naww

Been having a crappy week. Caught the flu, hitting some rough patches at work and feeling all round low. 

Then the boy remembers the anniversary and sends flowers!

Long stemmed roses. 

my face. 

Hahaha!

Market haul

I had a splendid day today.

First of all, I woke up naturally without an alarm, 

then I started reading a biography on Jackie Chan. (<3). 

I made myself the best breakfast, with leftover roast duck, camembert and water crackers, and then decided to visit the markets. 

I adore markets. The carnival atmosphere, the food and the people!

Also the best place to people watch, even better than lookbook.nu.

Sydney's weather was beautiful; warm and sunny with a light breeze.

And I didn't drive, so no traffic, no parking, no fines! 

Hahhaha. I really do detest driving. 

It was so relaxing leaving the car at my accommodation and spending the day walking wherever I want, whenever I want!

I visited the Glebe markets.

I was under the impression that I have never been to Glebe before, but I realised when I arrived that I had actually stayed in Glebe for a week 5 years ago on a dental student convention. 

Passed by the convention accommodation, and man, it was decrepit. Still cannot believe we had to stay there. 

And in case you think I am being a little princess, 

read for yourself! Parkview hotel. Urgh. 

But enough rambling, here is my haul!

Neon skull necklaces ($10), a sushi 4GB USB ($9), a silver and cultured pearl necklace ($30) and an amethyst and silver ring ($20)
Absolute bargains right?

Also picked up these neon pink chandelier earrings for $5. I am having a huge neon moment right now, I can't get enough!

I got home in the afternoon, and got bored rather quickly.
I have a compulsion to buy lots and lots of jewellery whenever I shop, and sometimes I tweak them to make new pieces.
Remember when I used to make jewellery?
Sometimes the urge returns and I fiddle around with whatever I have.
The result!

My new pieces, a pair of rose earrings and a matching bracelet. Quite an accomplishment considering I have no pliers and had to use my bare hands. 

 I used a pair of vintage drop crystals to make the earrings, and the malachite heart-shaped piece you see on the bracelet was bought from a homeless man last weekend at the Kings Cross markets. The crystal tennis bracelet is actually an old anklet!

With it on. 

But of course, my one true love will always be online shopping. 

Open 24/7, and in your pyjamas if you so prefer. 

And your partner will be none the wiser! 

(Usually)

Can't wait till next week when my purchases start arriving!

Zack cuff Choos on their lovely way over via Net a Porter. 

Stannard Inc jewellery

This is abrupt, but I just found the movie Men in Black on Youtube, and have been overcome by an unbearable urge to start watching it now. I love that movie!

Till next time!

weekend in sydney

The boy came over to Sydney for a visit last weekend.
Had a great time, I wish every weekend would be with him.
Alas, I am in Sydney indefinitely, and he's in Perth. What to do?
My melancholy is probably worse because I am also feeling rather grumpy tonight.

I really don't understand how everyone else in the Navy seem to be doing fine in their long distance relationships. I don't really have a choice at this point, but its definitely tricky.
At least the bright side of this situation is that when we do have time together, its extra special.
Thank god for his patience at my demanding nature :p

And because he doesn't read my blog, my little spiel isn't corny at all!

The night he arrived, we went to my local late night joint in Potts Point. Cafe Harry de Wheels. A colourful van right by the side of the road. A really popular place, it always seems busy no matter when I visit. Not really the type of food I would crave, but he loves his pies and chilli dogs. I do like their mushy peas, just wish the chilli dog was spicier! Then again, I always wish everything was spicier.

Mushy peas, cheese, chilli con carne, a sausage, mustard and chilli sauce 

Visited the Sydney Fitness and Health Expo the next day.
Made a couple of purchases, tried out some new super foods and protein shakes, and made heartfelt promises to myself to eat less chocolate and to gym harder and faster.
And also to go on a yoga retreat. Preferably in India. That has made my bucket list!
I won't divulge how long it took me to shatter my eat less chocolate resolution.
:(

Watched a zumba demonstration, looked.. tricky. 

Getting autographs from the MMA All Stars stand

He is into bare feet running and bought the Vibram 5 fingers. I am really regretting not buying a pair too, they were so comfortable.

Had dinner at Gumshara. I have read rave reviews of this place, and persuaded the boy to help me look for it, though he isn't a ramen fan. Finally found it at the back of a food court in Chinatown, and the food was the BOMB. I have an unhealthy obsession with ramen, I always try to drag Jin to my favourite place in Surfers Paradise for more, and now I have found my favourite place for ramen in Sydney.
I watched the chef in the kitchen lovingly prepare the dishes, and he reportedly tastes every single one to make sure its perfect. Now thats dedication.

Best of all? Its purportedly healthy. (Ish)
120kg of bones stewed for days, till the broth is thick with wrinkle defying collagen.
No added salt either. Yum. Add chewy ramen noodles and pork ribs for an instant tango on your tastebuds! My tummy is grumbling as I type this.
And its unbelievably cheap.

Dinner at Gumshara

Also visited another place over the weekend which has since become a firm favourite. Its a close 10 minute walk from where I live, and the kitchen is open late to satisfy my late night munchies. The place is Gazebo Wine Garden, on Elizabeth Bay. Food and service is pretty good, but I only took photos of our desserts. They also stock the Apple Thief's pink lady cider, which I love. 

Kitschy decor

Our table, within a beautiful wrought iron gazebo. 

Imagine my amusement to see this little fellow snarling down at me.
Yes, its a stuffed fox tacked to the ceiling, wearing a floral bikini.

Great desserts! Warm cherry pie, and a peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwich with caramel popcorn. 

A private 'rose garden' for functions.

Sorry about my shaky hand.

Visited the place again with my work mates for drinks, and I had the brownie dessert with fairy floss.

On a totally different topic, I am in hospital again.
I swear, I am not usually this sickly, I really am a functioning adult.


Behold my battle scar!

Now, if this has made you feel even a little sorry for me, remember, I love chocolate.
;)

Attended a baking class on Monday with a work mate.
It was the HomeBaker course at Brasserie Breads, in Botany.
It was so much fun! Coming from work, I was feeling tired and grumpy, but honestly, I had a great time.
Learnt to make bread from scratch, without using machines (except an oven obviously).
I feel so domestic now :D
I am not usually much of a baker, but Matt who took the course was absolutely lovely
and I didn't feel lost at all.
And its so easy! Cant wait to have a dinner party soon so I can try my hand at making some dinner rolls.

Brasserie Breads

All you need: good flour, yeast, salt, water and olive oil. 

Ended the night with a tasting session, and wine!

Tastings. The best garlic bread I have ever had, and some pretty yummy brioche. 

My tray! Yes. I actually made these!
We made these breads, as well as two types of schiaccia con l'uva.

I can't wait to return and do another course, I have my eye on the sourdough class.
I really can't recommend it enough, I learnt so many handy tips and nifty tricks.
The only downside, is that I have been eating bread since Monday because we made so much of it!

Today is Anzac Day. We did the march in Sydney.
Had a nice time, but boy, am I tired!
Unfortunately I'm suffering from another bout of insomnia, this seems to be happening more frequently lately.
Ended up on ASOS, that place is a godsend for late night entertainment.

ANZAC. Lest we forget.

Going back to ASOS now, I need to find the perfect pair of coloured cropped pants. 

Night!

POP CULTURE FEVER

Going to Comic Con has been on my bucket list for ages, 

and when I found out that Supanova would be on in the Gold Coast, 

I jumped at the chance to go!

Jin had to work so I attended by myself, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. 

Well, maybe not every minute, it was really crowded, and the lines were fairly insane. 

Not usually good with huge masses of people, but it was quite manageable this time, once i got inside.

Possibly because I avoided the ATMs, toilets and food stores lol. 

Massive line to enter the Convention Centre

Caught glimpses of celebrity guests the Phelps twins (George and Harry Weaseley) and Peter Facinelli (Carlise from Twilight), but the highlight for me was definitely getting autographs from Morita and Abe san. They direct the anime of Bleach, which I have been obsessed with since forever! Yet another insanely long line to meet them, but worth it :)

Another highlight were the costumes. Wish I had dressed up myself, it looked like so much fun!

Here's my haul!

Signed Madoka Magica poster, signed Bleach character book, the Hunger Games socks and wristband, Miniature Harry Potter book cover earrings, anime stickers, Bleach push pins, Bleach charms, a cartoon iPhone charger cord and a Popin Cookin set! An adult sized Pikachu costume was calling my name, but I valiantly resisted the urge. 

Supanova was great, I definitely want to go again!

Been feeling a tad crafty lately, and was in the local art store when a tube of glitter paint caught my eye. 

It was called Black Opal, and for some reason, the blend of colours really stood out on the shelf. 

I have been looking for a pair of glitter shoes since Miu Miu launched theirs, but I wanted something quite understated. Well, as understated as glittery footwear can be. So I decided to DIY! Ridiculously simple. 

Some tape along the margins of an old pair of boots, a paint brush and your choice of paint and you are good to go. 

Voila!

Black Opal glitter paint

Alexander Mcqueen, Bonds, light denim and a glitter trail

Sparkling under the street lights!

Was a little naughty at Sydney airport enroute to visiting Jin in the Gold Coast.
Sunglass Hut was having a sale, and I couldn't resist!
But foldable sunnies, how insane is that.
It'll even fit in my pocket.
Or a little clutch!

Prada- Now in bendy

Got the tortoise shell pair.

 Jin agreed that they were a good buy.
She is usually somewhat disapproving of my random purchases, but with her to validate this one, I can tell these sunnies are going to be a keeper.
I wish Jin and I lived in the same state, we have such a blast together!
I will blog more about my awesome weekend on the Gold Coast next, my eyes are feeling a little heavy tonight.
Its past one in the morning and I have work at 0730.

Occasionally, I get really bored of my look and try to shake things up.
I will leave you with some gratuitous self photos of my mini-makeover to tide you over till I next blog.

Good night!

Trying out Press and Go nails. They are surprisingly hardy.

Cling wrapped at the salon.

I am now a ash brunette! The Korean colourist is good.

And just because I can, here is a photo of Miley Cyrus sans underwear. 

Sweet dreams, you pervs who zoomed in.

 :p