jodeska

Prada SS 2012 Campaign

2012-02-02T18:24:00.000+11:00

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW. I'm not a fan of falling to the feet of high fashion labels but the Prada Spring/Summer 2012 campaign video makes me think otherwise (for a second).

The colour! The hair! The accessories! THAT green bodysuit.

Aurelie Perthuis

2012-02-01T15:33:00.000+11:00

Lily is French artist based in Sydney whom I met through my creative side project Sparkapolooza.

She recently relaunched her portfolio and I was excited to see her artwork Pauly the Polar Bear who made an appearance at our Sparkmylane art exhibition last year. If you were there you'd know there was alot of envy when Mags from The Craft Army scored it!

See more of her pop-tastic work here.

Jane Tyrrell: Old Fashioned Morphine (Jolie Holland cover)

2012-01-28T15:20:00.000+11:00

I have what seems to be an ever growing list of girl crushes. It includes such people as Roisin Murphy, Natasha Khan, Ellen Allien and that a girl I saw at Sydney Theatre Company last night (who's inspired me to buy some short boots).

As well as that, somewhere towards the top of that list is Australian artist Jane Tyrrell for the following reasons:

She joined hip hop group The Herd and made them somehow more awesome- unlike the awkwardness of Fergie joining the Black Eyed Peas *shudder*
She has an amazing voice that goes across hip hop, soul, blues and everything in between- if you have a chance to see her live do it!
She was part of The Firekites- if you haven't heard of them they're pretty damn amazing
She's also a graphic designer and artist
She doesn't dress like a prostitute- win!

I think if I add any more points I might sound creepy so I'll leave it here.

Want to see more? Check out this cute video here.

Hi Five Sai's Alive High Tea

2012-01-16T21:32:00.000+11:00

My friend Sai went into hospital last week after having an asthma attack. It was really really scary, there were lots of tears and it's something I would like to not ever happen again.

On the upside, to celebrate our relief and the fact that she was still with us, the logical thing for us to do was to put on a high tea. Three people and four hours later in the kitchen we delivered a spread to be proud of- I still don't know how things take so long though!

On the menu: egg, chicken, salmon and beef sandwiches, chorizo and spinach quiches, mango pudding, carrot cake, fairy bread, portuguese tarts, scones & whoopie pies.

Plus our lovely guests brought: coconut heart jellies, salty choc-chip cookies, a whole tiramisu & raspberry and oreo cheesecakes.

Do you have a favourite high tea dish?

Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-13T15:13:00.000+11:00

This movie looks absolutely wonderful! Quirky, funny and great style. I can't wait.

Check out that cast too!

No Australian release date yet though...

Andrey & Lili: A Winter Holiday

2012-01-06T12:08:00.000+11:00

I absolutely adore this photo series from Russian duo Andrey & Lili.

What's not to love? Fun, fresh and gorgeous styling. Bring on the braids!

New Shop: Half Half

2012-01-03T21:17:00.000+11:00

Ready to Start Skirt

Feel The Love Skirt

I'd Rather Dance With You Skirt

I don't think I've mentioned anything so scary on this blog as this but...Laura and I opened a shop!

It's exciting news and we're very proud (even though it's small at the moment). We've named it Half/Half, because well, there's two of us and we're always somehow caught between something.

We have in the shop the same flattering 50's style skirt in different fabrics we've hunted down and love to death. They're the type of magic to make you feel glamorous, fun and swish all at once. Magic!

Trust me when I say I want to keep every single one of them. Especially the tennis one screaming cuteness.

Drop by to Half/Half on Etsy and say hello!

2011: Things I Did This Year

2011-12-29T22:01:00.001+11:00

This year has been a strange year for the world and one I’ll probably tell my kids about- the fall of Europe, dictators overthrown in the Middle East, too many natural disasters , the royal wedding and so on....I actually watched a highlights reel of the year on the news and it made me a bit emotional!

It’s been a strange, kind of momentous in a quiet way type of year for me too (though there wasn’t any getting naked with thousands of people like 2010). I can’t help but think that somehow 2011 was a big turning point and 2012 will be even bigger.

So here's my highlights of what I did this year in no particular order:

1. Stopped working full-time
Have you ever fantasized about not working? At the start of the year I was pretty much burnt out from my job and couldn’t quite bring myself to get back into the rat race. Then my boyfriend found out he was being posted to Vietnam and I was going to move with him. Both of those things meant that for most of this year I haven’t worked. It’s been amazing. Some wonder what I’ve been doing with my time- the answer is not being stressed and unhappy. I’ve travelled, played an awesome housewife (for those who’ve wondered, it’s GREAT), and fostered my internet addiction.

2. Met my new nephew Callum
I unashamedly LOVE babies and so I was absolutely ecstatic to finally have a nephew. He’s absolutely gorgeous and happy baby. He has fat legs and I want to bite them!

3. Had 2 fun part-time jobs
Although I haven’t worked for most of the year I’ve had two part-time jobs which I’ve loved. Firstly, just before I left for Vietnam I worked in my dad’s Malaysian restaurant Kopitiam waitressing which I liked because I got to make people happy and socialize. Right now I’m working at a publishing house as a producer on some of their women’s magazines websites- and I love it (I might be in my honeymoon period so we’ll see!). The pace is a refreshing change from working in an ad agency.

4. Got arty
This wasn’t something that immediately jumped out at me until I uploaded it all to a tumblr- but I’ve created a hell of a lot of artwork this year, mostly thanks to Sparkapolooza (which will be back next year). You can check it all out here.

5. Started riding a bike again
I haven’t ridden a bike since I was a kid- at least until I got one this year when I asked for one for my birthday. People ask if it’s scary riding in the Hanoi traffic and it’s not at all! I feel far safer there than I would in Sydney and it's really the only practical way to get around. I love the convenience and the freedom it brings as well as the fact it’s pink and has a garland of fake red flowers on it.

6. Moved to Vietnam which meant…
Getting to live with Johnny for the first time, in a big beautiful apartment, and make a home. I’m very thankful because we would never be able to live in a place like we do in Sydney simply because we couldn’t afford too. It also meant making some wonderful friends who I will force myself upon for the rest of our lives and getting to cook and bake lots.

7. Played host to lots of Visitors
There’s something so terribly exciting about seeing friends and family overseas and Johnny and I were lucky enough to have lots of visitors in Vietnam. This meant I got to show off where I live a little and get lots of validation that yes, Hanoi is a crazy city to live in.

8. Put on art exhibition & got interviewed
I’m combining these into one because they both have to do with my side project Sparkapolooza. Earlier this year in an ad hoc moment I decided that Laura and I were going to put on an art exhibition. I didn’t care how lofi it was, we were just going to do it- and we did! I can tick that off the life list. The other life list tick goes for being interviewed. It’s something when I was younger I always wanted (I thought I'd be a CEO of a massive company) and earlier this year Juice Magazine interviewed us about our project.

9. Did the the 70km KOTO Bike Ride
Anyone who knows me knows how outrageous this is. I’m wussy when it comes to most things so even I’m amazed that I completed this “fun ride” (not fun). I partly feel this doesn’t count because I only finished because Johnny was with me the entire time (if I was alone I would have quit at halfway), but I’m still happy because I can tell people I did it and more importantly never have to do it again.

10. Went to some amazing gigs
Specifically, Leftfield @ The Enmore- I loved that every single person there went nuts, Max Cooper @ GoodGod purely because he’s an amazing artist unlike anyone else I’ve heard, and Cobblestone Jazz @ Becks Bar because well...you had to be there!

11. Travelled lots & saw lots of family
Living in Asia meant that I got to visit and see family a lot more. We went to Bangkok twice (though it’s never quite long enough) and got to do touristy stuff for the first time. I also went to Malaysia twice to see lots of family as well as go to a wedding and probably spent more than a month there altogether. I also ducked down to Singapore to visit Ray!

12. Got skinnier!
When I was younger I really well and truely thought I would be skinny without having to do anything FOREVER. This is obviously not true and I'm wondering why no-one prepared me for the truth earlier. This year, because I had the time I went to the gym lots and was able to fit into all these clothes again. Win.

13. Discovered Pinterest & Google Reader
I have talked all year about how these were going to make it to my highlights list, so here they are. Both of these have changed my life for the better and have filled a gap in my internet heart.

So there we go. I'd love to know some of yours!

Image by Cow & Co via Trebleseven

Lana Del Rey: Video Games

2011-12-11T00:05:00.000+11:00

Lana Del Rey is my new obsession. Who could possibly resist that voice? It's the type to bring boys to their knees!

Hong Hua

2011-12-07T15:04:00.000+11:00

Gorgeous illustrations by Hong Hua.

Max Berry In Action

2011-12-03T08:27:00.001+11:00

I always love seeing artists at work. Especially when they're Max Berry.

Kate Bush: 50 Words For Snow

2011-11-27T07:20:00.001+11:00

Excuse me I'm sorry to bother you,

But don't I know you?

There's just something about you.

Haven't we met before?

When we got on top of the hill,

We saw Rome burning.

I just let you walk away.

I've never forgiven myself.

I saw you on the steps in Paris.

You were with someone else.

Couldn't you see that should have been me.

I just walked on by.

Then we met in '42,

But we were on different sides.

I hid you under my bed,

But they took you away.

Come with me, I'll find some rope

I'll tie us together.

I've been waiting for you so long…

I don't want to lose you again…

Snowed in at Wheeler street.

Just two old friends.

Keeping the fire going.

We looked so good together.

Can't we just stay there forever?

We were so happy!

I'd live that day over and over.

But the world won't stop turning.

How do you find music you love? The way it usually works for me is that I'll play an album a couple of times, and my ears will somehow pick up on some random detail. That's the test. When I'm not fully focused, will something jump out at me?

Kate Bush has a new album called 50 Words For Snow (you can stream it here). I LOVE Kate Bush. She is probably the only one left on my list of "people I want to see before I die". Considering she has toured only once in her career it's probably not about to happen anytime soon.

I'm all about lyrics when it comes to music (I'm often taken back when most people say they don't notice them!). I love Kate Bush because she is an amazing songwriter- everything she writes springs visuals and emotions with such simplicity. I feel like there's layers and layers of meaning, yet with one simple story. Kinda of like fairytales you love as a child but who's full meaning you find out later.

My favourite song of all time is "Running Up The Hill" where she manages to so poetically capture the essence of of a break-up. It's not about being heart-broken as most songs are, but rather it gets to the heart of wanting someone else to feel how you feel. Isn't that the essence in a break-up?

On her latest album the song "Snowed In At Wheeler Street" is the one that grabbed me, and an excerpt of it's lyrics are above. I must be mushy at heart because it's about a couple who love each other through time. That sounds incredibly corny and done before, but add her textured voice, and Elton John, and you feel like you were there with them watching the scenes before your eyes.

Let me know what you think. Perhaps Kate Bush isn't for everyone.

On another note, Ben Folds is another lyricist I love (for the same reasons) and this is equally my favourite song of all time, again, for the lyrics.

The Chinese Wedding

2011-11-26T07:38:00.000+11:00

Ancestor offerings

Double happiness fruit

I don't know what any of this is

Hair combing ceremony

Burning ancestor offering

New Asian tradition of taking a gazillon photos

Tea ceremony

Firecrackers (which caused me to have an asthma attack, hilarious in hindsight)

Reception

Then everyone gets drunk and parties on

My last trip to Malaysia was specifically to go my cousin Vicky's wedding that I had invited myself to. Being Asian, this of course was perfectly okay. It was just a matter of time before an aunt told me it was the right thing to do anyway.

I'm glad I went- my dad's side I found was still very traditional, and this meant lots of "what's happening now?" and "what does this mean?" type of questions. It's quite funny seeing all the adults try and remember the proper order of traditions and what should be done next in the ceremonies- god knows what will happen when it's up to my generation!

The highlights:
:: I love the part where the bride sits in the room and her bridesmaids put the groom through all these challenges (like eating wasabi, doing push-ups, and paying them bribes) to prove he's worthy to go and take her from her home

:: Being introduced to family members I have no recollection of, and couldn't speak Chinese to. There was alot of awkward smiling

:: Being told I look like my mother by almost every single person. After seeing this you'll know I'm okay with that

:: Seeing Vickys wedding outfit- WOW. Check out that beading!

Is it just me or is it wedding season? They're everywhere! (or it might just be because I'm in Vietnam...)

Melaka

2011-11-23T15:45:00.000+11:00

Say hello to Melaka. Isn't it pretty? Melaka is south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and is known for it's historical roots. It used to be a trading port and a result had the influence of lots of different nationalities that came through. In particular it's known for Baba Nonya, the culture resulting from the inter-racial marriages of the Chinese and local Malay.

Part of the town has been preserved and many of the old architecture and signage remains. It was wonderful wandering through the old shops but my favourite part was a lane with people selling secondhand bits and pieces. I completely regret not buying the 1960's Chinese womens magaines! I stood there for a good 5 minutes thinking about it but then thought did I really need them. The answer should have been yes! I did however score a new year cards from the same era with famous stars of the time on them. They're now framed and brightening up my living room.

The Devotion Project

2011-11-21T21:35:00.001+11:00

The The Devotion Project is project aimed at inspiring the GLBT community about love and relationships through short films.

The first is about Bill & John who have been together for 54 years and if not already, after watching it you, like me and a hell of alot of people in this world will be baffled by the inequality gay people face these day. I really wish the Australian government would just allow for gay marriage and get on with it. Sigh.

Anyhoo, back to the film. It's beautiful and so incredibly sweet. It's Johnny and my three year anniversary tomorrow- hardly seems like anything in comparison!

Balloon Ladies

2011-11-15T14:53:00.000+11:00

Despite there being alot of challenges living in Vietnam there are a few things I love (and never get sick of seeing).

These balloon sellers with their giant bunch of blow-up, colourful distractions for kids appear everyday and always make me smile.

Hello Kitty Fisheye IV: Sapa

2011-11-07T20:15:00.000+11:00

I have a very short term memory. While this comes with many downsides, one of the upsides is getting back a roll of film and having no idea what's on it. Surprise!

This is a bunch of photos from my and Lauras last day in Sapa. When I look at them I instantly go back to the feeling of being rained on, and completely wet from the rain. Ew.

Homemade Banner

2011-11-04T18:55:00.000+11:00

Over the last three weeks I've been gallivanting around Malaysia and Singapore. Or perhaps I should say EATING my way around. I don't think I've ever eaten more food in such a short amount of time in my life.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks and it continues as I have a truck full of visitors over the next couple of weeks.

These are some photos I've been meaning to put up for a while of a banner/bunting/wall hanging thing I did a couple of months ago. It's very haphazard (that's a PLASTIC STRAW in case you're wondering) and all hand sewn (not by choice though).

It is currently living in my guest bedroom.

Any validation of my AWESOMENESS is welcome.

The Tiles of Vietnam: Part Two

2011-10-11T15:07:00.000+11:00

Part two of Saigon tile adventure. I still can't believe all of these were in the same place!

I'm off to Malaysia next week for a wedding and can't wait. I'm not sure of the cousin getting married but we're now friends on Facebook so that has to count for something. There's going to be a massive amount of family, plus a whole heap flying in from Australia. This is either going to be awesome, or really really painful. Here's to the first!

The Tiles of Vietnam: Part One

2011-10-05T19:43:00.000+11:00

Vietnam is currently in that economic and social stage where only the very the new and "modern" is considered beautiful and acceptable. These gorgeous tiles can be found everywhere but unfortunately don't fall into that category. Sadly this means you can often seen the haphazardly smashed up and dumped on the side of street. Oh well, who are we to judge.

I think they're beautiful and I find myself taking photos of them constantly. If you've ever been here you'll know they won't be here for forever! Amazingly these photos were all taken last week at the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City (I tagged along when Johnny was there for work). The 2 buildings the museum is housed in are gorgeous and there's over 30 different types of tiles.

Part 2 to come...

Back In Bangkok: Part 2

2011-09-27T15:02:00.001+10:00

More from Bangkok. The fish section in Chatuchak Markets was amazing. Seeing sugar gliders, cockatoos & squirrels on sale was not. Seeing people gathered round for a cock fight tipped me over the edge and and we had to escape all animal related things after that.

I don't think we'll be back for a little while, but I'm excited because we have trips to Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysia and then Sydney lined up before the end of next year. Woop! It's started to get cooler in Hanoi and it feels like this year is starting to come to an end. Scary.

Back In Bangkok: Part 1

2011-09-23T08:46:00.002+10:00

The first set of photos from our trip to Bangkok two weekends ago. I took more photos in 3 days than I have in a month here in Hanoi! It's a city I'm inspired by, but realistically I think it's because living in Hanoi has taken some of the sheen out of things. That and riding my bike instead of walking around means there's less opportunity to take photos. Now it's getting cooler maybe I'll start walking again (probably not).

A bit of a rant about the trip over at Johnny & Jo

Hello Sapa

2011-09-20T15:48:00.002+10:00

Hmong tribe

Just the beginning of our trek

Rice paddys

In case you forgot what Sapa looked like

These kids aren't scared of the buffalos one bir

Great colours

Food for THREE

As night falls

These are a few photos from my SLR from my trip to Sapa with Laura from See Hear Say. It seems so long ago now! I have to stress, if you're ever travelling to Vietnam, you have to take a trip to Sapa as well as Ha Long Bay. I say this because it's quite a bit of effort to get there (an overnight train there and back) and many people opt out- don't! It's well worth it and absolutely breath-taking.

On a side note, the over night train we took had two bunk beds and when we got to our very small 'room' there was a young couple spooning on the bottom bunk. SPOONING. It was AWKWARD. Really AWKWARD. Whatmore they ended up putting another TWO people in our room during the night- that makes 6 people in a very tiny space that was already pushing it for 4. Obviously don't let this put you off.

Once you get to Sapa and start on your trek it's a little (lot) confronting having groups of women follow you around (like in the photos above) because it feels like they're there just to get money off you. Which they are- but they actually help you walk along and through the mountains- and trust me, by the end of it, you want to give them all your money.

Sapa will make you feel adventurous and really really awesome I swear.

The Small Object

2011-09-10T10:09:00.000+10:00

Oh DEAR. I have reached that age- you know, the one where not only is everyone around me getting engaged/married, but the one where I've accepted it and actually find it a little exciting.

You know what else is exciting? These cake toppers. Why? Because they're supercute. They don't have to be cake toppers of course, they can just be tiny cute versions of yourself. You could even get ones made of you and your best friend! They're handmade by Sarah Neuburger and she's done literally hundreds. As well as that she makes lots of other cute things at her shop The Small Object.

Speaking of weddings, if I haven't gushed to you already, my friend Tabitha (hello!) got engaged in the BEST ENGAGEMENT EVER.

.

Justin Gignac

2011-09-08T15:34:00.000+10:00

I stumbled across these bunch of talks from the PSFK Conference in New York held earlier this year. If I was a different person I'd pretend to be cool and know what that was (you mean you don't?), but sometimes it's all too much effort.

I really like this talk by Justin Gignac where he talks about his art projects and ideas behind them. It's about 20 minutes but so simple and interesting it didn't seem like any time at all. I especially love the awkward couple of minutes where he loses his notes. I love awkwardness when it's not me. I also love that he talks about being lazy and unmotivated. Is he talking directly to ME?

IF 20 minutes is too much effort (I have a very short attention span so it usually is) then these are my important points from it:

1. DO MORE SHIT
2. Ask yourself is it: Simple? Smart? Surprising? AND Will anyone give a shit?

Chipotle: Back To The Start

2011-09-04T19:41:00.001+10:00

I'm totally in love with this little Chipotle video clip highlighting that their meat comes from sustainable sources. I'm pretty sure I saw the guy who started the Mexican chain on Oprah a while back and was very impressed. I think it's a while before anything like that gets to Hanoi!

Speaking of food, I came across a bunch of articles when I was looking up what is the difference between baking soda and baking powder, and found the answers to many other questions I thought but always forgot to look up. Some of the best ones are, why you have to put in one egg at a time, why you are supposed to rest meat and why you get that "cake bump". Oh dear, am I just being nerdy?

Hello Kitty Fisheye III: Sapa

2011-09-02T22:01:00.001+10:00

I'm really excited that these Sapa photos came out on my fisheye. After my first film my expectations were pretty low so I was pleasantly surprised. More to come via my SLR...

Zara Carpenter

2011-08-29T15:06:00.006+10:00

I like headpieces. I like headpieces ALOT. That is why Zara Carpenters store makes me very excited. I sincerely which headwear were part of mainstream fashion again. Would you be on board?

Emily Ryan

2011-08-26T11:44:00.001+10:00

You know you're getting older when clothing starts appealing to you because it looks "comfortable". When I came past this work Emily Ryan, my first thought wasn't immediately of "I LOVE IT", but more that I found it interesting. Interesting enough that I couldn't look away until I realised I did love it. I love the detail and the approach to textures and shape, and would definitely rock these out (after a bit of hyping myself up). And course, they look so comfortable.

Is comfortable on the top of your list yet?

Hello Ha Long Bay

2011-08-24T11:56:00.000+10:00

Asian mermaid

On board the Bhaya

Laura and I

Fishing village where people live

This is the first adorable first I've seen. He looks like a cartoon come to life!

We are also sitting in one of these boats. Screw kayaking.

The morning storm

The Surprise Cave. They should have called it the "Surprise 200 steps leading to the cave"

More cave

Here are a few more photos from my trip to Halong Bay. Have you been?

My first trip was a few years ago on a backpacker type cruise which wasn't crazy as you think. I think I lucked out because another friend went on it recently and was stuck with a group who chanted (really bad ones too) and drank for most hours of the day. He told us they also had a system while in the water- if you slowly put up your hand but kept talking, it meant you were peeing and everyone had to move away. I'm VERY glad I wasn't on that boat.

In other news, it seems Vietnam has now blocked .blogspot domain, along with Facebook. SIGH.

Gotye: State Of The Art

2011-08-19T18:52:00.001+10:00

There is a high chance this blog could turn into a Wally de Backer lovefest and you know what? I'm okay with that.

It he seems like he's on a roll releasing 2 animation videos in the last couple of weeks.

This one is super sweet and I just want to hug one of those big furry creatures don't you?

You can also stream the full Gotye album here.

Justin and Jeremy

2011-08-18T22:24:00.001+10:00

If you're not dying from cuteness overload you may be dead inside.

Equally if not more is them doing Hey Ya (there's singing and hip wiggling!).

Gee, put anything into a videogame and kids can do ANYTHING.

Hello Kitty Fisheye II: Halong Bay

2011-08-15T23:59:00.000+10:00

Things have been a little quiet here lately as I've galavanting around, first visiting family and friends in Malaysia (think too much shopping and eating), then playing host to Laura and visiting Halong Bay and Sapa.

These are my fisheye photos from Halong Bay (the top one is on the way to Malaysia though) and they're a big improvement from my last batch. Biggest lesson learned: light, light, light!

Highlights of our Halong Bay trip included: seeing a very cute fish that looked like a cartoon come alive, over eating, having rose petals thrown onto us from above out of a basket, seeing it rain on the water (such a different view), going into a giant cave, and lying in our room playing games on our phone.

In other news, I just finished Bossypants by Tina Fey and it is HILARIOUS. I laughed out loud many many times. I shoved it in the face of my boyfriend and said "READ THIS" equally as many times. I am a massive tightass and I do not regret spending money on this book. (Tina if you're reading this you can use that quote).

Foals: Blue Blood

2011-08-03T16:45:00.000+10:00

This song has made a comeback on my rotation. And when I say rotation I pretty much mean on repeat. I do have a bit of an obsession with video clips and this is up there as one of my favourites. I've considered re-enacting these dance moves at home alone on many occasions. Maybe there's something about English schoolboys doing dance routines?

What's your favourite at the moment?

The Last Days of Sydney

2011-08-01T12:31:00.001+10:00

Taking down the bits and pieces in my room

Sparkmylane exhibition

Pasta tastes better when it's heart shaped

Turning earrings who have lost their partner into a ring (I later found the "other" one)

Supercute house

Awesomeness at my grandmas

If this was Vietnam they would have covered in this in blue, red and white plastic

Cogel. All wanted to do was cut Nicks hair

Callum doing the Superman thing

This won't look like this soon

The gentrification of Alice Street

Summer days

A few photos from my last few weeks in Sydney before moving to Hanoi. Gosh it's the place to be in summer. I miss the air (but not the cold rainy air you have now).

Stephen Powers

2011-07-29T12:34:00.001+10:00

Loving the work of Stephen Powers.

via forth thread

Secret Squirrel SS 2011

2011-07-27T15:35:00.000+10:00

Yep it's that time again folks. Secret Squirrel has released it's new spring/summer collection, otherwise known as "clothes I want but can't afford because I don't have a job". Like. See more here.

Good Sound Advice

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000+10:00

Everyone who knows me knows I do love a good techno gig or two. Like many others in Sydney who love music, the streetpress newspaper/mag 3D World (RIP) was something you'd look through obsessively every week to see what was coming up (especially since often there are so many things you have to plan what to spend your money on).

One of the standout promoters for me who consistently caught my eye are HAHA Industries, not only because their parties are awesome but because everytime I saw an ad and said to myself "great poster" it happened to be for them. The nerd inside of me also notes how great it is that for each party there's a defined look and feel/concept that is consistent for each gig. Consistancy is highly underrated my friends.

The designer behind it all is Dave Fernandes who annoyingly is not only a pretty switched on designer but someone who can play a damn fine tune or two. For more check out Good Sound Advice.

Making A Lantern....Kinda Of

2011-07-15T19:03:00.000+10:00

Remember all those pretty lanterns from Hoi An? Well one of the things I found you could do while there was actually make your own. HELL YEAH! I was going to totally up the crafting skills and change the world. Not quite. Instead of making the whole thing from scratch we stuck pieces of fabric onto a pre-made base. Oh. That doesn't make me as awesome as I was hoping.

I found out too that just one company in Hoi An actually makes the bases then sells them to everyone else. Crazy considering everywhere else in Vietnam has dozens of copycats.

Anyhoo, I did 'make' a lantern and this is how. It was fun. I also bought a few big ones too, but don't actually have anywhere to hang them- eek.

Rimer London featuring Cata.Pirata - Love Dagger

2011-07-13T00:54:00.003+10:00

This track is the first song on the Remix Artist Collective Modcast that's still on high rotation in my house. My boyfriend loves this track cause of the synths and handclap (the disco experience is all about the clap), and I love it cause I thought they mixed Crystal Castles Crimewave in with another track. Oops (I still love it though).

Escape To Hoi An

2011-07-11T18:44:00.000+10:00

The first of the pretty lights

Vietnam makes you love colour and realise how dull Sydney is

Birds are everywhere

Hoi An is known for old buildings

Trinkets

It thunderstormed every afternoon. This one didn't hit us but it was amazing to watch.

White Rose dumplings

Colour + detail

This is hilarious (or is it just me?)

Great colour palette

Token lantern shot

Lake lanterns

These are a random bunch of photos from our recent trip to Hoi An. If you've heard anything about it you'll know it's known for tailors and lanterns....and that's pretty much all it was. Pretty though.

Longer rant and more photos here.

Gotye feat. Kimbra: Somebody That I Used To Know

2011-07-08T14:54:00.000+10:00

Wally de Backer. Need I say more?

via lmac attack

Splitscreen: A Love Story

2011-07-06T08:58:00.000+10:00

A really subtle, sweet short by JW Griffiths that does alot in a small amount of time. I don't know about you but I held my breath in anticipation even though I knew what was going to happen!

Probably worth mentioning that this was all shot on a Nokia N8 too (it was the winner of their Nokia Shorts comp). Pretty cool considering that when I was in high school and camera phones first came out I thought they were amazing and that we were living in the future.

Deng Yun: A & A

2011-07-04T17:36:00.004+10:00

Chinese photographer Deng Yun shot these beautiful photos of his two friends as a wedding gift.

Wouldn't you love a friend like that?

Hello Kitty Fisheye I

2011-07-01T14:12:00.001+10:00

My cousin Andy

Tropical flowers in Hoi An

My Sparkmylane artwork

More gorgeous flowers on Hoi An (and my toes!)

My sister Jessica and super awesome nephew Callum

Old building in Hoi An

I love the colours in this. Me and girlie girls Sai and Jo

Me and the cheeky Miss Milla

One of the best presents I've ever received was the Limited Edition Hello Kitty Fisheye Lomo camera that Laura surprised me with just before I left Sydney. I love it!

It's taken me about 2 months to finish the film but it's better late then never. I know using lomos in general takes a bit of getting used to but for some reason I thought this would be more straight-forward. Out of 24 shots I got back 12 with the rest mostly being really overexposed. Trouble is, I can't remember any of the shots to think about the light conditions I shot them in. Fail.

I'm glad the ones that did come out were fun ones mostly of people. You still can't deny the allure of this one chance capture moments that come with film.

Anyone have any lomo tips for next time?

Doctor L Featuring Clip Payne: The Def Song

2011-06-28T18:55:00.002+10:00

I don't love this song though I know that if I heard it more it would grow on me. What I do love though it the video treatment. They way they used archived footage is gorgeous and I really love the colours and layers.

Now I might just go listen to it again...

Creative Collective: June Project

2011-06-24T22:31:00.007+10:00

One of the exciting things about not having a job is being able to participate in fun projects. Yeah yeah, I know people with jobs do that too, but let's face it, working in advertising is can suck time and energy out of you like you never ever thought it could.

So onto fun stuff- this month I signed up for the Creative Collective June Project. It was a pretty simple premise, you send three packages out, you get three packages back. These are some shots of what I put together- looks simple enough but I haven't worked so intently on something for a long time! I could be over-reacting but I'm pretty sure some RSI was involved.

Here's to the Vietnam mail service getting them there now!

Kristina Mordokhovitch

2011-06-15T14:51:00.006+10:00

Kristina Mordokhovitch brings out the full blown girliness in me. I've spent about an hour looking at all the amazing images on her blog and now all I want to do is dress up and have a glam tea party. And go to Iceland.

As well as being a gorgeous illustrator, she is also a photographer which is also why her blog is so wonderful to digest.

Colourful. Kitchy. Fun. Sweet.

Love.

Hello Hanoi II

2011-06-11T07:35:00.000+10:00

Kids umbrellas for sale

Every drink comes with something even if it's just a twisty straw

Green on green on green

I really want this outfit! One of the many too cute stores

I'll never get sick of seeing flower women

Colour + detail

Preparations for Childrens Day

Twisty straw

At the Metro supermarket where more is more

Another batch of photos from out and about. This time with captions!

Hello Hanoi

2011-06-08T20:44:00.005+10:00

Random bar in the old quarter

Pensive

Novelty shirt at Alexander Boyd

This, according to my sheltered, Aussie, urban self, is amazing

Sure, there's alot of things of bikes here, but none so smile inducing

Outside the mausoleum- they walked about 100m like this. Cuteness overload.

Army van

Vietnam did bunting before you thought it was cool

Inside the Opera House. Overwhelmingly gorgeous.

Lanterns at Hoan Kiem Lake

I'm finally getting around to uploading some random shots from out and about walking the streets of Hanoi.

I'm trying to get over that "thing" that stops you from taking photos, though sometimes that "thing" is "oh god someone is going to steal my bag".

The Monday Project: They Grouped Under The Lamp Post, Alone

2011-06-06T14:42:00.005+10:00

I finally got my act together to submit something for The Monday Project, another creative project similar to Sparkapolooza, but with a month long deadline and harder briefs. It proves great minds think alike!

This months theme was "“They grouped under the lamp post, alone" and this is a quick sketch. I still need to force myself to draw more so I can figure out a style I'm comfortable with but this is a start!

Creatures & Ives

2011-06-03T18:42:00.006+10:00

I came across Chip Trout's wonderful project Creatures & Ives on the Make Something 365 blog. I love seeing 365 day projects and always find the commitment completely inspirational.

I haven't started one yet - cause let's face it, no one wants to fail, but seeing these and knowing one is created everyday has brought me a little closer.

Do you know of any other great 365 day projects?

Seeker Lover Keeper : Even Though I'm A Woman

2011-06-01T15:01:00.002+10:00

Everything about this song and video is perfect.

Seeker Lover Keeper

Natasha Khan

2011-05-31T16:56:00.004+10:00

Right this moment I'm listening to an interview Natasha Khan aka Bat For Lashes on FBI Radio.

It's making me:
1) Feel sad I'm missing out on her show at the Opera House
2) Love her more- she sounds completely down to earth and interesting
3) Feel very inspired- she's been gardening, doing a childrens illustration course and been working with the ballet!

I need to be more awesome now.

Image via The Phoenix

The Pom Pom Factory

2011-05-26T19:50:00.003+10:00

These photos are gorgeous! What more can I say? Bring back the pom poms (and that colour green- swoon).

Photos by Beinta á Torkilsheyggi for The Pom Pom Factory.

via Oh Joy

Onra: The Chinoiseries

2011-05-23T07:12:00.003+10:00

Before you listen to this, I need you to read the below. Then, put the sound up, turnall distractions off, and step away from the computer for 9 minutes (but not too far obviously). Cause you're worth it.

I started this project August 2006, when i got back from a trip to Viet Nam, the land of my grandparents. As a vinyl junkie, i really couldn't come back to France without bringing back some wax. After hours spent riding on a motorbike in Saigon streets, a taxi finally helped me find some Asian records.

I almost felt like an explorer discovering a forgotten treasure. I bought 30 vinyls, most of them in poor condition, back to the crib, and started making beats with some material i wasn't used to.

I worked on this album through 2007. I think this is the perfect soundtrack to any Hip-Hop head going to South East Asia. It reflects all the different sides of those countries: Raw, sad, culturally rich, amusing, kitsch and romantic.

With a hook like this I knew I was in for something special.

Everyone knows I love music- sometimes in an obsessive "okay I get the point but you're now getting creepy" way. There can be moments where I experience something new and it rocks my world. I vividly remember seeing Seekae for the first time at the now defunct Hopetoun and being completely entranced. It was hot, stuffy, and we were squished out the back and couldn't even see, but through all of this their music managed to stop me in my tracks.

The Chinoi Series by Onra makes me excited- and I love being genuinely excited by new music (new to me anyway, this was released in 2007).

I've mentioned on this blog before about my love of the "nostalgic" genre (I made that up, yep, go ahead and use it) and this embodies it to a tee. Onra's description above is perfect and I couldn't have put it any better. I can see stories play out in my mind listening to it and love the textures and layers it invokes. Perhaps on some level it's something I can relate to- Asian, but not quite. Listening to this interview just makes me love it more.

Excitingly, Onra is playing in Hanoi on June 3rd! Total win. I can't wait.

I hope you love this as much as I do.

* I've since found out that it's not actually The Chinoi Series, but rather The Chinoiseries (one word not two). Chinoiseries in french meaning "little things without much value, and that usually are decorated with a lot of details". Thanks Charlotte!

Seiko Kato

2011-05-20T19:10:00.001+10:00

I'm absolutely loving these Seiko Kato collages. They're so bright and fun (though the rest of her portfolio tends to be a little darker). Having seen close-ups of some of her other work, the detail is amazing. I need these on my walls now.

Timothy Karpinski

2011-05-17T08:34:00.001+10:00

Loving Timothy Karpinski hardcore. Swoon.

Milk From A Thistle Autumn 2011

2011-05-13T17:22:00.000+10:00

If designer Danielle Atkinson could send me everything from her label Milk From A Thistle every season the world would be a much better place (for me anyway).

I always find myself loving her fantastic prints and this is no exception- how great are the horses? I love it when collections look like a whole set too (does that make sense?). I'll have it all.

Stolen Girlfriends Club S/S 2011

2011-05-10T09:23:00.000+10:00

I'd be lying if I pretended that the soundtrack to this didn't make me love this Stolen Girlfriends Club video, but nonetheless what a fantastic idea. I love things that are usually reserved for a specific niche taken to the public, and I love surprises even more! It's beautifully shot and captures what would have been an exciting event. My favourite part is the girl busting out some moves in the deli.

I helped out at a Terry Biviano show in a Kennards Self Storage place years ago. What crazy places would you want to have a fashion show?

(p.s. don't the models look giant compared to all the shoppers?)

Bangkoking

2011-05-07T09:00:00.000+10:00

En route from Hanoi

What's a birthday party without pin the tail on the donkey? (in 3D)

Dinosaur cake

Spoilt for accommodation

Kickboxing

So clear and efficient

How to make salad fancypants

65 floors up

Oh. This is what people talk about.

Wat Po

Collapsing from the heat

So many reasons to love my boyfriend. This is one of them.

A few (late) photos from our weekend away in Bangkok. I've been to/through Bangkok THREE times before but this is the first time I had a chance to actually do anything. It's a great city and so efficient in so many ways (okay, I've been won over by the public transport), and the girls are all dressed so well! More photos over at my other blog Johnny & Jo.

P.s. The title of this post was a nod to the wonderful blog by Essi Bangkoking. Have a squiz for more gorgeous photos of the city.

Part 2: The Dunlop Factory Alexandria

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000+10:00

This is the second batch of photos from our trip to the Dunlop Factory. Love the Beastman (I'm pining away for one of his works!). I couldn't resisting adding a little creature to the place. Poor can control though!

Part 1: The Dunlop Factory Alexandria

2011-05-04T18:18:00.009+10:00

Finally! These are some of my photos of our trip/mini shoot to the Dunlop Factory in Alexandria. This is an amazing place. I keep trying to compare this to the Glebe Tram Sheds but I've come to the conclusion you simply can't. Or rather same same but different. Glebe has all the old trams you can get in and out of, but the Dunlop Factory has the ceiling battered with hail damage which causes the most spectacular "disco lights". This coupled with the reflections of the water- wow.

Laura and I played models for the day for Andy Chan and I can't wait to share some of these too (hopefully sooner rather then later). We had so much fun that we totally forgot about lunch and didn't eat til the afternoon!

If you are wondering where the Dunlop Factory is (none of the guides online actually tell you the exact location!), it's in Alexandria, 9-15 Bowden Street next to the giant bargain store on the corner. In fact, if you're driving you should park in their carpark. I've pinpointed where it is on this map. More photos soon...

The Simpsons in Paris

2011-05-03T08:49:00.000+10:00

This spread appeared back in 2007 in Harpers Bazaar but it's still just as wonderful don't you think? I love Homer posing as Karl!

Images via Trendland. Click through to see the real life images these illustrations were based on!

Roselina Hung

2011-04-30T07:52:00.000+10:00

Roselina Hung

Paper Record Player Invite

2011-04-29T14:32:00.002+10:00

This wedding invitation by Kellie Anderson and friends is a just a little bit amazing. It's a paper record player! For more check out her blog here.

Glebe Tram Sheds

2011-04-28T13:06:00.001+10:00

One of the things I love about Sydney is that there are still so many things that can surprise you. The Glebe Trams Sheds are something Laura sent me as somewhere we should definitely hit up but in the end I beat her to it (the joys of being unemployed) and went along with photographer Cathy Topping.

Cathy is the photographer behind the project We Live Here Sydney who shoots portraits of people who live in the lovely town. I volunteered to be part of the project as it sounded fun and to perhaps also get over the awkwardness of getting my photo taken (so why not dive right in!).

We ended up having to go in the back way through lots of mud and a window so good shoes are a must.Massive props to the person/people who created a pathway to get through the mud AND somehow brought in 2 wheelie bins so you could climb through the window.

We only had a limited amount of time but I couldn't resist taking a few photos for myself. I would love to go back there. If you would like to head there Free Photo Guides Australia has awesomely detailed instructions including a map. My tip- bring a picnic or some type of food. The place is massive and it's beautiful to be in a place so still- you won't want to leave!

P.s. I'm terribly behind on updates since our Sparkmylane exhibition and moving to Hanoi. I've also visited the amazing Dunlop Factory. Photos soon!

Louise Despont

2011-04-05T10:53:00.000+10:00

These beautiful illustrations are by artist Louise Despont- aren't they gorgeous? It almost seems time for a art deco revival. They also remind me of these Lola & Bailey necklaces that I love.

Are you a fan of art deco?

Youtube My Facebook

2011-04-02T09:10:00.003+11:00

In case you haven't seen this video by Cedric Vella already I'd thought I'd post it cause it's pretty cute.

Even better is the music don't you think?

Jo & Her Gnomes (+7 Musical Insights)

2011-03-29T12:46:00.008+11:00

Leave two girls alone in a house in the suburbs and this is the result. I've always wanted to try doing "victory curls" and my best friend Jo has the most perfect hair for just about anything. These shots are the result of a very improptu shoot- you can tell cause we're in her backyard. Thank god for her collection of gnomes to make it more fun!

On another note, the lovely Hila from le projet d'amour has tagged me in a versatile blogger award. Yay! Part of the award includes sharing 7 things about me and passing it on, so here goes, hello to Jess, Rozie, Sam & Maria cause you're tagged!

So 7 things about me? I've decided to give you some musical insight...

:: My top three gigs of all time (in order) are: George Michael @ The SCG in 2010, Supermayer @ Home in 2008, and DJ Shadow @ The Hordern in 2006.

:: My first concert was at Newcastle Workers Club to see Girlfriend (who still holds a special place in my heart. My favourite was Melanie, who was yours?) my first real concert was seeing Powderfinger at The Forum in 2001.

:: My go to “happy place” when I’m stressed or anxious is a dark, intimate club with loud techno (that’s not packed). Preferably Civic Underground or Marrickville Bowls. I'm also not sleepy or hungry.

:: I once got up on stage and danced with De La Soul. Obviously when I was younger and thought I was hotter.

:: I had always wanted to cut my hair into a chinadoll bob but never had the balls to until I saw Bic Runga with the cut for her Birds album. Check out Say After Me, gush!

:: I once yelled at a promoter for “the shittest gig ever”- when K-Ci and Jojo played at The Metro and were so trashed they could hardly stand up straight. This was when I was younger too.

:: I’m a sound nazi at gigs, if it’s anything less then decent I’m the first to start whinge about it!

I'm off too swoon over Bic Runga now. Have a great day!

Bon Chat, Bon Rat: Blackbird

2011-03-28T19:13:00.003+11:00

Loving Bon Chat Bon Rat at the moment. I saw the them support Toro Y Moi a couple of weeks ago and was blown away. Beautiful soundscapes that remind me of a more dense version of Seekae.

They also have a cover of Everything But The Girl's "And I Miss You" that sounds amazing.

Keep an eye out for these guys, they'll do well!

The Imperial Panda Festival

2011-03-23T15:13:00.010+11:00

The Imperial Panda Festival saw in it’s 3rd year in 2011. It was an exciting year, not only because of a City of Sydney grant (yay! I love it when it goes to something awesome), but also because I could FINALLY get along to it. Not only that, I volunteered at the festival which meant I got to see more then just one of two shows- four in fact!

What I love about the festival is it’s quirkiness. I really do have the feeling that you could rock up to any of the shows and see something totally fun and different. As well as that, the shows all seemed to have limited capacity, and not in a Chinese Laundry type of “limited capacity” (completely unrelated but I’m still annoyed by Kalkbrenner), but the type of limited capacity which makes it intimate and as if you’re truly part of something special.

Walking into the shows I had no expectations, and little pre-knowledge of the show. So here’s my wrap-up...

Campfire Collective

I loved the premise of this- a group of people coming together to tell everyday stories. I expected it to be interesting, a bit voyeuristic, and maybe 1 or 2 people who had a good story but maybe who could have delivered it better. Instead I got 6 (or 5?) really good, hilarious presenters, who projected and made me and everyone laugh. Out loud at that.

My favourite was Kate Worsley’s story about her top 5 weirdos including one on Enmore Road who tried to give her shoes. Who couldn't relate to that? Another was a story about a home invasion fail- but at least had the upside of producing comedy material. Then there was the story about one lesbians disappointing experience picking up and having sex with a cab driver who didn't think she could handle a fist.

It was a great show, and so simple in it’s premise. It had so much character and makes you reflect on your own stories too. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for these guys! You can check them out here.

Miles O’Neil

All I knew about Miles O’Neil was that “he’s also in The Suitcase Royale”. Great, only I didn’t know who they were either.

Miles show was a mixture of funny antidotes, projected vintage film footage and some very amazing songs/ guitar playing. His songs are what captured me the most- it really felt as if the songs were born from years of walking the earth and having experienced everything in life. I’m very much a lyric person, and due to my awkward sitting position it wasn’t something I concentrated on, but the nostalgic, textured sentiment of the songs was definitely there.

As well as this, just to show how much of a professional he is, even when the film projector stuffed up, he was meandering on stage fixing it and incorporating jokes. Did I mention he was also oh so well dressed?

Claudia O’Doherty: What Is Soil Erosion?

Initially when I saw this on the bill I thought it was a serious talk about soil erosion. After all, it’s cool to be knowledgeable and informed right? (of course I hear you say).

So when I found out it wasn’t it was a bit of an oh. moment.

What is Soil Erosion turned out the be a one woman show, based on a yet to be made awesome TV show set over the next 20 years (in tune with the moon cycles) about...well soil erosion.

Claudia energetically went through each of the episodes which included so much running around on a small stage that I felt hot just looking at her in her caramel turtleneck and cords.

There is absolutely no doubt the word “random” was created at the dawn of time with this show in mind. I went through lots of laughter, lots of confusion and lots of wondering what on earth she was going to do next. Oh, and there were lazers, you can’t have a show about soil erosion without lazers.

Dr Brown
This is was the secret show, held at the very trendy time of 11pm at night in Surry Hills. No one knew anything about the show and the organisers weren’t giving anything away. The only clue I got was “really good” and “some people have said it’s the best show they’ve ever seen”. How could you go wrong?

When I rocked up and found out it was sold out it made me LOVE Sydney so much. Gotta love it when people have faith. I ended up chatting to a few people and we joked about how it would be awful if the entire show was that once single thing that you hated, “like mime” she said.

It was mime.

The show started slowly. The lights came on. Then went down. The lights came on music played. Then stopped. This happened quite a few times. I could already tell this was preparing us for something.

I knew during the show why this was kept as a secret show. Try telling your friends about a great mime show that they should go see and see the reaction. This show was in fact really bloody good. I read one review that when trying to explain it someone tried to re-enact parts of it only to give up. That’s pretty much how it rolls. I could say that he pretended to stick chopsticks through this face, or that he acted out in a Japanese mask fingering someone, then put his fist, arm, then his whole body in, or that he took coffee orders only to shoosh people, but it just doesn’t quite do the show justice.

The show brought everyone on the same level, and once you were there, and realised where you were, everything was funny. Even the finale of stripping naked except for an apron, bending over, and wiggle his ass and balls somehow seemed appropriate. I think I covered my eyes.

--------------------------

I hope this encourages you get involved next year. There were so many shows I wanted to get to but couldn't. Shoutout to Rosie, Zoe, Elise, Mish and Eddie, and a big congratulations on putting on a great festival. I can't wait to see what next years has in stall!

Did you get along to any of the shows?

* All images via The Imperial Panda Festival

Hello Chippendale

2011-03-21T18:14:00.002+11:00

I love walking through Sydney and finding surprising things. There are still so many streets I haven't walked through, so many things I haven't seen. I'm glad I walked down this particular street in Chippendale. So much grey, but so much quirkiness!

NewVillager: LightHouse

2011-03-18T20:05:00.001+11:00

I've been watching more and video clips lately as I'm rediscovering how much I love them. Sit me down in front of a stream of music videos all day and I'll be happy.

I didn't know what to make of this New Villager at first but I've come to the conclusion of a definite LOVE (the video and the band). The song is really quite sweet and drifts me off to an island full of carefree dancing and pina coladas.

The costumes are amazing and the video to me just looks like a whole heap of fun. Dress-ups for grown ups I say. My favourite is the black outfit. Check-out that shimmer! (plus it looks comfy).

Be sure to check these guys out. They also create performance art, installations, books to name a few. That's my kind of artist!

Brigitte Sire

2011-03-15T13:40:00.000+11:00

Loving the work of photographer and artist Brigitte Sire. Just spent way to long looking her portfolio...

Letterbox Love

2011-03-07T16:06:00.000+11:00

I've gotten a couple of things in the mail lately and every time I do I love it. Sometimes even when they're silly bank things.

I got to thinking how great it is to get surprises in the mail so I thought I'd send a few out. So if you're in Australia and you'd like me to send you a random something, all you need to do is follow me in Google reader and leave a comment.

I'm going to choose 5 people and let's say this closes in a week from now?

I'm not sure what I'm going to put in there yet but, hey, what have you got to lose!

Image by PXL77

Polixeni Papapetrou

2011-03-06T14:38:00.001+11:00

I visited The Australian Centre of Photography a couple of days ago and was happy to find I hadn't missed the Polixeni Papapetrou retrospective.

It was a great display and I'm always very surprised by how many works ACP is able to fit in the space as it feels much smaller then it actually is. The retrospective focused on much of her work that featured her daughter which spans several series, and had great explanation on the practice behind the shots.

My favourite were the Alice In Wonderland shots- playful, great colours, and I love that it's one painted flat backdrop.

The exhibition ends on the 12th March so get in quick!

Living Sisters: How Are You Doing?

2011-03-04T11:35:00.002+11:00

If you love the Rubies then you going to love this!

The new single from The Living Sisters is one of the sweetest tracks I've heard for a while, and to top it off this music video is directed by none other then Michel Gondry. I don't need to say much about him other then I'm a massive fan and that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my favourite movies. Ever. Probably best not to get me started on talking about why.

This video is him down to a tee- perfectly playful, chaotic, and lot's of repetition and guess work. Love.

Teddiedrum: Miami

2011-03-04T10:49:00.000+11:00

There's something about this Teddiedrum a song that I like. It's a little bit Artic Monkeys, a little bit Foal-like, and a little bit Miami Horror. If this is what is coming out of Belgium, more please!

Via Neon Enlightenment

Bokeh Hearts

2011-03-01T07:50:00.000+11:00

Sue

Momcat14c

Kdoes

Tom Leuntjens

Aren't these photos wonderful? I found an image today and just had to find more.

This is done with a "bokeh", which is pretty much a DIY cardboard attachment to you camera. Find out how you can do it too with this tutorial from DIY Photography. Let me know how you go!

Metronomy: She Wants

2011-02-27T08:57:00.000+11:00

If there was a music genre that typified sentimental, sweet, yet heart-breaking, sometimes haunting music I'd totally be all over that shit. And this track would fall into it too.

Gush, Metronomy, what to say? There was a time I was really really into them, and this track outdoes all of that (see above point). I saw them a couple of years back at Becks Bar for Sydney Festival and they were fantastic.

I love music videos so much and directors Jul & Mat remind me why. So simple, and yet the whole way it's building up the anticipation with so many suprises in between. I love how they haven't overdone a particular treatment (doing so would just be cheesy), and I'm dying to know where the QR Code goes. If someone with an enabled phone can tell me that would be great! What a wonderful ending too, it certainly makes you think about everything you just saw all over again.

Love.

Secret Squirrel Winter 2011: I'm Not Like Them

2011-02-26T09:20:00.001+11:00

My picks from the Winter 2011 Collection from Secret Squirrel (who I've mentioned lots before!).

I'm not very much of a winter person but after this heatwave in Sydney I was actually very much looking forward to it- but I'm missing it this year. By the time I move to Hanoi in April they'll be in summer again!

Small Gift Los Angeles Art Show

2011-02-22T11:04:00.000+11:00

There are some things you love in your youth that you know you'll love forever. Hello Kitty and Sanrio are some of those things. I hope my future daughters are prepared to love them too.

I came across this post by DollyBeast a little while ago about The Small Gift Los Angeles Art Show and loved every single inch of it. They invited 50 artists including Buff Monster and Audrey Kawasaki to recreate the Sanrio characters, and the results are awesome. I can't pick a favourite, but I would very much like the $14,500 Buff Monster "All My Favourite Flavours" piece.

Check out Japan L.A. for more and to buy what's left of the pieces.

Images via DollyBeast

Kozyndan Pillows

2011-02-22T07:15:00.000+11:00

I really really want a beautiful grown up house (where I know I'm going to love longer then a year!) so I can buy these pillows.

Sigh.

Get them at Click For Art.

Jazz City Diner

2011-02-20T08:53:00.000+11:00

I never ever thought that I would say this but, I'm craving fried chicken and waffles. This can't be good!

Jazz City Diner is one of the newer kids in town, just located on Crown Street down the hill from American Apparel. I don't want to jump the gun, but I'm pretty sure it's here to stay.

Everything about this "American Diner" won Laura and I over- I felt like a little kid I was so excited! It started with the waitress wearing a bubblegum pink retro uniform- isn't she wonderful? The best part is that she was so friendly and completely down the earth. Oh, and the American accent seemed oh so appropriate too.

We chose the chicken and waffles, two of the mini burgers (because we wanted to try as much as we could), a salad, and the strawberry pie- and every single one was to die for.

The fried chicken and waffles were amazing- suddenly the whole savory/sweet/maple sauce concept made sense to me. The mini burgers came out on a layered cake stand with sweet potato fries- swoon. In all honesty, they looked pretty average, but once you bit into them- well, they could looked like anything because I could have eaten about ten more! The salad- which you think would be pretty standard actually made us gasp from the loveliness of the flowers. GASP! And lastly, the strawberry pie....well, I'm going to let the photo speak for itself.

Go now. Eat pie. Screw the diet. Win.

Nagger & Captain on Sands Street

2011-02-18T10:30:00.001+11:00

Sydney CBD is generally a barren wasteland for art and colour, so I was very surprised by this =). Anyone have any idea who did it or how long it's been there for?

09.03.11: I have since found out this is by JUMBO as a commission by The City Of Sydney's Streetware Project. A great initiative!

41 hours in Melbourne

2011-02-16T11:45:00.000+11:00

At the Art Gallery- not quite fitting...

Super angles

I really wanted to put out heads in here and have our photo taken but my boyfriend went walkabout. Seems a bit lame to do it yourself.

Ahhh...the famous Melbourne lanes. Sydney DOES seem a bit bland in comparison.

Johnny can be so silly sometimes. Instead of taking the amazingly decorated archway he just took this of me.

3 cups and no girls in sight.

How great are these colours? It was as it someone had perfect placed these milk crates to look like they were trying to run away.

Who am I kidding? I basically wanted to go down to Melbourne to eat at Flowerdrum again. And it was worth it. Especially when they accidentally gave us two desserts. So much for portion control.

I didn't realise the sun set over the water at St Kilda. Too bad it almost blinded Johnny. We had dinner at Ichi Ni which is super cute and has a great view.

Berlin Bar is one of my highlights. Set in Chinatown, you head up the stairs and knock and wait for a hostess to come greet you. I knew I'd love this place when waiting up the top of the stairs there was a sign saying that if you have more then 8 in your group you may not be catered for. Perfect- bars want to be 'intimate' but not enough go to lengths to create that.

The bar is divided into East Berlin and West Berlin each completely themed. East Berlin was a bit emo so we opted for the glamorous West. Gotta mention the toilets too- love the snow covered houses.

I don't care if we were at the Casino, these giant Chinese New Year decorations are fabulous!

Johnny wanted to watch Australia vs Japan in the Asian up finals so we did. What seemed like ten hours later, the guy in the fore ground sums up the night.

Little Creatures on Brunswick Street. What a lifesaver in 40 degree heat! The most exciting part were the tiny beer/cider servings that had. Asian size!

Mr Squiggle, I love you.

St Ali's is the bomb and so is Tori for taking us there. Coffee in siphons, amazing service, to die for food, you have to taste it explain it Fruit Tingle juice, and really really great menu copy. #WIN.

When it's 40 degrees outside your pretty helpless. Thank god for art galleries.

I love this water feature. I think I stood there for a good 10 minutes watching the people behind it and pretending they were watercolour paintings.

I found saw what people loved about Melbourne. It was such a whirlwind trip but all thanks to Johnny who whisked me away and spoilt me the whole weekend!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T10:14:00.001+11:00

Sometimes when I wander down King Street I find myself in stores when I really don't need to be at all. I often find myself in one particular store which has walls covered in these Able & Game quirky cards. Don't you think they're super sweet?

When I was in Melbourne I found myself at Rose Street Markets and there was a stall with the whole range and lots of other bits and pieces. It was so great to see that it wasn't mass made.

How are you spending this Valentines Day? A couple of years ago my best friend Johnny and I decided we were going to spend Valentines Day together for the rest of our lives no matter what(pending location of course). We've let our partners of know course but all in all it makes things alot easier!

Hello Vietnam....again

2011-02-12T14:29:00.000+11:00

Remember that weird country that I packed up my life and moved to only to come home to Sydney 5 months later? Well, in a weird twist of fate Vietnam and I shall meet again.

This time, Johnny has gone off and gotten himself a fancypants job in Hanoi. That means that in April, I'll be saying "I don't want a farewell!", packing up my life again, and going over to join him.

I'm scared and excited.....

Madeline Swing Dress

2011-02-09T00:04:00.004+11:00

I'm no fashion blogger but I had to take this shot to show you this dress I bought on the weekend. I tried it on hoping it would look crap but once I did i knew I had to get it. It's from Forever New and has both tulle and lining as well as boning (what is it called when it's not actually made of bone?). LOVE.

P.s. In case you're wondering about the bear picture my boyfriend bought it for me because he thought it was hilarious (which it is!).

Trocadero Dance Palace

2011-02-07T20:49:00.008+11:00

Let it be known that I LOVE Sydney Festival. This year seemed a little less exciting then previous years but in fact it is by far the standout for two reasons- Cobblestone Jazz at Becks Festival Bar (I'm still thinking about it!) and The Trocadero Dance Palace.

I'm not going to do this event justice by explaining, so I'll give you the Sydney Festival description that sparked my curiosity:

Sydney’s original Trocadero had its heyday in the 1940s and 50s with lindy-hoppers, swingsters, rockabillies and cha cha cha-ers dancing the nights away in all their finery. It was demolished in the 70s but its spirit jives on in our gloriously re-imagined new night club – Trocadero Dance Palace.

For four nights only, the Festival transforms the newly refurbished Sydney Town Hall into swing-dancing heaven. Our Troc features a huge dance floor, a fabulous floorshow and sizzling swing music played by Sydney’s spectacular all-girl Sirens Big Band, just as it did in its halcyon days – but with plenty of 2011 edge.

An inexhaustible team of dancers will inspire and challenge you to burn up the floor. We’ll even give you dance lessons so everyone can join in!

So shine up your dancing shoes, get frocked up, grab a partner and head on down to George Street to soak up the atmosphere and energy of Sydney’s newest/oldest night club – Trocadero Dance Palace.

Think that sounds amazing? It's cause it was. The night was perfectly planned and the excitement and buzz in the air was contageous. There were swing dancers who couldn't wait to get on the dance floor, gorgeous girls who were frocked up and in their vintage element (I regret so much not taking more photos of them!), men and women who burned up the floor in the original Trocadero, and a sold out Town Hall full of people having one of the most amazing experiences of their lives.

Before the event I was a little bummed we missed out on tickets for tables on the floor but the tickets we had in the "gallery" were perfect. We could go up and watch the dancefloor and had a great view of the aerialists, but could also go down and dance (the table seats couldn't go up).

The music was so much fun and I'd be lying if I didn't say my favourite part was when they did big band versions of Beyonce songs. The dancefloor was massive but there was hardly a square inch to dance because it was so full- and there were no shirtless douchebags in sight!

I, and I'm sure many others motion for the "Troc" to be a regular Sydney event.
I love the history of it and there's a fantastic interview with Kris Stewart you can download from FBI Radio that's highly recommended.

I'm definitely rocking a 50's look more regularly because of it!

Ellie Saab Spring 2011

2011-02-06T12:32:00.000+11:00

Gush! View the whole collection on Style.com

Kate Jenkins

2011-02-05T09:36:00.000+11:00

I have not much more to say about Kate Jenkins work other then WOW. And that I really wish I could knit. Damn those 5 times my grandmother tried to teach me and I was just too unco!

Check out more of her work at her website Cardigan.

Images via AgencyRush

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T07:24:00.000+11:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! This year is the Year of the Rabbit and like the crap Asian I am I don't know what that means besides obigatory family do's and getting red packets (yeah!).

If you're Singaporean though, apparently now would be a good time to have babies. Though really, if you're Asian, anytime is a good time to have babies.

The only traditional type of things I know about it is that you're supposed to clean your house (which I can't really be bothered doing), buying a new outfit and underwear (do I really need to spend more money?), and making sure you're not in any debt (yay! I got one!).

Is there anything else I should be attempting to do? Oh I did buy flowers today- does that count?

Images via my most favourite artists and rabbit specialists Kozyndan.

Breezy Bouquet Basket Bag

2011-02-02T11:58:00.004+11:00

Isn't this bag gorgeous? It would sit perfectly along with all with all my other completely impractical (and extremely essential) but oh so pretty bags. WANT.

via Modcloth

Audrina Dress

2011-01-28T18:04:00.002+11:00

I should really wear more hot pink. I think.

WANT.

Review Australia

Virgin Illuminati Ad

2011-01-22T09:54:00.001+11:00

I first saw this in the cinema a couple of weeks ago and my jaw dropped.

The sheer flashiness, cheesiness, sexiness and humour made an sort of "I should know better because I work in advertising" thought go out the window.

Virgin Atlantic, even though I can't afford to go anywhere you have my heart!

Tina's Camera Cake

2011-01-20T10:46:00.000+11:00

How crazily cool is this cake by Tina's Cakery?! All I want to do now is learn how to make amazing cakes. And eat cake.

Nathaniel Kiwi

2011-01-18T10:55:00.000+11:00

I went to Affordable Art Sydney a couple of months ago and overall, it was pretty underwhelming. And expensive. There was some saving grace towards the end of the massive hall though when we stumbled across a few younger artists.

Nathaniel Kiwi was one of those artists with his large size paintings of pop icons. His paintings bring a strong sense of familiarity and mix in an unexpected softness and playfulness. You can't help but smile!

Amusement : Pixxxel

2011-01-14T09:03:00.000+11:00

I can't help but love these images by Amusement. Something about the irony of playtime, lego and porn mixed with censorship. Beat that!