My Life...in To Do lists.

MadMen Party

2011-02-24T16:40:00.004+10:00

My inspiration board for upcoming MadMen party...

2011-02-23T15:08:00.002+10:00

James Marsden.

Dear Bloggers

2011-02-23T15:06:00.003+10:00

Dearest bloggers who may still follow me,

Because of my terrible absence and increasing busy-ness, I'll be using my blog in a more tumblr style. Posting up pics I like from around the world wide web, quirky websites, quotes, delicious recipes. Whatever I find and feel needs to be shared.

I hope you are still around and enjoy this new foray!

Annie

2011-02-23T15:02:00.001+10:00

I'm Back

2010-09-21T21:47:00.006+10:00

Image from The Sartorialist.

Well what a very very long absence that was.

No excuse... (although I was in China for some of the time away from my trusty blog, and have been juggling a few other uni/work things).

Image from here.

So what is news with all of you? You'll be glad to know I remained up to date with your gorgeous blogs during my absence.

Sex and the Noughties

2010-04-24T15:59:00.009+10:00

As the next installment of the Sex and the City film begins rearing it's box-office, hype-building head... I've noticed I've not the same buzz for those four gals as I have had in times passed.

A few reasons ran through my mind, but when I watched the latest trailer it smacked me in the face; they're getting too old to be doing what they were doing. It'll be like watching my mum sleep around now - not good.

Before anyone of an older age jumps down my throat, hear me out, I'm not having a go at mature age actresses. Rather I'm really fed-up with the girls' antics. The end of the trailer alludes to a possible mistake-heated-affair between now married (to Big) Carrie and old flame Aiden. Honestly? After all she's been through with the cheating Big?

It also got me thinking of the SATC girls of today. If the producers were to recreate the series with today's late 20 early 30-somethings; what would be the main archetypes?

Here are my guesses based on the fads/trends of lifestyle in the noughties:

Carrie: obsessed with alternative fashion (indie/hipster labels) rather than the big brands.

Charlotte: into "being green" and interested in sustainable food.

Samantha: probably still a PR girl, who loves her men - her character is still current I think.

Miranda: still a rigid lawyer - again her character is still fairly current.

What traits do you think the "noughties" SATC girls would have?

The Library of Congress

2010-04-23T08:09:00.005+10:00

I really love the Library of Congress' photostream on Flickr. It features great quality images of immigrants first arriving into the U.S. and other ones of the past.

Here's a collection of my favourite:

Soda jerker flipping ice cream into malted milkshakes.

Mrs Schultz.

Jitterbugging.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lyman, Polish tobacco farmers near Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

Markoe.

My favourite is Mr and Mrs Lyman, they are just so happy!

Which one is your favourite? What's your favourite Flickr photostream lately?

You Make Me Hot

2010-04-20T17:31:00.004+10:00

Image from Milk.

I love this message...

A Market Scene

2010-04-20T17:15:00.003+10:00

I'm having flashbacks to my time in Lille, France - where each Sunday morning I'd cycle to the markets and choose from the abundance of fresh and unusual produce.

I'd end the morning by buying a fresh, pastry I hadn't yet tasted and a beautiful rotisserie chicken...

Excuse my post-lagging, I'm busy on many levels at the moment and lacking in a little inspiration.

So tell me, what inspires you?

Tech-Anxiety Killed the Radio Star

2010-04-12T15:20:00.005+10:00

I had university radio prac today and wow was it a whirlwind! My entire body was tense with tech-anxiety.

Image from child of the 50s.

Bloggers, I may have fooled you into believing that I'm all tech-savvy just because I use Twitter and have a blog, but no.

Anything slightly technical; pushing buttons to switch from phone to computer, quickly hanging up the phone, adjusting the recorder on screen - sends me to nervous land. Technology can simply be so unreliable... things have changed since Edward R. Murrow's time.

People on the other hand, I can handle. I enjoy cold calling unknown contacts in search of a good quote.

I have prac for the rest of the week, and going by today I think I'm really going to enjoy it. It felt really rewarding to just start with a story concept in the morning, and have a complete news radio package by lunchtime.

Will keep you posted... what have you all been up to?

What has got you all tense at the moment?

Naughty Easter

2010-04-07T17:07:00.004+10:00

Sorry for the hiatus, I've been on an Easter break at the coast, so there's been much chocolate, lots of surfing, sun and reading.

A naughty Easter-themed image from we never existed.

I'll be off the radar for a few more days, but will be back with some yummy recipes (orange, lemon and coconut cake is in the oven now!) and some other bits and pieces.

How was your Easter break? What did you get up to?

Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn?

2010-03-25T21:30:00.011+10:00

It's that Mad Men question... are you a "Jackie" or a "Marilyn"?

I'm can't decide on who I'm more like.. who are you?

Make Your Own Adventure

2010-03-20T15:08:00.007+10:00

At the moment I'm really inspired to cook everything myself.

I'm on a "Make Your Own Adventure" discovering just how much a normal, domestic cook can make at home.

Maybe I'd be as happy as this woman if I made my own olive oil? Image from VintagePosters.

I want to; make my own butter, bake my own bread, create my own pasta, make my own soft drinks (like ginger beer)... I'm even trying to get my head around making my own chocolate - anyone done it?

I'd prefer to use up my time in order to make something delicious and special - rather than buy something prepackaged and uninteresting. I think the quality is always better when you've made something yourself.

I'm also inspired to make everything myself because of one of Michael Pollan's "Food Rules", #39 Eat all the junk food you want, as long as you cook it yourself. The caveat is probably "in moderation" - little does he know I'm determined to cook all of my favourites!

How do you feel about packaged foods?

Have you tried making butter (or anything labour intensive) from scratch?

MYO Birthday Cake?

2010-03-19T08:39:00.006+10:00

I am extremely sorry for my lack of posts, but in order to get online I have to squeeze onto my Mum's desktop in the moments that she's not using it - the small timeframe, and sterile-ness of her computer leaves me completely uninspired.

I am still awaiting delivery of my new laptop - which they now tell me is going to be at the end of March (hopefully in time for my birthday).

Image from ThomWatson.

In the meantime answer me this; is it sad to make your own birthday cake? Or completely acceptable? I want to make mine because I love baking!

P.S. If you think it's completely acceptable - what should I make!?

Death by Laptop

2010-03-08T09:15:00.008+10:00

I didn't realise until early last week just how much of my life revolves around a machine.

My laptop has died - and with it has gone much of my inspiration.

From boingboing.net - a wonderful collection of retro computer ads.

Luckily I have most of my files backed up, and will be able to access the rest of my files because the hard drive didn't "drop off it's perch".

However, this will mean a continued lag from blogging until I track down a new one (hopefully next week!)

So far I like this one.

What computer/laptop do you use? Can you recommend any?

Tell me honestly; does a tiny piece of you lie in the contents of your computer/laptop?

A Boulangerie Teleporter

2010-03-01T10:52:00.006+10:00

The past week has been an absolute blur... Uni started again, P. moved to an apartment in a wonderful neighbourhood and my lovely Granny arrived from England.

I've been running to keep up with it all - but here I am. Tired and wanting to hear from all of you.

Image from jmvnoos.

First, a quick story. I love where P.'s living. The first morning there (Saturday), I went out to get us some fresh croissants from the French boulangerie up the road. Everyone who works in the bakery is French.

I bounded in the door and may has well have been teleported to France. I ordered croissants and some bread, all the while chatting in french to the native French speakers. It was strangely comforting - I was in Australia, speaking French and it couldn't have felt more "right".

Anyway, what have you lovelies been up to?

Michael Pollan's Food Rules

2010-02-24T14:35:00.005+10:00

While wandering through a great little independent book store in San Francisco last month, P. and I spotted a great little health-food pamphlet by food writer/journalist Michael Pollan.

Pollan's book "Food Rules", features a myriad of tips about how to eat healthily. A lot of them I already knew/practised - but it was an interesting and affirming read.

Image of author Michael Pollan from New York Magazine.

Here's a list of my 5 favourite food rules:

#21 It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles.)

#36 Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.

#39 Eat all the junk food you want, as long as you cook it yourself.

#51 Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it.

#57 Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does.

Read more here...

Do you have any food rules to share?

I have one; when you're going to eat something "naughty" cut it in half, put it on a plate and eat it with a cup of tea. Slow down and enjoy it. If you want the rest, that's fine but the main thing is to be conscious/enjoy when you're eating it.

P.S. Has anyone seen "Food Inc."? It is certainly an eye-opening documentary - worth the time.

Dimanche Dreams

2010-02-21T12:28:00.003+10:00

Is it a waste of my Sunday (dimanche) to reminisce about my life in France?

E-Type is My Type

2010-02-17T16:54:00.006+10:00

I'm not a car gal, but I've now found two cars that make me weak at the knees. The first was the beautiful Citroen DS and now it's the Jaguar E-Type.

My three loves in two photos; P., Jaguar E-Type and Paris!

I first laid eyes on this beauty whilst wandering the streets close-by the Eiffel Tower in Paris with P.

He immediately knew what type it was and all the specs, I immediately knew I needed a new car!

When I head back to Paris (with more permanent living plans), this car will certainly be on my list of things to buy.

It's a strange love - not like any other materialistic one. Are you gaga for any type of automobile? Or perhaps a motorcycle?

She & Him Second that Emotion

2010-02-17T09:11:00.009+10:00

Wonderful pop/folk/old-time-country/awesome-in-their-own-genre singing duo She & Him have released a second album, a Volume Two following on from 2008's Volume One... I'm absolutely overjoyed!

She and Him: Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward - Image frome here.

I must mention that the "She" part of the band is the awesomely quirky Zooey Deschanel. And the "He"? M. Ward; a talented singer/songwriter. The two make the perfect music pair. Deschanel's old-world voice matches Ward's original and whimsical tunes.

Instead of defining their genre more, I'll tell you want their music makes me want to do;

Swing dance.
Rock on a hammock amongst lush green countryside reading a book with P.
Bake a wholesome carrot cake and leave it to cool on the windowsill.
Play my life in slow motion.
Dress up in a 1950's bikini and go surfing with the Beach Boys.
Kiss.

Listen to their song "In the Sun", think of Summer and your life in slow motion. Are you a She & Him fan? Or just Zooey?

P.S. Did you know that Zooey is married to Deathcab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard? They are going to have some musically talented children!

Travel Tip # 5

2010-02-16T11:09:00.006+10:00

Take lots and lots of photos.

A collage of the many-a-bizarre photo taken by us.

Take photos of your meals - it's a great way to remember them.

Take photos of small things; wildlife/strange billboards/interesting people/anything that's different - not just the national monuments are worth photographing.

If you photograph anything that grabs your attention, you'll have a bunch of free/individual/memorable souvenirs when you arrive home.

Make sure there's always a person in your photo - it's more interesting.

This travel tip goes out to my blogging friend Char - a fabulous photographer.

What do you love to take photos of whilst travelling?

20 Years and a List of Lifes Lessons

2010-02-10T16:14:00.012+10:00

So my 20th birthday is approaching (in March). It's a frightening time as I move from having the excuse of "being a teenager", to merging into adulthood.

My younger self and older self transforming into one. Image from chicks57.

Although I don't know everything there is to know in the world just yet, I thought I'd make an update of the list of 20 things I do know... at my ripe old age.

Always brush your teeth before you go to bed - your breath will be extra smelly in the morning if you don't.
When you get home in the wee hours of the morning after a big night on the town drink at least one litre of water, take an asprin and have something to eat - this will alleviate the worst pains of a morning hangover.
It doesn't matter about the number of friends you have - it's best to have one fabulously loyal friend than 5 or 6 that will bitch about you behind your back.
Never let peer pressure get the better of you; a girls confidence will jump leaps and bounds after high school if she stands strong and doesn't let anyone tell her how she should be acting.
Wait for the right boy.
The easiest way to maintain your figure without strenuous exercise? Eat three main meals a day - try not to snack.
Dump Facebook and jump on Twitter - it's for the socially aware. Facebook's for stalkers.
Never underestimate the power of a compliment; give them to everyone you love and be sincere.
Bake cakes from scratch - they are miles better than bought ones or packet mixes, you'll feel very accomplished pulling it from the oven.
Try to exercise in your everyday clothes. Park further away from the shopping centre entry. Walk to your closest shop for the milk. Walk, walk, walk.
Every girl should own a vintage bicycle.
Find your signature drink; Pinot Noir? Champagne? Vodka and Red Bull? Anything - but make it yours.
Stand up for what's right. Don't let bullying happen. Don't let poverty happen. Don't let climate change happen. Don't let facist governments happen. Don't let the free press disappear.
Don't be a snob but never be ashamed of your past.
Laugh at yourself; seriousness has a place and a purpose but not in day-to-day living.
Instead of saying rich, say wealthy. The words we choose have an affect on our attitude towards people/lifestyles/cultures etc.
Spend time with the people you love; we all have embarrassing families and some of you may even have daggy friends, but if you love them like I do mine - you wouldn't want it any other way. Always tell them that you love them.
Reward yourself in any way you enjoy; you're a pretty cool person for being here.
Give your memory a break, leave a notepad and pen beside your bed at night it helps if you want to clear your mind of all things you must do the following day... I write a "To Do List" almost every day during the university semester.
Travel. Live overseas or away from your hometown for some portion of your life. Nothing will give you as much perspective on life as seeing how other cultures live.

Add to the list; what are some key life lessons you've learned?

Travel Tip # 4

2010-02-10T09:12:00.007+10:00

"E.T. SEND HOME!"

E.T. and Steven Spielberg, photo from Case X.

Okay this is more a tip for long holidays, but we realised how cheap postage was both in France and the U.S. and decided to send home gifts or bits and bobs we'd accumulated.

Yes it may've cost around $50 each time but if you realise how much you must pay for overweight baggage on international flights - this is small change (on Lufthansa each kilo over will cost you 40 euro - that's around $70!)

Sending things home also lessens the fear of losing things along the way, if you have lots of hotel stops.

Have you done this before? What's the cheapest country regarding postage?

Travel Tip # 3

2010-02-08T11:12:00.005+10:00

Don't ask, don't get.

Vintage sheet music cover from autumnsensation.

This little piece of advice not only adheres to while you're up in the air, but when you arrive at your destination too... just ask. What's the use in wondering?

Anecdote # 1: P. and I were staying at a hotel in New York City where we found our room to be too street noisy and a little shabby. We asked reception the next morning if we could get a quieter room and they upgraded us to a much larger suite. Just like that.

Anecdote # 2: Also while on the flight from Honolulu to Auckland, I asked the airhostess whether they had any vegetarian meals, "No," she said with care, "there are none left in economy but when first class is finished I'll go and check up there."

Ask questions. Don't be afraid. The worst they can say is no.

.,.However I'm still waiting on that day when I ask to be upgraded to first class and it works! Has it ever worked for you?

Travel Tip # 2

2010-02-05T09:41:00.008+10:00

Pack your own lunch.

Wonderful image of women workers having lunch in their rest room, C&NW Railroad, Clinton, Iowa, 1942 from bayswater97.

Generally nothing you eat on an economy class flight is going to blow your mind culinarily speaking, so pack some small nutritious snacks from home & eat your main meal in your stopover airport or at your final destination. You won't regret it.

As a sidenote to this tip; I found that by not eating the questionable plane dishes & saving my appetite for a main meal in my destination helped lessen jetlag. Mealtime is the best way to get your body into the new timezone.

In my lunchbox, small containers of;

almonds
dried apricots
dried pears
crystallised ginger
a banana

What's your take on plane food? More to the point, have you ever had a nice plane meal in economy?

Travel Tip # 1

2010-02-02T10:27:00.003+10:00

When getting on an aeroplane, always place your carry-on luggage in an overhead compartment closest to the entry/exit.

Travel as confidently as these ladies by following my Travel Tips. Fabulous image found here.

Because when there's a mad rush to get off the flight once it lands, you get to go forward in the jammed up queue of people not behind even further.

....time is of the essence after being cooped up for a few hours on an aeroplane.

Some Tips for Your Time

2010-02-02T10:13:00.005+10:00

For being a slack blogger while travelling, I'm going to make up for it now... with my Top 5 Travel Tips.

Lost image source, found on Flickr. Let me know if it's yours.

I'll be posting over the next few days just a few things I refined after jumping onto plane after plane with P.

And please share with me any great travel tips you have. Anyone know the secret to getting upgraded on a flight? Let me know, I'd love to know that answer!

Reverse Culture Shock

2010-02-01T07:02:00.006+10:00

So P. and I arrived home yesterday to the most wonderful reception. Our families were waiting for us as we walked into the airport, there were some tears and lots of laughs.

A beautiful image from Brown Button.

It's a strange feeling being back in my own bed, home and town. Using Australian money. Hearing Aussie accents...

I'm hesitant in driving my car - it's been 6 months since I've been behind the wheel, preferring cycling while I was living in France.

But anyway I'm back, so expect some travel tips and some great places to eat my food blog.

In a Nutshell: Healthcare

2010-01-22T11:04:00.013+10:00

While P. and I were in D.C. we stayed at a wonderful inn, the owners were lovely and inspired great conversation. The hot topic? Politics and the recent loss of the long-time held Democratic seat in Massachusetts.

After a month of travelling the U.S. I am finally beginning to understand this health crisis.

Below left; Republican Scott Brown centrefold in a 1980's Cosmopolitan magazine. Not very conservative of him, was it?

To others out there who don't quite get "The Healthcare Drama", here it is, in a nut shell; the U.S. does provide all citizens access to public healthcare.

What this means is that almost everyone must buy private healthcare (and pay around $500 a month p.p to keep it!). If they do not have private healthcare they can recieve treatment from a hospital, but the sad eventuality is that they will be faced with an enormous medical bill (cancer treatments can easily hop into the millions).

Losing the Democrat seat in Mass. threatens Obama's plan to provide American citizens with public healthcare.

Now there is a major scramble,as the Democrats try to assemble some sort of healthcare reform before the voted in Republican, Scott Brown (the naked guy above), takes his seat.

What are your views? I hope all Americans gain access to healthcare - one of the largest countries in the world - it seems backward that their own citizens suffer.

The President and the Queen descend on D.C.

2010-01-17T13:47:00.009+10:00

I interrupt this blogging drought to bring you an announcement - P. and I were just dining at the same restaurant as the Pres. B. Obama and his wife!

We're in D.C. now and by chance ended up at Nora's. Inside the restaurant were the famous couple celebrating Michelle Obama's 46th Birthday. For us, it was a delicious dinner - and DAMN exciting one too!

*Update*: Unfortunately the Secret Service men pushed us all so far away that we couldn't get any great snapshots ourselves, but here's one featured on the HuffPost.

After finishing our delicious meal, we waited outside for around 20 mins and saw the couple walk out, Pres. Obama even gave a good wave to the 40 deep crowd that had gathered there to watch him exit the restaurant.

The street block and, secret service feeling-every-patron-up as they entered the restaurant didn't do a great job at hiding the fact that the Pres. was inside - but there was a great buzz in the air.

An amazing start to our 4 day stay in D.C. - on another note, I also met Queen Latifah tonight (before BET awards) - this city is awesome.

The Queen and I.

Will keep you all in the loop, news and tips on where to go/eat on NYC coming up... what have you been up to?

A New Decade in New York

2010-01-04T01:55:00.004+10:00

Happy New Decade! ... So Pete and I finally arrived here in Manhattan a week ago (only a day after the bombing scare into Detroit - so you can imagine the security).

Lost the source, so please let me know if it's your image.

However we have been jampacking our days full of fun things, delicious foods, new sights - and we've both decided that we definitely want to live here.

Although this is something I decided for myself when I visited for the first time in 2008 - it's really nice that we're both so excited about this city!

Anyway I'm currently blogging from a Starbucks - (my first time in one in years), hence my creativity feels a little buzzed.

So, although I won't be blogging much, stay tuned because the moment I get good wireless I'll be posting the heck out of you all!

I'm missing the blogging world and all of you, so let me know what you're up to? Did you ring in the new decade with zing!? Tell me...

A Commercial Secret

2009-12-26T07:36:00.005+10:00

Did you know that Coke really created the modern image of Santa Claus?

Vintage 60's ad from paul.malon.

A weird fact I picked up and I shall not go into the "corporate commercialism" aspect - it's Christmas for goodness sake!

Well Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noël, I hope you've had a cracker of a day!

Now "...have a coke and a smile and shut the f*ck up".

(Okay, I promise I'm not cursing you on Christmas, I'm actually trying to make you laugh - click on the link for an hilarious extract from Eddie Murphy "Raw").

Countdown Continued...

2009-12-25T02:32:00.006+10:00

#4 on list of "Things I love about Christmas"

Euro Disney covered in snow, and of course the rides - esp the view of the park from the Dumbo ride!

#3 on list of "Things I love about Christmas"

French tradition of bûche de Noël (yule logs) delicious!

#2 on list of "Things I love about Christmas"

The sights of Paris in Winter... crisp, clear and beautiful.

#1 on list of "Things I love about Christmas"

The excuse to spend time with Mr., enjoying a delicious meal, some french champagne and the snow *fingers crossed*!

Joyeux Noël!

Favourite Things About Christmas #5: Lunch

2009-12-21T00:23:00.006+10:00

Number five on my favourite things about Chrismas is; Christmas Lunch. I love sharing laughs and a love-filled meal with family and friends on Christmas day.

As I've said, my Christmas this year is with P. in Paris - a dream. Our apartment here doesn't have an oven, and as we're here for Christmas day - P. and I were stuck as to what we'd be making for our Christmas lunch. But it came to me - a lamb tagine slow cooked on the stove.

Images from Greg Robbins on Flickr.

So we're going to do a Moroccan-themed Christmas! We've convinced ourselves it's closer to the "real" roots of Christmas, Jesus of course was from hot, middle-eastern Nazareth in Jerusalem, right!?

We'll put couscous on the side, chickpeas, raisins and wash it down with some mint tea...

More importanly what's a middle-eastern dessert I could make?

What are your Christmas/Holiday plans? Where will you be/who with? And eating what?

Countdown: Five Days 'Till Christmas

2009-12-20T23:00:00.017+10:00

The view from our apartment balcony.

Two days ago we arrived at our tres Parisienne apartment in St-Germain, Paris - and we feel so frenchy-legit!

The snow is beginning to fall, we walk down beautifully lit streets at night and today it hit me: there are only FIVE days until Christmas!

So for the next few days I'm going to be doing a countdown of my five favourite things about Christmas, like Oprah's list ... don't expect a car though.

Patty Hewes, I See You

2009-12-14T17:51:00.003+10:00

Okay, I haven't been seen for about a fortnight now - wrapping up so many things here in Lille. Finishing my assignments, orals and exams at university in France.

But I have one thing on my Christmas list: Patty Hewes sunglasses (as seen above). Glenn Close's cut -throat character in Damages gets around in an individual corporate style, what do you think?

Anyway I'm a bit everywhere at the moment, sad to be leaving Lille, but excited to start our big trip to NYC, Washington, San Fran and Hawaii!

I must go and pay my rent, but this is a quick post to send you all bisous (kisses) and tell you that I'm back - exams are almost over and I'm ready to chat!

What have you been up to?

C à Qui? Latest cast-crush.

2009-12-02T19:54:00.007+10:00

Over the past few months while living here in France, I've begun to sink deeper and deeper into French culture.

Of an evening I love to watch this émission (programme) called, C à Vous. There are about six or seven regular hosts who sit around a dinner table, while a chef cooks in the background and each night they have a new guest (actor, singer, writer, politician etc...)

I love the fact that the food plays such a central part in this relaxed approach to news/current affairs.

I also am so intrigued by one of the chefs - Julie Andrieu. I think she possesses all of that french Je ne sais quoi. She has a great figure: How the? What the? She's always cooking and eating! Hello French paradox.

Actually I'm intrigued by all of them; they're my first "cast-crush".

Anyway, I'm definitely adding Andrieu to the perennial list of "Guests to Invite to Dinner", maybe she could cook.

Who are you intrigued by of late? What's your favourite T.V. show at the moment as well?

P.S. When P. and I were in a restaurant in Paris two weekends ago, one of the men who is a regular on this show was sharing the same long table as us - I was beside myself!

To Wordpress or Not to Wordpress?

2009-12-01T19:16:00.002+10:00

Well, I've been quite busy of late. Studying for exams, running off to London on the weekends and proceeding to eat my way around the town with P. , updating our food blog and hauling it over to wordpress...

I'd been toying with the idea of trying out Wordpress purely because I liked it's simple aesthetic; and whilst the new settings etc are proving tricky to get used to, I think it's the perfect breeding ground for our food-blog.

Go and check it out, I'd love to hear what you think...

What have you all been up to? I know many of you must be still full from Thanksgiving!?

These Heads Were Made for Talking

2009-11-28T18:50:00.004+10:00

I don't really do too many posts about music but I thought I'd share with you my latest music favourite: Talking Heads.

Above: the Talking heads.

P. introduced me a while ago, and their poppy ballads, catchy lyrics and great sounding lead (David Byrne) just works for me at the moment.

Have a listen...

Kitsch Retro

2009-11-26T17:36:00.006+10:00

It's that kitsch kind of retro that just makes you laugh! (Click on image for source).

I just love this random photo.

November Update

2009-11-25T17:51:00.005+10:00

Let's ignore that absence and promise to be friends once more? I've been a bit ill these past 2 weeks... darn winter.

But, I have many things to share with you! Last weekend P. and I celebrated being together for one year by having a lovely getaway in Paris.

It was beautiful, fun and filling! We found so many great foody places that we are, of course, preparing a post to share with you on our blog.

Also, the Christmas markets have now begun in Lille - lots of hot chocolate, pain d'epices and christmas tat!

But for now I leave you with a valid sentiment;

On a se retrouvé

2009-11-20T04:56:00.007+10:00

So, I've been absent, but I think you know why! P. arrived from Aus and we spent all last week & weekend together... it was lovely. We've been finding eachother again, "...se retrouver," like my Canadian friend here explained it.

A photo I took as we were riding the "Hop-On, Hop-Off" bus, always the best way to get your bearings in a town.

But after a lovely weekend in London (settling P. in for his job there this month) "on a se retrouvé" and everything is back to normal, it doesn't even feel as if we were apart.

Thank you for your touching comments on my previous post - you're all so kind, I didn't realise how many of you had been through a similar long-distance thing.

So what have I missed in your world's this week?

He's Here!

2009-11-11T06:23:00.007+10:00

Image from Grinham.

... and I couldn't be happier!

We reunited at the train station like in all those movie scenes.

I was marching up and down the platform, my stomach was doing backflips and there was visible cold air pouring from my mouth.

A few minutes in and a late train announcement - I had to hold onto my butterfly-y/nauseated/excited feelings for a few more minutes!?

Then I heard it, then saw the lights and finally the train was in view. The windows streaming past my face. Then I saw him, P., behind the train window. He smiled and waved, I became a crying mess.

I peered through my leather gloves, which were covered in wet patches from me trying to hide my tears, as the train came to a hault.

After the family in front of P. had finally finished unloading their 15 suitcases of all different sizes - no joke! (This part was also like a movie, more of a comedy though), a handsome man emerged and I almost hug-tackled him right onto the tracks!

We kissed, between my relieved sobbing of course, and it was so lovely... but we didn't lie about it - it was weird for the first hour or so. The words coming out of his mouth weren't skype-delayed, it was amazing!

Now, it's just like normal, I've promised we'll never part that long again (almost 4 months).

Have any of you done the long-distance thing? How long?

How was it when you finally saw eachother again?

The Date on the Milk Bottle

2009-11-10T00:21:00.008+10:00

You know your Mr's close to arriving in France when...

Great retro milk carton pic from Neato Coolville.

The use-by date on the milk bottle is later than his arrival date.
The week's weather forecast includes the day that he'll be here.
The TV Guide shows what will be on once he arrives.
When it's quicker to give a postcard in person.
When you've caught a flu... and don't have enough time to be 100% healthy before he arrives.

P. is arriving into France tomorrow! I'm so excited! We've been counting down the days since I got here and tomorrow is the day, I couldn't be happier.

Although, as you read on the last dot point I've been a little sick (hence the blogging absence), but I have a feeling that by the time he steps off that train, I'll be all better!

Anything exciting coming up in your week?

"Butter. The Others Aren't Natural."

2009-11-03T18:41:00.009+10:00

Another reason I love Switzerland; their government actually advertises butter.

Whilst other countries train stations are packed with warning adverts about "the perils of H1N1" (overhyped, but don't get me started), the Swiss are promoting the health benefits of beurre, our beloved butter!

The billboard I snapped in the Geneva train station. It reads "Butter. All the others aren't natural."

A long time advocate for butter over "low-fat, high-omega, flora, olive, chemical " spreads it was like Switzerland had just said those three special words that every girl wants to hear...

I love butter.

Now tell me, are you a butter fan?

Switzerland in Photos

2009-11-02T17:28:00.007+10:00

Well I'm back from my Suisse trip, and what a great time I had.

Geneva:

Click on the collage to enlarge.

Interlaken:Click on the collage to enlarge.

Suisse - Cultural Observations;

The Swiss have a better level of street and town cleanliness than France do.
The Swiss people are more laid back than the French.
Most people who live in Geneva drive lovely cars; it's like a European car showroom on the street! (Porsches, BMW's, Mercedes etc...)
Prices for most things are a bit more expensive in Switzerland.
Their chocolate is yummy as are their cheeses (truffle cream brie, delicious!)
Their landscapes are breathtaking and untouched (Interlaken).
It isn't too cold during the day, their sun is strong, clear and beautiful.
It's really green in the countryside (Interlaken, Berne etc).
Their trains are very efficient.
The German they speak in some parts is different from "normal" German (they most commonly say "Merci" instead of "Danke").
I love it there and am planning my next trip as a skiing one when the Interlaken snow fields open up!

Tell me, how was your week & weekend? Have you started planning your next holiday? Share...

Tagged: 9 Bizarre Facts About Me

2009-10-30T05:16:00.008+10:00

Lovely Janis (who has a most fabulous up-and-coming blog) was kind enough to point the "tag" torch in my direction; I am very flattered.

So readers, here are 9 things about me that I hope you will find surprising:

Me and my guide flying over Interlaken, Switzerland (I really want to learn how to Para-glyde by myself!)

I flew (para-glyded) over a beautiful town named Interlaken yesterday afternoon - it was amazing and I didn't get scared one bit.
I lived in Singapore for the first five years of my life (but was born in Australia).
I cannot have an evening without a pot of tea; incidentally I can't start the morning with anything else.
I fall in love with pretty much each place I go to in the world. The exciting strangeness of all things new excites me.
I just had a dinner of; chocolate, german biscuits, sesame biscuits and two apples - yes I have a mega sweet-tooth.
I have many ambitions in life, sometimes I get so overwhelmed by them that I just think perhaps I'd be just as happy in life opening up a cute tea and cake cafe somewhere in the world...
I really respect Marilyn Monroe, mostly because I love how she flaunted her curvaceous body. I really hate today's annorexic and overly adrodgynous female figure projected by the fashion world.
I love TV! And I'm not ashamed to say so - I think people who don't own a TV and proudly declare this fact think they're too good for the real world.
Around this time last year I was afraid to be in a "real" relationship - for fear of losing my independence. Now? I love being with "P." - and have not lost a shred of "me" but uncovered so much about my amazing Mr.

Now that's enough egoism for me - I'd love you all to tell me something about you, even if it's just one bizarre fact.

Part 2: What an Adventure!

2009-10-27T00:59:00.017+10:00

Now I'm going to tell you the; What an adventure! side of the story.

Well I woke this morning at 5:40 am to catch my 6:43 am train to Lyon (then Lyon to Geneva).

Running down my street at 6:20 am I had a sinking feeling that the metro I was about to catch wouldn't get me to the train station on time.

My gut was right. So after missing my train and then rescheduling for 8 am (to Paris then Geneva) I was tired and cranky.

When I got to Gare de Lyon in Paris I took myself off for a lovely cup of tea and a few macaroons.... and the beautiful elixer and sugary-bliss restored my happiness.

Beautiful tea café I found near le Gare de Lyon; "Le Palais des Thés".

Then boom! Another glitch.

A few minutes before getting on my train for Geneva I looked down at my ticket. In the section where my seat number should've been printed it read "Place selon disponibilite". What the what!?

With a few minutes to clarify I went to the info box and asked the man if it really said what I thought it said...

Yes. It said seat available if any free - so basically I was standing with the bags until a seat came up.

I was annoyed, but for some reason just so grateful to be on the train to Switzerland that I really just thought it was funny.

A beautiful, sunny Autumn morning at le Gare de Lyon, Paris.

So the trip was eventful - I sat with others who'd last-minute booked their tickets too, on a pull down seat near the bags for the first half and in a real seat for the last part (which was the best part - such beautiful views pulling into this country!)

Now I'm in my room, using the hotel's free wifi (bless!), having a cup of vanilla tea and some madeleines. Faith once again restored. Will be great when I meet my friend tonight.

I felt instantly better when I walked down the street and saw this breath-taking view of the Jet D'Eau.

That was the first major train I've ever missed; and I'll don't think it will ever happen again.

What's the biggest mess-up you've had on a trip? With a little perspective were you able to laugh?

I already am! What an up and down day!

Part 1: What? An Adventure?

2009-10-27T00:38:00.006+10:00

Creative pic from gva_pix.

Yes I must explain this sentence to you in both of the ways it can be said.

Firstly let me explain; What? An Adventure?

Yes well the adventure being that I voyaged from France to Switzerland today! Yes - it's dangerous; the land of melted cheese and oodles of great chocolate.

And the what being that I forgot to tell you all I was planning this!

We (my university in Lille) have Toussaints (All Saints) holidays for the next week, So I'm going to spend two nights here in beautiful, green and clean Geneva and then another two nights in seemingly stunning alp village Interlaken, with a lovely Quebecoise who goes to uni with me in Lille.

France: 5 Lessons in Culture

2009-10-24T18:02:00.011+10:00

So I've been on exchange here in Lille, France for almost three months now & while I've learnt a lot about myself, learnt more vocabulary, learnt how to throw my scarf around my neck in that effortlessly French way (...okay I'm still working on this) - I've also learnt some relatively "unknown" cultural things...

...I want to share a few with you. So next time you're in France, whether you speak French or not, you can have a little "behind-the-scenes" knowledge on that je ne sais quoi.

The French do not say bonjour to someone they have already said hello to that day. I know; seemingly a little bizarre but it makes sense. Let me set up a scenario for you... If you walk past "Pierre" on the street and it's the first time you've seen him that day you may say,"Bonjour!" or the like. However if you see him later on during the day it's a form of politesse to remember that you've already said hello to him that day. So you do not say any form of hello again, but perhaps a simple smile - or just launch into conversation. Note: Because you're a tourist, people will be accepting that you don't know this cultural rule (but now you do). But for the French, if one of them said, "Bonjour" to someone they'd already seen it's almost a little bitchy. As if they're not acknowledging they'd already seen them.
The French never wear short shorts (above the knee) in public. Although they're generally one of the countries as a whole who would look great in short shorts - it's just not au fait, not very fashionable, no matter how hot it is. They prefer those cute pants that stop mid-calf etc...
The French generally don't eat while walking around. Again, another thing that's just not as done as it is in Australia, U.S. and England. It's probably good for your figure, and definitely more dignified not shovelling a kebab into your mouth on the street.
On the food subject; The French eat lunch between 12:30pm - 2pm. After this time it's really hard to find a good lunch anywhere. I hadn't really noticed this on trips to Paris - namely because it's full of we tourists who eat at all hours of the day, but in small Lille it's very evident.
Wine is fine in the middle of the day - it's encouraged. Yes the French love a drink; beer, wine - it's all good. And even on a work day a lovely glass of red with lunch is not frowned upon, it's celebrated. So perhaps you can implement this rule in your home town?

So there are a few cultural rules, definitely more to be discovered.

Let me know if you know any little culture tips like this for any country... Will post them up on here and make the world a more understandable place!

He's a Wilde One

2009-10-24T00:02:00.006+10:00

Wise words from Wilde found on a French postcard:

"Je n'ai rien à déclarer à part que je suis genial."

"I have nothing to declare except my genius."

~ Oscar Wilde (1856 - 1900) ~

What something great about yourself, that you've never declared/acknowledged?

Where Have I Been?

2009-10-22T05:10:00.010+10:00

...well I've been nowhere, right? Wrong! I've been in busy-land getting research done for assignments, organising holidays (not the fun part) and generally have been just occupied.

Now that's a mountain I'd like to tackle!

...but I've also been in Chocolat-land which is a far better place than the fomer!

I went on Saturday to Bruxelles (Brussels - the translation's kinda obvious I 'spose) & had a great time meeting up with a friend I made on my exchange to Belgium w/my school in Grade 10.

It was so lovely to see her, chat lots, eat lots of delicious chocolate and gaufres (waffles)!

Some hungry tourists enjoying the deliciously fresh and warm waffles.

"Maison J. Dandoy" - situated on aptly named "Rue au Beurre", this biscuit shop has the best speculoos in town.

Forgotten the name of this distinguished-looking man, but near the Grand Place, markets on in background.

The home of TinTin (cartoon billboard in the background) and new addition: Villo! bikes - Brussel's answer to Paris' Velib' bike system.

The beautiful Grand Place wows tourists on the sunny Autumn's day.

I hope you enjoyed the photos above of what I truly do consider to be the city closest resembling Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!

Everyone's all smiles when chocolate's involved :-)

Where have you been?

And Then Life Drops You...

2009-10-16T04:12:00.008+10:00

So today was a down day. The momentum stopped & life threw me, "THUD!", on the ground. Feeling tired, over it.

But a talk with P. , some homely vegemite spread with delicious French butter on crackers & tea cheered me up... I'm slowly pulling myself together.

And I a big part of me relates to nerdy Liz Lemon on her year abroad in "Frankfurt".

Speaking Arabic... in France

2009-10-15T01:56:00.010+10:00

While studying here in Lille, I decided to take a class in "Arabe Débutant" or Beginners Arabic.

So far, I'm absolutely loving it. I have a great interest in things to do with the Middle-East; the culture, food, language (obviously), politics, religion etc..

The Sunday farmer's markets in the multicultural Rue Gambetta.

Today, I went to my Halal butcher in Rue Gambetta (a great food strip 5 mins from me) to buy some lamb & kept thinking "I should speak some of the little arabic I remember", but reserved-ness got the better of me.

So, when I went to the Arabic epicerie next door I decided to throw myself on the line. Blame it on the smell of Raz-El-Hanout in the air.

I said hello to the man in Arabic "Al-Salamo-Haleiqum" *(roughly the english spelling) and it was very well received - we had a really nice chat.

My lesson of today; don't be reserved in any situation, you never know what walls you may be able to break down.

What did you learn today?

انابيل كاريتر - my name in Arabic.

A Favourite Quote

2009-10-13T05:45:00.010+10:00

Photo above of "controversial" French writer Colette (1873-1954).

"Faites des bêtises, mais faites-les avec l’enthousiasme."

("Make mistakes, but do so with enthusiasm.")

- Colette -

Someone Told Me There'd Be Sun?

2009-10-11T02:42:00.013+10:00

When I arrived back into Lille last night I was greeted with bucketing rain stark difference to the lovely lovely warm weather in Athens.

I had a lovely week being spoilt and loved by my parents and grandparents, and the whole week I tried to dine on delicious creamy Greek yoghurt and sweet nectar honey :-)

Am missing this view that I saw each morning from the top of my hotel.

Also, found this great lolly/biscuit/sweet deli down the road from our hotel; it was dangerous, their florentines and greek shortbread were to die for.

The front of the delicious shop.

Yummy choice of all sorts of lollies.

A type of hard (almost stale!) bread used for dips etc.

Also visited the new Acropolis museum, learnt some amazing things about the Greek culture. I never realised really how ancient their civilisation is... I never stopped to think of this; but you know that the Greek language came before Latin?

Tell me, what happened in your week? Am still catching up on all of your fabulous posts I missed!

Yassu (goodbye in Greek)!