What September means for me...

I'm excited about September.

It means:

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?

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...

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!

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.

Sock Bun!

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

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.

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)...

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...

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 :-)

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!

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!!

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!

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.

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.

What you've missed...

On Wednesday night I baked this cake.

Look at me Accessorise!

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

Colour Blocking Bookshelf and Auction Rooms

 

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

Dinner at Fenix

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

These boots...

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 :-)

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.

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...

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.

Breaking Fashion Rules

I broke a few fashion rules yesterday.

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.

Cha-Ching!

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

Glasshouse (+ More) Giveaway

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

I'm so excited.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

My Cake

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

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?).

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...

Heston and ModCloth

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

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!

At the wedding...

...more photos tomorrow :-)

This was how...

...I spent my day.

Great weather here in Brisbane.

Missing you all ;-)

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?

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...

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.

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...

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.

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!

12wbt - Week 10

Do you like my bathroom scales? $14.99 from Ikea (excuse the fact that they need a clean). I love having a practical clock in the bathroom as well.

My family went to the US and got me...

These new Raybans. The coolest part?

another big weekend

Well Saturday wasn't a particularly 'big' day. SJ and I rode out to Brighton again.

Would you wear real fur?

My instinctual answer to that is, 'No, of course not!'

My Hair

Let me start this post by saying, this will probably be very boring for most of you. My original intention was to post photographs of different hair I have had over the years and get an opinion on what to do. However, I have realised there is barely any difference in the photographs so you will probably think I am insane and I have pretty much decided to start dying my hair again anyway...

12wbt - Week 9

Love these tights!

Getting very close to the end now, only 3 weeks to go!

Weekend Wrap Up

Yes I know, it is already Tuesday night so I am a little late. I started to get sick on Sunday before leaving Brisbane, sore throat, headache/dizziness, super tired. Dragged myself to work yesterday but I barely had the brain power to do my work, let alone blog or catch up on blogs. Spent to day in bed and I am feeling better now. Caught up on most of my blog reads and the forum so now I am ready to post...

Revlon Lip Butters

So I caved and bought some, since I am writing this from my gate at the airport I have actually forgotten which ones I bought. I think it was Candy Apple and something strawberry related lol.

DIY, Baking and Nails

Please bear with me, this will be another slightly random post.

12wbt - Week 8

Another bike photo from Sunday

I'm definitely bored of these updates, luckily there will only be 4 more to go!

My Long Weekend (in a Long Post)

We hit the road around 7am on Friday, managing to miss most of the traffic. Was a great day, rather a shame to be stuck in a car for 7 hours...