What is in my bag? Suitcase edition

Just a little peak into what I am taking with me to the States. I am such a nerd, I actually started packing three weeks ago, are you one of those people, or do you pack the night before? I find that the anticipation of a holiday is nearly as good for you as the holiday itself. The planning and research is so fun for me, sometimes though I have to remember that it is good to be spontaneous too.

I tried to take lots of basics that can be remixed together. I know that I will do a lot of shopping so didn't want to take too much. The weather thing is also worrying me a little as we will be going from 36 degrees in Vegas to 22 in New York so have taken skirts and dresses that can be warmed up with stockings and cardigans.

Can you see anything I have forgotten?
Don't worry underwear is packed but didn't think you needed to see that :-P I think I have done pretty well, and still  have nearly half a suitcase left to bring back goodies hehe.

Two Sleeps to go...

Travel inspiration: blogs

Two years ago I would purchase 2-3 magazines a month, sometimes more. Ever since I started reading blogs though I very rarely ever buy magazine. More and more I rely on blogs to provide content that I use to rely on from traditional media.

I have found especially with travel that I prefer the personalised, unbiased accounts from bloggers than I do from travel books or magazines. Even just reading peoples personalised blogs, not traditionally travel related, give lovely little unintentional insights into places.

I have relied heavily on blogs to plan by trip to the States and wanted to share some of the posts that I have found super helpful. I would love if you leave links in the comments to your favourite travel blog/ posts especially if their your own.

Photo via Made in San Francisco

A work colleague put me onto The Everywhereist blog it literally makes me laugh out loud, she is such a talented writer – I especially enjoyed her San Francisco ice cream tour, salted caramel yes please.


Another post I found extremely useful was on Joanne Goddard's, A Cup of Jo, where she asks her readers for advice on San Francisco, 515 comments later there is a complete treasure trove now on San Francisco. Click here for the post.

Photo via Gala Darling

Gala Darling’s International Playgirl's guide to Las Vegas is absolutely fabulous and a great source for Vegas virgins like me. Her snippets into life in New York are also helpful.


I have found Fashion Intel a great source for all things Los Angeles even though I am still unsure of what I want to do while I am there. The only thing I know for sure is that I am going to a baseball game, not that I know anything about baseball.

Photo via Phillip Klinger

Similar to the post on A Cup of Jo, SF Girl by Bay, had a give away on her blog, to enter people had to leave their NYC travel tips, once again 99 comments later, a wonderful reference guide for all things New York.


The lovely Lady Smaggle recently ventured to New York and I literally waited with bated breath for her updates, her writing is so incredible I felt like I was there with her.

Only three sleeps to go.....

a little trip home

Canola on the way home

Leah and James at our cousin's 21st

Spring view from Mum's balcony

21st decorations

1st Spring day with no stockings

More yellow

On our way back again

This weekend Brendan and I headed home to visit our parents. The weekend felt like an absolute whirlwind, there is never enough time to catch up with everyone when you only go home for two days.

On Friday night we went out for dinner for my dad's birthday which was really nice. It was the first time we had been together for his birthday in five years.

On Saturday I went and visited my nan and bought the shoes in the photo above. They are so comfy, I think from now on I will only buy wedges if I am considering high heels, haha. Than last night it was my cousins 21st birthday so it worked out well to be home and celebrate that as well.

We headed home today and I convinced Brendan that we needed to stop and take photos of the Canola, isn't it just gorgeous? It has further flamed my current love of yellow. We are now home and unpacked and our house mate is cooking a delicious roast dinner, life is pretty good.

How was your weekend?

Happy Birthday Dad

Dear Dad

Happy 56th Birthday! 

If I can say one thing to you it is thank you.You are the reason I am where I am today. You have always supported me, with everything I have wanted to do. You have made sacrifices and continue to do so, so that Leah and I can get the most out of life. While we are opposites in nearly every way, knowing you are always there no matter what provides more comfort than you may ever realise.

At my 21st birthday you said one of your fondest moments was us walking along the beach when I was little, me eating an ice cream and stopping to say hello to everyone. A memory of us walking into the sunset will always be the way I characterise our relationship. Whilst we have many challenges ahead the fact that at the end of the day we have each other will always remain. 

Love you always, Megan x

The spotted top

//skirt: target// shoes: kmart// ring: goram markets// watch:swatch // bag: spotted moth //  headband: cotton on// sunglasses: Chloe // top: material pleasures//

I went on a bit of a second hand shopping adventure on Saturday. My favourite thing about op-shopping or searching for second hand pieces is the thrill of the hunt, finding the treasures amongst the trash. Of course this means sometimes you don’t find anything.  I was nearing the end of my adventure empty handed when I spotted this blouse and had to have it. I just love how colourful it is and I braved wearing it to work today to bring a little more colour today.

I am feeling restless at the moment, I am craving change, does anyone else get like that? Not quite sure what it is that needs to change or why I am feeling so muddled but I am sure I will put my finger on it at some point...maybe its just the anticipation of going away or the changing of seasons... whatever it is change is not necessary a bad thing so maybe I should try to embrace it and shake things up a little.

Beauty Box & give away winner

I have been waiting with baited breath for make up sample boxes to hit Australia and yesterday I received my first one from Beauty Box. I am not a make up expert at all but I thought I would share the first one in case there were people thinking of signing up and wanting a little more info. My make up routine is very simple and I am quite loyal to products that I know work for me so I signed up to this as a treat once a month and to try and shake things up a little.

Beauty box is $15 per month and you receive between 4 to 5 samples. This box included:
- YSL: Beauty Sleep
- Marc Jacobs: Oh! Lola! (three little sample bottles were included)
- Sally Hansen: nail file
- Playboy Spicy Body Spray 
- Shu Uemura: Cleansing Oil.

Unsurprisingly the perfume is just lovely. I am planning on using the little sample sizes for travel and would definitely consider buying the regular size. The body spray smells nice as well and is a brand I wouldn't usually think about buying. I probably wont buy it again as I am not really a body spray person, I usually stick with deodorant and perfume. But if you do like body spray I wouldn't pass by this one.


I put the night cream on after my shower and the fragrance was a little overpowering for my likings and the consistency was a little watery. There was really only enough in the bottle for one use so not sure if I will be able to squeeze enough out for another try.

The stand out in this box was the cleansing oil, it was the most delightful product I have ever put on my skin. It smells delicious and is so soft and smooth. My skin felt lovely after using it and I am looking forward to using it again tomorrow. It retails for $105 for 450mls which is way more than I would usually spend on a cleanser but depending on how my skin is after the sample is gone I would consider buying it.

I won't be using the nail file, as filing my nails makes my skin crawl, does anyone else get that?

There has been a little controversy over the card that came with the box saying that you must review the product to ensure continued membership. I personally think the review is a great idea, but making it mandatory to continue receiving the box is a little excessive when were paying to receive the product.

Apart from that I am really happy with the box and looking forward to receiving it again next month.

Have you signed up for anything like this? What are your thoughts?

By the way the winner of the giveaway was lucky number 9, Micaela!!! Congrats lady! Thanks so much to everyone who entered.

Lazy lady

Dress: vintage via material pleasures // silver ring: gift // coral ring: dova // shoes: novo // bag: sportgirl

I have had a very lazy weekend, spurts of action followed by a nap. Sometimes it is nice to just laze around. My friends ran a 10km fun run today, I went and meet them afterwards for lunch and am a bit disappointed I didn't go in it as well. I am a lot fitter than the start of the year so it would have been good to push myself. Oh well next time.

The silver ring I am wearing is a new addition. My friend is becoming a silversmith and she made it for me. It is made out of titanium and then laser welded together, she is a really clever chicken and I love seeing all the new works she comes up with. Hopefully she will have a store up and running sometime soon that I can direct you to. 

The rest of the night I am going to spend doing laundry, writing letters and eating gnocci with a glass of wine. I hope you have had a good weekend.

Oh and if you haven't entered my giveaway you should get on that as is ends tomorrow ♥

Vintage treasure chest

I have spent some of my procrastination time over the weekend looking for vintage treasures on the internet. Vintage pieces are appealing to me more and more. I love the idea of wearing something unique, that has a story. Trying to be sensible and spend as little money as possible before my trip I have decided to just create this treasury of inspirsation but maybe you will find something you like and I can live vicariously through your purchase. What are your favourite online vintage store? I would love to find some new places to look.

Lune Vintage// Fine and dandy vintage

Both Beautvintage

Both Ebay

BetaBoutique // Stylebook

Hat: asos// bag: thrifted// dress: laura maidment //shoes: love couture// necklace: overseas.

Is it just me or does Thursday night mean you can slowly start winding down before the weekend? I always seem to stay up later on Thursday nights and don't worry about running around getting ready for the next day, yeah I am a  rebel like that. 

I wore this on Saturday when it was lovely and warm and not bitter and chilly like it is again now. Big floppy hats are definitely going to be my thing this Summer. Brendan is not too fussed on the whole idea, apparently its a driving hazard as you cant see anything when I am sitting in the passenger seat, way to rain on my parade.

I have been getting so excited about the warmer weather and the possibility of riding my bike to work.  Unfortunately today I was witness to two serious road rage incidents involving bike riders. I have also seen numerous bike riders getting swooped by magpies this week. It has made me a little scared to literally get back on the bike. I think I will at least wait till these crazy magpies stop breeding and I don't have to fear getting attacked. 

Have a good Friday, this week has gone by so quickly!

Springtime giveaway

Whilst it is not officially Spring time I am ready to start celebrating the move away from shortdays and cold nights with a giveaway. I am giving away this fun pink bag from ASOS, i think it could add the perfect pop of colour to Spring outfits.


To enter you just need to be a follower of this blog (feel free to join the party) and let me know what you are most looking forward to this Spring (or Autumn if you are in the northern hemisphere).

If you tweet or blog about the giveaway please leave a separate comment as an extra entry.

Giveaway is open until the 12 September 2011 and is open internationally.

Little life update

♥ The ring I have ordered from my amazing friend who is a silversmith in training // sunday pancakes // Mary Poppins at the Capitol theatre = amazing // new Spring clothes ♥

♥ New office accessories // selfy // opshop finds // Sydney town ♥

♥ iphone selfy // delicious homemade cream puffs // groceries // Brendan dressed as Wally for bookweek ♥

Reading... 'Delirium' Lauren Oliver

Watching... Game of Thrones

Talking... to Brendan about finally getting his tax done

Thinking... about all the jobs I have to get done tonight

Buying... a new camera

Planning... to start going to the gym in my lunch break

Wearing...all the things I want to get done by the end of the night.

Picturing... being in a pool in Vegas with a cocktail in hand (less then 3 weeks people!)

Tweeting... about the bracelet I lost today that Brendan gave me when we were 16 which I miraculously found on the footpath 8 hours after I lost it

vintage heaven

Outfit: dress: vintage// watch:vintage// belt: zara// necklace:vintage// shoes: sportsgirl

Yesterday was such a wonderful day. I woke up and the sun was shining (hello spring) and we decided to head to the farmers markets where I ate the biggest muffin of my life.

After this I headed to the Fash and Treasure markets at the old bus depot. I went to these markets when they first opened and this was my first time back. It has really grown since I first went and looked really professional. There was alot more stall holders which meant vintage heaven.

I found some stalls were a little overpriced but alot of them were spot on. It kind of adds to the whole atmosphere though as you search out the hidden treasures.

 I walked out with this gem. I love the yellow and navy combination, it is such a great dress for Spring. 

I got it off the rack three times uming and ahing about whether to buy it or not. The lovely stall holder, Misfits Vintage, gave it to me for half price which was so nice. They have an online store too which you can find here

I ended the day with a gin and tonic passion fruit iced tea, it was all sorts of delicious and I think I might try and recreate it at home.

How was your weekend?

September blogger of the month: Thy lady says

I am so excited to introduce you to the September blogger of the month. From the first time I came across Jennifer's blog I was completely hooked. Beautiful photography and a whimsical atmosphere. I feel very honoured to now call Jennifer a friend, she is such a lovely person and am so happy to have her here, enjoy!

Name: Jennifer Jehanné Hua

Blog: http://thyladysays.blogspot.com/

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Describe your self in five words?Organised, Bubbly, Girly, Helpful, Lovely

How would you spend your perfect Sunday?A good sleep in with the Mr, staying in my pj's all day having a perfect lazy Sunday, eating delicious sweets & sipping endless cups of tea and even perfect day to blog as well!

What is something you are loving right now? 

There are many things I'm loving right now! Mainly my new house the Mr & I are currently moving into! I love that I have moved onto my next step of life with the Mr and it feels so lovely to have that feeling of your own privacy of your own home! Also been really loving beauty related things cosmetics and fashion - always loved it but loving it even more right now!

Why did you start blogging? And any tips for bloggers just starting out

I started blogging when I was 13 years old - (I am 21 now!) so yes it's been a really long time. Throughout time blogging has definitely changed a lot! When I was blogging in my teens it was more about personal things - like a diary where I would share my daily happenings but also my secrets, problems, thoughts etc. I have gone through so many blogs throughout the years and many different servers as well! The main one I've always stuck by is of course Blogspot.com! I use to use moonfruit, blogdrive, etc (those are so old now!). That was also when blogging was more of a personal thing - like there was not many followers and people on Blogspot to follow! Until over the years blogging has become really popular and almost everyone blogs now - it's definitely become more of a social network! I now blog about my purchases and review them especially if they're beauty related, occasionally I blog about a few personal things but I try to steer away from that! I don't like to be too personal on my blog anymore. From experience I've learn that being too personal can cause a lot of trouble for myself and letting others know too much about my life isn't such a good idea. Some tips for bloggers just starting out? I would say depending on your preference (as everyone is different and have different opinions) I think just be yourself and express your loves onto your blog. Don't worry about what others think because it is YOUR blog so you can do whatever you want but at the same time keep safe, don't put too much information out there especially on the www unless you feel safe to do so! I have met such lovely people on blog and have shared a great friendship with them all for many years also do mail with a few of them (ie. Megan hehe) and have been sending packages to each other for years! I love it and I definitely don't ever want to loose contact! I have also met a few blogger friends in person and it's such a great experience! To sum up everything in one paragraph without rambling - that is my thoughts on blogging.

Final words of wisdom...

My most favourite quote I've always loved is: "Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not ok it's not the end." short but so true! X