ABSTENTION.

I had a quasi-epiphany recently. I realised that I have three vegetarian friends, another one who won’t eat any red meat, another one who won’t be around anyone eating meat of any kind, and one who won’t purchase any products tested on animals. It got me wondering, should I give up something too? Should I sacrifice something that at least slightly mirrors my view on animal cruelty? Firstly, it can’t be meat. I love meat. So much. I’m that girl who orders the 600g eye fillet medium rare and eats it all. And chicken, don’t even get me started on chicken. Do they even serve butter chicken as a vegetarian option? Butter tofu doesn't make me salivate in the slightest.  And don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those people who dislike vegetarianism, not in the slightest. And I understand the cruelty that the cow probably went through before it ended up in front of me. But I just can’t okay, end of story.  

So I moved on to products tested on animals. Rimmel make my favourite mascara, nail polish (currently) and eye liner. They also paint little bunnies up all pretty with potentially harmful chemicals to ensure that I won't sue them if my nails fall off. But even so, i’m not sure if I can give that nail polish up. You’ve seen my latest polish ‘Sky High’, how could I ever stop wearing that now? I would have withdrawals after a day! Obviously at this point it’s not looking good for the animals. 

Then today I had a lightbulb moment. I’m going to give up McDonalds! I don’t even really eat it that often anyway, so it won’t be all that difficult. And it's the only chain fast food that I actually do eat. And I did go six months without it after seeing that documentary which we shall not be naming. And i still get to keep my eye fillet and my pretty nails.

So as homage to the last time I will ever eat a French fry, here are some photos from the adorable fashion week campaign ‘McFancy’, styled by the ever-so-talented Amy Moss. You can see more here.

THE TALE OF KENZO & KIRBY.

Kenzo and I had been playing our little game for months. I'd walk into Myer, determined to walk out with no extra bags. I'd head to the fragrance counter, and gaze down longingly at the beautiful bottle peeping up at me.

I'd tell him: "I'm sorry Kenzo, I just can't, you're just too expensive for now, but I'll be back to visit next week!" Last week he finally cracked me. There he was sitting in his little cabinet next to a sign that was almost more beautiful than he was: 'SALE $49.99!'. I think I squealed in Myer. It's even better than I had hoped for. My boyfriend even told me I smelt nice; instant gratification.

Some other purchases this week were OPI 'San Tan Torino' and 'Kreme De La Kremlin' nail polishes as well as Rimmel 'Sky High'. The OPI ones are perfect, as expected. I doubt I'll wear Kreme De La Kremlin all that much, I don't really do pink, but I wanted it all the same. The Rimmel one does tend to chip a little which is frustrating when it is bright turquoise, though a double coat should see you through a week.

A few new books also scampered their way into my home. It'll take me a while to get through Jasper Jones, as I'm meant to be reading my textbooks.... Though the Lebovitz ones are definitely going to be put to good use immediately, chocolate knows no boundaries.

WITH THE CRUSTS CUT OFF.

Today was the first Sunday I've had off in a long time. And it was so exciting. After my incredibly large sleep in and some well overdue study, I headed out for 'high tea' for my friends birthday. I don't drink tea so mainly I just ate tiny sandwiches on tooth picks, macarons, miniature chocolate eclairs and listened to old ladies talk about potting mix and their sons. The photos are of a few things that I have consumed lately, including the tiny sandwiches. The cocktail was especially delicious. I've been trying to find out what was in it so I can recreate it at home... I'll let you know if I'm successful. I have also had a few visits from my postman recently, so I have some new purchases to share with you tomorrow!

WINTER GIRL, DECEMBER CHILD.

Shoes: Rachel Comey 'Thistle' Booties
Jacket: Mink Pink
Skirt: Allsaints 'Devanna' Skirt in Moss
Clutch: Nancybird 'Sadie' Clip Bag
Scarf: Country Road
Nails: Rimmel 'Sky High'
Lips: Chanel 'Rouge Allure'

My favourite things to buy are jackets, but I hate the cold. It makes me miserable. Especially these horrible Tasmanian winters. My eyes water and my nose gets snuffly and I finally clamber onto the bus out of the rain and there are no seats. I have to stand next to an angsty boy wearing a singlet. A SINGLET! I know I sound like an old lady when I say this, but golly, do you own a jumper? Or are you just really dedicated to your look? And while we're asking, what is your look? A black singlet, bandanna and fingerless gloves? Anyway, these photos were taken when I was in a much better mood this morning, as I had my new favourite shoes on again! This is one of the little courtyards at my home. The sun was actually out for a bit, which just made me crave warmer weather even more.

One more of the shoes, for good luck.

HEY MISTER POSTMAN.

So three days after I had purchased The ones, my usual post-online-shopping-parcel-waiting-mindset had well and truly set in, which usually goes something like this; 'If i don't think about it then it will be a such a surprise in a month when if finally gets here, and if it gets REALLY bad I can always buy myself a little treat to tide me over'. Yes, I know, I am an addict. Back to the story, three days had passed and WHAM, HELLO MISTER POSTMAN. They were here! I was so completely impressed with the speed of Coclico's delivery! Three days! International travel! I didn't even mind that the shoe box was a little beat up, it did have to come to the VERY south end of Australia after all. First outfit post with my new favourite things will be up soon!

I CAN HEAR YOU.

Sydney based designer, Gillian Tennant's current collection is on sale in her online boutique. And her pieces are speaking to me. They're saying, "Buy me! I'll go great with your new shoes!"

"See this fawn skirt! Especially this one!"

Below are the three I want the most, and am letting myself have maybe one of them if I can pry myself away from her website long enough to actually get some study done. Word of advice, distance education is not ideal for those addicted to online shopping. And having one tab open with a University page and twelve with various designers websites is not a productive way to spend your 'study' afternoon.

LET THEM EAT CAKE.

I have a confession. I'm completely and utterly addicted to food. I can't go a day without thinking about what I'm going to have for dinner or for snacks. I'm also a little addicted to food blogs. My brother's girlfriend has this wonderful food blog and I love seeing what she's been making lately, and even more so when I go over and get to eat it (keep your eyes peeled for her cinnamon buns recipe, they're amazing). Another favorite of mine is Smitten Kitchen, which is where most of this cake comes from.

I made this cake for a girl I work with who loves Hello Kitty. And not only did it look wonderful, it tasted amazing, completely moist and beautiful.

Firstly, the cake recipe is here. I halved this recipe for a smaller size cake.

Secondly, The frosting recipe is here. I forgot to halve this recipe and had sooo much left over. Luckily there was someone about who was happy to help with that. Meet Alfie, our little kitchen cleaner.

Third, is to try your hand at chocolate art, which my boyfriend and I were not so good at to start with. But I eventually got the hang of it enough to make two little eyes, a nose and six whiskers. I thought about icing the little bow but decided that a pretty little homemade pink one would work just as well, minus the tears and frustration. 

A NEW BEGINNING AND A NEW PAIR OF SHOES.

 

There are a lot of this that I have planned to do with my life, but very few that have become a reality. In grade six I planned to ask out the prettiest boy in school, but instead decided that it wasn't for the best (we were going to separate high schools after all, it just wouldn't have worked). 

But there is one idea that has been skipping and nudging and nagging it's way to the surface for a few years now. And that is this, starting a blog. And since we're on the theme of all things new and fancy, I will share with you what has been plaguing my thoughts for sometime now; a new pair of shoes.

I've never been particularly adventurous with shoes. A comfy pair of airflex's for work, a practical pair of converse's just in case I ever decide to exercise, a pair of vintage purple velvet flats and some paragini heels for good measure. I have decided this must all change, I need a bit of variety in my shoe rack.

I have come to the conclusion that I want to buy a pair of heels, and they're going to be perfect.

I'd been teetering on the edge of entering the wedge fad for a few weeks, and decided this might be a nice way to fulfil my wedge cravings whilst still being able to walk properly.

After three weeks of choosing and two months of saving. I have found them. The ones. And they're embarking on their journey to me as we speak.  To ease my conscience they have just gone on sale, and our exchange rate at the moment makes it even sweeter.

I know what will happen though, a cheeky pair of super comfy Toms will come along and toy with my affections until I give in and decide that heels will only give me blisters and heartache.