Beautiful Day

Fireworks

2015-10-01T10:38:00.002+08:00

I used to think fireworks were a ridiculous waste of money, but then I realised they bring a lot of joy into people's lives and they really are quite beautiful.

Love to you

Perth Royal Show 2015

2015-09-29T21:13:00.000+08:00

Hello friends!

We have been to the Royal Show many times, nearly every year since Jack was about 4, and there is always something new to love. This year we enjoyed the neon magnificence of sideshow alley at twilight and I just had to share these pics:

How people stand these frightening rides I will never know!

Until next time,
xx

What Are You Reading?

2014-08-18T06:11:00.001+08:00

Hello, my readerly friends! Hope your week has been a good one.

These are the books I have read this week.

You will find my reviews of them at my other blog Owl Book Reviews.

In other news, we have been busily ripping out our kitchen in readiness for a new Ikea kitchen in two weeks! Yeehah, woohoo! I am so excited! The old blue laminate will be gone, gone gone!

Now for a quick visit to Sheila's blog to see what everyone else has been reading:

Until next time...

What Are You Reading?

2014-08-11T20:32:00.002+08:00

Hello! Two weeks in a row I've posted; I'm on a roll!

This week you can find my reviews for these books at my blog Owl Book Reviews:

I am now onto the biggest read of my To-Be-Read shelf because I want to sell a heap of my books in a sale at my school. I know it's nice to keep them all, but it's for a good cause. I will only be holding onto books I've given a five star rating, because they are close to my heart. Besides, it leaves me heaps of space for new books, hee, hee. (My hubby's already worried that I'll take 200 books to the sale and come back with 300. It's quite possible too!)

So you will be seeing a lot of reviews for books that have sat for a very long time, because I always tend to read new titles or recommends rather than ones I've picked up second hand. I have stacked all the ones I expect to sell by my bed, and it looks quite daunting, but it will be an enjoyable challenge.

Before I get back to it I'm off see the latest book reviews from my friends at Sheila's blog;

where I know I will get a ton more recommends. Ah, me, what's a girl to do?

Until then...

What Are You Reading?

2014-08-05T07:30:00.000+08:00

I'm still alive! I know, I know, I never post on my blog anymore, but I always want to and just never have the time. Still I'm here to let you know that I'm reading more than ever, and have started posting my reviews again on my blog Owl Book Reviews. You can read my reviews for these books there:

And in exciting news...I met Robin Hobb!!!!! She was at Supanova in Perth in July and I was just beside myself waiting to meet her. I could feel myself welling up while I was in line, and I just had to hold it back, but I was trembling the whole time. I really wanted to hug her! Authors are the new rock stars.

Next week her new book Fool's Assassin is released and I cannot wait! I've already read the ibooks sample, so now I'm truly pumped!

Popping over to Sheila's awesome blog now to catch up with some old reading friends:

Until next time...

xx

It's 2014!

2014-01-08T13:35:00.000+08:00

I'm back!!! It's the New Year and I thought I'd have a go at getting back into my blog. Those wonderful people who have been here before will notice I've given the blog a makeover by sharing a pic, from our recent camping adventure, of the beach at Geraldton. I really love taking photos of pretty landscapes.

Also, I've chosen a word to inspire me this year:

I chose this word because, although I spend a lot of time thinking, researching, and planning, I don't always feel confident about seeing my ideas through.
Well, this year I'm going to be more decisive and actually get things done!

Some of the to dos on my list are:

Eat healthy and exercise daily
Shop ethically and chemical-free

Hand in reports before everyone else!

Clear the clutter in our shed

Clear the clutter in the study

Renovate the kitchen!!!

Keep up with my blog
Share adventures we've had in the last six months!

There are other things I have in mind,
but I don't want to jinx myself too much by sharing them yet!

Have you chosen a motivational word for the year?

Share it here!

I'll write again soon. Hugs xxx

What Are You Reading?

2013-05-06T18:25:00.000+08:00

Hello all!

(Gloria Swanson)

I managed to fit in a bit of reading while on school holidays!

I'm just in the midst of reading This Side of Paradise

and

But before these two, I finished reading Robin Hobb's latest book,

I love Hobb's fantasy world of dragons, ships and magical cities,
and I really enjoyed this book,
but nothing will beat reading the Liveship Trader and Assassins Apprentice series,
when I discovered Hobb's writing for the first time.

Also, I read For One More Day

and Moving Forward

which both dealt with the same topic, how to raise yourself above your past and become a better person.
Albom's version was a hypothetical type of story, in that it asks the question, what would you do if someone close to you died, and then came back into your life for one day. In the narrator's case it is his mother, and, while he is ashamed to admit his flaws and mistakes, he realises he can begin to live his life in a better way
if he wishes.

In Pelzer's Moving Forward, the story of a lost childhood is real, as Pelzer was horribly abused as a child. And yet, with all that darkness he found ways to let go of the past to enable him to move ahead, and now uses his experiences to help others. He provides tested methods for dealing with the low moments in life and how to get above them, and then takes this even further by encouraging people to be leaders. He warns, though that leaders don't get it easy. There will always be people who are cynical or jealous of the success of others and his advice is to be prepared rather than surprised by this. It is not personal, he says, just human nature for people to feel like they are missing out when a colleague or friend finds success. I found this idea to be valuable, and I realised how important it is to be consciously aware of this.
I'll be reading more of Pelzer's books in the future!

I also finished reading Little Men

which was the most adorable story!
It tells of Jo Bhaer, from Little Women, who grows up to run her own school for boys (and some girls), and details all their little personalities and adventures, providing the children (and the reader!) with a whole lot of life lessons. Being a teacher I could really relate to all the idiosyncrasies and misunderstandings of the children, and just wanted to hug each one of them! If you love stories like Little Women
and The Secret Garden, then you will enjoy this too.

I also had a quick read on my iphone of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Being only a short story it was nowhere near as involved as the film (which was amazing!) but it is still an incredible story for its unusual concept of being born old and growing younger. While the ending didn't leave me in devastated tears like at the end of the film, it is still a spooky conclusion,
and makes you think about time, mortality, and how we live our lives.
Brilliant stuff!

Time to pop over to Book Journey to check out what everyone else is reading:

Love to you!
xxx

A Visit to the University of WA

2013-05-01T12:57:00.001+08:00

A few weeks ago, my sister and I went to the Upmarket Bridal Fair at the University of WA.

It is such a beautiful place, and the weather was perfect for photos.

I'm joining up with Wordless Wednesday at My Little Drummer Boys to see some other adventures!

Love to you!

xxx

My Sister's Birthday

2013-04-07T14:09:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks ago we got together with my sister, Kristie, for her birthday.

We went to a really pretty place in East Perth called the The Royal on the Waterfront.

I love family adventures!
xxx

Wordless Wednesday - A Pretty Place in the City

2013-04-03T07:33:00.002+08:00

See more Wordless Wednesday posts here:

Love to you!

xxx

Tuesday's Tune - Rihanna

2013-04-02T12:27:00.003+08:00

I'm a bit in denial about loving Rihanna's music because she doesn't appeal to me as a person, with her abusive relationships, highly sexualised persona, and often skanky videos.

But, my word, she has an amazing voice, and really, I've loved every one of her songs.

This one is just beautiful.

Over at Tuesday's Tune there are some more good songs to enjoy. Go visit!

Love to you!

xxx

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

2013-04-01T10:43:00.000+08:00

Hello to those who love to read!

(Robert Frobisher in the film Cloud Atlas)

I finished Cloud Atlas this week.

It definitely is a book that needs to be read around the same time as watching the film, just so you can understand each one better. While the book is clever, detailed, and superbly constructed, the film brings the characters and setting to life, interweaving the stories and characters to make the links between the six different stories more explicit.

Neither format is easy going.

The film jumps from story to story, and it is difficult to work out what is going on, and how the pieces fit together, while the book is split into six sections, with half of each story at the beginning, one after another, one full story in the middle and the second half of each of the other stories played out at the end, one at a time. The thing I found with this format, is that I missed the characters and settings as they finished.

I prefer the way the narratives were interwoven in the film, even if it was confusing at first.

There was something quirky and lovable about each of the stories: the belief that even one person can make a difference in the Adam Ewing story; the beautiful setting, and descriptions relating to music in the Robert Frobisher story (which are not found in the movie); the fight for survival in the Luisa Rey story; comic elements in the Timothy Cavendish story; a stark and curious dystopian future in the Sonmi 451 story; and the contrast of technology and primitiveness in the post-apocalyptic story.

The message underlying each story is that you should fight for what you believe in, even if it means your life.

In each story there is a romantic link between two characters, which helps them to be stronger and more able to hold onto their shared beliefs. As these characters rebel against prejudices, their fighting spirit is inspiring and powerful, and their love stories, heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I definitely gained more from the movie, with its moments of quiet contemplation and determination to remain true. The stories were all visual feasts, and the diverse characters were played by highly skilled actors, including Jim Broadbent and Tom Hanks.

It is quirky though, and one of those movies that is better to watch on your own.

This week I'll be picking up Blood of Dragons, the fourth book in the Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb.

I'm pretty excited, because this is the final instalment of the story,

and there are always some amazing surprises in her final chapters. I can't wait!

Now I'm off to visit my reading friends over at Book Journey:

Have a great reading week!

Love to you,

xxx

Pretty in Pastels

2013-03-30T11:34:00.001+08:00

Over at long distance loving, the fashion ideas are all about pastel shades.

I must invest in some more of these pretties!

Pretty in Pastels by wendysice featuring christian dior

Tokyo Fashion polka dot chiffon dress
yesstyle.com

Dune slip on sandals
$115 - debenhams.com

Quilted handbag
yesstyle.com

Sequin bracelet
nordstrom.com

Plastic earrings
modcloth.com

Christian dior
$71 - johnlewis.com

Love Art Photograph, Romantic Pastel Photograph Print, Pretty Floral...
etsy.com

Pop on over to Friday Fancies

and Fashionable Friday

for some more pastel inspiration!

Love to you!
xxx

The Aussie Bush

2013-03-29T16:23:00.001+08:00

Over at A Snap, A Set and A Song this week the theme is Bush.

I couldn't share a snap of the Aussie bush without including one of this cute little fella!

He hangs out in the Yanchep National Park.

My Set is a collage of bush scenes from around Australia.

I spent a couple of nostalgic hours trying to find an Aussie song video set in the bush.

This is a great old favourite! Ian Moss only had a couple of hits on his own,

but he also made some fantastic music with Cold Chisel. He has an awesome voice!

Pop over to Thea's blog to see some more link ups about the bush.

Love to you!

xxx

Tuesday's Tune - Mountain Sound

2013-03-19T16:26:00.001+08:00

This week I've been hearing this song on the radio all the time! It's so, so catchy and has a great melody. Actually I thought it was Marianne Faithful's voice when I first heard it! But then I googled the words in the chorus and found out it is a guy singing the verses! Woops!

Anyway I love it! Hope you do too.

I'm sharing this tune over at Thea's blog, where there are more cool videos to watch!

Love to you!

xxx

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

2013-03-18T22:48:00.001+08:00

Hello, readerly friends!

Marlon Brando

At the moment I am reading Cloud Atlas, and have written about it for another favourite meme.

Please go here to read my thoughts about it.

I'm joining up with Sheila at her meme to see what everyone else is reading:

Have a great week!

Love to you!

xxx

Cloud Atlas - Sonmi~451's Story

2013-03-14T07:54:00.000+08:00

Today's theme for A Snap, A Set and A Song is Book,

and this week I am reading Cloud Atlas, which is utterly brilliant!

But let me go back a bit...

Last Friday night we watched the film Cloud Atlas. It was very odd and complicated, flicking between six different stories from different time periods, from the 1850s to the 2300s. Within half an hour my boys had gone off to do other things, but I was determined to see how all the stories were going to connect, and find resolution. Well, after three hours of watching ~(and numerous glances at the film plot at Wikipedia to be clear about what was actually happening, lol!) I worked out what it was all about, and realised I LOVED this film.

There were obvious faults in the make-up department, namely the "yellow-face" makeup they used on certain actors to make them look more Asian, and some of the prosthetic noses and fat suits which also did not have the desired effect. However, the theme of oppression, within the movie, was very powerful, and the layering of actors in multiple roles was clever in theory, (to show the evolution of souls through successive lives), if not completely in practice (because of the makeup).

Each story had its own quirky characters which were superbly portrayed by well-known actors including Jim Broadbent, Tom Hanks, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Grant, Halle Berry, Ben Whishaw and James D'Arcy. Sometimes it was a bit like a game of Spot the Actor!

Check out these pics of Tom Hanks in character:

But the standout story for me, with its romance, aesthetic, profound message, and high-tech vision of a dystopian future, was the story of Sonmi~451, played by the amazing Doona Bae.

So my Snap, Set and Song is focused on this story from Cloud Atlas.

My Snap is a pic of Sonmi~451 and Hae Joo Chang, who, as part of the Rebellion, attempts to save Sonmi from her fate as a clone. I love the colours, determination in his face, and the contrast of the floral print with the sharp lines of the city in this shot. (Oh, and also Jim Sturgess' hipbone, lol!)

My Set is a portrait of Sonmi's stark beauty,

and the computer-generated interior of her apartment with its views of Neo-Seoul

(although this is actually a picture of Tokyo - artistic licence!)

Cloud Atlas - Sonmi~451 by wendysice featuring giorgio armani lipstick

Lc lauren conrad
kohls.com

L.A.M.B. gray sandals
heels.com

Silver chain necklace
$97 - kabiri.co.uk

Giorgio armani lipstick
giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Giorgio armani mascara
giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Giorgio Armani pencil eyeliner
saksfifthavenue.com

Fragrance
bathandbodyworks.com

While I cannot convey, in this small space, the magnificence of the film, maybe this short excerpt will give you more of an idea of some of the heart-stirring moments from Sonmi's story.

The video shows much of her story, but there is still more in the film which will amaze you, so I hope this piece gives you the inspiration to give the film a try. The music in the clip is not from Cloud Atlas, however the soundtrack of the film is sublime, and plays a major part in the story.

If you want to find out what other people have posted on the theme of Book,

pop over to Thea's blog, A Snap, A Set and A Song, for more inspiration!

Love to you!

xxx

Just Give Me a Reason

2013-03-12T07:15:00.000+08:00

Lately, this song has been on the radio every time we are in the car.

I feel a bit bad to admit that I didn't realise it was Pink until I googled the song.

But the combination of her and Nate Ruess threw me.

He has a very distinctive voice so I knew it was him

and I guess I just didn't think Pink would be a likely partner for a duet!

Nevertheless, this song is awesome, and I love the quirky video.

Pop over to Tuesday's Tune to discover some more amazing music!

Love to you!

xxx

Sky Blue

2013-03-07T07:16:00.000+08:00

The theme for this week's A Snap, A Set and A Song is Sky.

My Snap is quite odd, in that I went to take a photo of the pencil pines in next door's yard and this cloud face was right there between them! Can you believe that?

My Set features the prettiest of sky blues. I adore this shade!

Sky Blue by wendysice featuring bulgari

Clear dress
modcloth.com

Peep toe wedge heels
$43 - theiconic.com.au

Stretchy bracelet
$14 - debenhams.com

Aspinal of London teardrop jewelry
$4,440 - aspinaloflondon.com

Blue topaz jewelry
boticca.com

David Yurman blue topaz jewelry
saksfifthavenue.com

Yves Saint Laurent studded belt
ysl.com

Bulgari
beauty.com

My Song for this week is an old classic which was going over and over through my head

as I was creating my set. There were so many versions from which to choose, but this one is smooth and quite sublime!

Take a look at the other Sky interpretations over at Thea's blog:

Love to you!

xxx

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

2013-03-04T18:43:00.000+08:00

I finished reading this Juliet Marillier book during the week:

It is all about a girl called Neryn, who has a sixth sense,

and is able to see and speak to the usually invisible Good Folk. This makes her highly sought after by the King of Alban, who captures people with such skills and uses them for entertainment in the court, and for spying on the enemy. One of King Alban's Enforcers, Flint, tracks down Neryn, who, under his guidance and protection, leads her towards Shadowfell. But is he friend or foe?

This is a quick read of Marillier's, a book written primarily for young adults, and yet not teenagery like many of the popular series, such as The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. This book bascially follows the journey of Neryn and Flint, and details how they survive in the terrain, but I found, apart from Neryn's talent to call on rock formations for help, there was really nothing new here for fantasy readers.
It was a good read, but not a spectacular read. I will read the other books in the series as they are published, as I do enjoy Marillier's writing style, but it does not make my list of all-time favourite books.

Popping over to Sheila's blog now, to see what my other bookish friends are reading!

Love to you!

xxx

Life in One Day

2013-03-01T22:48:00.000+08:00

For this week's A Snap, A Set and A Song the theme is Life. I looked around my garden for some inspiration, and decided that the leaves on these yucca plants were shining examples of life.

My set mirrors the greens and golds in my snap,

and the quote about life is one of my favourites:

Life by wendysice featuring a green maxi dress

Green maxi dress
$300 - johnlewis.com

Pier 1 Imports leather shoes
$64 - zalando.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins satchel bag
dorothyperkins.com

Kara Ross resin jewelry
saksfifthavenue.com

Cornelia Webb bangle bracelet
shopbop.com

Dolce gabbana belt
$695 - farfetch.com

AERIN lipstick
neimanmarcus.com

Chanel
$27 - harrods.com

Marc jacobs perfume
easyliving.co.uk

My song choice is a wonderful, uplifting tune from 1985. This is not the official video for the song, but it has some great stills of Howard Jones. So love the eighties!

Pop on over to Thea's blog to see other people's interpretations of the Life theme.

Love to you!

xxx

Songs from the Movies

2013-02-26T18:52:00.002+08:00

It's Tuesday's Tune time, and this week we're talking Songs from the Movies.

The song I hear on tele all the time at the moment is on the ad for the movie Safe Haven

starring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.

It's a song by Christina Perri called Arms. An unusual clip but pretty, pretty melody.

Pop over to A Snap, A Set and A Song for more beautiful tunes!

Love to you!

xxx

A Date with Mr Grey

2013-02-21T07:29:00.000+08:00

This week's A Snap A Set and A Song theme is Grey.

A month or so ago I travelled into the city for a teaching course which was held at the State Library. Coincidentally, I had worked there for five years about twenty years ago, and had a wonderful time amongst the books. Then the teaching bug got me and I was away...

The Alexander Library Building is like a big slab of polished stone.

You can go there to rustle through the archives of our state's history.

While looking for a grey outfit for this week's polyvore set, I found this pretty dress which looks a bit purplish but is called grey. So I ran with it:

A Date with Mr Grey by wendysice featuring diamond bangle bracelets

Sportmax short sleeve dress
matchesfashion.com

Manolo Blahnik clear cap toe heels
barneys.com

Ted baker
tedbaker-london.com

Dannijo
dannijo.com

Cartier diamond bangle bracelet
1stdibs.com

Giorgio Armani sheer lipstick
giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Face powder
etsy.com

Estée lauder
bloomingdales.com

Bare escentual
beauty.com

For my Grey song, here is a song by Skylar Grey. Most people probably know it better as a song by Eminem and Rhianna, but this version is acoustic, haunting and sublime.

Tune into A Snap, A Set and A Song for more fun with photos, fashion and music!

Love to you!
xxx

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

2013-02-18T22:31:00.002+08:00

Hello, bookish friends!

(Clark Gable and Marion Davies)

For Valentine's Day, my lovely hubby gave me this book:

and it's a beauty! It only took about an hour to read, but it is a collection of short stories about different famous lovers from literature and real life, including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Heathcliff and Cathy, and Lancelot and Elaine. Obviously some of the stories were very well known, but others I was reading for the first time. I was completely entranced by the sad story behind the building of the Taj Mahal, and by the heartwrenching story of Ranginui and Papatuanuku, the creation myth of the Maori people. There are 18 stories in all, and at the end of each chapter are the facts and figures of the story's origin.

Such an enjoyable, romantic,and often bittersweet read.

Popping over to Book Journey now to find out what people are reading this week.

Love to you!

xxx

TV Love - Heston's Feasts

2013-02-18T15:44:00.000+08:00

On Saturday, I found a fantastic show on Foxtel called Heston's Feasts.

Heston Blumenthal is a chef with a flair for the unusual, and a love of science, history and literature.

He is interesting, intelligent and very talented!

In each episode, Heston chooses a fascinating moment from history, such as the Edwardian era,

or from literature, such as Alice in Wonderland,

and travels the world researching authentic dishes pertaining to that theme,

in order to create an amazing feast for 6 celebrities.

The episode I caught was the Titantic Feast which featured foods from the Edwardian era,

including curry ice cream;

camel burgers, as a nod to Laurence of Arabia;

an Antarctic Roll in reference to Scott's expedition to Antarctica;

and a flambe iceberg, which of course pays homage to the sinking of the Titanic.

Not only does Heston create fabulously clever dishes, he also hosts the feasts in magnificent venues, with elaborate decor and food displays to suit the theme.

I am so impressed by the cleverness of this show,
that I am adding it to my planner so I can record every episode!

Take a look at it yourself if you get the chance.

Love to you!

xxx