Sunny Days and Warm Cafes

Sous Style

2012-01-16T23:16:00.002+11:00

Guide to Getting Down with Dishes from Sous Style

I'll definitely be following these tips. Love this blog to death.

Inspirations

2012-01-16T23:13:00.000+11:00

A bit "here and there", but a snapshot of what's inspiring me this summer.

The House Above the World

2012-01-04T01:36:00.007+11:00

Amica January 2012

These pictures remind me of 'The House Above the World' (from Albert Camus' novella, 'A Happy Death'). I refer to the idyllic abode of three girls who are good friends of the protagonist Mersault - they are carefree, disinhibited spirits, each with their own peculiar habits and idiosyncrasies.

I love the way light strikes their hair and their faces, the white linen, the woolly greys, the browns and tans. The interior design is also striking; the mottled white-washed walls, with a hint of sky blue peeking out from underneath, lend the place a sense of bucolic serenity. And the windows - all different shapes, antique, light pouring in from everywhere.

Huntington-Whitely

2012-01-02T15:36:00.000+11:00

Rosie, looking impeccable, as always.

Summery Spring

2011-11-15T19:34:00.001+11:00

If She Can Do It So Can I

2011-11-10T02:00:00.000+11:00

Sean Pecknold - Iceland

2011-11-09T22:53:00.001+11:00

From The Fox is Black

Michael Schmid

2011-10-11T19:03:00.001+11:00

Beautiful flyers by Michael Schmid

Inspirations

2011-10-09T20:51:00.000+11:00

Mark Steinmetz

2011-09-30T00:38:00.001+10:00

His pictures have a quiet mood to them, yet they say so much.

Cute Waldos

2011-09-29T22:32:00.003+10:00

from Island Post

Recently Read.

2011-09-27T10:06:00.003+10:00

Dead-Eye Dick - Kurt Vonnegut

My Top Three Favourite Photographers

2011-09-25T03:07:00.003+10:00

As of this moment: 1) William Eggleston, 2) Tim Barber, 3) Ana Cabaleiro.

The above photographs are by Ana Cabaleiro.

William Eggleston

2011-09-25T02:46:00.002+10:00

An exciting and truly invigorating photographer. One of my absolute favourites.

Think of the Opportunities

2011-09-25T02:06:00.002+10:00

Mediating Mediums - The Digital 3d [Short Version] from Greg Tran on Vimeo.

This video brings back flashbacks of Pranav Mistry's TED video "The Thrilling Potential of SixthSense Technology". Greg Tran's work is thought-provoking and inspirational. It's like a dream. Imagine a world like this not too far away in the future.

A Journey Through Vietnam

2011-09-25T02:04:00.001+10:00

A Journey Through Vietnam from Leon Visser on Vimeo.

Composed by Leon Visser, a photographer from Amsterdam. An amazing, superbly-shot video.

Jack Davison

2011-09-23T01:13:00.003+10:00

Photograph by the preeminent Jack Davison

Photographer: 管子天 (Guan Zitian)

2011-09-23T00:26:00.011+10:00

Blue as Your Blood (Walkmen)

2011-09-21T20:30:00.001+10:00

I'd give you all my love

But my heart itself is broken

How many nights must lumber by

I sit alone and I wonder why

Oh hazy, lazy days

I could dream of you forever

Under the shade of a Juniper tree

I sing a sad song of you and me

The sky above, the sky above

Is blue as your blood

Black is the colour of your eyelash

Spanish is the language of your tongue

Life rolled us over like a town car

Bruised up and busted to the ground

The Lord came down and said to me

Throw off your worries and be at peace

The sky above, the sky above

Is blue as your blood

In a hazy, lazy daydream

Paul Anthony Rouphail

2011-09-21T20:21:00.001+10:00

New Artists: Sean Clark

2011-09-21T01:04:00.001+10:00

New Artists: Natalya Lobanova

2011-09-20T13:20:00.003+10:00

Audrey

2011-06-29T02:50:00.003+10:00

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."

Do the Right Thing

2011-06-17T16:33:00.002+10:00

Really great movie by Spike Lee!

In other news,

Listening to: Public Enemy and Dire Straits. Plus, I got engaged! :)

Olly Moss

2011-06-13T11:05:00.003+10:00

Olly Moss

One of the coolest graphic designers out there. Original, hilarious and great-looking work!

Notes on a Music Video

2011-05-30T15:15:00.002+10:00

The song is titled 'Velo' and is by Figures. The video can be found here.

Balance between:
Movement and stagnation
Rapid montage and lingering or panning shots
The lingering shots occur when there are no drum beats
Animate (human) and inanimate
Close-up (faces, eyes - emotion, hands - mystery, action) and wider shots
Forward movement and reverse movement
Scenes with subjects and scenes without

Main theme of:
Sombre, muted colours (teals, greys, blacks, browns), however, this is puncutated by certain scenes in which the illumination glowing orange or electric blue or brightly coloured stripes
Urbanity and technology

Note the technique of rapid cuts between two concurrent "scenes" - bicycle riding and keyboard playing, for instance.
The synchornisation of beat and image
Indistinctiveness or ambiguity - blurred images, fades, flashes.

Delmas Howe

2011-05-21T14:59:00.004+10:00

During his research into the film 'Midnight Cowboy', Andreas came across the American painter Delmas Howe. I especially love his series, 'Rodeo Pantheon'. The clouds are fantastic - so dynamic, and churning, and tipped with light. The muted, burnt blue colour of the sky contrasts perfectly with the tanned, muscular figures of the cowboys and the dusty, reddish earth.

One of the definitions of the word 'lurid' is 'glowing with an unnaturally vivid brightness'. I think that word describes Howe's paintings well.

Louboutin

2011-05-14T15:22:00.006+10:00

Can't wait for the day that I buy my first pair of Louboutin patent shoes. Also, I think the model is so beautiful, and love the cuffs.

Inspiration

2011-05-14T15:06:00.004+10:00

Perfection.

2011-03-25T00:18:00.000+11:00

The summation of everything cool right now.

All in Good Taste

2011-03-22T20:36:00.003+11:00

Winter

2011-02-28T02:12:00.002+11:00

Game plan: Leather tights, ankle boots, a huge warm coat and a pop of colour in the bag.

Caroline ticks all the boxes.

Summer

2011-02-28T01:47:00.002+11:00

How summer should be done.

Shopping List: Cut-off denim shorts, an abundance of cute, sloppy, sexy sweaters, and vests - furry or something as cool as Wasson's number.

I'm ready to lose my mind but instead I use my mind

2011-02-04T23:25:00.008+11:00

An outfit which for some reason, makes me gloriously happy

Plus, music I am currently listening to:

The Smiths' Rank Album / Ambient Trance / Miike Snow - Animal (Fred Falke remix) / James Blake - Limit to Your Love / Charlotte Gainsburg - Trick Pony / Gang Starr - Moment of Truth

Wicked Ass Poncho

2011-02-04T23:07:00.004+11:00

*Cue 'Thus Spake Zarathustra' music*

Crave

2011-02-01T23:03:00.002+11:00

Beautiful lingerie by Elle MacPherson Intimates. I'm going to start saving up for gorgeous underwear - can't wait to buy a few things from the Calvin Klein store!

3.1 Phillip Lim

2011-02-01T19:43:00.006+11:00

Floaty cream dresses, leather shorts and silk baby pink boyleg panties - 3.1 Phillip Lim encapsulates luxurious springtime innocence.

Excerpt of a Day from a While Back

2011-01-27T10:24:00.001+11:00

Today after church Andreas and I borrowed the first season of Mad Men from VideoEzy. Andreas had refused to enter the store at first, due to an awkward encounter he had shared with a young, female cashier a few months ago. The root of the situation was, simply, this:

The girl had complimented his glasses - a pair of large, vintage, black and gold-rimmed Cazals - with sizeable fervour. She was affable and seemed cheerful at the time. However, this buoyant spirit of enthusiasm Andreas did not reciprocate, for he was more preoccupied with the DVD loan rates board. Dismissing her remark, he inquired as to the price of so-and-so DVDs. The girl was miffed and promptly became reticent. Andreas, now witnessing the calamitous effect of his innocent faux pas, attempted to resuscitate the sagging discourse (‘I got them from America’) - with little effect. From then on, he has been molested by the belief that the cashier now avoids him whenever she sees him in the video-store.

He is one of those socially unfortunate individuals, who carry with them a sceptre of conversational destruction. Such individuals tend to cause offence and bewilderment to whomever they talk to.

Cafe Crazy

2011-01-21T20:36:00.005+11:00

Everybody who knows me well knows that I love going to cafes for brunch, especially ones that are really beautiful, quirky or just serve really fantastic tasting food! This week however, I think I took my passion for cafes to a whole new level - I visited about 4 in 5 consecutive days!

I love the fact that over time, I have accumulated a short, but beloved list of my favourite cafes. Undoubtedly, this list will grow over time, and I can show them to my very special friends and family :)

But for the moment, here are my favourite little spots where I like to sit and drink coffee and while away the hours! Enjoy! ^__^

1. Uliveto Cafe, 33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point

2. Baffi and Mo, 94 Redfern Street, Redfern

3. Whole Meal Cafe, 6 Flinders St, Darlinghurst

4. Badde Manors, 1/37 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

5. Clipper, 16 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe

6. Colonnade Coffee Lounge, Westfield Hurstville

Cute

2011-01-21T20:32:00.001+11:00

Tati Cotliar

Daiane Conterato

Fluffy McCloud

2011-01-10T14:48:00.000+11:00

FLUFFY MC CLOUD from conorfinnegan on Vimeo.

Tom Gauld - Round 2

2011-01-09T23:16:00.002+11:00

I can't get enough of this guy.

MJ

2011-01-01T22:33:00.001+11:00

People Whose Faces I am Currently Addicted To...

2011-01-01T18:19:00.006+11:00

Leigh Lezark

She has an incredibly alluring and delicate face. Her jet black hair and cool blue-grey eyes give her a brooding look, which contrasts with her cherubic pale skin and dainty lips.

Ginta Lapina

Clemence Poesy

2011-01-01T17:38:00.003+11:00

Best Dressed

2011-01-01T17:13:00.002+11:00

Liking these looks very much. They ooze class.

Tom Gauld

2010-12-28T11:45:00.003+11:00

While scouting my favourite blogs this morning, I came across this cute comic by Tom Gauld - and was instantly charmed by his offbeat, bathos-tainted sense of humour and quirky illustration style. Really addictive stuff.

Here are some more of my favourite drawings of his! :D

Nijinsky

2010-12-25T00:23:00.002+11:00

After watching a snippet of it on the tube, I'm pretty keen on watching this.

Gerry

2010-12-24T13:15:00.008+11:00

Yesterday Andreas and I watched this really really awesome and funny movie. It was called 'Gerry' and was directed by Gus Van Sant in 2002. I think it got panned a bit by the critics or something but to me it was like the funniest thing ever.

I never finished watching it because I fell asleep halfway, but I think it's one of those movies that is really funny conceptually, and dialogue-wise. So when you watch it, you laugh because it's absurd and all that. But a day after you watch it when you think of it again you laugh even harder. This is because the dust of absurdity needs time to settle in your mind.

The more I think of it the more I laugh and the more I read these quotes the more I laugh.

SO think this may be one of my favourite movies of ALL TIME.

But first, what is 'Gerry' about?

Gus Van Sant's 'Gerry' is about two guys who are both called Gerry who initially are looking for a 'thing' in some national park desert mountain-range. They give up looking for the thing but end up going off the trail and gerrying everything up, and in the end, one of the Gerrys die.

Some Memorable Quotes from 'Gerry'

Gerry: Fuck the thing!
Gerry: Fuck the thing!
Gerry: Fuck the thing!
Gerry: Fuck the thing!
Gerry: Power run to the thing!
Gerry: No, fuck the thing. It's probably just some thing at the end of the trail.

Gerry: I conquered Thebes.
Gerry: When?
Gerry: Two weeks ago.
Gerry: How'd you do it?
Gerry: Well, I got... I did more than that, actually. I said to Gerry, "I ruled this land for ninety-seven years... and, uh... and, uh, I'd like it." I had all the sanctuaries built. And then I, uh... this hot lava leaked out of a volcano, and half destroyed one of the - my sanctuary to, uh... Demeter, I guess it was. And, um... but I didn't have the... the marble to rebuild, like, the sculptures, and the - to fix the sanctuary. But I already had all these, um, docks, to, like, Calydon and... Argos, and... I had everything. I had everything. Um, I was trading with, like, twelve cities. And, uh... I had-I had a really good army. But, um, the river had - the river had just flooded. And it flooded out, like, four of my docks, and I couldn't import the marble, to rebuild the sanctuary. And she got - Demeter got really pissed off, and so she made my fields infertile. And then, uh... so I couldn't grow the grass. I couldn't grow the wheat, to feed the horses. And there was no... I couldn't... and there was nowhere for the sheep to graze... and the goats. And so my people were getting hungry and restless, and then, um... and so I, I couldn't trade because the - the rivers had flooded. And so, uh, Knossos, one of my vassals, got really upset with me, and, um... turned against me. And they, uh... attacked me. And because I couldn't, I couldn't train any sheep 'cause I didn't have the wheat. I didn't have, uh... I didn't have a, um... a, uh...
Gerry: You couldn't train any sheep?
Gerry: I couldn't train any of the *horses*, because I, uh, didn't have the wheat. And so, when they attacked me, I just got... they just dogged me. And I actually went to send my army out to defend the city, and, like, you can only send 'em out if you have, uh, twelve - if you have twelve, uh, trained horses, and I had eleven. So... I was one... horse... shy... I don't know... of saving the city.
Gerry: So then you didn't really...
Gerry: Oh, I had conquered Theb - I had just conquered Thebes. And then that happened.

There are more memorable quotes, like when Gerry 1 gets stuck on a rock, so Gerry 2 has to make a dirtmound. The dirtmound was made to shield Gerry 1's fall when he jumps off the rock so that he doesn't break his ankles.

But I think their humour is reflected more in their acting - the timing and tone of their voices, and all that.

I also like how the camera just shoots them walking for ages and ages and ages, it's really funny.

And I like how Gerry 2 wears a funny turban. Gerry 1 wears this really cute sweater with a star on it. And how Gerry 1 talks to Gerry 2 but it's just a mirage.

Hahaha. It's just a feel-good movie, full of laughs and things like that.

Grade: 81

Kook Books

2010-12-24T12:46:00.002+11:00

Yesterday Andreas and I discovered our shared fiery passion for cookbooks. We bought three nifty Australian Women's Weekly recipe collections yesterday, and I drooled a bit over a few more that we couldn't really afford on our frugal-fun budget.

1) 'The Basics' by Filip Verheyden and photogapher Tony de Luc.

A cutout of a magazine review of this book has been taped on my desk for about 3 years. It's actually the perfect cookbook for me, combining my noob chef status with my love for priapic food photography. It's about $50 but it's obviously worth it. (Pine pine pine, drooly drool).

2) 'Food Fashion Friends' by Fleur Wood.

It's really girly and frilly and all that, but I don't care. Frothworthy.

3) 'High Tea' by Australian Women's Weekly.

I am a sucker for really tiny sandwiches.

4) 'My Party: Cocktails and Canapes' by Pete Evans.

As soon as I opened this book, I was reminded of my gay uncle's condo and these chic little prawn skewer things he served at his party, which also sported a mug of sangria and other things stylishly homosexual. It was actually my first standard alcoholic beverage like ever and I remember falling asleep on the white egyptian-cloth table.

...Anyway, I really really want this book.

5) 'The Elements of Cooking' by Michael Ruhlman.

His name is Ruhlman. Like, 'Rule-Man'. I think that says it all.

So, my goal is to have all these books (plus the Hungry Girls' Cookbooks, Vol 1 and 2) propped up on my bookshelf by the end of this year.

Totally doable. Totally gonna do it.

Totally gonna cook all these things and throw a rocking party that will put my gay uncle to shame.

The Goings On

2010-12-24T12:16:00.005+11:00

I haven't posted in a while, I know I know - it's partly because I have been very busy and partly because I have been loafing around, blissfully doing nothing. But all in all it has been oodles of fun and I have discovered many many new things!

Fiji was super relaxing and I even got a tan! But there really is an extent as to the amount of time you can spend wading in the sea and drinking fruit punches. I got pretty tired of saying 'bulaaaa' too!

I think I've given up looking for jobs and will spend my holidays frugally but funly, if that is indeed a word.

My room has let itself go. It has really let itself go. Andreas walked in the other day and said, 'Welcome to the Jungle'. Here is a picture!

It used to be something akin to ordered chaos, but that's probably degenerated a bit now. I think I have like six bras lying around and books, magazines and DVDs everywhere. My mum is scared to walk into my room because last time she did she stacked it on my stacks.

Oh! Some other news! I borrowed some things from the library - lots of painting books, two past issues of Frankie and three DVDs.

One is about a group of refugees who become ballet dancers, but then split into two factions and battle it off in one of the most epic danceoffs in history, or something like that. It's called 'Ballet Russes'. The other is Bergman's 'Scenes from a Marriage" and the other other is a surreal short film put together by Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel, 'Un Chien Undalou'. Pretty excited to watch 'em!

Yayayay!

So this is pretty much my plan for today:

1) Blogging
2) Watch 'Ballet Russes'
3) Walk the dog and talk to Andreas, my favourite person in the whole world, before he leaves for Italy this evening!
4) Bake custard
5) Read my painting books and Scrabble it up, probably!!

Gosh I'm gonna miss you Andreas sir! I miss you already!

My Dream

2010-12-07T10:55:00.003+11:00

Or what I remember of it.

A beautiful girl of foreign ethnicity. Maybe South American. She has tanned skin, dark hair that falls in waves down her chest, and her eyes are slightly slanted but doe-like and open. Her irises are brown and translucent. Looking closer, the watery brown is flecked by shards of olive green.

She is a skilled drawer, but draws only self-portraits. I have a vision of her - half-submerged in lucid, blue water (perhaps a swimming pool); one hand holds a mirror reflecting the smooth, brown skin of her belly and breasts, the other - a pencil to a pad of paper, which is propped up against a window in front of her. I seem to stare out of the window through her eyes.

Fiji (!!!!)

2010-12-06T21:46:00.001+11:00

In two days I am going to Fiji and I cannot wait!! (Even though there is a cyclone there... haha!)

I can't wait to relax and drink a blue moon cocktail and make sandcastles and surf (i.e. jump in the waves).

I'm going to miss Andreas very much though!!!!

xoxoxo, love Natasha

My Day

2010-12-06T20:58:00.007+11:00

Today I caught up with my buddy Natasha Nasveld for lunch and shopping!

We shopped the whole day, tottering around Town Hall and Westfield in the City and it sure was a pleasure! I bought a few basic items - a pair of white shorts, three basic jersey tops, a black belt and a pair of cute flats - very cheap! Feeling pretty proud of my economicness and use of my bday money :D

I also ate a vegetable frittata which was SO TASTY - though not as tasty as the one Izzy and I made I must say. (Speaking of which, I really want to make it again! ^___^)

ohmygosh wool pants.

2010-12-06T20:07:00.005+11:00

1. My wallpaper (Source: Oracle Fox), 2. In love with these adorable woolly shorts from Stolen Girlfriends Club, 3. Barbara Palvin

Birthday Wishlist

2010-11-11T18:43:00.003+11:00

The Hungry Girls' Cookbook, Vol 1 and 2, $35 each with postage.

T2 Teapot, $100

T2 Teacup and Saucer, $54

2 year subscription to RUSSH, 80% of $100

Baking!

2010-11-05T01:07:00.002+11:00

Today I made Honey Banana Macadamia cupcakes! :D They were RATHER DEEeeEElicious! Can't wait to share them with my boyfriend Andreas and his family and my family! They taste so good with milk, and I bet with tea too!

Mignon.

2010-11-04T14:45:00.007+11:00

Which is French, for cute.

Lately, I have been obsessing with cute things in the breaks between my study periods, like adorable tiny Persian kittens who munch on watermelons (above) and bananas and apples while wearing little banana or apple hats.

Today I also discovered the unfathomably cute French label Smallable, which specialises in children's clothing, interior design and gifts. Here is a snapshot from their magazine...

It's always been a sort of pipe dream of mine to move to France (or Italy) and dress my children in impeccable little coordinated outfits, haha!

Also, here are my favourite soft toys that they sell (that I want to buy as presents for the people I love! :D But alas, I am too poor, oh the merde, the merdiness of having no job :*< !!)

Aren't they funny looking? :D Tres tres mignon et chic! :D

Isabel Marant Lookbook: Spring Inspiration

2010-11-03T13:30:00.004+11:00

LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE.

LOVE.

*sigh*

Comments:

I love the neutral palette with occasional pops of colour (i.e. the red shorts), the belts are also well chosen - from the Hilfiger-like stripy, sporty style to the masculine, perennial black buckle belt - really elevating the shorts to a new level of sophistication.

It's also a very refined (rather than skimpy and flambouyant) collection as Marant pairs modest sweaters with shorts. The sweaters are also loose and slouchy, giving off a laid-back, cool feel.

I like the touches of bohemian here and there - the cardigan in the second photo, the red patterned skirt in the fourth. Cropped jeans and heels are a killer combination.

Overall, a great mix of elegance and relaxed chic - perfect for spring.

StuVac

2010-10-31T12:42:00.007+11:00

BOY OH BOY DO I LOVE VEGEMITE AND CHEESE SCROLLS! :D

Exams are beginning in a week or so, which means that it's StuVac period at the moment and the stress is building up. Thankfully, I've got a clear plan of what I need to do and how I'm going to do it - catching up on lectures first of all, then review of these lectures, and then reading over tutes and doing some practice questions, and then finally, studying anatomy in depth!

I've also started trying to refocus my spiritual life. Lately I've been conscious of that not uncommon 'drifting away from God' - thinking only about myself and worldly desires and passions, and trying to do everything on my own and for my own good. This clearly needs to change!

Yesterday I think that God let me know that I can trust Him, and should not fear - neither the harms of the world or my own failings - if I put my faith in Him.

Pastor Dale's sermon on 'Guilt and Freedom' in church this morning was a good and appropriate reminder. It was based on Psalm 32. I've made a few notes, below.

- What is the mark of God's blessing? Not wealth or success or popularity. Psalm 32:1-2 says: "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven".

- God's blessing is freedom from the guilt placed upon us due to sin.

- Being a Christian isn't simply about being 'good'. It's about acknowledging your sin in humble repentence and asking God for forgiveness. It's about depending totally on God and devoting your life to Him.

- When you turn back to God, He is there, ready and waiting. "...I will counsel you and watch over you".

- It's important to preach to non-Christians about the freedom from guilt offered by God through Jesus Christ.

- The only way to set yourself free from guilt is to pay the price - Jesus is the price that has been paid

- 1 John 1:8-2:2 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world

- Forgiven now, forgiven for eternity.

It's a reassuring message, isn't it! Now, off to study! :D

Of Late

2010-10-21T09:02:00.003+11:00

Love the cut of Calvin Klein's 2011 Spring Collection. Also, listening to Florence and the Machine of late. That girl sure can sing.

Vogue 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball

2010-10-21T08:58:00.002+11:00

Jawdropping. This is how I want to look at a fancy dress party.

I'm Back! :D

2010-10-17T21:20:00.006+11:00

Today I went to church and watched Ben and Jason share their testimonies during their baptism ceremony. It's so heartwarming and encouraging to see the transformation that has taken place in their hearts, and their transition from a life of brokenness, sin and futile cynicism to one of eternal purpose, selfless love and the most glorious, powerful hope!

On another note, exams are looming and I'm trying to stay calm and gradually catch up with my lecture notes and revision. I've finally finished Grapes of Wrath and have already nearly finished Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History' - one of the most scintillating and addictive novels I have ever read, ever! :D The pages just fly by - characters are compelling, the setting and unwinding of the plot is delectable. I plan to finish it tonight!

I'm a bit wary of spending too much time researching fashion at the moment. I have a tendency towards obsession - living my life through phases - exercise phases, fashion and model phases, medicine phases, science phases, art phases, etc. An interesting, if not sporadic, way of living! :P

Now, I think I'm in a 'reading phase'.

Nevertheless, every now and then I like to flick through my favourite style blogs, or plan the odd outfit, or jot down things I'd like to buy for summer.

These outfits by ASOS sort of make me wish it was still autumn though! Great combination of slouchy, cool and cute!

I really adore the last picture though. Hopefully this week I can find a white flower to put in my hair, just like that! :) xoxo Natasha

D&G

2010-09-24T23:58:00.003+10:00

Cutest floral dresses out.

Karmen Pedaru.

2010-09-24T23:54:00.002+10:00

'AIYAIYAIYAIYAIYAIYAI' - Matt Bellamy, 'Microcuts'

2010-09-24T23:37:00.004+10:00

Edvard Munch's 'Madonna'. Insane wrestling heroes of the 80s.

Kate Bosworth

2010-09-24T21:32:00.003+10:00

My new style icon. She's so gorgeous. This is exactly what I'd like to wear casually in the spring or summer time, to a T! :D

Findings

2010-09-24T00:04:00.003+10:00

Haha this little ensemble from Marc Jacob's 2011 Resort collection is sooooo soooo cute! The little pastel cardigan and baby pink polka dot skirt? Very Natasha Stephanie Lau.

Other finds:

Monika 'Jac' Jagaciak. Thrilling features. She looks like a gazelle. I can't believe she's only 16!

Peter Lindbergh. Phenomenal fashion photographer and obsessed with beautiful faces like me. I really want to buy his books and just stare at his black and white masterpieces all day long.

Days of Heaven

2010-09-23T16:31:00.009+10:00

Anna Sui's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear collection is in a few words - earthy, feminine and vividly bohemian. It was inspired by Terrence Malick's film Days of Heaven, one of the designer's favourite films.

Alberta Ferretti's designs for Spring (2011) also have a similar vibe, but more floral, more fluid and translucent.

A Wife of Noble Character

2010-09-21T22:45:00.001+10:00

Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version)

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Here's to you and the stars above

2010-09-21T17:14:00.003+10:00

I bought a new pair of shoes for spring today! :)

P.S. Andreas, you complete me. And I love you and miss you more and more each minute.

Faces are addictive

2010-09-20T22:23:00.009+10:00

Karlie Kloss

Another new favourite of mine. Like Ali Stephens, there's a quirkiness and understated beauty in her face that I really grew to like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htgWf8FUQZM

Haha I'm so, so addicted to FTV First Face talks right now.

P.S. Sigrid Agren is giving me unbearable name envy. Karmen Pedaru's personality reminds me of my friend Grace and Toni Garrn is so beautiful. Yay! Models.

Ali

2010-09-20T21:20:00.004+10:00

Love this girl.

Spring Summer Inspiration

2010-09-20T01:31:00.005+10:00

One of my favourite things to do is to browse photographs of models and fashion editors off duty. Noting: Incredibly toned legs, sexy sandals, cropped pants, aviators, and shorts for the winnings.

P.S. How good do these look? Belgian waffles and Earl Grey Hot Chocolate

"That was the biggest joint I've lit, ever"

2010-09-19T23:53:00.011+10:00

So chuckles certified pothead Chris Lang, after helping his friends ignite a 20 metre long petrol tanker.

"Tomorrow When the War Began", directed by Stuart Beattie (Pirates of the Caribbean, G.I. Joe - The Rise of Cobra) and based on the novel by Australian author John Marsden, is a mildly enjoyable film. Nothing spectacular (as expected) but at the same time not a total letdown, with solid special effects and some jumpy action scenes.

The highlights are the flickers of comic relief offered by Lang, and Lang's bedroom - an attic-like construction featuring translucent, federal blue drapes spread over the windows and walls, vintage pop-art signage, a scattering of ethnic-looking cushions and a wicker-basket cocoon swing hanging from the ceiling.

After watching the movie I also thought about what would happen to me if I were in the characters' situation, i.e. thrust in the middle of a war zone, sneaking past enemy sentries, blowing up fuel trucks etc.

I thought about how I've consistently been the bane of every tag team in Halo, about how many times I've come last in laser tag, about all the red outs in games like COD and Counterstrike, and about how the only time I've won in a combat video game is in Super Smash Brothers and that's only because Kirby can fly for a really long time.

And I realised gosh I'd probably die instantly - I've really got to get my game up - so I typed 'How to Win in Laser Tag' in the Google search bar to get tips on how to improve my stealth.

Really optimistic about the results I found - here are my favourite tips!

"How to Strategize in Laser Tag" (by an eHow contributor)

Create a Solo Strategy

1. Conceal yourself from enemies. They can't shoot you if they can't see you. Indoors, wear dark, blendable clothes, nothing white (stands out under black light) or interactive with black light (such as certain hair gels or face paint). Outdoors, camouflage works well.

2. Use others as shields. When leaving a home base, move with the group. Don't be first or last to enter the field of play.

3. Keep moving. Continuous, random movement keeps your body sensors in motion, making them harder to hit. It also puts you in firing range of your enemies so you can score points.

4. Know the terrain. Case the arena or playing field for hiding spots and defensive cover.

5. Be aggressive. You win more points for making a tag than you lose points for being tagged.

Create a Team Strategy

1. Strategize a few basic plays, as in football. Give each team member a place in the lineup and devise various ways to move about the playing field. Label them for easy recognition, such as A, B and C.

2. Let your team know before each game whether you'll be moving out in A, B or C formation.

3. Use one team member as "bait" to make an easy target while the rest of you surround the opposing players.

4. Designate two team members to double back, one on each side boundary, and then move toward the center for a surprise attack on your enemies.

5. Use two-way radios set to a secret frequency for team contact in outdoor laser tag. Let teammates know that you've reached a location, been tagged or captured the flag.

6. Strategize by anticipating your opponents' moves. Have a contingency plan, for "if they do this, we'll to do that."

----

After reading this I felt really happy and excited to play more laser tag because I think now maybe I can score more points!

I also now feel like reading Sun Tzu's Art of War and devising up battle plans and things like that but maybe this is just another one of my weird phases.

Things I am into at the moment: Junior Masterchef, shooting for my goal of getting a D average, the books "Grapes of Wrath" and "The Brain that Changes Itself".

It is also my midsemester break this week! (Yay!) So tomorrow or some time soon I plan to bake Orange and Poppyseed Cupcakes :D Not something I would usually make but I think it's worth a try, don't you?

Plus oranges are in season and poppyseeds are cute and fun!

Inside

2010-09-03T00:02:00.002+10:00

1. Love the purity and subtle quirkiness of this setting. The star mat works so well here! 2. Amazing wallpaper - also a note to self to purchase some white flowers. 3. I'd love to try Chloe's scent. Such a beautiful bottle, not to mention it was voted Best Floral Scent of 2010!

I bought my first piece of furniture today! Well sort of. It's a little candle holder - a cylindrical glass, the bottom half of which is encircled by a rim of darkly rusted ornamental metal.

I haven't taken a photo of it yet but I will soon! As soon as I find a cute white tea light and a box of matches! I hope it looks as gorgeous as I imagine it to be! :)

The reason behind my sudden purchase and slight obsession with interior design sort of stems from my visit to Bistro Ortolan last Saturday. Their bathroom was probably one of the simplest and beautiful rooms I've been in. The white, vintage table had a large glass bowl of yellow chrysanthemums floating in water. Surrounding the bowl was a lantern with a tall flickering candle, and a smaller candle in an ornamental glass. The table also had a wicker basket of fresh white hand towels. The room had no other lights other than the candle light. So lovely! *Sigh* I only wish I brought my camera with me.

Listening to the lush sounds of Tamaryn and the Walkmen's Lisbon album. *Bliss.

I'm so lucky

2010-08-30T23:52:00.001+10:00

I'm so lucky to have a person who loves me with all his heart, with so much devotion and loyalty, with so much concern and fear for my safety.

I'm so lucky to have someone to laugh with, to roll around on the carpet with, to play with, to kiss my forehead, to be there for me to talk to at any time of the day, to snuggle with at night, and during the day when it is rainy.

I'm so lucky to have a teacher who thrills me with so many insights into the world, who is so passionate about each thing that captures his mind, who expresses himself with such clarity, power and style, who constantly surprises me with his creativity and intelligence, who is unlike anybody I've met in the world.

Even though this person is a human being, and is not perfect, just like I am not perfect, I am greatful to God for bringing this person in my life, for showing me what love is.

Andreas, thank you for loving me with the love that you have.

God, thank you for a love even greater than this, that I cannot even comprehend. And please, despite my constant sins (amazingly forgiven in your eyes), stick with me.

Degustation

2010-08-29T22:58:00.006+10:00

Bistro Ortalans.

Menu

Tomato and white anchovy velouté with Tweed River Rock oyster and tomato granita

Ceviche of citrus cured ocean trout and baby octopus with fresh Tasmanian wasabi, san choy bau

Tartlet of smoked eel and kipfler potato with a petit salad nicoise and softly cooked quails egg

Poached fillet of Murray Cod with mushroom and spinach ravioli, and snail croquette

Pot-au-feu of free-range Burrawong chicken in 'half moruning' with roasted chicken and Tasmanian truffle consomme.

Twice-cooked 'rost-biff' of Wagyu tenderloin with fondant potatoes and bearnaise sauce.

Epoisses Berthaut with candied almonds.

Citrus salad with pink grapefruit and campari and blood orange sorbets.

Date and armagnac crème brûlée with caramelised brioche French toast and fennel ice-cream

Tea, coffee and petits four

Inception vs. Hud (Hud Wins).

2010-08-29T22:31:00.011+10:00

On Friday night, my mummy and I watched Inception together - a complex film, but overrated in my opinion! (Rating: 65).

The film certainly achieved what it set out to do - befuddle the mind, generate plenty of oohs and ahs, spur the audience to question the line between dreaming and reality...

But in the end I made up my mind that I did not like it.

Maybe I'm just a dim old coconut, but I think there were just too many folds in the plot. The whole thing was overdramatic, overambitious, and tortuous.

The only highlights were the stunning SFX (cliff faces crumbling, Escher-like 'architecture', a metropolis folding itself at 90 degrees), Leonardo D's astute acting skills (no one quite does bereavement better) and Ellen Page rendering the stereotype she is so good at - a teenage girl with a plucky wit and dorkish charm.

But other than that my boat was not float.

Luckily Saturday made up for Friday about a thousand times over! :D

After Yum Cha in the morning with Gramps and Josh, I skipped over to Andreas' house and watched 'Hud' - a black and white flick starring Paul Newman - my favourite actor at the moment (See 'Cool Hand Luke').

Golly gosh! I thought 'Hud' was absolutely suuuperb on so many counts! Its central theme, which toys with the idea of a 'plague of morality' - is simple, sombre and pointed. It is symbolised aptly by the film's complication - an epidemic which courses through the farm of Hud's father, Homer, and renders his livestock invalid. The affliction acts as an aperture from which the tension between Hud and his father easily flows out of. In this way, the metaphor sits comfortably in the focus of the plot, and diffuses outward naturally. Impressive.

As the story develops, Hud's brazen egotism and disregard for ethical principles is reflected in his advice to Homer - to sell the infected horses to farmers up north, at the expense of spreading the disease further. His persona grates harshly with that of his father - who, despite his physical deterioration exhibits moral strength and stubbornly carries a 'stone tablet' of noble sentiments. Their hostility grows more powerful as Homer's condition fades - this fine interplay of contrasts and parallels is one of the many features that draws the audience in.

Another such feature is the cinematography. Each scene - from the simple vignette of an old country town, to a montage of pointed rifles and writhing cattle - is immaculately composed; the stillness and clarity of a snapshot, scooped up and captured in film. In this case at least, James Wong Howe is a visual King Midas, and it is not surprising that the picture received an Academy Award for Best Cinematography (among other prizes and nominations).

Furthermore, for its heavy theme, 'Hud' flows surprisingly lightly. It is uplifted by a spritzer of that elusive old-American charm, found in so many black and white legends - though now obsolete, solid-as-gold acting and sizzling banter.

I'ma do an Andreas and rate this one 85 (New Scale). (Old Scale - 99.99).

Coffee break.

2010-08-27T12:06:00.000+10:00

Over mochas.

id(e)a

2010-08-26T20:01:00.005+10:00

Ida Rislow I am slightly in love with you.

It's because of you that I want to be blonde, Swedish and about 1000000 m tall.

You make me want to go vintage shopping and play monopoly with alt people and not do any work at all.

New Raves

2010-08-26T18:46:00.005+10:00

Things I am slightly obsessed with this month...

The Colonnade's baby octopus salad

Mochas

Harper Bazaar's September Issue

Janelle Monae!!!!

!!!!!

My new earrings and bracelet from Portmans! (Thanks mummy)

Sweden!! (As Stockholm is uber stylish)

And here is one more photo from red party that I just found randomly on my iphone! :D

xoxo, Natasha

Augustus

2010-08-26T09:40:00.003+10:00

It's been an interesting August, weatherwise- a hodgepodge of sunny days, windy weather, cold snaps and the odd shower now and then!

And ever since I made the decision to be more socially active and say 'yes!' to friend outings, my study schedule has been similarly variable! Who knew balance could be so tough to attain! Starting from now - I'm determined to get it together!

But before I do... a few snapadees from various parties/gatherings ;P

I've also been going to cafes with my mummy every Thursday for brunch! For the last two weeks we've frequented Badde Manors, but I can't wait to try out Clipper soon!

Also I've been going to the gym with Cece every Sunday for pilates, and every Tuesday for boxing! And I think I'm slowly regaining my fitness - yay! ^___^

I guess what I've always got to remember though, is to put God first - above all these plans and ambitions. That's the only way things will really fall into place, I've realised.

Some other things that have been on my mind...

1) Planes Carrying Goods

When you see a plane flying in the sky you usually assume straightaway that there are a bunch of people sitting in them. That's what I always thought! But then I thought a bit about Ebay, and how all the goods get from places like Hong Kong and Phuket and China to Australia and realised that some of these planes must have no holidayers at all!! Just packed with all these goods and ebay stuff!! Just planes flying around with stuff!! No people at all! Just stuff!!

So that really changed my view about planes.

2) Sweet Potato Chips

So what you do is you cut your sweet potato into thin strips, spray them with a bit of olive oil and oven bake them or grill them to they're crisp!

THEY ARE SO NICE! Even better than normal chips I think - because they're sweeter and have a fuller flavour (and are healthier!)

3) Bistro Ortolan

Going here to celebrate my babyman's belated 21st!! Sooooo excited for the 4.5 hour degustation meal! Two chef hats! Woop woop!!!

Anway that's all from me! Another brunch awaits! xoxo, Natasha

Change

2010-08-17T00:18:00.002+10:00

For the past week or so I've been eating sooo much unhealthy food and too much food in general, and as a result have been feeling a little unhappy in my tummy and a bit sluggish too!

But I'm planning for this to change over the next few weeks as I work out hard to get fit and get very toned for summer!

This means no carbs at night, snacking on apples when I feel like eating fatty food, doing many butt-busting exercises and being very self disciplined (just like my gymnastic days)!

I'm also going to start stretching, to improve my flexibility! :)

Today I did 2 x 50 squats, 2 x 10 full pushups and 30 squat jumps!

It's a small start but felt really good! It really warmed me up in this wintery weather!

OKAY! Tomorrow I plan to go for a run!

Wish me luck! :)

Cool Hand Luke

2010-08-15T00:45:00.005+10:00

I believe I've found my favourite film.

Miscellany

2010-08-10T13:24:00.004+10:00

It's freezing outside! But on gloomy days like this one, there is nothing better than cuddling under the blankets, reading and hearing the rain fall.

I've just returned from a morning of Clinical Medicine and am proud to say that I have taken my first blood pressure measurment! (Yay!) Even though I'm incredibly un-co and always turn the valve the wrong way so that even the patient corrected me haha, I'm determined to get better at it!

My weekend was delightful, a prolonged feast of dumplings, spaghetti marinara, and many salads! I watched 'Magnolia' - probably one of the most sincerely poignant and layered films that I have seen in a while, and also the Lynch film 'Wild at Heart' with Andreas. Who knew elements of 'Wizard of Oz' could be threaded into a plot with assasination!

Of late, I've been working hard on my Evidenced Based Med assignment. Propping up powerpoints and making sure the animations run smoothly - no easy feat! My group is first up - it's due tomorrow - so I'm glad to have it off my chest so I can catch up on the forty million lectures that I have fallen behind on!

Oh! And I found a cute apricot skirt in General Pants while shopping at Macarthur on Monday.

I was quite impressed! G.P. has definitely upped their stock, now featuring a lot more vintage and indie pieces since I last visited them a few years ago... though perhaps that might just reflect the evolution of my tastes.

Also, I think I might paint my nails a soft nudish pink when I get home - just like this!

Plus, I need these for summer!

Invasion

2010-08-09T18:35:00.012+10:00

By Natasha Lau. An Exercise in Writing. Alternative Title: The Flotilla.

It was very early in the morning when the first boats arrived. At this time, the sky was faint and dark. Most of the fishermen were still asleep and dawn had not yet broken.

The night had somehow disappeared; stars faded without warning and slipped beneath the earth. Only a sliver of moon remained, and around it, a blue shroud spread about the sky like a feather duvet. Above the lake, which curved around the land, dark clouds clustered and stirred thickly. Through pinhole openings in the clouds, peals of sunlight filtered through. They stretched out in earnest to strike the lake, but their white, spindly rays were feeble and the darkness overwhelmed them.

The lake sat ponderously and murmured to itself in this blank darkness. Its waters - royal silks of deep green - rolled lazily over each other. Flecks of sun sifted down from the clouds onto its surface, glittered for an instant before melting. An odd smell - sweet, vinegar, acid - drifted through the air and hung over the water; water which yawned, moved, contemplated.

Suddenly, the edge of the lake shuddered deeply. The water rumbled and shook, parted, sparked with airy foam. Crescent-shaped peaks of white linen pierced the horizon and pushed powerfully upwards, like mountains thrusting out from beneath the soil. As the flotilla steadied towards the shore, wooden masts poked out of the water and teetered clumsily.

The lake baulked from the disturbance. The clouds too, trembled angrily and then parted. The line of boats surged forward, and in an instant, sunlight poured out from the sky in an brilliant haze and crackled over the water.

The fishermen, awake now, stepped out of their houses. Pressing their feet into the sand and their thumbs into their nets, they watched as the boats - about a hundred of them - tipped noiselessly onto the beach. The wooden carcasses were strewn and embedded in the sand. Their white linen sails trailed out and struck deep into the shoreline.

S Dubz

2010-08-06T12:04:00.004+10:00

Interview with the Smith Westerns, quotes.

"It was fairly easy to get shows in Chicago just because Todd Killings of Hozac Records was and still is very much behind us. The problem is that people in Chicago are fucking idiots."

"We don’t have a stubborn fan base or a big label deal. So we can only go up."

"It was kind of awkward because first and foremost it’s a kid show. Actually we recorded the song before we got there and got drunk on the train ride to the studio. I didn’t know the lyrics because we had written them about an hour before which is why it looks like I’m mumbling. We also tried to dress and act as stupid as possible. It was weird because we were all drunk being idiots and yelling and trying to dance amongst all these little kids and their parents. They kept giving us dirty looks because we probably reeked of the cheap tequila we were drinking. I thought I was Mick Jagger."

- Cullen Omori

It was really bad. We sucked. The only reason that we kept on making music was that we were friends with each other. We sucked bad. Bad.

2010-08-06T10:54:00.007+10:00

Snagged off Andy's great fashion blog, Style Scrapbook. Aren't Olivia Palermo (American socialite) and Johannes Huebl (German model) just the hottest couple out?

Also, found this cool photo by David Takashi Favrod, who in the words of Jeff Hamada, is aiming to 're-creat[e] his childhood memories of Japan (in Switzerland)'.

Currently, listening to: Excuses by The Morning Benders, Agoraphobia by Deerhunter, Boyfriend by Best Coast, Girl in Love and Be my Girl by the Smith Westerns, and the Walkmen's new album - Lisbon.

The Smith Westerns always make me smile because their sound is very youthful and raw and indignant, like an angry, four year old girl. And of late I have been quite liking that electric-guitar-blizzard-sound you find ripping through the songs of garage-rock type bands, or otherwise shoegaze-surf pop bands like the Raveonettes.

I haven't made my mind yet about Lisbon... but I'm pretty sure I like it and am on the path to loving it. It has a very similar vibe to You and Me - tinkling acoustics and wistful horns, Van Gogh paintings and night time waltzes. Wowowowowowow!

Best Coast's 'Boyfriend' is pure fun and spunk, while Excuses is a likeable ditty that just works, ya know?

Work...

I should probably attempt some semblance of study now, haha.

My First Haggling Victory

2010-08-06T10:44:00.004+10:00

Bert Toy

$7, $5

Things are Looking Up

2010-08-02T13:26:00.004+10:00

After a considerably shabby and tiring week, it sure was good to be out and about with loved ones this weekend, walking around in the sunshine and feasting on winter comfort food!

On Friday, my family and I caught the new action/romantic comedy flick, "Knight and Day"! I really liked it, because it brightened up my night and made me laugh a lot. It was superfluous, charming and comfortably typical, with your customary car chase, assasin shoot offs and frolicking-on-the-beach romance scenes.

On Saturday, Andreas and I denied our primitive yens and woke up extra early to bust our tiny and unfit grampa butts at the gym! We did an hour of "Body Pump" - one of my favourite classes - and I was ready to drop halfway through!!
I'm still paralysed from the hips down, but it was a great workout though and we rewarded ourselves throughout the day with sweet chilli chicken wraps, salads from Taste, Newtown lattes and good ol meaty ribs and wedges from Rio Grande Texas - a cute little joint of a side street in Kensington.

The night ended with watching "Coming to America" with Andreas and family. What a classic film! Eddie Murphy is so talented!!

And now my fine weekend has ended and I'm back to uni feeling refreshed and ready to work hard.

I'm Reading "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck at the moment, whose writing style has a very light, but strong and natural feel. I'm happy because I haven't picked up a book in so long, and it feels good to throw a little balance into my lifestyle. It's easy to lose your connection to art in a course like med.

Looking forward to learning about more books, films and music in the future - of course, this is easy when you have the best teacher! ;D

Moieties

2010-07-27T19:06:00.004+10:00

For some reason, whenever I hear the word 'moiety' I always think of a little honey crumble cupcake, or something small and munchy like that.

Speaking of which -

I'm also excited about trying out this key lime pie recipe I found from Sweetcakes Bakeshop...

...as well as this simple as a simpleton (but delicious) hot banana split from taste.com!

Is baking the new procrastination?

Jacques Cousteau Could Never Get This Low

2010-07-27T15:00:00.004+10:00

I've just started doing online yoga classes, to limber up, tone up and feel refreshed, light and healthy! These sun salutations look so cute, like a dolphin or a banana peel doing a dance or something.

Classy

2010-07-27T13:24:00.001+10:00

What an adorable little book.

2010-07-27T13:19:00.002+10:00

Listening to Crystal Castles while eating a big, leafy salad. Cup of homebrewed chai tea impending. I palpated my first enlarged spleen today.

Life is nice.

The Fancy Dress Party

2010-07-27T04:00:00.006+10:00

I've just returned from a party at res - the first party I've been to this semester, and probably the first party in my life that I might say I actually enjoyed!

I've recently made the decision to be a tad less antisocial - which means saying yes to invitations occasionally instead of always staying home, going to outings and parties every now and then, and dancing wholeheartedly without inhibitions!

I would never have known it before but I quite like dancing!!

The theme for tonight's party was "Back to School" - which means for girls, short skirts, white shirts and a tie! This is my little ensemble here that I threw together with a little help from pals!

Did you notice I cut my hair? :D

So at first I was sort of swaying cutely but awkwardly to the music, but then after a while it seemed that my hips loosened and after a cup of apple juice and a talk to my supportive, reassuring and beautiful boyfriend, I decided to do him proud and just listen to the music and truly enjoy moving to it!

After dancing for a while I became quite hot and sweaty so headed up to Linda's apartment. Linda was quite drunk and felt quite sick, poor baby. We set up Sing Star and karaok-ied like no tomorrow!

Boy does a confident and funloving crowd (with your customary crazy drunk friend) make for a great party! Shine was entertaining everybody all night long with his drunken antics, from throwing himself around the floor in an attempt to breakdance, to running into walls, to trying to throw himself off the top of the staircase, to singing to 'Barbie Girl' ala screamo hardcore style.

But the best thing about this party was that my friends knew when to call it a night.

I guess last impressions do count.

xoxo, Natasha the Dancing Peanut.

P.S. Pawpaw lipbalm is a lifesaver.

Cries with Happiness

2010-07-23T22:59:00.010+10:00

This may sound a little weird, but I really do think that a simple, light and delicious meal - like this 15 minute udon miso soup, or one ingredient banana icecream, or every dish in this parisian picnic for instance (all shown below) - could make me cry with hapiness.

I have also been browsing Martha Stewart's recipe compodium! So excited to attempt to cook this spinach dill pie!!! :D

Also - I would like to make these incredibly cute cocktail parasols, from papermash.com!

But I'm terrified of hot glue guns! (I also don't know how to use/get a hot glue gun... But that is irrelevant.)

When I'm With You I Have Fun

2010-07-23T16:49:00.005+10:00

An interesting string of days.

This week's agenda: A drowsy blur of movies, TV show marathons and generalised slothfulness.

But that’s not to say it hasn’t been absolutely wonderful though! :D

There’s nothing more lovely in this world than snuggling under the covers with the person you love, and then hitting town or just sharing a tub of fruit yoghurt with that person, even if their free-flowing, bohemian, semi-nocturnal lifestyle throws your body into a state of confusion:

Some highlights this week:

Death and a Funeral
Amores Perros
Season Two Skins and the Wire Season Five
Ephesians 4-5, one of my favourite passages in the Bible :)

Plus...

I bought T2 Chai tea!!!!! :D

On the minus side though:

Compensatory study….
And split ends (!) – but that will soon be remedied with impending hair treatment and trim.

But in Natashaworld.... there are always more plusses than minuses :D...

Superrrrrrrr excited about mummy, daddy and Joshua returning from their holiday tomorrow!! And missing my puppy Mischa like nothing else!!!

One more very important thing:

To Andreas babyman, babymum, and babydad: Thank you for letting me be part of your family and share in your meals and stay at your house!! I love you all so very much!!!! (Including Carla ;D)

xoxoxo,

Natasha the Gumnut.

Parisienne Chic

2010-07-20T14:02:00.008+10:00

Absolutely enthralled by netaporter's editorial shoot inspired by Brigitte Bardot.

And aren't these studded ballerina flats just adorable?

Wishlist: Black mini sweater dress, black/white/nude stilettos (tall!), black liquid eyeliner for a feline flick, hair volumising spray.

Fount of Productivity

2010-07-19T18:56:00.005+10:00

Apple-polly-loggies for the late post folks!

A fresh semester of med has resumed, so I've been overwhelmed with a great big happy hoard of fresh assignments, tutes and lectures.

Luckily though, I've just been a veritable Fount of Productivity, studying hard everyday, making sure I'm on top of everything, not procrastinating and certainly not letting undone work build up to a dangerous level!

Not.

T___________T

Haha on the bright side my amore has found a bounty of new songs for me to listen to while I kick myself up the botty and force myself to write notes on stomach anatomy.

On my ipeepod right now:

When I'm With You - Best Coast, Tennis - Marathon, Tennis - South Carolina, and New Order - Ceremony.

Okayokayokay. Must. Work. Now!!

Toodles dear friends! :) xoxoxo