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Sunday, April 29, 2012

Reflecting under the stars

I had a very memorable night last night, here in the outback.


I just want you all to remember how beautiful the sky at night is. As there is no pollution, no skyscrapers, no city lights out here, you can peer up at the sky at night and see all the stars twinkling away, not overshadowed by a thing. A group of us lit of fire, cooked a lovely meal and sat around drinking wine and beer, laughing and joking, dancing, then moving on to in-depth conversations the more the alcohol flowed into our cups. What has made me want to write about this, and why I will remember this night is because it has brought up a question for me - are humans designed to live in small country towns?
I wonder this because last night, the group consisted of so many different people. We are all from different parts of the country, have different interests, different desires...some have only been here for 2 weeks, some for years. We don't have a closed off circle of friends anymore, what we have now is each other.
I feel satisfied and happy when I surround myself with all these different people. There's no time to be shy, or have the prolonged getting to know someone period. You just say hello and that's it. You're friends. I've found that there is a lot less judgement out here, and you see the real person straight up. I feel like after 3 months, I truly am gaining a lot from out here. Once one to shy away from meeting new people, now I'm a pro. I feel like a friendlier person and I embrace any new friendships that cross my way. Somewhere along the way, we as humans have become more sheltered or even lazy, maybe as our cities have expanded. Would we all be better off in a smaller town? Would someone who is lost in the crowds, find themselves in a place like this?

Maybe Cloncurry has more opportunities for me then I imagined, professionally and personally?



Annie xo

A different way to store your jewellery


If you are anything like me, you will have lots of jewellery. My favourite jewellery to collect is earrings - I love dangly, bright, gold, silver, hoops, teardrop as well as classic simple types like pearls and studs. 
My question is though, how do you display yours? I'm ashamed to admit it, but at the moment none of my jewels are on display...they are all in draws in my bathroom. I'm lacking in space here unfortunately, but when I lived in the city, I had them all in different vintage bowls on my white dresser alongside the vintage perfume bottles I collect. It looked so pretty. I've been looking on the internet for some new ideas, and I found some great ways to display those much loved pieces, one which is DIY!
This one is from weheartit blog - an old photoframe transformed into a shabby chic jewellery holder!
I love how they are hanging on the wall, and the different sized frames!
Etsy.com

etsy.com
ebay.com - I have ones like this at home!
You could hang your earrings from the old frames, and pop all your bracelets, bangles, rings and necklaces into the vintage bowls. Please check out etsy.com - there is so much to see!

I can feel a project coming on! Oh yes! 

Annie xo

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

A squirrel is just a rat in a cuter outfit..

We have just had AUSTAR installed at home, so obviously I am loving it! After having only 4 channels out here, it's so great having all these channels to choose from. I guess it is making me watch TV more, which is never a good thing but at least I enjoy the treadmill a lot more now that I have a distraction.

I spent all day Sunday watching re-runs of the wonderful Sex and the City and I fell in love with Carrie's weird and wonderful outfits all over again! I had to post some of them on hear, so we can all think back and remember the amazing show, and the oh-so-incredible fashion.

I still miss that show. Sigh....









"I like my money right where I can see it..hanging in my closet"
Annie xo

Photos from : www.fabsugar.com

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Rodeo Runway

I experienced what I like to call, a real 'country day' yesterday.
I went to my first ever Rodeo!

After a short 130 km drive, we found ourselves in a colourful country town called Julia Creek. I would describe it as one of the little towns that you dream of stopping through while on a road trip - it had gorgeous character with its little country cafe and local pub/hotel and friendly residents.

We started the day with lunch at the cafe, then checked out the race day. The afternoon was spent at the pub, and then the real country fun started - the rodeo! I loved watching the professional bull riders..although a few of them ended up in the hospital (!) Ouch..

I couldn't help but feel that I wanted to dress the part! This morning I went straight online and started to check out all the flannels and plaid shirts I could buy to get right into the country spirit of things. I'm going to be prepared for when the local show is on!

I'm still going to have a fashionable spin on the outfit, of course. Here are some ideas....

Maybe not a good idea to show the abdo - but it looks cute!

Bright coloured plaid

I love MKOs flannel style!

Megan Fox

Ralph Lauren
Tommy Hilfiger
It's true what they say, life is what you make it. I will look back at these years of my life, living out in the country, and think about all the experiences...and be glad I embraced it!
Annie xo

Friday, April 20, 2012

Weddings, holidays and working out!

I haven't written on my blog for ages!

I have been feeling a little under the weather...mix that with nightshift...and I'm left feeling very uninspired (and still sick). I've been craving to type away at my laptop, and scour the internet for cute ideas.

So this is what I've been dreaming of over the last week...

From 'This is Glamorous' blog
Weddings! My beautiful best friend has just gotten engaged...and she has asked me to be the Maid of Honour! I am so touched, so excited...I just wish I wasn't 1700 kms away from her...all I want to do is give her a HUGE hug and a kiss! I absolutely adore the dress on the left!

'This is Glamorous' blog
Leopard print! I just love it. For clothes, furniture, jewelery, shoes...whatever, I want it. However, I do draw the line...sometimes it can look cheap..particularly if you match it with the wrong colours. I worship this couch though...Francisco said, if I ever get one, it goes in 'my' room. Haha! I'll get him into it...
P.s. I do not promote real leopard fur use! Faux all the way...

Working out! I feel a bit yucky if I don't exercise. It's way to hot to work out in the heat here, plus there is no gym, so I use my Tracy Anderson DVDs. She's fantastic. I love her floor work and she has a great treadmill workout too. I don't think I've ever been so sore from anything I've done at home...Get into it everyone!

New York! I took this photo from the Long Island ferry. I had such a fantastic time on holidays, especially with two of my sisters. So many wonderful memories were made in America. I am missing the shopping, the (sometimes disgusting) food, and all the wonderful sites. But most of all, that was my last holiday, and the most time I have spent in consecutive days with some of my family. Luckily, we have a trip planned to Europe very soon! So obviously, I am dreaming of that too!

Ahhhh, I love to dream and think about what adventure is around the corner.

Annie xo

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Hairy thoughts

I've never been particularly good or interested in hair or hair accessories...I used to buy my supermarket hair dye and DIY at home every few months. Now I've branched out a little more and actually get foils at the hairdresser...although I will admit that it's not my favourite way to spend my time.  I generally just quickly blow dry my hair every morning, then put the GHD through, and that's it. Sometimes I might go a little bit crazy and give myself mermaid waves with a 3 tong waver.

This year, I definitely would like to get a little bit more creative with the way to do my hair..I mean, life is just to short, right? I have found some beautiful pics for inspiration...
From 'This is Glamorous' blog. I love the twisted bun, with the pearl pins throughout.

I think it's safe to say JLH has the best hair in Hollywood...so healthy and thick!


How I would love to do this with my hair

LC always has classy, clean styles...love it.
Annie xo

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Animalistic love

One of the many things I do out here to keep me occupied, is online browsing. I will admit, when I first came out here there was a lot more shopping (I think it helped fill a void) but now that I am settled (and have a trip planned to Sydney and Europe), I have enough will power just to look. And sigh...Pretty sure the credit card is going to get a work out very soon...
Here are some of the things I am digging at present. I'm also proud to admit I have been a avid animal print lover since I was a little one - I remember my mum bought me some leopard print little heels when I was in grade 3 from 'Spendless' - they were oh so ugly, but I loved them so and was desperate to have them. All my sisters laughed...but I like to think I was getting ready for the trend that was to come in 12 years time..haha.
Frankie Legging from Sportsgirl - funky!

Disco Mini from Sportsgirl - love it!

Floaty Sweat from Sportsgirl. I love the Cherry red.

Metallic Pencil Skirt - Sportsgirl (I have one very similar from last year)

I love this look, especially with the sequin skirt, I found this on karencheng.com.au
Blair Loafers - I love moccasins, but I don't know what my chances are at finding any in Australia...so these will work perfectly instead!
I love the idea of teaming the skirts up for winter with black stockings, ankle or knee high boots, the floaty sweat (in black) and a killer chunky scarf with big gold earrings.
We all know you wouldn't mix animal prints up...just choose one animal print item and dress with block colours. And remember, don't wear tights as pants! Wear a long cardie or long top to cover up.
I may live in the country, but I'm still determined to look good!
You can take the girl out of the city, but you can never take the city out of the girl.... haha

Annie xoxo

Monday, April 9, 2012

Beautiful brights

I love browsing Etsy.com for inspiration...


It's a wonderful online world of crafts, home wares, vintage jewellery, original designs, art, blogs...I could go on and on. I find it relaxing and inspiring. I will give anything ago... I've always been the type of person to see something and then think "I could do that myself". It doesn't always turn out, but it's quite fun creating something and putting your own spin on it.

Here are some beautiful creations from BeautiSHE (http://www.etsy.com/people/BeautiSHE). It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside browsing through her shop. I want to do it too!




These cute butterflies are from ThePrettyPaperShop on etsy.com. I want to arrange them in a white photo frame - 3D butterflies!

I'll show you my own little creation I made yesterday...It took me forever...I had to paint the frame white (I could only find jet black frames out here) and the crepe paper flower took forever! But it was a bit of fun...
I would like to make 3 more of these...then hang them on my wall...And I think all up it only cost me about $1.20 for the crepe paper, $5 for the frame, $2 for the paint and $1 for the yellow paper behind the flower...and I've still got oodles left to make more!

Love Annie xoxox

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Cloncas/Clonny/The Curry....Cloncurry

For those of you who have never lived in the outback ( I too was once in that club), I will show some piccies of my scenery...It's not the prettiest town, but the people are nice and friendly. I think it's because there are limited numbers in the population out here, so you make friends with anyone. When you go into Woolworths (and yes, we have a Woolies AND a Foodworks), you will have half the shop saying 'hello' as you pass by. That just doesn't happen in the city (ever). The city lifestyle is busy, we are always in such a hurry to get from A-B. But out here, there is no sense of urgency. We have all the time in the world...

Our landscape

The town centre


Chinaman Dam - our beach?
So there you have it...a part of me really misses the tall buildings, the bridges, the shops..but I must say that it is nice having some time out from the busyness and making my own fun from what is around me.  I think I will be a much better person from my time out here...more self-satisfying and creative.

So, will this be your next holiday destination? (haha) Cloncurry - from where you'd rather be! :)

Annie xoxo

Friday, April 6, 2012

I'm dreaming of...

I am in love with Spain.

Yes, I know, it is because I am in love with a Spanish man, say what you will, but I find it the style so appealing.


I love the white wash exteriors and the rustic oranges/reds/terracotta interiors. What I would give to reside in places like these...



Nerja

Hello...I live here...


My dream home


So beautiful...take me away...

Annie xo

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Spray, don't lay!


Now, I may not know alot of things, but let me assure you, I do know something when it comes to self tanning. I first began my love affair for tanning (the safe way) when I was 15 years old. So after nearly 10 years (!), I feel quite confident to share my tips and best tans in all price ranges...

So by now, we all know the key to a glowing, even tan is to scrub, scrub, scrub. If you didn't, now you do. Grab a pair of exfoliating gloves, some lovely creamy body wash (or I've found that normal cheap boring soap works wonderfully, but it can dry out your skin) and if you have an old stubborn tan already on, use some St Tropez Tan Remover. Smells quite potent, but it really does the trick.


My favourite gloves are at The Body Shop, they really are much better than supermarket ones.
We all want a nice tan for the weekend, so I recommend starting the scrub process on a Wednesday or Thursday night, then lathering your body in some luscious body butter to keep it nice and moisturised.

Now you are ready to get bronzed! 
So my favourite tan at the moment is Eco Tan. It's natural and uses only organic ingredients. I was starting to get worried about all the chemicals I was putting on my skin and my sister had given me a bottle to try and I loved it! My boyfriend said it was the nicest tan he had seen on me, and the most natural looking too! Go to Ecotan.com.au. You only need one coat and it gives a gorgeous colour. Put it on the night before. Did I mention it was organic?

 If you are in a hurry, and need a nice tan immediately - then go for Le Tan in Le Can. Smells like potent jersey caramels, but it is nice tan. And because you spray it on, you can see exactly where you have missed, so great for beginners.
www.letan.com.au

One of my faves, but quite up there in price is St Tropez in the mousse. I stocked up while in America, it was so cheap there (like all makeup...sigh) but I cant justify the money back home when you can get cheaper and nice alternatives. But I do love it!

www.sttropez.com

Happy tanning ladies! I also recommend getting  professional spray tan once in a while...my favourite brands are Eco Tan, Vani-T and Blackout.

Annie xo