Find Me...

Contact Twitter Goodreads Pinterest Facebook Rss Feed

Ratings

My Ratings Guide
Powered by Blogger.
Thursday, 27 November 2008

KK


So it's that time of year again, I've signed up for two Kris Kringle/Secret Santa with the forums I frequent. It may seem quite sad but I quite look forward to these KK's as I don't receive other gifts on Christmastime apart from my Mother. I receive some from my Sister who is only 16 hence chances are it was bought by my Mother too. Mr does not buy gifts without me basically writing up a list and you'd be lucky if he actually goes out and buys it without me. He seems to think that because I'm able to purchase anything I want anytime I want...well why does he have to buy something specially for Christmas?

Whilst this definitely saddens me his parents did things very differently and basically did not celebrate Christmas nor Birthdays hence he doesn't get what the big deal is of the whole event, I find it quite sad, I think of all the wonderful memories I've been lucky to have as a child and wonder how it's possible for any child to go without those same memories, excitement and overall celebration atmosphere. 

Anyway, back to KK. I was asked to give hints/tips/ideas to my KK so that they can purchase a gift more suitable for me. I never found myself to be a person that was hard to buy for but I suppose in this day and age, with a $20-$30 limit and postage costs to consider it's not that easy. So here is what I came up with...

Hobbies:- 
  • Scrapbooking
  • Reading
  • Folk Art/Ceramic Painting
  • Shopping
Likes/Dislikes
  • I probably would prefer to purchase makeup + skincare + clothing + perfume for myself just because it's a more personal thing and hence it's quite hard to choose for me, I have trouble finding stuff in this department for myself so imagine a stranger doing so?
  • I love all types of books including non-fiction (home interior + self-help + finance + biography + crafts) and fiction (chic-lit and top 100 listings).
  • I also thoroughly enjoy magazines and love; Real Weddings + Real Living + Home Beautiful + House & Garden + Shop til you Drop + Money + Macworld just to name a few.
  • I love all quirky things and cutesy things that I probably wouldn't purchase myself because I'd feel it's a waste of money.
  • I love momiji dolls and their accessories as well as geisha dolls and other Asian-inspired as well as classic homewares.
  • I'm a handbag lover, that's my accessory addiction and I don't wear accessories in terms of jewelry because they discolour on me so I have my set gold pieces that I wear daily.
  • I don't cook but bake cupcakes + cookies + cakes and like any cute pieces for baking.
Wishlist - Whilst this is certainly not an indication of what I would expect my KK to spend on me, by showing my wish list maybe it'll give more of an indication of who I am as a person.
  • Subscriptions to any of those magazines listed above
  • Any Pandora/Chamilia Charms
  • Momiji or any cute makeup/cosmetic bag
  • Any organisational stuff for my personal study at home and/or the home in general from Kikki-K/Smiggle and/or other stationery stores
  • Oroton or any nice Diary/Agenda
  • Books + Books and more Books
For now that's all I can think of. I do hope I've given some sort of indication on who I am as a person but regardless I am happy with whatever I get :D

Monday, 10 November 2008

Honda Accord Euro Luxury




We bought a new car!!! This is not the EXACT car but it's the exact design of car, 2004 Honda Accord Euro "Luxury" and the same colour, Graphite...like a dark grey!!! I'm thrilled!!! We got such a great bargain, they range from $23,000+ for the normal and the luxury is $25,000+ and we got this for $20,000 and it's the second owner, in excellent condition with all log books etc etc included.

We've now got 3 vehicles to get rid of before I'm satisfied. Yes we have a total of 5 cars at the moment:-
- Toyota Supra
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Lancer GSR
- Toyota Camry (Old one)

Then the above car, but we are selling the first 3 and maybe even the last one so at the end we are hoping for the above car as our only car or maybe a cheap 2nd car for those rare events that we both need to go out with a car.

I'm just coming on to my blog to gloat to myself LoL. It's funny because from the listing of our previous cars above you can see we pretty much went for sports cars, now we're getting older and more "mature" and going for a more luxury. This car has sunroof and leather seats and drives like a dream.

Sunday, 19 October 2008

Childhood Ring

I'm so very sad at the moment, I went to go out late last night to the beach and was scared because we never leave our home unattended at times like that. I feared that someone might break in etc etc so I had taken all my childhood and "special" jewelry out of my jewelry box and hid it, but one I put on my pinky and now I can't find it.

I realised shortly after last night so it could be in my driveway, my friend's driveway, or opposite my friend's property as that's where we parked our car, in my house or in the car, but nonetheless I've searched the front and haven't found it. 

I'm so very sad and I wanted to cry desperately but couldn't, I somehow feel that it's around, I even feel that maybe I took it off before I actually went out but just forgot where I put it, but I'm not sure. I didn't and couldn't cry till I called my Mum this morning and told her, she wasn't upset over the ring, she was more upset over me being upset...by the way I'm 26 years old and still crying to my Mum, I'm very much a child when I'm around/talking/near my Mum.

Car Accident

I was told last night by Mr's friend that the accident that was reported here involved a person we know, not a friend. 

The person we knew, a 24 year old I believe, was drag racing with a motor cycle when his car clipped the median strip and he lost control and went onto oncoming traffic where he hit a 50 year old man, Father of four. It's unknown at this stage, but there was a 17 year old girl who was in one of the vehicles but at the time they thought that it was from the van but later believed she was a passenger from the S2000 (car racing). 

The 50 year old man later died on the crash sight after awaiting 3 hours to be rescued out of the vehicle whilst the driver (racing) of the Honda S2000 is in critical condition at Liverpool Hospital and has undergone operation for internal injuries. The 17 year old woman has also undergone operation and is said to be in critical but stable condition.

It's appalling when I hear stories like this because I see so many idiots on the road. I've got a semi-sports vehicle (not performance enhanced but looks like a sports car) and I've always got hoodlums trying to race me...no thanks! I feel that if they want to kill themselves, fine but don't drag innocent people with your stupidity. I will leave it at that because I'm really angry about news reports like this.

The man who was drag racing also has 3 small children, they would most probably be left without a Father either way because if he survives he will be doing a long time in jail for manslaughter, to be honest, I would probably be more inclined to say I'd rather die if I'm in that situation because I don't know if I could live the rest of my life in jail and knowing I killed another person.

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Ebay Depression and Confusion

As I previously mentioned, I'm quite bad in actually ensuring that I'm on Ebay at the right time to win an auction. One may think that I've purchased so many furniture pieces lately, but some did not go through...basically only the wingback chairs and the antique buffet went through. I adore the dressing table but because of our current home situation we were not able to go through it.

Anyway, out of all the things I've been recently watching, an Asian ceramic stool similar to the one below but in olive colour and the Thai stool I posted about earlier were the only two pieces I "really" wanted. BOTH I forgot to bid for!!! I missed the auction and am extremely sad, both pieces went under what I would have paid for it. The ceramic stool below ended for only $39.99 (starting bid) and the other went for $41 or thereabouts. So so sad...



I bought the Vintage French Chair similar to the one below for $110. I initially posted the pic of the actual chair but the pic is quite small so I found one similar. This is something that is not easy to come by here in Australia. If it was found here in Oz it would be in an antique store and it would be costing a fortune, so I think this is a really good buy and am thrilled with it.


Now you have seen the two desks below. I'm so unsure which to get. Whilst the 2nd is obviously "beautiful" and perfect and I love how it's got heaps of storage it's not exactly antique, but I feel for $200 including the chair I find it to be a bargain, what do you think? I'm really quite confused, I'm thinking maybe purchase the first and then stay with that until I find the perfect antique secretary similar to the 4th pic below. This one ended on Ebay for $700. 

Courtney from Stylecourt a few months ago did a mini-series* asking other bloggers and Interior designers what they feel is the first "investment" piece one should get. Kate from DID and another friend of Courtney's stated that a good secretary (like the one in the 4th pic) is a good first investment as it can go in any room. However, I find that the 2nd pic is close enough isn't it? I don't know, so confused...


Source:- Gumtree

Source:- Ebay

Speaking of Ebay and the mini-series* that Courtney from Stylecourt wrote, another one of the tips for first investment is an antique table like the pic directly above. The mini-series* states to purchase an antique that's versatile similar to the Leaf drop table above and the secretary in the picture above that. It can be put in any room and used for different purposes ie. the drop leaf table can be used as a hall table, bedside table and a dining table. I'm hoping to nab this bargain too so stay tuned.

Source:- Gumtree
Lastly I'm picking this set up first thing tomorrow morning. Whilst not antique I love the legs on it and I love the white shabby chic look, it'll definitely put a spin into my all wood decor. This set is only for $70.

So sorry for this everlasting post but this post is really about the sadness I'm feeling for missing out on not one but TWO of the items I've been watching for over a week!!! I was happy to just get ONE of these items and I lost out on BOTH!

Also I'm really really confused about which secretaire-look-alike to purchase. Whilst the roller desk is such a bargain at $25 and I can easily make drawers for it cheaply, but the 2nd pic is quite beautiful with all of it's spaces. There are heaps of drawers in various sizes and pigeon style items, I mean it's only $200 right? What's also tempting is that the 2nd and 3rd pic off desks, look both very similar to me and the 3rd pic is selling for $595 without a chair...what to do??? If you have any comments or advise of which to get I'd love to hear from you.

*Mini-series on Stylecourt blog starts with post "The Building Blocks" please check it out, it's such a knowledgeable read.


Sunday, 14 September 2008

4th Generation iPod Nano



Apple recently (September 9th) released the new and revamped fourth generation iPod Nano. It seems that Apple has decided to go back to the original design (thin and long) rather than staying with the replaced 3rd generation design of small, wide and commonly referred to as "fat" nano. Apple has made the new nano curvier and an all-aluminum and glass design.


New features includes:- 


"Genius" - finds songs that goes well together in your library creating a "Genius" playlist.

"Rock & Roll over" - you can now tilt and turn your nano according to your preference and the screen real estate will change accordingly.

Shake to shuffle - shake your nano and your music will get "shuffled".

Games - games are now more interactive with the tilt and turn option.

Screen - high resolution 2" widescreen

Further explanation of features and other new options are available here.


Design changes were made so that users can view videos in landscape mode, sharing the design aspect of the Touch and iPhone, seeing as the screen real estate of the previous Nano was criticised to be too small to view videos properly.


All colours available (shown on pic) are offered in BOTH 8GB and 16GB at $199 and $279 respectively. Red is exclusive to Apple.


At this stage I do not have a personal judgement on the product as I have not viewed it in person, stay tuned though and I'm sure I'll have something to say about it once I do see it.


Monday, 8 September 2008

Sippycups are for Chardonnay...first blog!


Sippycups are for Chardonnay has been mentioned in my blog a few times. As promised, I'm going to write about each of the blogs that I've enjoyed. This is the very first blog that I felt inclined to read from start (archive) to finish (present/current) and then re-read some more. The writer describes her blog as;-

"Musings of a 30 something stay at home Mom, former stationer, hospital widow, Martha Stewart/barefoot contessa wannabe."

The writer is a Doctor's wife, a Mother of two young children and a witty woman who is not scared to speak her mind. I adore her honesty with all things that she encounters, she is truthful with her experiences and does not try to simplify nor beautify things that were just plain annoying, I love the way she decorates her home, the effort she places on every celebration, most especially her children's birthday parties and just the entire blog has enjoyable posts about her life.

Photos below are the daughter's nursery in their previous home, which the Doc's wife designed on her own. I love the color scheme and the feature wall with the use of a different wallpaper. I appreciate the fact that it's classic, not too childish and still whimsical enough for a child. I adore the individual lettering hung with pink ribbon to spell out "Baby Girl's" (Daughter) name.

The Rauths


The Rauths, found through Sippycups are for Chardonnay's blogroll, is the second blog that I read from start to present. Being quite a new blog (since June) I re-read this blog several times. Like Sippycups are for Chardonnay, this is a personal blog. The writer's (Mrs Rauths) first post  was a great introduction to who she is and beautifully put too:-

"I'm a wife, striving to "let" [my] speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, "living each day with an attitude of gratitude, enjoying the simple pleasures all around and appreciating God's grace. This is my journey through the joys and challenges of living consciously everyday.

I treasure hand-written notes (giving and receiving) and I love you scribbles. I believe a fair argument can only bring my husband and I closer. I eat peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread everyday. The sun, a smile and a song changes my mood. Emptying the garbage bag and replacing a light bulb makes me cringe. Please, thank you and yes ma'am are the oxygen of kindness. Sherbet ice cream makes everything better.

Let the journey begin..."

What a beautiful introduction and I cannot wait to see what is yet to come. I appreciate The Rauths blog as I feel I have certain things in common with Mrs Rauth, including browsing for adorable baby items without an actual baby to buy for. An example of a beautiful image found in The Rauths blog. 




Sunday, 7 September 2008

Toast to my Blog

I haven't been writing much on my blog, the truth is that I have been feeling quite inadequate about this lil blog of mine, as I've been glued to my Macbook reading other people's blogs. I've been so entertained that I've read a few from Archive to present, then re-read some! Whilst these newly-found blogs are so beautiful to read it left me feeling inadequate about my own blog. With such beautiful and creative blogs around in the mass why would anyone want to read mine?

Putting all negativity aside I've decided this blog was never meant for readers alone, it was meant to be for me and my family and friends and yes for those that may find what I write about interesting enough, but I'm doing what I love and that's all that matters. I love writing and I certainly love blogs as I've recently discovered, so here's to my blog, whether it has one reader and writer combined or maybe one day another individual reader.



Spring has broken


Photo courtesy of Fotoplatforma.
Spring has definitely broken here in the Southern hemisphere. We've had the much needed and anticipated Spring rain timely arrive in the first week of the season. Today however, the first day of this season where it's shining brightly outside...time to do laundry LoL!

Spring is a personal favourite of mine, not only because it's my birthday season but it represents the start of celebration season for my household. As previously posted, this season brings forth a special occasion for each of it's three months. Commencing with my birthday, Mr's birthday and then our anniversary. Summer then comes and brings forth Christmas and New Years and Valentine's Day, so as you can see it's the beginning of a multitude of much awaited celebrations.

I also love the weather of Spring. It's the perfect halfway between not being too hot and yet not too cold, but that perfect sunny, beautiful weather, there's not much more words to describe it's weather but PERFECT! That's not even mentioning the beautiful and colourful palette of flowers that bloom in this time of the year.

So here's to the start of Spring and everything beautiful the season brings.

Search

Follow Me

Follow on Bloglovin
Button for Paperback Princess

© Paperback Princess | Blog Design by Sarah Bryan | Digital Scrapbooking kits used: Once Upon a Time by Indigo Designs and Enchanted Neighborhood by Irene Alexeeva.