Young, broke & fabulous.

Give Me Love

Sat, 19 May 2012 16:25:00 +0800

I just love Ed Sheeran, so, much. I’ve fallen in love with 4 of his songs specifically, Give Me Love being one of them. Small Bump (just. Ugh, I love this song), Wake Me Up (I want Rick to sing me this song over and over again) and Kiss Me (see previous statement about singing over and over again) are my other repeat songs. You’re easily my favourite Ginger in the entire world Mr Sheeran.

(If you don’t believe me, listen to this. Amazing. I only love one other perons cover of this, and I hold him on a highhhh pedestal.)

Lately

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:58:14 +0800

So. I’m sorry for the lack of posts. I honestly have no real excuse - I’ve just been way too busy. In between studying again, working full time, photographing in my spare time & Wedding planning, the little time I do have to myself I’d rather keep to myself - and spend it with my boys (when boy number 1 is home of course), my friends & my family. Also - I want to relax. I like to relax you guys.

Fear not, this week I’m going to try and get the ball rolling again and get a bit more motivated with my posting.

I do love you, you know, little blog.

I am sick.

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:26:09 +0800

Realllllllllllly sick. A flu, or a cold, or a ‘whatever kind of infection type diagnosed condition’ is going around at the moment, has kicked my ass and kept me hidden inside away from humanity this weekend.

It’s been cold and rainy though, so it’s kind of worked well, you know? Like if I was going to stay inside any weekend reading smut* it would be the cold and rainy one. Yesterday, during a rain free period, I put on my new hat (from Sportsgirl), put some pants other than trackies on, washed my face and took my sick sorry self for a walk around the block so Rigby could get some fresh air (instead of staring at me on the couch looking bored for another hour).

I can’t say the walk did me any good, because I don’t really remember it in my sick loopy state, but Rigby left me alone for the rest of the day and I got to wear my lovely new hat. Plus Rick told me he thought I looked nice in the picture, which is always nice to hear when you feel (and sound) like you’ve been kicked in the nose.

I hope everyone else had a nice weekend, and did something other than blow their nose. I’m off to watch The Adventures of Tin Tin, I hope it’s worth it. This movie really isn’t my forte normally.

*I’m reading the Fifty Shades of Grey novels, second book in. Just. Woah, okay? Like this is some pure kinky secret fantasy type filth I am reading. The author needs to get laid.

Happy List

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0800

New things for the house. I’ve been spending a lot of time changing rooms around in our home this past week or so. It’s funny how a simple throw rug and a fresh bunch of flowers can change a whole room (and mood).
Sweet gestures from kind friends. A favourite girl friend of mine dropped some books off to me this Morning, that she had borrowed for her daughter to read. In hand she had a can of diet coke, my favourite chocolate bar and a pretty new bookmark. She’s a keeper.
Nieces and nephews. You little ones are just the best thing when I’m in need for a mood lift. Thanks for laughing at my jokes guys. It means a lot.
Wedding planning. Still trying to find the perfect venue, but yesterday when a package arrived from Confetti System with some Reception decor, I danced up a giddy storm like nobodys business.
My boys. I love nothing more than when I am home with both of them. “House in it’s yard, turns into home.” I adore my tiny family of three.

Rebekka Seale

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:46:16 +0800

Rick aren’t buying or building a house of our own just yet. We’ve never really been big on owning a home - of course we want to, but we just aren’t really… well, ready to be flat broke I guess. After the Wedding we have a few more travel destinations to conquer before we sign our life away on a mortgage. BUT. In saying that. These images? Make me want to run straight to the bank for a loan so I can hunt for the perfect home, and have a print drawn up immediately.

Seriously. How lovely are these?

Rebekka Seale is the lady behind these darling drawings. She blogs here, and has an Etsy shop here. I think I’m going to wind up with something of hers on my wall regardless, I have some empty frames that need to be filled - and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be this O is for Owl print. Oh yeah - she draws things other than beautiful houses too.

Anything you’ve fallen inlove with?

Art & the Heart

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:01:17 +0800

Some pictures from the Art & the Heart Photography Workshop I attended earlier in the year. I’ve mentioned it once or twice :) I was lucky enough to have my picture taken by the ever so talented Samm Blake & Dan O’Day :)

Happy List

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:59:28 +0800

Catching my little girl singing to herself. She might be playing, or sitting in the car or watching “Olla” (Dora) and she will just start up with a “La la la… Olla” or “La La La neeeeen” I know I must be doing something right when she is so happy she bursts into song.
My sisters. They are way too good to me. They are so good to my baby girl. And they tolerate my sometimes frustrating boyfriend. They tell it like it is and buy me lunch. I love them.
The Frustrating Boyfriend. I love him a lot. He is clueless at romance, and pretty annoying about cars, but he is my Itchy and I love him.
Watching Tiah learn something new. When she came out with Green, Blue and Red I nearly cried. When she learnt to squeeze my hand and tell me she loves me I DID cry.
Maternity clothes shopping… I love it. It is so much more fun to shop for clothes when you get to FLAUNT things you would usually try and cover up.

You know what Jess? We love you, too. And I also love maternity clothes shopping for you… and birdie clothes shopping… and… well mainly I just like telling you what to buy :)

Home is where the heart is.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:19:53 +0800

Tonight I get to go home to my heart. The boy is back :)

Instagram says:

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:36:26 +0800

That this is what I’ve been doing lately. We had a long weekend just gone, and I was stuck home with a sore eye but still managed to keep myself pretty busy. Oh, and also?

A belated Happy Easter from the bulldog :)

Wishlist Wednesday

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:00:21 +0800

The things I’m currently coveting online this week… baby nephew edition. Can you tell I like stripes for everyone and not just myself?

1. Hooded Top // 2 . Trousers // 3. Denim shorts // 4. Grey Jumper // 5. Beige Trousers // 6. All in one Suit // 7. Boys Cardi //

Speaking of Pinterest

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:22:00 +0800

I pretty much associate anything Wedding related with Pinterest. It is incredible for Wedding inspiration. As our planning goes along nicely, more and more things are starting to come to our attention that we need to start planning and buying/organising things for. The Wedding is still a while away, but the planning has fully commenced now.

We wrote our budget last night, and after three drafts (first draft was 15k over, second 10k, third 6k… sigh!) we are getting somewhere with that. But you know what? Budgets? Boring. And slightly intimidating. But centrepieces? They are fun. And pretty. And girly. And exactly what I’ve been planning and imagining in my bride mind the past few nights.

Comfortable Grey

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:50:00 +0800

So. We’re painting in the lounge room soon, nothing too drastic of a change, a stripey feature wall here, some navy walls there, fresh white walls over here. That sort of thing.

A while ago, Rick mentioned wanting a new couch. Well. Off I went. I too want a new couch, because we destroyed our current couch. Between the dog, parties, lazy hungover marathons - the couch is definitely not looking as fresh as it once was.

I want a grey couch. More than I’ve wanted anything else. (This is a lie, there are plenty of things I want more, but the grey couch is top 10 at least!) I spend a loooot of my time on Pinterest pinning (and pining) over the perfect grey couch. Here are some of my favourites.

What do you think? Do you have a preference for colour or style?

Lego House

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:08:00 +0800

I love this song. And I kind of wish it really was Ronald Weasley singing to be honest.

Wishlist Wednesday

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:22 +0800

The things I’m currently coveting online this week - Bird Edition! I think it’s safe to say that 80% of the time, the only reason I think I’m “clucky” is because of the little girl clothing (the other 20% is because I picture a mini baby Lavers with my eyes and Ricks lips and eyelashes and I die). I can use the excuse of ‘looking for props’ too - cute outfits for my mini models to wear - really, I love the clothes, and I love the little people we buy them for.

Anyway. I think my Birdy niece would look gorgeous in any of these items. More niece & nephew wishlist editions are on the way too… it’s the clothes! I can’t help it. Rick and I are screwed when we start making babies. (Get it?)

1. Lily Dress // 2 . Ribbon Dot Skirt // 3. Bow Plaid Dress // 4. Bow Dot Dress // 5. Smocked Plaid Set // 6. Lily Rainboot // 7. Sailor Top

A Sunday Movie Date

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:27:34 +0800

With my inlaws. Today Tiah Bird went to see her first movie at the Cinemas, The Lorax! Bird had her own entourage - Grandma, Grampy, Mama, Honey Belle and myself… and she rocked! So we went to Timezone for a little photo shoot afterwards to celebrate.

How was your Sunday?

Little things.

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:06:08 +0800

Random, small acts of kindness. When Jess picked Rick up from my work yesterday to take him to the airport, she bought me a can of diet coke that I didn’t ask for. I wanted a diet coke so badly but couldn’t leave the office. That can made my entire afternoon.
A smile from my baby nephew, just for me. I don’t understand what a mothers love for her child is like. But I know what it feels like as an Aunty whenever this innocent baby, that can’t express his feelings the way an adult can, holds onto my finger with all his might and gives me the biggest smile he can muster, to show me he loves me. I love being an Aunty.
Simple, and personal, compliments. Having a negative opinion on a trait in your personality, only to be told it’s something someone else admires. Brig has a way of saying the right thing at exactly the right time, generally when I least think I need to hear it.
The satisfying feeling of putting most of my pay into Wedding savings. I’m broke until we get paid again, but it feels so worth it already. I can’t believe I’m about to say this… but, saving for our special day, totally trumps wasting my money on clothes. I also feel completely 100% grateful to be marrying Rick. Even when Wedding Planning isn’t going the way we want, as soon as I look past that one annoyance, and look at something else we need to do for the Wedding, I remember how happy, and inlove, and excited I am. I get to marry Rick? I’m going to be a wife?!

I was feeling pretty flat today. But reminding myself of these little things, that don’t come from a fancy shop or cost a billion bucks, that make me so happy, are a realisation of how lucky I truly am.

Happy List

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:05 +0800

Friends – BIG part of my life. I have pretty much the best group of friends a girl could ask for. It’s nice to know that no matter what I always have this amazing bunch of people to turn to when needed. I look forward to spending many, many more years with this amazing bunch of people and our children growing up together – possibly being forced onto each other ha-ha. I hope they realise how much they all mean to me x
Exercise – I’ll be the first to admit, I’m pretty crazy when it comes to exercise (4 nights of bootcamp, a PT session and Saturday mornings, and some Sundays depending on what happens the night before). I don’t think I could survive without it – it clears my head and always puts me in a better mood (and it definitely helps having such a great trainer). If only I was rich, I would quit my job and become a PT and spend my entire day doing something I enjoy, rather than something I am starting to loathe.
$$Money$$ - Not the fact that I have next to nothing of it anymore, and how much I miss the freedom of being able to buy whatever I want, when I want – But I’m still happy with what I have accomplished and have to show for it – and who knows, maybe one day soon I’ll actually be able to afford to live in my property…
Buying Other People Gifts – I actually can’t think of anything that makes me happier?! I absolutely enjoy and love buying gifts for other people, watching their happiness and excitement makes me happy J I look forward to the next birthday!
Music – Makes any and all situations better. I have quite a varied taste in music which definitely helps with the many different moods lol
Breakfast/Lunches/Dinners/Movies with the Girls – I am very much beginning to far more enjoy the simple movie dates and eating out with my girls, especially at the moment in my current ‘over it’ mood with going out to the clubs. It’s just such a good, nice, relaxed environment and always a lot of fun still.
Shoes – Shoes shoes shoes shoes shoes – these amazing little beauties can always brighten my mood, put a spark in my day and a smile on my heart. ROFL. No, but seriously. If I’m having a bad day, all I need to do is walk into Betts and I feel instant relief. Problem much? I don’t think so!

The only problem with your shoe addiction is that your a size smaller than me Nicole :) (On a serious note, how cute will all of our future babies be together? Even more serious than that, when did we become old enough to talk babies on a serious note?)

Honeymoon-ing.

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:02:00 +0800

Last night we planned how long we want to travel and where we want to go on our Honeymoon.

I am so excited you guys.

We decided to stick with Europe (we’ve been jumping back and forth between Europe and USA) and have picked a few places we want to see during our 4 week trip. The first email has been sent to our travel agent, and now the fun begins, picking hotels, sites to see and dates for each City. We should probably find a venue first still, but you know, the world of Wedding Planning has been a bit frustrating in regards to finding a venue, so planning the fun, romantic, historic, beautiful and new places we’ll go to for our Honeymoon is just so much better. We want to go to places neither of us have been before, but I’m going to sneak a little Paris time in there. How can we not go to the City of Love on our Honeymoon?

Where did you or where do you want to go for your Honeymoon? Did you backpack? Stay in hostels? I don’t really know if the hostel scene is really for us… but it’s so expensive otherwise. We want to do a few tours so we can meet new people and get the most out of each new place we visit. I’m already planning what camera gear I want to take. We aren’t going anywhere overseas this year while we save for the Wedding. And while it’s totally worth it - I must admit I’m pretty damn excited to get on a plane for that dreaded 4000 hour flight to explore somewhere new. With my husband, too!

For the boy:

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:55:46 +0800

Remember I told you guys a few months ago that Rick bought me a bike for my birthday? Well. See the picture above? It’s MY bikes matching bike for MEN (or the same model but for men… I prefer to believe the bikes are a set).

Naturally we have to get it for Rick. For one, I love matching. In that cute way, matching PJ bottoms, you know? Not in that, dressed the same head to toe, ‘you guys are weird’ way. I digress.

Secondly - when I first got my bike, we got Rick a cheapo bike so we could ride around together. The cheapo is actually a pretty good bike, but we always said we’d eventually get a nicer one for him, mainly because I was already planning on having matching ones (in the cute way!), and last weekend at the beach his pedal broke, so… I think he needs this brand spanking new baby. He however, does not think this. Maybe he doesn’t like the style? Maybe he doesn’t want a new new bike.

But. I promise you. I will buy this bike for him. And I will give it to him as a birthday present. So he has no choice but to love and ride the bicycle everywhere we go.

Presents for people that are really presents for yourself, they’re the best kind aren’t they?

28.03.2012

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:28:00 +0800

Yesterday afternoon, during sunset, I was taking photos of my boy down at the beach. I love the way they’ve turned out.

I can’t believe how lucky I am some days.