Thursday, December 20, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sydney Trip

I know, I know, I should have my blogger licence revoked.

Jokes. I never got one to start with!

So a few weeks ago now I spent the week in Sydney for a conference...

Thursday, November 29, 2012

A visit from Mum

I was lucky enough to have a visit from my mum a few weekends ago. Was quite a busy period with our Perth guests leaving on the Monday, my netball grand final on the Tuesday evening and a work trip on Thursday and Friday.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Yarra Valley Weekend

Now I know this is a little delayed but I thought I should catch up on posts in the order they occurred. So going back in time to the 10-11 of November...

If you remember, SJ and I had guests over from Perth for the weekend and ventured to the Yarra Valley. We ventured all over the place and visited a few wineries.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

When it rains, it pours...

Another quick post with no photos attached. I have been meaning to write a number of posts lately but haven't found the time. Even now I am taking a break from writing a work related report (at 10pm!) to get this quick post out.

A few weeks ago I wasn't posting because I had nothing to write about...now I have a lot of things to write about but can't find the time!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Blogger and Uploading Photos

Taking a break from my usual life posts today to share with you a little bit of Blogger advice.

I have come across a few people questioning the 1 GB upload limit for blogger both through the vogue forums and twitter and thought I'd write a nice reference post on the topic.

Friday, November 2, 2012

The Engineer and The Teacher

A few weeks ago inspiration hit me and I wrote a little short story.

Thought I would share it with you to perk up Friday afternoon...

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Cropped Black Jacket

Sharing with you two work outfits today, both include the same shoes (because I only keep one pair at work) and my favourite cropped black jacket but I think the outfits are very different looks.


Monday, October 29, 2012

All the good things and sun burn

And I'm back. Not just from Brisbane, from my blogging slump. At least, that's the plan!

Firstly, I apologise for the low quality photos that may follow. My trusty Nokia is currently in the shop waiting to be fixed and my HTC camera sucks in comparison. I also apologise for any double up with instagram, I try to take different photos but I've been lazy.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I went for a run.

I don't expect anyone else to care about this post much, but I know that by posting it I will motivate myself that little bit more.

I have decided to train for a half marathon, specifically, the Canberra one on April 14th 2013.

Anyone want to join me?

Friday, October 19, 2012

Meet Squirt


I intended to introduce him earlier in the week, put him together on Saturday and his first outing was to the South Melbourne markets on Sunday.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Analysing my Facebook Friends

As the title suggest, I recently analysed my Facebook Friends.

Why?

I was starting to feel like everyone I know was either talking about a wedding or new addition to the family. So I decided to see what the stats were really like.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

My latest project: Polymer Clay

I've been incredibly bored lately (and have had nothing to blog about) so I've been trying to find ways to amuse myself. Enter my new project, Polymer Clay.

I had the idea after discussing wedding cake toppers with MissA, she likes some of the personalised ones you can find on etsy (like these) but can't justify paying $200 with shipping for one.

For those who don't know, Polymer Clay (or Fimo as I've usually known it) is colourful/plain clay that you mould stuff out of and then cook to harden. I had a bit of exposure to the stuff as a child from spending a lot of time at an art and craft market...

Friday, October 5, 2012

Not the call I was hoping for...

Don't uncross you fingers for us just yet.

First, I'm sorry again for being so slack with blogging lately, it's hard to think of things to blog at the moment. I'm also sorry for not replying to the comments everyone has been nice enough to leave, generally because there's only so many times you can write 'Thanks' after a comment before you feel stupid.

So, the bad news first.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Good Enough for the Fridge

Wore this outfit to work earlier in the week. On one of the rare days I didn't ride my bike to work.

Monday, September 24, 2012

The right palette.

I got an email from 'GOOP' (Gwyneth Paltrow's weekly newsletter thing) on Friday, informing me that the autumn season palette includes rich burgundy, cherry red and deep turquoise teamed with black and white.

Guess what I was wearing?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The next step.

I flew to Brisbane on Thursday for my interview for 'Job'. I still haven't heard anything about 'Senior Job' and was told they would probably rush the process on this one so they are announced at the same time...sometime over the next few weeks.

Friday, September 14, 2012

The only way is up!

Just thought I should post a quick update on how things are going on the job/interview front.

I was told at the interview (for Senior Job) I would hear in 3-4 weeks...4 weeks is right about now. I know the jobs haven't been announced yet, but I'm starting to lose hope.

On the upside, I did get an interview for Job and will be flying to Brisbane next Thursday for it. So I still have reason to think we could be living in Brisbane by the end of the year.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Miss Fox - Melbourne

I have been visiting Miss Fox for a few months now for my waxing and have just started getting my eyebrows threaded. I've been meaning to write a post on it but haven't taken any photos...before and afters aren't particularly exciting.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Camping in the Grampians

Started our camping trip with a lunch stop in Ballarat by Lake Wendouree.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The Full Story.

I'm sorry this has taken me so long to write, but here you go, the full story behind my 'secret'. I apologise if it's too long for you to care to read it, there are some outfit and food pictures at the end so just scroll on through.

I should probably give you some background first, hard when I don't want to give too much detail away on where I work, so lets just call it Company. Now Company has a head office in Melbourne, plus regional offices in all the capital cities. I work in the regional office in Melbourne (which is only a few hundred metres from the Head Office). My position in Company is known as Job and above me there is Senior Job and Manager Job.

Got that?

Monday, August 27, 2012

It's about a Job

In Brisbane.

And I haven't told my mum.

It's a senior position so I'm not sure what my chances are but it would be a very big deal.

Interview was Friday, I have pictures of my outfit to upload to make the post more interesting but I don't have time at the moment, just thought I'd better get it out there as I know some of you were waiting on this post.

Hope it's a big enough deal for those who feel I have been leading you on, there is a little more to it but that's the biggest part of it all (a few other jobs connected to that one, some in Melbourne). My original post was to see how many of my friends IRL were reading this blog...it worked, MissA sent me a text within a few hours of the post going up, so I had to tell her in person first.

Oh and my mother added me on instagram on Saturday...I hope she (or my sisters) hasn't discovered my blog as a result...if so, sorry Mum, I wanted it to be a surprise...

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Almost.

I was going to write a blog post tonight to reveal my secret but something has come up relating to said secret and now I am super busy.

Will post and reveal all over the weekend I promise!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Macaron Attempt #2

Last weekend I had my second attempt at macarons. This time I did it properly and made Salted Milk Chocolate Caramel Zumbarons.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sock Bun!

Just a quick post to include some pictures of my sock bun last weekend.



Thursday, August 16, 2012

Aix Cafe and Mamasita

I'll be honest up front...this is pretty much a food post...

SJ and I had a day out in the city on Saturday, started the day off with brunch at Aix Cafe Creperie Salon.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Catch Up Post #2

 I am getting slack, aren't I?

On the upside, I finally got instagram and twitter on my second phone so I have been posting things a little more frequently there. My instagram name thingy is missdirections...though originally it was missdirectiond so thanks to a typo so you may see me pop up there as well.

This is a quick post about my weekend in Canberra and finding MissA's wedding dress (as you should remember, I am her maid of honour)...

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Catch Up Post #1

First off, thank you all for you kind words on my last post. Let me assure that I'm not keeping any bad secrets, more just that I'm not sure which direction of change I'm going to be heading along and I don't want to share until I'm more sure.

I am most definitely NOT pregnant to anyone who jumped to that conclusion. Nor are SJ and I engaged, we're still a long way from any of that financially, he still doesn't have a full time job, remember?

Now onto my weekend in Brisbane...

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Keeping Secrets

Looks like I haven't managed to get out of my blogging slump just yet.

In my defence I have been a little busy lately, spent the weekend in Brisbane and will be spending the next one in Canberra.

Work is also crazy.

I am also keeping secrets from you because I'm not ready to share them just yet. And those secrets are occupying precious brain space I don't want to share with remembering to take outfit photos and the like.

So no blog for the moment.

Will post pictures of the weekend just gone soon.

Ash xx

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

My Wall Stickers!!!!

A little bit late, but here they are!

For those of you who are wondering what I'm talking about, I first posted about my wall stickers here.

I ordered them all from The Wall Sticker Company, who were a pleasure to deal with. I had quick service, my order was finalised (some changes were made to cutting lines etc.) and shipped within 3 days. Then I just had to wait for the postman!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Sunny Saturday

I thought it wasn't that long ago that I had my hair coloured, based on when I was posting about it, it was back in April!

Luckily for me, I my roots aren't too far away from the colours I have in my hair!

Anyway, Saturday I finally got it done again and got a much needed hair cut. The first one since December! I though I'd want my fringe shorter again, but it's grown out so much now that the hairdresser decided I should leave it.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Macaron Attempt #1

First off, I'd like to mention that this week my blog is being featured on the Decorating Forum which means I am going to have to force myself to find the motivation to post more than once this week!

I think I can get around that by splitting up my usual long weekend post into a few (cheating I know!) and I have saved the post on my wall stickers for this week especially.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

French Stripes and Red


Very late, as usual, but this is the outfit I wore on Saturday. Which as you all remember, was Bastille Day.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Bad Blogger!

Looks like I am becominga once-a-week blogger. I apologise for that.

Will make up for it next week with almost daily posts, I promise!

My photos are up but I don't have decent photographs of them all just yet, we had a friend over using the guest room on the weekend (didn't want to invade) and I had a stomach bug and the last two days off work...and was too lazy to take photos or post about the rest of my weekend.

Will do it all soon.

Hope you're all still reading :-)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The last 7 days...


Thursday I made this card for the newlyweds. May sound scabby but I have ony given $100 in cash as a gift to each of the weddings I have been to this year. Well this does mark #5 and SJ still doesn't have a real job so I don't feel too guilty. Surely I get extra points for folding it nicely anyway?


Friday I wore this to work.


Rather boring but my blue cashmere scarf livens the look up a little.


See my rose-gold earrings? I usually wear yellow gold ones but changed knowing I will want to wear them to the wedding.


Well I have one in my left ear in this photo, taken in the wicked sunset light as I rushed to leave for the airport.

I got on the plane and that earring was missing! Think I lost it due to the scarf wear somewhere around security or boarding the plane.

Damn.

Lucky I packed backups...


This is what I wore to the wedding on Saturday. SJ is in the grey suit next to me. Probably the only time he was standing actually, he spent most of the wedding sitting down like the old man in the corner...

Sadly, the only photograph I have of myself from the day, was too distracted seeing people and staying warm (was easily just on 10 degrees in the Gold Coast Hinterland) that I forgot.

I did however capture the bride's gown. I love this dress and the veil, I could see myself getting married in something similar!


Sunday I went to my sister's house with my parents to help build her deck. We had intended to visit friends but SJ spent the entire day sleeping in her spare bed...best not to make others sick.

How gorgeous is this timber? it's mixed hardwoods and Dad bought it for her from the seconds auction place thingy. Cost just over $2 a metre (when it would usually cost $6!).


Probably just as well when she's basically decking her entire backyard!

My job was to pick the boards that looked pretty and were a close length to what was needed, nothing too major.

Which reminds me, I got myself some Poshe Top Coat, appeared to do a good job. My nails survived the day at least!

(Though I am wearing Big Apple Red right now and I have a nail that has big time shrinkage!)


I was in major Pirate mode on Monday. Wore a stripey shirt with boots. I think I'm going to wear this shirt on Saturday for Bastille Day, should work well with my now red nails.


Tuesday I didn't start work til lunch time (but was still there at 9pm!) thanks to our operational stuff, so I did our market shop before work. Bought myself these tulips, I do love tulips. Possibly more than roses.

Wednesday was yesterday, my photos came and I put the up and they look awesome (though the Royal Exhibition building has turned up a little dark and lacking detail). I would most definitely have taken pictures to share with you but I left my phone on my work desk overnight, been a bit scatter brained lately.

I'll take good pictures on the weekend to share then.

Today (Thursday) I got a new HTC Velocity phone as my work phone, so looking forward to finding the time to play with that. And a friend from Perth is over for a visit, he's here to participate in some bike races over the weekend.

Oh and of course, since the tour (the Tour De France that is) got interesting this week I've been staying up to watch it (grateful for that late start on Tuesday!). A little worried for Cadel but I think he'll pull through.

There I think that's it. I really shouldn't post so infrequently so they don't have to be soooo long!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

They're here!!!


My photos for my wall that is. With any luck I will be able to put them up tonight.

Apologies for the lack of posts. SJ has had gastro since Friday and work went operational when I got back. Don't have much to report from the weekend (can you believe I took no photos of my outfit?!?) but have a few pics to upload of things soon.

And later this week I'll post pics of how awesome my apartment will look once these babies are up!!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Fancy a Makeover??

Chances are, many of you have previously seen the InStyle Makeover tool. It's been around for years and I have used it plenty of times when deciding on new hair styles...to fringe or not to fringe is always the question.

I have been thinking more and more about my makeup these days, trying to find the best ways to do my eyes to make them pop. I remembered that the InStyle Makeover also includes makeup, particularly 'on-trend' styles...what better way to try out some new looks without actually having to apply the makeup!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Black Tights: 3 ways


I have worn black tights with dresses/skirts to work the last three days, and I two days I rode in! Are you proud?

Monday morning I started work at 6am, hence not riding that day.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Photos for my walls...


So I can't help myself, I'm going to show you all the photos I'm putting on my wall...


Black and white of the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Look at me Accessorise!


I bought this bright pink flower for my outfit on my lunch break.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Colour Blocking Bookshelf and Auction Rooms


SJ and I went out for breakfast yesterday to the Auction Rooms in North Melbourne.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Dinner at Fenix


SJ and I had a lovely dinner at Fenix last night.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Noosa Weekend


Since everyone's most likely to care about the wedding and what I wore, I will start with that part of my weekend first :-)

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Braids, Dresses and Fuzzy Tights

This is how I'm wearing my hair today. I haven't braided it in such a long time I was worried it'd be super messy, so I cheated and did it while it was still a bit damp. Again, loving the colours in my hair.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Sisters, Shopping and Spiking

I'm going to do my weekend wrap up in chronological order. This means pictures of food and shopping first and details of my cousin and some drama last. Read it as you choose...

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Giveaway winner...

I had an interesting weekend (involved shopping, family and a possible drink spike!) which I will share with you when I have the time to write up the post.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Sound of Silence

Merri Creek in Coulson Reserve
As is the way on a lifestyle blog, a lack of posts either means a lack of things to discuss...or the author is too busy to find the time to write. I've definitely been in the latter category of late.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Cha-Ching!

No I haven't come into money, it's the name of the nail polish I am wearing at the moment.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Glasshouse (+ More) Giveaway

As promised, here is is. My 100 followers giveaway featuring Glasshouse candles!

I'm so excited.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Glasshouse Candles Giveaway?

So I'm finally going to get around to hosting my 100 followers giveaway.

I have a collection of gift with purchase makeup ready to giveaway but it doesn't feel like enough.

Monday, May 28, 2012

The Diamond Club and Great Ocean Road

Before you all get excited, no I am not engaged...The Diamond Club is the name of the 'exclusive' area at Etihad Stadium where I was luck enough to spend last Wednesday evening.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Finally some good news!

Last week SJ had a Skype interview for a graduate position at a research institue in Sydney. He got a phone call today that he's made it to the final round of the selection process and is being flown to Sydney next Friday for a tour and final interview.

I'm so nervous!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Disney Clock Housewarming Gift

One of my younger sisters moved out of home earlier this year. Cue need for the perfect housewarming gift.

She mentioned that she wanted a wall clock for the kitchen, I begged to be be the one to find the perfect clock for her.

Mission and a half!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

12wbt Finale and My Weekend

Another photo heavy post. As a result I will try to keep my words down. Means short sentences. Which may not be complete. Sorry about that.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

My Cake

Okay, so it's not really my cake, the recipe comes from the Masterchef magazine. This page in fact...

Monday, May 14, 2012

Catchup Post - Another Wedding

This is just a quick post, had a crazy busy day at work today and I'm off to dinner tonight (heading to Mama Baba in South Yarra, anyone been?).

Friday, May 11, 2012

Fake Mother's Day

Since I need to bring you up to date on my weekend...

Friday night flew to Brisbane with SJ, MissH and MissF (sisters and friends of mine also invited to the wedding).

Saturday, spent most of the day at Ikea with MissH and MissF looking at goodies they intended to buy to furnish the house they have just purchased together. I will be visiting them tomorrow to help them put it all together. Don't tell anyone, but MissF didn't know what an Allen Key was...

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Heston and ModCloth

I told SJ to smile and this ^ is what I got. Oh well, I warned him...on the blog it goes.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Bit of a tease...

I was too lazy when I got home last night to write a post and too lazy to spend my lunch break writing more than this.

My weekend in Brisbane was great, I feel like for once I had a weekend. Enjoyed the time with my family and catching up with a large number of friends and I was really happy with how I looked at the wedding...that's a rare feeling, you know the sort? when you go to the bathroom a few hours in and you're still happy with your makeup and how your hair is sitting? Well I had one of those nights.

Don't have too many pictures from the wedding itself but I'm hoping to grab a few more from a friend.

SJ and I are heading to Heston Blumenthal Live tonight, I bought tickets for his birthday last week. Means I won't have time for a proper post still AND I will have even more to post about. Add that to the fact that the 12wbt is now over and I want to prepare a giveaway for when I reach 100 followers (only 1 to go now) and I feel like I'm super behind on my blog...

Bear with me, I will catch up soon!

Monday, May 7, 2012

At the wedding...

...more photos tomorrow :-)

Sunday, May 6, 2012

This was how...

...I spent my day.

Great weather here in Brisbane.

Missing you all ;-)

Friday, May 4, 2012

More Ombre Nails


My nails were looking a little chipped last night so I decided to freshen them up. Instead of redoing the pink though, I painted over them with some dark reds so now I have Autumn themed Ombre Nails...Orange to Burgandy. What do you think?

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Crepes and Paris

Important things first, this is my new new hair. Much better, don't you think? The hairdresser was really nice about it all (though I think he thought I was crazy when it was such a good colour) a few blonde foils through the front was all it took and I'm super happy with it. Ignore the pimple on my chin and the fact that I am in Coles. It was SJ's birthday yesterday and I took the opportunity to duck into Coles after my appointment to grab some dessert before rushing off to netball...we lost by the way...

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The rest of my weekend and purchases...

My current flowers, looked better 5 seconds earlier in the sun...which I obviously missed getting my phone to take a picture of them...

Just a warning, this is a photo heavy post.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

New Hair and Tan


Let me first apologise for not posting in a few days. I knew my first post would have to be able my hair and tan but I wasn't happy with either. So I wallowed instead. Never fear, I am posting now and I am getting my hair fixed. Read on to see why...

Friday, April 27, 2012

Ombre Nails

My orange/red/pink polishes

Ombre Nails is a trend I've been meaning to try for a while now, not the multi-coloured single nail but 5 different coloured nails. I might try the single nail trend but will have to wait until I have the patience.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

I am dating a Dr.

SJ has officially finished, received his letter today saying he is a doctor. I'm so proud :-)

He was informed it was on it's way on Friday though so we have already celebrated, I gave him a Citizen EcoDrive watch with a little message engraved on the back.

Now he just needs a job!