Fountain.

Jumping in fountains is one of my favorite joys in life and today I saw the greatest ones ever on Sydney Harbour.  I just keep stepping back from the moment and saying how amazing it is that I am here.  The reality of it all still hit me yet, and I am in awe at everything I see.  An important thing I have learned about traveling is to stay in shared hostels because it is so much easier to meet people that way.  It's a wonderful thing to see the sights and roam about, but it is so much more enjoyable with other people.  Such a wonderful day basking in the sun, talking about boys, and jumping in fountains. 

My italian friend G told me about this quote and it is my new motto for my life:

Mondo esisto e ti spacco il culo!

World I exist and I'm kicking your ass (or something to that)

Good Goon & Gouda.

I've seen all the girls wearing these on the streets and I love them, so I had to buy a few crop tops for myself.  I couldn't beat the deals at $5 a piece.  I also love how they are short in the front and longer in the back.  That was I can show some skin without going overboard. With some cute cutoffs, I'm good to go!

This dress was also $5 from Cotton On, and I bought a pair of flip flops [aka OZ: thongs] for $2 as well. The back of the dress dips down low, & I love the summery pattern.

This morning I stopped off for a cappuccino at a cute outdoor cafe and ate some fresh raspberries, gouda, & crackers that I bought at the fresh farmer's market down the road from my hostel.  Going to a hostel by myself was a big step for me.  It's much easier living at my friend's house where I was comfortable and at ease.  It was a comfort blanket for me, but I have been in the hostel 3 days and have met so many interesting people.  We talk about all the slang words that each of us use in our different countries and laugh at the funny way it sounds to us.  It has been hilarious as we spend most of our time trying to copy each other's languages.  [I almost have the Aussie, English & Irish accents down or at least I think so]. I've noticed I've started to same some words differently, with a little aussie accent which makes me really happy! I enjoy people watching, especially in the Sydney Harbour where everyone is all dressed up going on the dinner cruises and parties on the boats.  Everyone around us was so full of joy, and I just kept saying how lucky we were to be here.  There were multiple bachelorette parties with 20 girls walking by in their cute matching outfits, costume parties, weddings, and dinner cruises. All I could think is that this is the life I want.  This is where I have always dreamed of and never knew it.  It just feels right to be here. Back home in Colorado, my whole life I have felt that I wasn't meant to live there.  I feel lucky to have found a place in this world where I truly feel like I belong.  Colorado will always be my home of course, but there is just so much more out there for me, and I feel so happy that I didn't get stuck somewhere I didn't belong. I love the sun, the smiles, the warmth, the ocean, the food, the fashion... the list  is never ending.

The joy of the people here is incredible.  

This is the way life should be, and I won't settle for anything less.

Sydney Tower.

At the top of the Sydney Tower- the tallest building in Sydney :)  I wish I could keep that jumpsuit.

Funky Femme.

I strolled down the street in Rozelle and found a cute little boutique called Funky Femme. I just wanted to share some of the cute styles they had on their mannequins.  One of my favorite styles is the hippy-esque headband and the long skirts. When I went to Australia Day I wore a headband across my forehead and it was 43*C (109*F) and I went to the Big Day Out (a huge concert with over 50 bands in an outside festival).  I ended up getting a striped sunburn across my forehead :)

What life is made of.

Everything is about double the cost of things back home, and I have really been worrying alot about money.  I have spent so much already and I have been so lucky to be living with my friends for the past week.  I am trying to find a place to live though so I don't overstay my welcome.  I spend $400 for 15 night s at a hostel that I can use at any time anywhere.  I was reminded though that this is what I saved my money for, and that sometimes it takes spending money to enjoy your trip.  After all, I did say at one time that I would spend all my money on traveling if I could.

One day I took a stroll (and by stroll I mean a stressful, confusing bus ride) down to the city to check it out.  It was so busy and crowded and it reminded me of everything I was trying to leave behind in Colorado.  I know it was just one experience, and I shouldn't let it ruin how I feel about the city.  Currently, I am residing in a suburb of Sydney, and I love it.  It is so quaint and calm.  The mailman greats you on the street with a "G'day," and you can walk around on the streets barefoot.  Life is so much simpler here.  I used to think that living in the city and going out at night was what life is made of, but I think I have come to realize that life is about enjoying the sun and the conversations that take you into each others' lives.  Joy truly does come from enjoying the little things in life.

The best breakfast of my life at a cafe called Hatch:

 My favorite Australian magazine:

Swim Suit [Swimmers]

My new swimsuit! Australian made :) Only $25 for the set- Score!

still no internet :(

 I also bought 3 shirts, 1 dress, and 1 pair of flip-flops for $28. I am so excited for my new crop tops!!!

Ken the Barbie (BBQ)

I apologize for not having internet this past week. I am trying to find a hostel today, and I promise I will find a way to post much more frequently as soon as I can.  I am heading to "the City" (downtown Sydney) to find a hostel to stay at.  I have been having a blast doing all the local things, and I already feel at home here even though it has only been a week.  We have gone to so many places, and everyone keeps telling me I haven't even really even seen Sydney yet.

One thing that I have really noticed about everyone here is their absolute friendliness and confidence.  I love it! You can literally just walk up to anyone on the street and have a conversation with them.  My friends took me to a rooftop bar that overlooks the city, the Opera house, and the ocean. One of the roommates I am staying with took me to Bondi beach, but as you all know I don't have a swimsuit so we jumped in in our clothes! I have gone to a pizza shop without shoes, gone to the Blue Mountains to see "The Three Sisters" (those jagged mountains), walked through a rain forest, had the best breakfast of my life,  met some awesome people, built a barbeque from scratch (his name is Ken the Barbie), learned a million new words which I have already forgotten (I am going to the SERVO for a SANGER this AVO= I am going to the gasstation for a sandwich this afternoon), gone to an 8 hour Cricket game, and met my new favorite fruit: Lychee.

Anyways, I can't wait to have internet again- it has been a nice detox, but I am ready to have it back.  I am currently sitting in a Vietnamese Supermarket using their computer next to the shaving cream isle.

My newest Aussie obsession: Shwood Sunglasses made out of real wood.

 

Keep checking back!!! Thanks for following my adventures :)

Crop Tops & Cutoffs.

Aussies have the best style ever, and they have the most beautiful people here too! I love the crop tops and easy, laid back style that I have seen so far.  These girls had such a casual/chic vibe to their outfits I just had to take a picture to share.  I want to find some cute crop tops and sweet 70's glasses while I am here. New goal. 

Sydney. Day 1.

I don't have internet yet, but I have arrived in beautiful Sydney, Australia.  I can't wait to take photos here.  There is so much I want to share.  This is honestly like where I feel I was meant to be. It is warm and sunny and everyone is friendly.  I had my first barbie the first night I was here last night, and it was more perfect than I expected.  I am just so happy- I can hardly stand it.  Trust me when I say that Sydney people have the best style I have ever seen.  I will be posting about their cute outfits alot, I can already tell.  Can't wait to get internet, so I can share my adventures.  Only been here 1 day and I already have done so much!!!
xoxo, Summer.

Australia, Here I Come!

The day has arrived! I am leaving for Australia today, and I can't believe it.  It is all so unreal to me.  I don't think there is a way to psyche yourself up for these kinds of things, you just have to take it one moment at a time. These pictures are some great last memories of home that I had this weekend.  I am looking forward to the crazy adventures that I about to embark on, as it will be filled with many more great memories to come!  

On my way!!!

stay tuned...

♥

Caramel Popcorn.

Jami's Caramel Popcorn [ Secret Recipe ]

Hmmm... How do I describe this savory treat? It tastes like buttery, caramely, heavenly bliss.  This has been a staple item in our house ever since one of my relatives moved into our house for a year.  She is a pastry chef, and all things made by Jami are incredible.  It was the hardest year to stay in shape, but the most delicious year of my life.  Most of all, this incredibly addicting snack made it as the number one thing I had to bake before I left.  Paired with some Insatiable red wine and the romantic movie Chocolat, it made for the perfect evening.

Summer's Secrets.

I think we all have our little beauty secrets and tips that we share with our friends. Here are my secrets:

Tigi Bed Head "S Factor" Flat Iron Shine Spray $16.84

This is the most amazing smelling hair product in the entire world.  Trust me- it literally smells like candy.  You can spray it on your hair before you blow dry, flat iron, or curl it to protect your hair.  I also like to spray it on after it is dry for a pretty shine or just to make my hair smell yummy!

Aussie Deeeeep 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Treatment: Sydney Smooth $2.52

This is honestly a coincidence that I am going to Sydney, i promise! I have been using this for my curly, easily tangled hair for a long time.  I only brush my hair in the shower with this lathered all over my head.   It makes it so easy to get the tangles out and keeps my hair soft and moisturized.

Bare Minerals Glimmer in Queen Phyllis $11.99

This is the perfect eyeshadow for every occasion.  I brought this with me to Rome and I used it for the entire trip! It is perfect for everyday and going out.  It looks really beautiful on every skin tone too. I will always keep this in my makeup bag.  Bare Minerals has a bunch of other eyeshadows I love too.  I use Bali when I want to feel like like a golden goddess :)

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy $11.28

This may surprise you, but I swear by it:  I use this as chapstick.  Especially living in Colorado, I need a very moisturizing lip moisturizer because of the dry air.  It has the same consistency as Vaseline.  I actually learned this trick from a dermatologist doctor.  Voila! Your lips will be soft and luscious if you use this, and that way all your fancy lipsticks and lip glosses will look fabulous all the time!

Top image via Fashion Gone Rogue

My Last.

This morning I was thinking about when I felt happiest in my life.  I always think back to being in Rome, not when I first got there, but at the end.  Also, I think of this time right now here in Colorado, right before I leave for Sydney.  The commonality in these two times in my life is my appreciation for being in the moment due to the realization of how quickly time passes.  It's the whole "live your life as if each day were your last" idea. There was a specific time when I was in Rome and feeling home sick, when I was writing my friend an email about how much I wished I was back in Denver. When I sat down to write it in comparison to the amazing city around me, suddenly Rome seemed so exciting and I had the greatest experience from then on.  I never ended up sending that letter, but I was thankful that I sat down to write it because it helped me open my eyes to the incredible city around me and my vision was no longer clouded by wishing I were somewhere else.  I think there is a tendency to think "I would be happier if...," but the truth is that your thoughts create your reality and can create joy right where you are.  These past few weeks I have been thinking to myself, "this is my last time...." It has really helped me be in the moment and appreciate my family, my friends, my puppy, and my home.  When you change your perspective to a temporary scenario, you start to see things differently.  I think it brings out the important things in life and rids your life of unnecessary worries.  I think this whole realization of following my dreams to go wherever in the world I want to be, that I am not stuck anymore in Colorado, has made me realize how much I love the comforting feelings of home. I am so thankful for everything in my life right now, and I've really started noticing how much happier this new perspective makes me. I just hope I can hold on to this realization when I am in Australia to fully grasp the blessings in my life while I am there and soak up every experience as if it were my last day there.

When I think of home, I think of watching Gossip Girl on my computer, a homemade cup of coffee, and my puppy curled up next to me while it is snowing outside.

[via tumblr]

4 Days till Australia

Zara in Roma.

I am in love with this video. It reminds me of my home in Rome, Italy. I used to shop at Zara almost everyday when I lived there.  I miss Rome and Zara.  

ZARA · Via del Corso, Roma from Juan Rayos (COMMERCIALS) on Vimeo.

Feather Extensions.

Feather extensions are one of my favorite trends born in Boulder, Colorado (a.k.a. party/hippy town USA). These are my third extensions that I have bought.  They are glued to the root of your hair just like a normal extension, and they last about 4 months.  You can also get them clamped into your hair which lasts about 1-2 months. They are my favorite accessory because you don't need to worry about them at all, and I am just dying to share it with the world.  It started in Boulder, and has since grown to northern Colorado and is somewhat known Denver.  I also recently bought a pair of feather earrings from a Boulder jewelry designer that I am in love with.  The first three pictures are of me, the other two are of two of my best friends, J & B.  They can be curled, washed, and brushed just like regular hair.   The striped ones are usually mistaken for braids from far away, but up close you can tell that they are feathers.  They have all different colors and you can choose the length, width, and color combination that you prefer.   Almost every salon in Boulder will do these for about $15 for 5 feathers, so my friends and I went to all get some before I left for Oz.

Buttons & Bows Giveaway!

Hooray! It's my first giveaway! With the wonderful responses to the last post "Buttons & Bows," my friend from La Vie En Bleue has been sweet enough to offer a cuff bracelet and bow to a lucky winner.

All you have to do is:
1.  Be a follower of Passports & Prada (via Bloglovin, Twitter, or Google Friend Connect)
2. "Like" Passports & Prada on Facebook
3.  Comment with an email address for us to reach you at if you win!

Winner will be chosen by random.org on Wednesday, January 12th at midnight [Mountain Standard Time]. This giveaway is only offered in the US. Maximum 1 entry per person.

WINNER:

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:6

Buttons & Bows.

A, one of my best friends, made these adorable bracelets and bows for my friends and I for Christmas. I think that they are such a sweet addition to an outfit.  I also am trying out my new camera for the first time.  I just bought a Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, and I am in love.  It is probably unhealthy for me to fall so in love with inanimate objects, such as Jeffrey Campbells, photographs, and cameras, but I can't help myself. 

I went to the sweetest couple's house today.  They are around 85 years old and so in love.  The woman has a British accent, and she had me laughing so hard that I was crying.  She was by far one of the funniest people I have ever met. The man was really sarcastic, and I loved it.  He is the most knowledgeable photographer I have ever met, so I went over there to pick his brain for information the whole time. He kept telling his wife to be quiet, as she kept cracking jokes.  They had me smiling the whole time, and it just reminded me of how important laughter is in life.  They are in their 80's yet they are completely enjoying life to the fullest.  It was a great start to my day, and I had so much fun learning about my new camera.  I can't wait to start shooting some pictures and share them on here!

Ralph & Rugby.

 via Ralph Lauren Rugby 2011{Top and Column 1} Forever 21 {Column 2} Zara & H&M {Column 3}

Time.

The Facebook page for Passports and Prada is up and running!

Photographer: Jono Winnel

I have less than two weeks left before I leave for oz, and the days are flying by so quickly.  It's overwhelming, leaving everything and everybody.  This is definately a new chapter in my life, since I just graduated college and am moving to a new country.  There have been so many changes in my life just within the past few months.  I need to stop and breathe for just a moment.   I just wish I could slow down time so I could organize my thoughts and prepare myself for this huge change. 

To brighten my day, I was lucky enough to win the giveaway from S and O Productions. I love the store featured in the giveaway: Sweet & Simple.  These are my favorite items from her shop, but she has so many wonderful items.  I can't wait to see what I won!