The Year That Was, 2009

January
New Years began with my best friends in Marion Bay, Tasmania. I'd never really heard The Hives stuff before, but the atmosphere was electric. And cold, it was so cold I ended up going to 'sleeping bag' by 3am.

I saw Soko perform and fell in love with her quirky style of singing and dressing.

It was the first time I had been camping in ages & I loved spending it with my old childhood friends. The Falls Festival really opened my eyes to new music & new experiences.

I reconnected with my big brother (we hadn't seen each other since we were ten, (that's him on the left) & had a blast meeting his friends.

I spent a month in Tasmania & most nights were spent looking at this whilst talking to my boyfriend on the train tracks (it's so hard to get network in my hometown). I ended up cutting my trip away in half to get back to him, as soon as I got back we moved in together.

February
David & I went to see our first concert together; Coldplay. It was the most surreal experience.. They didn't play my favourite song 'Don't Panic', but their entire set was just magical.

The next week & a half was spent on David's parents boat, this was the last thing I would see every night before going into our cosy little cabin. (I didn't even get too sea sick!)

I'm a terrible fisher(wo)man, but at Rottnest I found I had a knack for 'squidding'. I love calimari, it's 100 times better when you catch & cook it yourself.

This was the first picture we put up of us in our house. It's still one of my favourites!

These are our little babies a few days after we brought them home. Mischa & Tibby, we couldn't have adopted better kitties.

June
David & I travelled to Perth for my best friend Hannah's 18th. We dressed up as 'mythical creatures' and had a ball.

On June 26th, I was told my dad had taken his own life. This is the only photo of us I have. Saying it was a hard time on me & my family would be an understatement. Being on the other side of the country away from his side of the family made it so much harder to grasp the reality of what was happening. Coincedentally, my mum and our family already had tickets booked for early July to visit Tasmania.

July

David took time off work at the last minute to come with me, I don't know what I would have done without him. Family came from as far as Nottingham to be together, here's a pic of David meeting my little brother (in the blue) and sister (the lime in the front), as well as all my Campbell cousins for the first time.

David had never been to Tasmania, so I made sure to show him the sites. We saw snow, went on a ghost tour in Port Arthur & visited The Salamanca Markets in Hobart. This is the Launceston Cataract Gorge, it's my favourite place on earth.

August

I celebrated my own 18th Birthday, Monte Carlo style. My 2 best friends made the trip up from Perth for it, that was the best present. Although I was legally allowed to drink now, I only had 2 the entire night. I was too busy dancing :)

September

We took another trip to the coast..the boys fished, I shopped. It's always good to get away from our little inland town, even if it takes 6 hours to get to the closest beach.

My netball team of 4 years FINALLY took out the (B Grade) Grand Final. We went undefeated all season and had alot of fun; I discovered I'm a kick arse centre player. That's me 2nd from the right.

October

We finally bought a computer! We rearranged the house & I started the nesting process I never seemed to have time for before. It was only a matter of time now until we got the internet connected & I could Skype with my family in Tas :)


I went to my first charity event! The Pink Ribbon Breakfast was an eye-opening event and there was delicious food involved. Next year I would really like to be involved with running something like that.

November

Our local French-Canadian JF hosted a Wine & Cheese Night as his leaving party and I came to realise I am definitely a top shelf kind of girl. It was marvellous fun tasting a variety of wines & cheeses from around the world & feeling very cultured.


That said, having home made Pina Coladas at Amy's 18th was also a blast. We danced all night & a few people went swimming. I felt really confident in my new black 1 piece. This night just stands out as a highlight.

December

David and I celebrated our one year anniversary on the 5th of December in Perth. After just a year, I know that he & I are meant to be together. I have never felt this way about anyone, we are so comfortable around eachother & have made it through so much together. I love him more than life.


<3
2009 has been the best & worst year of my life. It's been really nice being able to share my thoughts & day-to-day happenings on my blog. I can't wait to read & share our 2010! If you've gotten this far, make sure you comment so I can congratulate you :)

The Beauty Behind The Blog - Mel

What do you get when you mix a great sense of style, a warm heart & a knack for DIY? Mel Sonier. This lovely lady was the first to add me to her blog roll and quickly became one of my favourite reads... I simply had to know more about her, now you can too!

If your life was a movie, what song would play the opening credits? Have you seen in your dreams by Miracle Fortress.

What made you start your blog? I was always talking about starting one but didn't have the time so when I broke up with my then boyfriend in June I decided to really get into it. I was already posting my looks on chictopia so when I knew that I would have a few readers I thought I'd give it a try.
How does working in the industry affect your style? It pulls me in two seperate directions actually. If I didn't work in the fashion industry I think my wardrobe would consist of mainly vintage/thrifted pieces but since I do, I try to mix it up with more contemporary pieces. Luckily, with kensie, the prints sometimes have a vintage feel to them but with updated silhouettes so it is something that I would definitely wear even if I didn't work there.

Where do you go for inspiration? Most of my inspiration comes from classic foreign films or styles geared towards the 1950's when women were showing off their femininity and it was all about glamour and elegance. I also do love visiting style blogs and seeing what other likeminded ladies are wearing. Some of my favorites these days are: A thought is the Blossom, Blooming Leopold and The Snail and the Cyclops for their amazing vintage finds, Day dream lily for the pretty pictures, and Le Love for the hopeless romantic in me.

Do you have a favourite item of clothing? O.k. this is such a hard question but the more I think about it, I'd have to say my denim jacket? It's the item I've owned for the longest time and that means alot since my closet is in a constant rotation. I struggle with space in my apartments and moving all the time that I'm always getting rid of stuff or consigning old items to acquire new ones. The jean jacket has been a staple in my wardrobe for over 10 years now so I think it deserves a mention!

10 years and counting...
This denim jacket is still a wardrobe staple.

How cool is it to live in Brooklyn? Very cool! I remember my first weekend here, walking around the neighborhood and thinking: "Yoah, I live on the set of The Cosby Show!" I love the brownstones, the community feeling, and the fact that it's much quieter than Manhattan.

What do you love the most about it? I've mentioned numerous times on my blog how much I love Beacon's closet and both locations are in Brooklyn. To eat, I go to the Vspot, a latin vegan eatery or if I'm in Williamsburg, I love grabbing a slice of vegan pizza at Vinnie's. The guys there are super nice and helpful and the toppings are very creative! In the summer I can ride my bike to Prospect park and listen to an outdoor concert or watch a movie on a big screen, sorta like a drive-in theatre but without the cars.

Biking in Brooklyn, strutting down the street -

Mel always looks effortlessly chic.

How did you get into DIY? I really was a crafty kid growing up, always painting or cutting and gluing stuff. I guess as I get older my diy's have gotten more intricate and now when I look at things in stores, I think: Hey! I can make that! And then I go home and try it. It's much more rewarding that way and makes gifts a little more thoughtful.

You constantly remix items into completely new gorgeous outfits! How do you do it? Well first of all, thank you! And second, when I really like a new item I've bought I want to wear it as much as possible, which is why I try out different ways and combinations. It's basically out of selfishness and trying to get away with wearing it yet another time and trying to fool my blog readers into thinking that I never re-wear anything!

What are you waiting for? Go check out her stuff! (Click the top pic) All photos courtesy of Idee Geniale. Do not re-produce without her permission. Thanks for reading :)

Could it get any better?

1. Today I bit the bullet & finally purchased this dress online... It was on mega sale & I have wanted it since I laid eyes on it. Plus last time I was in the city I tried it on, so I know it's going to fit when it gets here :)

2. Today I made plans to go for a walk with Yvette & actually followed through. This makes me happy because now that my sports have finished for the summer, it feels good to be a little active AND Yvette let me borrow some back issues of frankie. What is 'frankie', you ask? I'm going to write an entire new post dedicated to it's awesomeness, but in the mean time you can check out this great magazine @ www.frankie.com.au


3. I have 15 followers! 15! Thankyou all for showing your support. It feels nice to know that people actually read what I write :) That said, for some reason I can't access your blogs through your 'follower' profile. So if I haven't already said hello, please leave me a comment so I can get to your little corner of the world. Also, if anyone knows of how to find blog links in 'who's following you', please do share.

What's making you happy right now?

Watermelon Weather!

Ever since I bought Bella's Twilight Jacket from chickdowntown.com, (my first online shopping experience), I have been hooked on this brand. It was like the jacket was made for me :) Since then I have purchased two more dresses, one which will stay in my wardrobe forever more, the other was a bit small in the bust so I sent it to my step-mum. Anyway, I had thought I had weaned myself off the glorious designs, but alas! I passed by M's blog today & she made me fall in love all over again. This particular piece is my favourite of their current collection 'The Domani Dress' but you can check outtheir entire range by clicking the pic!

Oh & stop by Marissa's blog too. It's a great read.

Bits & Bobs

For your viewing pleasure I've added some new outfits to my weardrobe. Would love some commentos, surely I am not the only one who likes to share the love. :)


I simply must share this warm & fuzzy clip by Lisa Mitchell. This is how I picture my Summer's every time I go back to Tasmania, but it never quite ends up that way.


I also have an interview near ready to publish featuring the cute & quirky Mel from Idee Geniale. So make sure to check back soon! Goodnight xx

Final Farewell

Me & Bek posing up a storm - Photo  courtesy of Rebekah Nona

Last night I went to this party to farewell some people that have changed my life, even if they don't realise it. Everyone was having fun drinking & dancing, there was even a hose involved before it finally ended in a walk home in the rain..

But there was one 'moment' that really stood out for me. Tom (who is leaving *sniff*) told me that I had that I was a beautiful girl & was wasting my time at the computer shop doing accounts. "Wasting my talent" were the words used. "Was thinking about you the other day & how creative you are" also came up :) I told him that my dream was to work in public relations or journalism, he was adamant about me going into graphic design.. After a long discussion about the fact I can't really draw; just manipulate media, & something about left & right sides of the brain, (as I said, we were having a lot of fun drinking & dancing, which makes for some blurred images) I was feeling pretty special.

Now, I don't know if you need a portfolio or something, I never took an art class after year 10 & I never took the time to look at other options at Uni - I always figured I would go into writing or PR. But having someone who has spent half an hour of his farewell party, tell you that your stuff is good & you must pursue it, makes one wonder. It is a dream of mine to work in magazine layouts, I just never really told anyone because I didn't think I was arty enough to succeed. I don't know. I just know that I will miss seeing Tom around. Playing netball with Sal. Attempting basketball with Alison. Having Alex out there on the touch field. I hate saying goodbye.



Btw, I knocked up that invite for them at work. The groovy fonts are from here. What do you think of it? Honestly?

Etsy purchases..

Little Mo & Friends Tote Bag

I had to get this as soon as I saw it! I'm a sucker for cute tote bags. Helena is from Perth in Western Australia & so sweet. In the package, she included a letter, a postcard & some info about the Perth Upmarket which I was able to attend whilst on holiday in the city recently :)

There is a range of cute journals, cards & even a calendar to check out! Do it now!

Donut Magnets

I have the biggest sweet tooth, so when I was on the hunt for cute fridge magnets I hit gold with these babies from Vanilya Design! They were originally priced @ $10ea but I cheekily asked if there was a discount if I took both off her hands. I got them for $13! :) They look even better in real life & the magnet on them is surprisingly strong. Nilay is thinking about making more sweet treats for our fridges & is happy to make custom orders, drop her a line!

Spirits in my Bottle Garden

After browsing a range of prints for our computer room, this one stood out. I just love the colours in this Helen Dardik design. She's currently on holidays as of today but you can check out her blog in the mean time here. She has some fabulous stuff, I got in at a good time & got two for the price of one print..

Tea Time

All up these two prints cost me $32. Now to find some frames..

What have you found on Etsy lately?

What I Wore, Holiday Edition

Christmas Shoppping

dress/Billabong, shoes/Corelli, bag/vintage

I was going to be doing a spot of shoe shopping so I needed to be wearing a pair that was easy to slip on/off. Same goes for the dress. Simple choices for simple outfit. I didn't find any shoes but I did spend up @ JB Hi-Fi on some new cds & my latest tv shows. Oh Gossip Girl how I love thee!

Hair Appnt

shirt/Esprit, jeans/Jeanswest, scarf/a little boutique in Freo, bag/vintage, shoes/Steve Madden

Another simple outfit for a day at the shops; including a hair appointment. I love wearing white with denim & adding a splash of colour with a scarf. My mother in law gave me a coupon for 40% off a Jeanswest this day... my boyfriend & I got 13 things for $200! :)

Sale Shopping..

shirt/French Connection, necklace/Forever New, shorts/Jeanswest, shoes/Moolala

So we got up early this day to try & get to the Transit Clothing sale in Harbour Town, but the traffic was crazy bad on the freeway so we just went to the Cockburn shopping centre instead... You can't really see my hair in this one, what might be evident is my freshly cut bangs :)

Dinner & a movi

e

dress/Forever New, necklace/Forever New, wallet/early xmas pressie from the bf!

Well New Moon to be exact. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, having read the books I guess I was just expecting a lot more. We went to Hog's Breath beforehand & although they specialise in steak I had fish & chips.. which is pretty much what I order at every restaurant that serves it. This was my first time in a maxi dress & I'm not completely sure it suits me. I do love the colour though. And yes, this necklace is quickly becoming a favourite :p

Pancakes in Perth City

shirt/Jeanswest, jeans/Jeanswest, shoes/Moolala, necklace/Forever New, bag/Bluebird

Into the city with my friend Bec for pancakes (I had banana & maple, yum!) and then a day of browsing Myer. And yes, there's that necklace again! This is pretty much a little more formal take on two days earlier. This shirt was one of the beauties I got for 40% off at Jeanswest. The bag was under $25 as well!

I wasn't on holidays for only 5 days.. After this I had some notable outfits at the Perth Upmarket, The Casino & David's Dads birthday dinner but I was having too much fun to bother taking any photos. Isn't that always the way? :)

It's been a while...

Boy! It's been ages since I posted anything of substantial personal wow factor.. so I wouldn't blame any of you if you had stopped dropping by :p

I have just been on holidays in Perth with my guy & man was it good to get back last night. My cats were pretty much as excited to see me as I was to see them... it's a nice feeling really... after being in this house for almost a year it finally feels like home. Like 'our space'. That makes me so happy.

Other things making me happy this month:

1. The stack of goodies David & I bought with our tin money (it's amazing how much you save with measly coins over a few months!)

2. My very first trips to the casino (yes we went twice in a row, no we didn't win, yes i am still very much in love with the place)

3. $10 cocktails at Hog's Breath. (I had such a great time eating here on two occasions that I didn't even take photos.. I could really go a Sunsplash right now.)

4. Our 1 year anniversary. This year has flown by & alot of events out of control have changed our lives forever... but I'm glad we did it together.

5. Coming home to the latest copy of Aus VOGUE (I knew that subscription was a good idea) & my 2010 calendar from Yes & Yes

6. Having the internet on at home finally - boy Facebook won't know what hit it.

7. The funky new bed covers & wall things for the 'mac room', will take photos when I get round to 'installing' them.

8. After being away so long, I have so much reading to catch up on & it is really putting a smile on my face... Katy's new hair cut looks fab here & Kyla is showing us just how 'cool' her photo shoots are here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! :p

9. Our new touch rugby shirts are here! David & I designed them... it feels good having something you designed come to life. I can see why fashion design is so popular - and this is just for sport!

10. Although I am currently nursing a throat infection, I am at home where I belong.. with my babies & my beloved. Life could not get better!

So I have some outfit posts from my holiday and some other tidbits to share in the near future. I promise I'll make more of an effort, haha. In the mean time be sure to share what's making you happy lately?