flying over there for the week (yes you hear right, week)
After not much thought and thankfully an approving boss I literally had one day to go to work and clear up some things, visit my Grandparents, grab some stuff from the shops, pack my bags and exchange my cash. Then hello I was on a plane from Brisbane to L.A for the second time in only a few months.

Venice Beach

James' Beach Restaurant - I totally had the Mahi Mahi Tacos (I Love You Man)

on the drive from LA to San Fran

and arriving in San Fran - 1st meal In N Out Burger YUM

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

Moca LA

Vice Roy Santa Monica - last night!

los muertos

2011-03-17T20:04:00.001+10:00

practice makes perfect + wine.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers (Director: Tarik Saleh)

2011-02-19T09:53:00.000+10:00

Victory!

2011-01-19T22:01:00.000+10:00

A few glasses of wine, a handy camera and a sudden urge to give Victory Rolls a try for the first time
x

slice of life

2011-01-11T18:21:00.001+10:00

Art is not just something you see, its something you feel. I appreciated it in all shapes and forms. Especially this form.

Late last year I knew I was ready to get my next tattoo to commemorate such an amazing year I had in 2010.

One day I came home from work and was knocked over by the amazing smell of Jasmine that had bloomed in my driveway. The smell made me feel calm and at the same time, kind of excited! So I decided from that moment Jasmine flowers were to be incorporated somehow in my next tattoo.

I went into Satisfaction Art Surfers Paradise and met Mickey. We talked and that afternoon I was booked in to start the task. He drew it up straight on the skin all work was freehand.

This is my 2nd tattoo and my first sitting for this piece was 3.5hours.

The artist, designer and now one of my best Friends, Mickey

halfway through first sitting

line work complete!

second sitting another 3 hours for shading

Mickey is an amazing artist and I am blessed to have met him and now call him friend. I am over the moon with this design, its one of a kind, It's a celebration of life, love, beauty and sensuality.

I have ONE flower to go, we ran out of time as a customer had turned up that had an appointment.so watch this space!

brand new

2011-01-11T17:42:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year! um so I kinda have been a Busy Bee. I don't want to sound like a dork but let's say the social life has been on the up and up and my favourite hobby has been boozing lately. It's not good as now I'm sick and I knew my immune system would take a kick in the nuts eventually. SO 2011, calls for some rules! I'm not getting any younger and shit needs to get sorted.

For 2011 I have a few goals....... I am not calling them Resolutions because that's gay - these are goals people!

1) learn another language.... either Spanish, Portuguese or Italian (because they are all similar) French if I am feeling ambitious and it would be totally sexy

2) Cut out mid week drinking

bad girl!

3) Lose weight (again) because early last year I was fit and happy, but then I traveled a couple of times and got my social life cranking, the food and alcohol limits... well there's been no limits, hence - fat!

4) Get my career sorted - work out what the eff I'm going to do, study, get a new job etc Is the makeup career going to work for me...? I need to work this out (eeep)

5) Travel! Holidays or Long term, I am not fussed but I have the bug and there is a beautiful big bad world out there calling my name

Whats your amazing goal for 2011???

heart skipped a beat

2010-12-10T09:48:00.000+10:00

His paintings literally take my breath away. Kris Lewis. What a amazingly talented, inspirational guy... You know when you see something, anything that is so beautiful and so moving you just can't even put into words what it is exactly you're feeling? That is how I feel when I see his works. I only dream to get to an actual gallery one day to see his products of beauty in real life.

"Artwork is love made visible"

-KL

see his work online HERE

Rose Oil on Board

Sea Foam Graphite on Paper

Rose Zephyr Oil on wood

well though out twinkles

2010-11-03T21:41:00.001+10:00

I can't believe I haven't posted these vids yet. Here's me doing a very 'exclusive' interview with Brian and Nikki from a band I so dearly love, Silversun Pickups. I was fortunate enough to be asked by a locally run music website Press Record Online to do the job when the band was on tour here last month, and how could I say no!?

Let me warn you, I sure can talk and thankfully so can Brian. It's pretty interesting. We have a lot of fun as well as cover some serious topics regarding the band. So go get yourself a cuppa and settle in front of the computer for moment and watch the two videos. Let me know what you think!!

Such an amazing experience!

Digital Playground

2010-10-20T10:21:00.000+10:00

I have stumbled into the ecstatically wonderful artworks created by one miss Sara Blake aka ZSO. A New Yorker with a gosh darn talent for creating beautiful art. An Art Director, Illustrator and Designer. She recently had her first solo gallery here in Sydney Australia at the Friends Of Leon Gallery.

Her works are breathtakingly good, the kind of stuff you look at...look at again... and again... and again and just want to keep staring at it, get my drift?

Please do yourself a favour. Check out her website HERE and then her BLOG and bookmark it, save it into your favourites as you will be hooked and won't want to miss a beat in this incredible artists career.

Also check out Sara's gorgeous body art HERE as featured on one of my favourite tattoo websites INK BUTTER - she is simply stunning

x

inside out

2010-10-18T12:17:00.001+10:00

So how's your skin these days? Mine is on the up and up, so far so good!

My very dear friend is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to health; nutrition, healthy living and general well being. Here are best ways to keep you feeling great and in achieving and keeping your skin, youthful, glowing and healthy.

Regular exercise and daily dietary decisions are instrumental in creating beautiful, youthful and healthy skin!

The skin is an outward reflection of inner health, the development of skin conditions suggests overall health of the body is compromised and that organ congestion and nutrient imbalances have developed. Balance can be re-established by nourishing the body with fresh, clean wholefoods and supplements, enjoying regular exercise and achieving an appropriate work/life balance.

Top tips for beautiful healthy skin in addition to your daily beauty care routine:

1. Foods that feed the skin include beetroot, berries, brown rice, carrots, garlic, green leafy vegetables, paw paw, quinoa, raw nuts, sweet potato, turmeric

2. Hydrate the skin by drinking at least 1.5 litres of water daily

3. Choose unrefined, whole foods.

4. Protect yourself from the sun - especially between the hours of 11am and 3pm

5. Manage stress - use relaxation techniques as coping mechanisms to help prevent stress-related breakouts

6. Avoid touching your face, even at night

7. Use mineral powders instead of heavy foundations

8. Regularly clean makeup applicators

9. NEVER squeeze blemishes

10. Always remove makeup before going to bed

The Australian Heart Foundation has some amazing information on healthy living, eating and understanding fats & cholesterol. I highly recommend taking a look at the website, especially for the amazing RECIPE COLLECTION for meal planning, ideas and recipes to get you on your way to..... Healthy eating = healthy heart!

skin deep

2010-10-12T14:16:00.001+10:00

During my trip I was kind of stoked because my skin held up really well with having no breakouts. I put it down to the fact I was just completely relaxed and having a good time, no stress or crap to bring on the wrath of the zit.

However after drinking every day, and eating the American cuisine for so long, when I got home things started to go sour. I admit, my bad holiday habits didn't die off when I got home. I was eating crap, drinking a lot of alcohol, partying and not drinking nearly as much water as I am supposed to.

After about two weeks of being home I started to pay for it, really bad. My skin has had the worst breakout in years. I am an absolute Nazi when it comes to clean skin too, so it is definitely not my cleansing routine, as I have a strict regime I follow twice a day.

Last week I decided I had had enough. No more breakouts, no more weight gain, no more shit that makes you feel shit, I'm over it!

So the detox started last week, 7 days of no meat, wheat, dairy, caffeine, sugar, processed foods - you get the drill. It has been surprisingly easy and I'm happy and relieved that I am getting back into my healthy(ish) lifestyle.

This was to help boost my skin from the inside out, and to get my brain retrained into its good habits. NOW for the outside. The best, and I mean BEST zit zapping products I have ever tried, eeevveeeerrr! I am so excited to tell you about

DR LEWINN'S MEDIC RANGE

I have not bought the cleanser or moisturiser yet as I am not ready for new products but I got this amazing Spot Gel. It is an antibacterial, anti inflammatory and fast acting. It inhibits acne causing bacteria and soothes the zits when applied. You can actually feel it working, it has this amazing comforting tingle. I just squeeze a little to the back of my hand, then dab onto the spots required and rub in gently. I do this after a cleanse, tone moisturise (every morning and night). It contains Peroxide, Witch Hazel, Kaolin Clay, Canadian Willowherb, an NO alcohol so you don't get dry spots! This is a God Send, where have you been all my life!?

After that treatment I then apply the Medicated Concealer. It contains Salicylic Acid, Canadian Willowherb, Aloe and Green Tea. Another God Send. Use this on your spots under your foundation and seriously those little buggers will start to disappear!

I can't say enough how brilliant these products are, and I am excited to try the other products from the range when I am due to stock up. Dr Lewinn's has always been a revolutionary in skin care. The products DO NOT contain Alcohol, Parabens, Soaps, Fragrance, Artificial colours, just the wonderful high concentration of active botanicals. SO my fellow skin challenged friends, go get yourself some - get amongst it!

sketch sky high

2010-10-11T10:31:00.001+10:00

Katie Gallagher has totally caught my eye and is one chick to watch out for. A New York based designer with a gift for creating stories from her art honing in on mood, personality and attitude. Check out her fashion range for Spring Summer 2011 HERE (loving the makeup!)

METAL

DRESS BUILT FROM HANDMADE

STEEL & ALUMINUM SPRINGS

Check out this vid to see Katie at work, for her SS11 showing... Fashion, hair and makeup oh my!

KATIE GALLAGHER - ARENA SS2011 from Katie Gallagher on Vimeo.

up from below

2010-10-10T22:33:00.010+10:00

More from the USA... my Non-Beauty buys:

Orange suede vintage ankle boots, purchased from Orange Peel boutique in Jackson Mississippi

Kimchi Blue & Ecote Silk dresses from Urban Outfitters Baton Rouge Louisiana

5 undies for $25! From Victoria's Secret Beverly Hills

As well as cd's Arcade Fire - The Suburbs and The National - High Violet $11.99 ea (bargains!) Best Buy New Orleans. My Elvis Cook Book from Graceland, Guess Sunglasses, Guess Handbag, and a bunch of tees from Citadel East LA plus a bunch of other random stuff

Best Eats

Blues City Cafe on Beale St Memphis Tennessee. Seafood Gumbo followed by Cajun Shrimp then Apple Dumpling for dessert. Get some South in your mouth! The food and service here was freakin awesome

The Chimes Restaurant Baton Rouge Lousisiana Cajun crumbed Aligator Tail and crab meat stuff jalapenos

Buffalo Wild Wings, Jackson Mississippi. 6 Carribean Jerk chicken wings and Salad

La Salsas Santa Monica Promenade. 3 xTacos with beans and rice, gotta love the condiment selve service bar, yuuum great for a hangover

Backyard BBQ McComb Mississippi - best Ribs ever

Weirdest Food
Pinks Chili Dog. I prefer Hot Dogs without the Chili. Apparently there is meat in that Chili, but I beg to differ!

The New Orleans Muffaletta... picture speaks for itself

Make my day

2010-10-08T13:55:00.005+10:00

Shopping shopping shopping. I didn't go nuts but what I did buy was gold. Some items I truly love that I would never have been able to get here or if I did, they'd be triple the cost! My faaaavouite stores clearly would be Sephora and Urban Outfitters. I am absolutely in love with these stores. Sephora sadly don't ship to Oz, but alas, Urban Outfitters do! This is the BEST news ever haha and I have already put an order in since being home.

my best beauty buys from ol' US of A are...

1) Korres Watermelon Tinted Moisturiser

This product was my saving grace. One of the 1st items I bought on my trip. From Sephora at Westfield Culver City. Being summer in the states, and HOT I didn't want to wear much makeup but still wanted to be protected and even my skin tone. This is SPF 30+ and the colour is great (sand), the texture smooth and so quick to put on. Staying with boys for 2 weeks the last thing I wanted was to be in the bathroom all morning getting ready so I'd whack this on plus some eye makeup and was always ready for my closeups ;)

2) Urban Decay Naked Palette

When it came to eye shadows, I went empty handed because this was something I knew i'd stock up on. I had no idea on the hype surrounding this particular product, simply bought it because it was rad and good value. Now its in high demand and people are frothing over it. This little palette contains 12 shades that work from day to night, stay on forever and have great colour payoff - winner!

3) Noir Tease by Victoria Secret
Eu De Parfum & Body Lotion

Sweet and sexy! I fell in love with this scent when I was at Victoria Secret Culver City but didn't buy it. When I went into the store in Beverly Hills 3 weeks later, it was a nice surprise to find out the full size body lotion came free with the perfume, scoooore!

4) Nars Laguna/Orgasm duo

I'd being dying to get my hands on this but refused to pay over $70 here in Australia for it. So for a tidy $39 I picked one up. A natural non orangey bronzer (a winner in the makeup world) with a sweet subtle pink peach blush, what more do you need huh?

5) Laura Mercier Mineral Powder

love it, but on par with most other mineral powders out there. Was great to use over the top of my foundation or tinted moisturiser

Stay tuned for my Non Beauty Buys and the Best Eats!

God Bless America

2010-10-07T13:03:00.000+10:00

It's been forever since I've been on here blaaaaa I have a million excuses but who cares.
So anyway America was good to me. It was amazing, the people are the friendliest and most well mannered, caring people. I have zero complaints and can't wait to go back.

What I got up to:

Chevelle & Sevendust playing for Carnival of Madness

Cajun Dome Layfayette Louisiana

House Of Blues New Orleans

I have so much love for old Nola

Republic, by far the best club I've ever been to. Good times :)

Shopping at Rennaisance in Jackson Mississippi

McComb Mississippi

playing with a 12gauge

Graceland Memphis Tennessee

Elvis's luxury car collection

Sun Studios

Beale St Memphis

Blues City Cafe best meal eveeeer

Santa Monica Pier

Beverly Hills

Cinema Makeup School LA

Citadel Outlet Mall East LA

one foot in front of the other

2010-07-23T10:38:00.000+10:00

Still working on my portfolio. Have been keeping in regular contact with one particular photographer (Michael) generally hashing out shoot ideas and trying to organise models. We enjoy working together and have a mutual trust which is great. We did this shoot last weekend, always fun and always learning lots and lots trying to improve on our skills and get a feel for the industry. He was kind enough to sponsor my Model Mayhem page and upgraded my account to Premium! SO so kind, a good deed was done for me and I am extremely grateful.

Models April Vaughan & Rob Bampton

In other news, I have an appointment with the Cinema Makeup School in LA on Aug 30th to do a tour of the school. I am so excited to meet and greet and get a feel for the place. 2011 is beckoning great things, I can feel it. We are halfway through 2010 and boy has it been an amazing year for personal growth and peace. Every day I wake up thankful and know that there is a wonderful future ahead of me.

walk through my dream

2010-07-05T10:14:00.001+10:00

A couple of weeks ago I came down with a tummy bug, I was pretty sick. I had a day off work and popped on Lord Of The Rings the Two Towers into the dvd player and fell asleep. The next day I woke up fine, but of course I couldn't not watch the rest of the movie and then the Return Of The King. Every night before bed over the last couple of weeks I would watch a little more, until finally I got to the end. Now I have seen these movies over and over but this time around I felt inspired. The makeup and special effects were singing to me and I had an epiphany... hey I could do this, I could be the one creating these visions!

I have been doing a few makeup shoots here and there but to be honest I don't feel like my creativity is being channelled or challenged. I am currently looking into Special Effects and Film/Television makeup courses. They are extremely expensive and even more so as I will probably attend a school in the USA. I have been in contact with Cinema Makeup School in LA and I will arrange an appointment to see them when I visit in August. It's all very exciting, and I am loving having aspirations right now. I hope you all are working towards something great also. Nothing is out of reach; if you believe, you will succeed.

That's the other thing, I have my first overseas trip planned next month. Can you believe it has taken me this long, I am 28 and now just getting out there. It has taken many years to get the maturity and Independence to be comfortable enough though. It goes to show that timing is everything. I will be flying into LA then to Birmingham Alabama where my friend lives. We will then have 2 weeks to drive around and explore the Southern parts of the USA. I fly back and stay in Beverly Hills overnight and will spend the whole day shopping. Any great shopping centres you guys want to fill me in on, please do. YAY!
x

my blonde curls slice through your heart

2010-06-27T09:24:00.001+10:00

A friend of mine recently introduced me to the music of Bat For Lashes, what rock have I been under? She wows me to the core with her incredible voice and quirky style.

images by Brooke Nipar photgraphy

Here's a little makeup inspired by the gorgeous and talented Natasha. You can totally do this with eyeshadows or lip tars but I really wanted to get the body paints out and the colour obviously packs punch.

Basically all you do is mix body paint with a mixing medium to thin it out. I used OCC skin, or you could use water. A syringe comes in handy but basically all you do is make a mess and voila!

Derivan body paints in fluro pink, fluro blue, blue, green and white
x

great heights

2010-06-18T20:45:00.001+10:00

Now you all know I am a lover not a hater but a few weeks ago I had to do my best to breathe through an extremely wacky evening at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove.

It was a Napoleon Perdis masterclass and let me tell you it was a spectacle. Kicking off at 6.30pm I arrived and was greeted with a glass of champagne which I clung to like a dog with a bone, downing it in seconds as the wave of cocktail dresses, strappy heels, hairspray and troweled on makeup enveloped me in it's Gold Coast predictability.

In apparent superstar fashion Napoleon was 45 minutes late. We were all seated, I gave up my seat so two old ladies could sit together (good deed for the night, check!)

The 'show' was opened by a girl and 2 male dancers dancing to a horrible European pop song, cheesy and camp doesn't describe it well enough.

As a big instrumental piece of music blared over the speakers, I felt like I was preparing for battle or something. Images of Napoleon and his celebrity clients flashed before our eyes on two massive Lcd screens. He marched his way down the middle aisle and took his place on the stage. After greeting us he asked for his Australian Flag and ordered us all to stand and sing along with him to the national anthem. I was so gobsmacked I literally stood there the whole time with my mouth open. I had no idea why who where what was going on... was this a master class or not?

After we were all seated he proceeded with the master class, each of his ~~mignons~~ specialty trained artists were introduced to us, along with their models as they displayed to us their techniques and the latest trends (apparently blue eyeshadow is back)

There was an intermission, again the dancers come out this time busting moves to Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' Napoleon of course has a costume change (oh dear)
I was clock watching when all of a sudden the finale was announced... oh the finale! Michael Jackson 'They don't really care about us' comes blaring on, the clip playing on the screens, the dancers come back out AND all the models, artists and Napoleon start dancing on the stage, they encouraged the whole audience to get up... (what the!?) SO I got up and got amongst it! Seriously dancing for 2 minutes like a fruit loop was the highlight of my night, I then hightailed it out of there with my goody bag and laughed all the way home :)

material girl

2010-06-05T19:48:00.003+10:00

To one of the most beautiful, eccentric, sexy and fascinating women of our lifetime, Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe.

products used: Cinema Secrets concealer palette #1, Mac NC25 powder, Masquerade blush palette, Urban Decay Zero pencil eyeliner, Revlon Scarlet Velvet lipstick, La Femme 083 lashes.

The Icon would have been 84 years old this week, Her beauty and brain mystifies me and I will forever celebrate her life.

set apart this dream

2010-05-25T15:42:00.002+10:00

I have been so preoccupied with life I have not sat down to blog in so long! I hope everyone is happy and well and living your dreams.

I worked with Kimene Slattery of australiandancers.com.au again last week, doing make up for the very beautiful Nina, a contemporary jazz dancer who was getting portofolio shots. It is such a joy working with dancers, they are beautiful people. Kimene's husband Peter is a lovely guy and loves to take snap shots of us at work, here is a collage he put together for me, very cool!

and here is a finished shot of Nina

light moves

2010-04-23T09:36:00.000+10:00

Here's two pics of Emma, a beautiful Australian dancer. I did her makeup for her dance portfolio shoot recently. Photography by Kimene Slattery. Hope you all like them!

Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-03-23T13:33:00.004+10:00

It's Autumn here in Australia and pretty soon Winter will be upon us, so what's on trend for this season....

Nails
Taupe: creamy, soft, chocolate milk, hues. As seen here in the Chanel Taupe range. For ethereal, vintage glam give this a go but please if you delve into the taupe trend, keep nails short and neat, taupe colour on long nails will leave you looking like a Grandma.

One for colour, I personally prefer the new Hong Kong range from O.P.I

Makeup

As seen in the D&G runway in Milan, the look is classic. Beautifully stained crimson lips, with winged eyeliner. Nudes, neutrals, bronze, gold, browns are all IN for this season. Keep eyes golden and simple and lips with a pop of colour

Be careful, not to overdo the lip, no lipliner here girls. You can recreate the look using Benefits Benetint and a crimson gloss like Mac's tinted lipglass in Russian Red - both available in Myer.

OR

Go for a sultry brown smokey eye with a delicious nude pout! As seen here on Diane Kruger at the Oscars.

Keep complexions creamy and even with peachy cheeks. Love this look for the Michael Kors runway

HOT TIP: balance is key - less eye colour/more lip OR more eye colour/less lip

Brows

Forget thin, over tweezed, over plucked eyebrows. Keep them natural yet bold - brush upward, fill in any gaps and if they are unruly, set with clear mascara or brow gel.

HOT TIP: very thin eyebrows will make your appearance more aged. Soft, fuller brows shaped well looks youthful and frames the face beautifully.

cheap thrills

2010-03-16T13:49:00.003+10:00

I often get asked for recommendations by my friends for eye shadows that have a good colour payoff but don't have the department store pricetag.

So my budget conscious beauties, here's some eye shadow products I can recommend to keep your spending down but your makeup supplies up.

Eyeshadow palettes: Obviously purchasing a pallette with numorous colours is going to be more beneficial on the wallet than buying many single eyeshadows. Here's a few goodies for you:

Chi Chi eye shadow pallettes, 6 colours available at Target and Myer RRP $19.95

NP Set (napoleon) gift set palette, 10 colours available at Target RRP $12.99

88 Palette available through Crush Cosmetics online RRP $35.00

I use Chi Chi and NP Set for my personal daily use and they are very nice products. I have not tried the 88 Palette but know of many MUA's that actually it.

The biggest suggestion I can make is to also purchase an Eye Shadow Primer. This is going to allow the colour to grab and stay put on your eyes without creasing or sliding during the day. Highly recommended, I use one every day, Bare Minerals on myself and Urban Decay for clients.

I'd love to hear any other recommendations you may have. I'll get some more product listings up soon for other cost friendly items i.e eyeliners, blushes, lipsticks etc.
x

wow

2010-03-14T10:19:00.001+10:00

I came across this message I received today on Formspring from an anonymous person:

Its not a question, I just stumbled across your blog via the comment you posted on nine msn and wanted to say I really think you have a talent in make up. You prob already know this but your blog is refreshing and not pretentious. Thanks.

That makes me feel so great, someone has gone out of their way to say this to me, and I feel honoured. Whoever you are, thank you for taking the time to make my day :)

x

money honey

2010-03-14T10:10:00.001+10:00

How many times can you say you've spent $50 for 17 items? NEVER I hear you say. Myer, ahhh Myer I love you.

Went to the Natio counter, got myself the Gentle Foaming Face Wash, Yellow Colour Corrector and a packet of Gentle Makeup Remover Wipes for my kit. So then because I had spent $30 on Natio products, I also got on top of that a Natio gift pack, THEN I had the option of paying an extra $15 for a bonus gift (a promotion the store has on at the moment) and inside that bonus gift are various brands of items. Stoked!

The freebies include, Loccitane repairing shampoo (which smells fantastic by the way) Revlon nailpolish in Papaya, Chi Chi eye pallette in Cheerleader, Max Factor false lash effect mascara, Sohum Gingersnap perfume petite (yum smells great!), Manicare glam lips in California Girls, Trilogy vital moisturising cream, Natio mineral lip gloss in grape, Natio wellness hand cream, Natio eye treatment gel, Natio mineral eyeshadow in bronzed, Natio ageless day cream, Shea butter body wash.

I love Natio products because they have that real natural smell to them. I am really sensitive to fragrances but their products always smell clean and herbal. The gentle foaming cleanser didn't particularly make my face feel clean though, was not great at removing makeup so I'm going to keep that for use in the mornings only. The trilogy moisturiser I used last night, fantastic! I'm going to look further into that brand.

she glows

2010-03-09T10:45:00.001+10:00

here's a couple of pics from the last TFP shoot I did. The model requested makeup and hair for her pregnancy shoot. I love pregnancy shoots and despite people saying that the pics won't be useful for a portfolio, I disagree, she is beautiful and anyone should be proud to have a glowing, soon-to-be mother in their port.

Model - Michelle

Photographer - Dreamperceptions photography
Hair - Nicole
Makeup - by me

x

do you care for tea?

2010-02-28T17:46:00.000+10:00

Some makeup inspired by Alice In Wonderland. This is me bored on a Sunday afternoon! My face hurts haha.

Mad Hatter

The White Queen

Alice

I can't wait to see the new movie! Tim Burton is sure not to dissapoint.

I'm on a boat!

2010-02-09T19:43:00.003+10:00

yep that's right people, I'm on a mother freakin boat. Well not yet, but tomorrow I will be on a Cruise Ship, taking a short cruise to get away for a couple of days. I've never been on a cruise before and never really had the desire too, 3 cheers for spontaneity! As the time nears to get out of here though, I'm getting excited. It has 11 decks and 9 bars, it's a huge bitch. I'll be taking plenty of happy snaps so expect to see them on here soon.

'I got my swim trunks and my flippy floppies'

carpark love

2010-02-09T19:35:00.004+10:00

Here's a couple of the photos from the TFP shoot I did a couple of weeks ago. It was a great way to spend a Sunday Arvo. Loved the dreary, wet day, set the mood well. We shot in a very old carpark, it was cool!
Model: Fidesse
Makeup: Me
Photog: Michael

Yaby dabba doo

2010-02-02T21:07:00.004+10:00

I dont see enough hype about Yaby here on the net so thought I'd show you me featuring the Yaby cream foundations, and of course using my best of both worlds palette.

The cream foundation is very thick and a little goes along way, really and truly you want to use it as sparingly as possible. I have no concealer or powders on here as I found I didn't need it with this foundation, it is full on, let me say though it doesn't feel heavy on the skin at all. Great for photographic work and the palettes are so cute & kit friendly.

I had to add this pic, my cat Mushroom looks friggin hilarious here! hahaha

just breathe

2010-01-29T13:41:00.002+10:00

I am not blogging nearly enough at the moment, not as much as I want to anyway. I have some stuff going on, some good, some bad.
I have been trying to network so I can have a portfolio started. This started out a bit rough, with one photographer organising 2 shoots with me, both of which fell through, due to his scatterbrained, poor planning. Thankfully he has gone back to the States so I don't have to worry about him again.
The Good news is that I have really started networking with Photographers and Models on Model Mayhem. I have 2 shoots lined up this week, which is exciting! Can't wait to get the pics back and post them up.
I have a great friend who is a fantastic hairdresser and we are trying to get shoots together, to do the whole hair/makeup team thing, which will be fun.
Some shitty personal stuff is going down at the moment. I hope and pray that it all works out. Staying positive is such a hard thing to do sometimes.
x

eyes open

2010-01-13T21:01:00.004+10:00

Building a makeup kit is expensive, but there are some products out there that are pretty darn good that don't cost you an arm and a leg.

I have a sweet range of Rimmel London eyeliners and lipliners which have great pigment are long lasting and very well priced, especially if you get them on sale!

Here are some of my most recent colours I have purchased in the Soft Kohl:

Royal Blue, Stormy Grey, Sable Brown & Jungle Green

and Exaggerate waterproof eye definers in: Deep Ocean, Precious Gold & Deep Wine

Here's a look I quickly did to show you with the Deep Wine & Precious Gold liners with my Yaby best of both worlds pallette. Pics taken with my phone, so not the best :)

Saviour

2009-12-31T10:35:00.000+10:00

Not so long ago I wrote about my new exciting purchases from Sunny Day Beauty here.
Now let me tell you...
When I opened up that Urban Decay pack and started using the Primer Potion my life changed... seriously! Never have I applied my eye makeup, gone to work and still had it sitting perfectly on my eyelids when I get home 9 hours later... until now. The eyeshadow colours pop, the primer really grabs the shadow. The colour will stay and not slide off, so awesome.
Just pop a few dots of this on the lid area and blend and away you go!

soft as silk

2009-12-29T22:52:00.002+10:00

Here's some pics of my new brushes, I needed a few extras on top of what I already have so I was crazy to pass up the pre Christmas sale at my favourite supplier www.makeupandglow.com.au

I have 5 new Royal & Langnickel brushes that were a bargain!

from the SILK range a Angled shader, lip, small eyeshadow, eyeliner and fine angled brush. All natural hair, with a matte black wooden handle and chrome plated brass ferrules - very attractive brushes.

Also purchased no name foundation, concealer, contour/blush and large eyeshadow brushes. These are incredibly dense, soft bristles. I was lucky enough to score another large shadow brush free, gotta love Christmas!

cold blooded

2009-12-29T22:19:00.003+10:00

have no idea why I did this, but tonight I was bored, headed for the bathroom and came out looking like, I dunno... a reptile? I got stuck into my Yaby 40 well best of both worlds palette and a bit of OCC loose colour.

Stranger things have happened.

Viva Glam Girls

2009-12-17T10:13:00.003+10:00

In March 2010 (I believe) Mac will be releasing 2 exciting new shades for their Viva Glam series, which as you may know every cent raised from this series goes towards the Mac Aids Fund

The latest ad campaign features 2 beautiful, strong and talented women:

Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga

the new shades appropriately titled Viva Glam Cyndi and Viva Glam Gaga

the sound of music

2009-12-14T16:41:00.003+10:00

This has nothing to do with my learning makeup, but you know the course is over and I have other stuff I want to say.

My Top Ten favorite album releases of 2009

1. Death – White Lies

2. Swoon – Silversun Pickups

3. This Is War – 30 Seconds to Mars

4. Fantasies – Metric

5. Is ... Skyscraper - Julian Plenti

6. The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga

7. Memento Mori – Flyleaf

8. It’s Blitz – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

9. Conditions – The Temper Trap

10. New Moon Soundtrack - Various

I would love to have 30STM in 1st position but as Death & Swoon came out ages ago they really have had the most play this year.

just stay

2009-12-09T17:56:00.002+10:00

Today I did a little experiment, an eyeliner experiment! *insert evil scientists laugh here*

Never had I come across such a wonderful eyeliner until i got my Best Of Make Up For Ever kit, with it a full size Aqua Eyes eyeliner pencil. To prove a point, this morning I squiggled 3 x lines of my favorite black eyeliners on the back of my hand.

the 1st (top) line is MUFE Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner pencil

2nd line is Revlon Colourstay retractable eyeliner

3rd line is Urban Decay 247 Glide on Eye Pencil

Photo taken at 7.30am

As you can see, here is the result at the end of the day. This photo taken at 5.30pm. After a few hand washes and even washing the dishes these results are pretty great.

The clear stand out is obviously the Aqua Eyes pencil. It really is amazing, goes on smoothly and doesn't wear off! The Colourstay is not too far behind, suprisingly it wears well but the texture of the crayon is much firmer. Unfortunately the 247 Glide On pencil, started to wear off not long after lunchtime, it really is silky and glides on well but this formula does not create a very deep black and prevents it from staying on as long as it should.

take a Chance

2009-12-09T14:02:00.004+10:00

I haven't done one of my chicks of inspiration posts in a while, and this one is waaaay overdue. I just want to say that this lovely lass is pretty much the person that helped lurch me into training in make up. After kindly returning one of my emails, I was convinced there was no reason why I shouldn't give it a shot.

Her talent is very natural, she has a knack in really complimenting the beauty of her subject rather than disguising or masking it. If I knuckle down and practice, I hope to one day have a fraction of this talent :)

Here's a few of my favourite pics of the work by makeup artist
AMY CHANCE

Kat Dennings

30 Seconds To Mars

Arielle Kebbel

Ashley Greene

Ting Tings

Check out Amy's portfolio here and her blog here - it's all awesome!
x

shooting star

2009-11-25T12:12:00.001+10:00

My overseas product quest is so pumping right now! The other night I randomly thought I'd check out an Ebay store I regular called Sunny Day Beauty. I get my Bare Minerals makeup from there, at a much better price than what you pay here in Department stores. Bare Minerals is purely my makeup for work, my 9-5 and also use it for a casual weekend look.
Anyway I discovered Sunny Day Beauty is NOW fully stocked and selling these babies:
Make Up For Ever
NARS
Urban Decay
Stila
Smashbox
Philosophy
Bare Minerals
Sheer Cover
Clearly I was overjoyed to make this discovery and promptly put my order in. I am waiting on the following:

Urban Decay 24/7 kit

Make Up For Ever best of kit

Sunnyday023 is a power seller with 100% positive feedback. Postage is always quick and customer service is fantastic. I highly recommend this store to all you Aussie makeup junkies.
x

Play me

2009-11-20T20:15:00.000+10:00

I can't believe this invention... I mean I can, but ya know. STILA cosmetics have come up with a little makeup Train Case that is integrated with a media player docking system. The unit comes with $110 worth of makeup, its a patent leather case with a dock, speakers, a mirror and you can freakin download makeup videos and the bloody thing talks to you, sheesh!!

Stila's ownder Lyn Tilton came up with this crazy, wonderful idea and I'm sure it's going to be a sellout item. You know the best part? It's only $69.90us ! You can check out a commercial for it HERE.

so what are you going to be asking Santa for this Christmas!?

a little crush

2009-11-16T12:18:00.001+10:00

You know how I'm usually complaining about the availability of great international products here in Australia? Well I have just come across a new online cosmetic store!!
Let me introduce you to Crush Cosmetics. They sell brands that I have only read about on other beauty blogs. Urban Decay, Barry M, NYX, China Glaze, Lime Crime & Coastal Scents are all available and very reasonably priced.

Let me know what products you love from these brands and what you recommend, I personally will be placing an order for some China Glaze polishes.

the finish line

2009-11-16T11:23:00.000+10:00

My makeup course is O.V.E.R! I can't believe it, the last 18 weeks have flown by! I have enjoyed every week, there have been ups and downs, but I have loved the experience, the learning and the friends I have made. I passed everything, theory and practical which is good!
I kind of choked up when the night was over and we had to say goodbye - i wish it wasn't over already.

Now is the time, to really work out - where do I go from here? Well I'm going to keep practicing, I think I have some natural talent there, it just needs to really be worked on and honed, then I guess I'll see what happens!
x

now you see it, now you don't!

2009-11-11T21:40:00.002+10:00

Tonight, (the last class ever!) we did our remedial camouflage, so covering scarring, skin conditions and tattoos. My lovely friend Lisa was kind enough to donate her foot to me! As you can see she has 3 x stars on her ankle and a Frangipani flower on the top of her foot, I covered the flower and 1 x star with a dermatological camouflaging makeup, it's REALLY thick, but does the job!

voila! no photoshop here :)

pleasure & pain

2009-11-04T22:18:00.005+10:00

Last week we had a photographer take our first lot of professional photos. It was a great opportunity! Alas, I had some problems with my partner/model, which we've since sorted out. I was not happy with my end result, but whats done is done and here is the final result (I snagged these pics from the Photog's link) let me know what you think. (p.s take a guess which pic has been airbrushed)

x

read between the lines

2009-10-19T12:33:00.004+10:00

Part of the learning process is studying styles, techniques, previous eras, fashions etc. It's all handy to know as I learned from reading The Amy Face (check out THIS blog post)

There's a lot you can learn from the Internet i.e YouTube & blogs but I have come to learn that books & magazines are full of everything you need to know, and they are obviously more hands on. I've purchased a couple of books to get my brain pumping.

Makeup Your Mind by François Nars

Helpful instruction, tips & tricks with great before and after shots, includes a clear template cover over each after photo, showing what & where each product has been applied. The book is a little clumsy as it has a hard cover then the pages have been ring bound inside,but the pictures are very clear and there is A LOT of written information. Around $60, well worth it.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

Kevin's tips are fantastic and this book was a joy to read. He has covered many styles from basic looks, to past eras, to drag queens. The pictures are gorgeous and include Demi Moore, Courtney Love, Drew Barrymore + more! Priced at around $30 it's a little gem to have.

UPDATE:

I probably should mention that I got my books from Fishpond they have every book imaginable at fantastic prices :)

x

pretty on the outside

2009-10-16T14:43:00.004+10:00

2 weeks of photographic makeup class have flown by. We're learning that everything we've learned previously doesn't apply to photographic and we get to play with colour, texture, textile, any medium you want to use to basically apply to a face. So we had a task, we were given fashion pics of a model, without a head. Then we had to design our face, according to what we imagined would go with the outfit. My picture was a very pale model in a pretty, vintage, lacy outfit.
My partner wasn't the friendliest of people (as you can prob tell) but she had one of the easiest faces I've worked on, great eyes, full lips and good cheek bones. She had some mild acne which covered up well with a very small amount of liquid mineral foundation & concealer. Then Mac studio fix powder sponged over the face.

When I got to see the head of my picture at the end, my job was basically the same, except the model had darker pink lips than mine.
x

Sunday morning....

2009-10-11T15:29:00.004+10:00

Make up fun with my mates - Bec, Michelle, Amy & Casey

x

Pin Up

2009-10-04T12:07:00.006+10:00

My lovely friend Janine, kindly let me use her to practice on :) A few drinkies and some patience (on her behalf!) and I got to practice something I hadn't done before, a Pin Up style, was lots of fun!

my cat hates missing out