Things I'm Loving

I feel like I have been overly negative on this blog lately, and although that is reflective of my current state of mind (and this blog reflects that), I do feel guilty for dragging my readers into it. So, on a more positive note...

#1 Have you heard of 'The Real Hot Chocolate'? This stuff is amazing. It's a block of chocolate stuck to a wooden spoon, that you melt into hot milk for some delicious rich chocolatey goodness. In between mixing, you can lick melted chocolate off the spoon.

They sell at my local IGA for $4.50 each, which is a bit pricey for one drink. They are cheaper if you buy them online (in bulk), eg a pack of 20 posted to Canberra ends up being $3.20 per stick. Still exxy :/ Someone buy me 100?

Melted dark chocolate goodness - lickety lick!

#2 The smell of freshly baked goods on a cold morning, and biting into a still warm chocolate chip cookie when the choc bits are still gooey... Baked using cute and colourful baking tools - this little guy has suction feet so it stays upright (I want one!):

#3 Playing with sparklers and evoking memories of a carefree childhood:

#4 Elaborate cakes that are pieces of art (this one spotted at Bread Top in South Yarra):

#5 Books that uplift and inspire - This is my favourite creative book of the moment. A more in depth review to follow :)

#6 Animals.... 'nuff said

Shopping Ban Broken for a Fake Real Bag

Today is the 22nd of February. My shopping ban lasted 21 days, and today I broke it.

I justified this on the basis that I have gone on a de-cluttering spree and have collected bags of clothes to sell or donate. I have also had some luck on eBay, selling the following:

• Witchery flats that cost me approx $4, sold for $30
• Glomesh bag that cost me $3, sold for $36.

I suppose there is no real justification, but I wanted this bag and it was selling for a good price. A price I could justify paying (only just), because it is a fake real bag.

Real because it's real Pink Corporation....

Fake because Pink Corporation copied the Chloe Elsie bag a little too much for my liking.

Exhibit A, The Pink Corporation Bag:

Exhibit B, Chloe Elsie Shoulderbag in Grey:

Source: Chloebag.co.uk

Crossed with the Chloe Elsie Perforated East West Flap-Over Tote:

Source: Bagborrowsteal



I am not impressed with Pink Corporation's originality, but I do love the Chloe bag and since I'll never be able to afford it myself... the Pink Corp one seems to be a good real fake alternative.

Am I betraying the fashion gods? Or do you think it's justifiable to buy a real fake?

Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston

The Old Bus Depot Markets are located in Kingston (ACT) and are open every Sunday from 10am-4pm. They are fully indoors, so you can visit on a rainy day, and they run various special market days where many of the stallholders sell according to the theme: antiques, kids items, woolen items, jewellery etc.

I hadn't been in a while so and after a yummy lazy brunch in Kingston, I decided to check them out.  I don't think they're as good or cheap as the Hall Markets which I blogged about, but they serve a different purpose - they're more central and they're indoors.

 The markets

 Lots of gorgeous kids clothes

 I loved this ladies dresses - this one was on sale for $25!

 Dresses for sale - $50 each

Handmade leather bags - very exxy, costing around $300! The lady also sells on Etsy.

Chicken hats!? $38

 Flower clips / brooches made from kimono silks. Super versatile and look great as shoe clips!

 I loved this lady's artwork - she uses copper metal and modelling clay which she paints with metallic paints.

 I especially loved this kookaburra - $95 including frame.

Would you pay $38 for a short tarot reading? I wouldn't! I have always wanted to have one done, but at a much cheaper price...

I didn't take any photos, but there is a whole section devoted to food stuffs and plants - you can buy ready made cakes and tarts, freshly baked bagels, chutnies and jams, bunches of flowers, exotic teas, fudges, and even free range eggs and locally produced meats.

It also has a "food court" area where you can buy lunch - with Ethiopian, Laotian, Spanish, Turkish and Mexican food on offer amongst other cuisines. 

I'd definitely recommend the markets for an outing - especially on a rainy day when there is little else to do in 'Berra!

When your friend is dating an a$$wipe

It's a difficult situation when one of your best friends is besotted with a man who appears make her unhappier than he makes her happy. A man who you had a bad feeling about the first time you met him, and who has in subsequent meetings failed to demonstrate that he's worthy of your best friend.

I'm watching my friend continuously fight with her boyfriend of several months. He seems to be immature, insensitive and self absorbed. He isn't violent, but can't seem to control his anger and acts like a real a$$wipe when angry, only to come crawling back later.

It's a difficult situation, because you're treading a fine line when you comment on a friend's love. I have learnt from experience that even if a couple have broken up, it's not worth badmouthing him because they could be back together tomorrow and then you're the bad person. As a friend, to some degree I have to accept her choice.

I think the best thing I can do is be there to listen and support her. Even though I have treaded carefully, she knows that I'm not keen on him. That I don't approve of his behaviour, or the way he treats her. 

Another part of me is worried that they won't break up, and that I won't be able to sigh with relief when he is finally out of her life.

Have you ever been in a situation where you're not keen on a close friend's lover? What did you do, and how did it end?

I have gone eBay crazy!

I just finished listing 30 items on eBay (the maximum amount of free listings per month). It was a big effort, so I hope it pays off.

This widget thing should cycle through my items:

 

Otherwise, CLICK HERE  to see everything I have for sale :-)

Selective Thrifting

Since I have decided I am moving back to Perth sometime this year, it makes sense not to accumulate too much junk. This means that thrifting must be selective. I am also succeeding with my February retail shopping ban... Although I still managed to accumulate some items this week which I just couldn't resist:

Teapot $2, vintage "slipper" shoes with flowers $3, framed picture $2, necklaces $1 each.

This marbled teapot is so gorgeous- don't you agree? The picture is hand sewn, and says on the back: "'Day & Night' - a series of English embroidered designs by June Wagner and produced by Dove Valley Embroideries. Each picture is a composition combining silk screen printing with many different and varied fabrics and threads, all carefully selected for their colour and texture to capture the peace and tranquility of the English countryside"

The funny thing about these slipper shoes is that they are back in fashion these days. Asos, Urban Outfitters and similar websites are stocking slipper day shoes. I am having second thoughts about the nautical necklace (which came with earrings which I don't like at all), but for $1 it doesn't matter :) That's why I love thrifting- if something ends up back in the op shop donation bin after I buy it, it doesn't matter.

As usual, linking up with Sophie. I'm off to have a nap now as I had very little sleep last night... Bub has been taken out shopping but will be back soon and wanting attention. Today I went to my first ever garage sale, and I'll be sharing my buys from that next week!!! I think I'll try to avoid op shopping next week though, as I have accumulated a lot of stuff lately :-/

Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pearl Cous Cous

Ingredients:

1 packet of pearl couscous, or Israeli couscous. I use:

or

Oil for frying

2 cups of chicken stock

1 small brown onion (diced)

2 carrots (chopped)

1/4-1/2 zuchini (chopped)

3-4 button mushrooms (chopped)

small broccoli (chopped)

Frozen peas

Tinned sweet corn

Pesto. I use:

Cooking cream (light). I use:

#1 Dice onions. Add to fry pan and fry for a few minutes.

#2 Add chopped carrots, allow to soften.

#3 Add brocolli, zuchini, peas, corn and mushrooms. Toss and cook for a few minutes.

#4 Stir through (dry) cous cous.
#5 Add 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to the boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.

This is what the cous cous will look like after that time, when it is ready:

#6 Mix approx 1/4 jar of cooking cream with approx 4 tablespoons of pesto (depends on how creamy / strong you like it) in a separate container. Stir through the cous cous:

And that's it! Easy, delicious and healthy :-)