Passports and Prada

The Now. The Always.

2012-02-27T12:13:00.001-07:00

My new favorite boutique in San Diego sweetly named Dolcetti for the owners' love of gelato. The clothes would all be perfect for an Italian gelato date or a tea party. The fact that I scored an adorable top for only 16 bucks doesn't hurt either. The dolcetti dolls say 'We believe in occasions for dresses instead of dresses for occasions.' I'm pretty much in love.

Take a look around: Dolcetti Boutique.

Inspired Colors.

2012-02-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Coral & Blue

Color Pop

Color Inspiration for decorating our new apartment in La Jolla, California
{via pinterest, we heart it, 21 arrondissement}

Pups.

2012-02-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

{In love @ La Jolla, California}

Point Loma.

2012-02-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

{a chocolate bread bear valentine from daddy to his 'three J's' (me, Janeyl, and mom)}

{new handmade Thai freshwater pearl necklace made in Ireland}

{the best valentine is a best friend}

For Valentine's Day, Janeyl & I decided to celebrate for 3 days instead of one. We sent my parents on a surprise romantic picnic, went to Point Loma, and finally watched Twilight Breaking Dawn. I'd rather spend Valentines day with my best friend than any boy. It was perfect!

Red Hot.

2012-02-14T19:16:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

More pics to come...

Pink Lady.

2012-02-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ever since moving back to the US, I have missed the Pink Lady apples most. I never enjoyed eating apples because I always thought the skin was too dry tasting... until I found Pink Ladies I kept trying to find an apple that I could eat but none could compare. Then, I found them yesterday at Sprouts, a health food store, and I am so excited! Yes, I am excited over an apple. You would be too, if you gave them a try! Unless of course, your lucky enough to live in Australia where they are grown.

Pink Lady apples must meet strict specifications in terms of sugar content, firmness, colour and environmentally friendly production methods.

They are principally grown in Italy and extensively in Australia (my two favorite countries). The Pink Lady apple is becoming particularly popular in the United Kingdom (my next destination in Europe).

The Pink Lady apple has a distinctive pink hue mixed with a green "background," and taste is tart. The Cripps Pink variety requires a long, 200 day growth period and a hot climate, making them un-growable in more temperate latitudes.

Aaaand... Pink Lady apples do not like the cold weather, which make them just like me :)

Yup, I just posted about apples.

LUV Madonna.

2012-02-11T13:23:00.001-07:00

There's no better day than the Super Bowl. Madonna was the best part. Her and that sweet sitting down touch down :)

A New Life.

2012-02-10T20:48:00.002-07:00

{my new home on Shelter Island :) not too shabby, hey?}

{working out is my new favorite hobby, I love going for bike-rides around the island}

{i love that we're not directly in the city but we can still get there in 10 minutes}

p.s. That's Mexico behind San Diego!

{Hula hooping by Mission Beach}

{A cool Bob Hope memorial perfectly timed after watching the movie Boy, Did I Get A Wrong Number}

{"Unconditional Surrender," a 25-foot, 6000 pound stature by world renowned artist J. Seward Johnson commemorating a famous World War II photo. Unconditional Surrender is a 3 dimensional interpretation of a photo taken of a Sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City on August 14, 1945 following the announcement of V-J Day.}

All Doll'd Up.

2012-02-06T12:04:00.001-07:00

{via Bleach London + Asos}

Shelter Island

2012-02-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

The past few days have felt like a daze, so unreal sending one of my twinzies off to Australia and moving out of my house and entire life in Colorado. My other twinzie Janeylee & I made it to Cali yesterday. We have the most amazing view out on our deck and we are loving the life on Shelter Island. Yet, I am still having a hard time enjoying and living in the moment. All I keep thinking of is the past and the future. It always takes a few days to get used to a huge change in your life, like moving to a new state or country. For now, though, I am living every day with my new book "Enjoying where you are on the way to where you are going" by Joyce Meyer (one of my favorite authors). Sometimes you have to stop trying to figure everything out yourself and just believe to finally enjoy and have peace in the moment.

I want to be a now person.

{amazing view from our deck}

Things You Wish You Packed.

2012-01-31T23:54:00.001-07:00

1. Mix & Mismatch Bikinis.

My friends & I love to shop at Victoria's Secret for these. The best part is you can have so many different bikinis. Go on: Mix and Mismatch!

2. A new perfume.

The key to this one is to get a scent that you love but have never worn before. They say that scent is the strongest tie to memory, so pick a new scent that will take you back to your trip even after you've left. Plus, you get to smell good while your traveling. Who knows? You might meet a cute guy to make some new memories with! This one was mine & it totally works!

3. Eyemask & Earplugs

Channel your inner Holly Golightly & sleep all day, but keep the noisy roommates or traffic noises from keeping you from your beauty sleep! This is especially helpful when trying to get rid of jet lag.

4. A travel mirror

Some places don't have great lighting or even a mirror to put on makeup. Something like this would've been perfect! I wish I had bought this to begin with.

5. Different sized locks

Make sure they're sturdy! For your suitcase get one with 4 digits, not 3. Then, bring a really thick one for lockers. Very important... you don't want anyone stealing your camera with all your pictures from your trip on it!

6. A Journal (any kind will do) and Pens (pens are like gold when traveling!)

My twinzies & I kept a journal with notes from people we met and pictures and tickets from places we went. I like this more personal take on the scrapbook you typically make at the end of your trip. This way, the people you meet along the way can contribute pictures and funny memories. My memory is terrible, so this helps me so much in reliving my trip! I think this one is super cute.

7. Portable Speakers for your iPod

For those quiet, lazy days on the beach with your friends, add some music with these! There were few travelers who had these, but the ones who did were always surrounded with people. People love the music!

8. Fake Mustaches

I don't know how to explain it, but fake mustaches are so useful! I brought one with me and I could've used it for so many different occasions. I saved it for the perfect occasion, though: A Gender-Bender Theme Party at Surf Camp. What can I say? They're just funny! I'm a big fan of this collection.

9. LBB: Little Brown Belt

The simple solution to making any outfit 10 times better. I brought a braided brown leather belt that doubled as a hippie headband. It was probably my most used item, and I was so sad when I lost it towards the end of my trip. This one is a great size.

10. Sarong

It is thin and compact. It works as a cover up, a towel, a sheet, a scarf, a tent... and you'll probably find many other uses. It's the perfect item, and I am in looooove with this one.

Best Year Ever.

2012-01-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

When I first decided to go to Australia and blog about it, I bought myself my first "real" camera: a Canon PowerShot SX30 IS. Then, I found out about this great website called 365 Project. It was a challenge to practice my photography by taking 1 picture every day for the whole year. Well, it has been one year, and I finished! I am just a beginner photographer, but these are some of my favorites from my year in Australia. I would love to hear what you think!

I encourage anyone and everyone to get a 365 Project! It is so fun to look back on your year and trigger some memories with your favorite photos. Some days I just used my iPod or my underwater camera to take pictures. Let me know if you get one & I'll follow you!

If you'd like to see more from my year on 365 Project:

All in the Details.

2012-01-22T10:45:00.004-07:00

Apart from the simple silver chain anklet I wear every day, I'm not a huge jewelry wearer. When I do decide to spice up an outfit, I tend to stick to bold statement pieces or delicate additions. So, this is my guide to jewelry for the non-jewelry wearer such as myself. My favorite accessories company stella & dot has some perfect examples of what I look for when I buy jewelry. For example, you could wear an LBD & the Petra Braided Bracelet below and it would dress it up perfectly. I guarantee all night that bracelet will be complemented by everyone you meet.

One of my favorite necklaces that was gifted to my by Sweet & Simple.

Tumblr.

2012-01-22T00:07:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my new photo blog addition: Tumblr! They're not all mine, but they are all things that I love and make me happy. How it took me so long to get on the tumblr bandwagon? I don't know, but now I'm hooked. So hop on, and get inspired! Let me know if you have one & I'll follow you... Xx

San Diego Sparkles.

2012-01-16T20:52:00.002-07:00

I am so happy to finally be able to paint my nails, for the first time in a year. I didn't do my nails while I was away because I was more focused on having fun than keeping up with beauty routines. The first thing I did when I got home was take a shower and paint my nails with my favorite nail polish that I bought in Australia. I bought it at Sports Girl & I love the look of it on just one nail. After looking at the same nail polish color on my toes for a whole year, I feel so happy to look at my pedicure too :) The base color is a white/pink that my mom bought for me in San Diego one year- it changes colors depending on the amount of sunlight.

In other news, it's OFFICIAL! I'm moving to Shelter Island off the coast of San Diego in 2 weeks with my twinzie Janeyl! Woohoo! While my other twinzie is excitingly moving to Sydney, I get to finally live my dream of living in California. We'll see how it goes, so stay tuned! Xx

Home Sweet.

2012-01-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back in Colorado. It's surreal and all too real. I had the most incredible sleep last night in my fluffy big bed, and I woke up & made chocolate chip waffles (which I haven't had in a year). Above is my instagram-photo-diary of my last week in OZ. My girls in Cottesloe and threw me an amazing goodbye dinner at Little Creatures (a brewery/restaurant I have been dying to go to since I had arrived). We had a private wine tasting at our friend's wine bar and ate an amazing creme caramel dessert. Heaven! I flew to Sydney and had a long walk around the city to say farewell. There were some awesome Louis Vuitton Australian-themed window displays that I loved, and after an 18 flight I finally arrived home.

I missed making waffles in the morning!

Wrapping all my presents for my family & friends "A Very Merry Un-Christmas"

I came home to the cutest decorations my friends made for me to welcome me home!

Even though I already miss Australia terribly, there are some amazing things about being home:

1. Celebrating "A Very Merry Un-Christmas" with my friends & family today

2. Baking

3. It's like going shopping in my closet because I have so many clothes I forgot about

4. My bed is Ah-mazing & it's bed-bug free

5. I'm moving to San Diego, California in 2 weeks with one of my best friends

6. Being with my puppy again

7. Simple conveniences that I used to take for granted (like dishwashers, detangler, waffle makers, etc...) I think everyones already getting sick of me being excited over these things. "Oh my gosh, I forgot about coffee makers! How exciting!!!!!"

8. High speed internet I don't have to pay a fortune for, so I can update my blog more often Xx

Goodbye Cottesloe.

2012-01-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

The countless beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean, I will never forget them. Cottesloe, my home in Australia, I will always remember your perfect aqua water every morning and your breathtaking sunsets every evening. I love this photo, a finalist for the Canon EOS competition. It perfectly describes how I feel as this adventure in Australia draws to a close, and where else could it have been taken but my favorite place, Cottesloe.

{via}

Love it, Live it.

2012-01-08T05:57:00.001-07:00

How perfect do ^these^ fried eggs on toast look! I want to have a pajama party when I get home and serve this. There's no better meal in the day, why not celebrate it!

Just a little reminder to treat yourself to things you love every day! Even if it's buying yourself flowers or going for a bike ride. Do something special for YOU today, you deserve it! {via}

Bake me a cake.

2012-01-05T22:02:00.002-07:00

One of the things I'm most looking forward to about coming home is being able to bake again! At the beginning of my trip, I made about 5 batches of snickerdoodles for the poor deprived Australians who didn't know a cookie if it jumped in their mouths. But then, a couple hundred dollars flew out of my pocket and into the poor deprived people's mouths. So, I came to the conclusion that it was too expensive & difficult to bake here, especially with no measuring cups or ovens. To them, Subway is the only place to get a cookie. Otherwise, there are just "biscuits." Trust me, I have had many a conversation with the Aussies about the difference between a cookie and a biscuit. Sorry, but they are so completely different. And no, real cookies do not exist here. So, I am super excited to return to my beautiful kitchen complete with measuring cups, high speed internet, and mixing bowls! Here are just a few recipes I am just dying to bake when I get home:

Cinnamon M&M Oatmeal Cookies.

Malted Banana Bread Biscoff Muffins.

Thin Mint Truffles.

Coconut Bread.

Wanderlusters & Homebodies.

2012-01-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking on my walk at midnight home along thebeach: What is it that I am searchingfor? Why do I feel the need to be awayfrom home? What is it that I’m trying to find exactly? A typical Australian bloke sat at the bartonight. He’s the quintessential Aussie laborer type, about late 20’s early 30’s,missing about 4 of his bottom teeth, and has always used the lame pickup lineswhen he could on me. But this night, hewasn’t surrounded by his friends, so he had no one to impress. He could tellthat I was sad about going home, and he told me he was just like me. That he always felt the need to travel, to beaway from home, otherwise, he felt like he wasn't growing. See, when you return from a journey away fromhome, no matter if it is a few months or a year, you come home and everyone isexactly the same. Sure, they have growna little, but not as much as you that’s for sure. And there’s something painful aboutthat. It’s been a fear of mine to never grow, to never see the world, to never actually live mylife. It's actually a relief to know that there are other people outthere in the world who are like me. I always said that when you backpack and you meet other travelers, youweed out the people who don’t understand. Because if they understood, they would be traveling too. I guess we all have different desires, but I just can’t wrap my headaround another perspective on this matter. To me, I don’t see why everyone isn’trunning away from their homes and traveling every inch of the world. That’s why I get along so well with people who love to travel because we get that. To us, it doesn’t make sense to spend yourtime or money on anything else. And this guy sitting at the bar, knew exactlywhat I was going through. The nightmaresabout going home and being forced to stay. The difficulty of finding balance of enjoying life when you know youhave to leave in a week. And the fear ofthat 4^th day. The day whenyou’ve seen everyone again and already said how your trip was even though noone will ever understand how truly amazing it was. Then everyone will get usedto you being home again and expect you to be the same as you were when youleft. But you’re not the same. You never will be. As my daddy says, “its like squeezing toothpaste out of tube,you can’t ever get it back in.” I was like the toothpaste inside the tube before I traveled, but now that I left I can’t go backto being the same person. So, there’s two types of people I figure. There are the wanderlusters and the homebodies.I am a wanderluster. I will always andforever have the need and desire to travel. Then, there are those who just don’t. They go for vacations, yes, but don’t have that same pull. Traveling is so deep engrained in my life itliterally dictates everything: what I enjoy (things that have to do withescape), what I think about (beaches and boys with foreign accents), & whatI work towards (being able to pay for that next trip to wherever). But the thing I don’t know is, who’s livingbetter: the homebodies or the wanderlusters? Or is there even a “better” orjust a different type of living? Ourlives are all about making choices, and we always choose what we think is rightfor us. That’s the thing though, who’sright?

Letter of Love.

2012-01-01T23:23:00.001-07:00

Dear 2011,

You changed my life. It has been the best year of my life so far. Just a few of my countlessmemories of my year in OZ:

Swam with sting rays

Held a python

Drank out of a coconut

Jumped off a cliff
Fell in love with Scottish accents

Tried vegemite

Got shat on by a bat

Survived an 8 hour Cricket game

Gambled for the first time

Became homeless

Jumped off a bridge

Swam with an eel

Moonlight kayaking

Grocery shopping w no shoes

Learned how to surf
Became a beach bum

Skydiving on the beach

Fried eggs on toast

Fed piranhas

Toga Laundry Party

Got my first leech

Girls night out VIP Limo

Surfed w dolphins

40 cent meals @ Hard Rock Café

Became #1 Housekeeper

Tim Tam Slam Parties

Got over Scottish accents

Shark attack across the street

Ate seafood for the first time

Learned to love & let go

Pet a wallaby

Held a koala

Fed an elephant

Pet a crocodile

Slept on a boat

Jet Ski Safaris

Listened to fairy penguins

Snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef

Full Moon Party on Magnetic Island

Slept listening to waves

Stood at the top of a waterfall

Went skinny dipping

Harry’s Tiger Pie

Rooftop Barbie

Bonfire beach parties

Bartender on the beach

Saw wild Sea Lions

Fell in love with the ocean all over again

Time warped for me and I’m glad. A year was not a year, buta lifetime worth of change. I grew, Idigressed, I hurt, I laughed, but most of all I learned. I learned to love myself for the first timein my life. I learned how to live on myown and not depend on anyone or anything. I stripped my life down to the bare essentials and not only survived butthrived. The possessions will come andgo, but the people I have met and the memories we shared will forever stay withme. 2012, I have high hopes foryou. I promise not to compare you to 2011, but rather learn and grow in the newamazing ways you have prepared for me. Keep positivity a priority every day, and renew my mind when negativethoughts invade. Most of all, I promise to keep lovefirst in my thoughts. Loving life, no matter where I am, who I'm with, or what I'm doing. Loving every piece of every day, I know that no matter where I end up, I will beliving life fully.

Dotti.

2011-12-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's 104 degrees outside (40C) and I think I have a fever, but I can't tell because it's so hot. No fan, no air conditioning, no ice, no mommy to take care of me. It's times like these coming home to my big fluffy bed sounds so perfect. I also got bed bugs in my bunk bed, twice this month. It's nearing the end of my trip, as it started out being a 4 month journey and changed into a year. I have met the most incredible people and changed my entire perspective on life in this year. I also have worn the same clothes for 11 and 1/2 months now. Sick of my wardrobe does not even begin to cover it. You know your in a fashion rut when you prefer to wear your work uniform rather than your own clothes. I can see now how spoiled I actually have been my whole life to live the way that I did, and hopefully, that makes me a better person in the future because I truly can appreciate the simplest things in life now. I get really excited if I go to someone's house and get to drink out of a glass because for almost a year now I have drunk out of mugs or water bottles. That's just the backpacker lifestyle though, and I've grown actually attached to it. When I think about my big room back home with 2 closets, I actually cannot believe what on earth I could have needed that would fill a whole room. I feel like I have everything I need here in one suitcase, everything but my family. Christmas made me a new person, and it gave me the homesickness I needed to finally accept going home. I officially know no popular music, I have no idea what's playing in the cinemas, I haven't cut my hair for 8 months, I haven't seen the latest Real World, I have no idea who's dating who in the celebrity world, and I honestly have lost all touch with the latest trends. But I have never been happier. So, I must have done something right on this trip. There's so much clutter in our lives that we don't even realize, so at least I have cut everything down to the bare minimum and I know that I can survive this way, and somehow that's empowering and gives me hope!Don't worry though, I still love myself a pair of gorgeous heels or a Mulberry handbag. And I am sure that when I get home, especially when I move to Cali, that all that clutter will hit me in the face. But for now, I'm still enjoying the simple life.

Dotti's mexi-cali collection

Aussie Christmas.

2011-12-26T01:45:00.001-07:00

{I learned how to dive for the first time in my life. I also forgot my swimsuit (to a pool party, I know!) and had to borrow some boys clothes to swim in, until I found my swimsuit hanging up in the bathroom from a previous pool party I thought I had lost.}

{a true aussie Christmas tree}

{my amazing photography skills worked wonders on M}

{the boys trying to do handstands and mostly failing}

{the most amazing chocolate ever, I got a bunch as a Christmas present from the "room 14 elves" aka my roommates :) so sweet Xx}

I woke up, threw off the covers, and looked out my window.It didn’t look a thing like Christmas. Bright blue skies and even bluerwater! It didn’t feel like Christmaseither, it was about 90 degrees already and it was only 8am! I went snorkeling, swimming, and had a fewhours of tanning and reading on the beach, but I still missed my family morethan ever. On my way to the pool party,the beautiful florals and warm sunshine heated me up. I have never been more home sick in my life,and all I could think about was a white Christmas back home with my family andfriends. Finally, after trying to catch a train, my friend S picked me up,champagne in hand and started singing Christmas carols in the taxi to cheer meup. It was a Christmas I will neverforget, spent with amazing friends that I will never forget. Why do all the Christmas songs talk about awhite Christmas? To half the world this is normal for Christmas day. Where are the songs about a sandy, hotChristmas? It took a few Christmas songs blasting and Aussie Christmasdecorations to get us in the Christmas spirit, but we had an amazing day. My friend from Ireland’s parents were here in Australia visiting her, and her mum made the most amazing dinner ever! My favorites were the cauliflower cheese and Yorkshirepudding! We had prawn salad to beginwith, traditional turkey dinner, and grapes & cheese for dessert. It was fabulous. I spent the day withfriends from all over the UK, and they introduced me to the amazing Christmas Crackers! Which are amazing and I wish we had them. You pull on both sides of the Christmascracker, and whoever gets the larger end gets a prize, a joke, and a crown! Sometimes you have to give up the comforts of what's normal to you, and open your mind to a new and different way of doing things. It turned out to be the perfect Australia Christmas, but I am excited to celebrate the usual way when I get home for a re-do.

Give me a ring...

2011-12-23T22:50:00.001-07:00

I love...

this photo

these shoes

^ this collection ^

this pinterest

my best friends

I hear those...

2011-12-20T22:09:00.001-07:00

In my head.

2011-12-16T23:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas decor ideas by Lipstick & Ruffles

Lipstick & Ruffles instagram posts

Next book I am dying to read/listen to Cleopatra: A Life

Her palace shimmered with gold but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Cleopatra, the wealthiest ruler of her time and one of the most powerful women in history, was a canny political strategist, a brilliant manager, a tough negotiator, and the most manipulative of lovers. Although her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world.

Scarlett Johansson's gorgeous Moet & Chandon Champagne ad

Photograph from the finalist of the Canon EOS competition. I love. "Rain on me"

Peppermint Bark.

2011-12-16T02:19:00.000-07:00

Last Christmas I was in charge of the desserts because that's the best part, to me at least! Last year was filled with cookies, but this year I definitely would've made this Peppermint Bark. I'm in charge of desserts for my friends' Christmas dinner/pool party this year, but I still don't know what I can make without a good kitchen, measuring cups, or any pans. How yummy do these look?!

Peppermint Bark Recipe here

Advent Love.

2011-12-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have the cutest parents ever. Seriously. It is my first Christmas away from home, and I got this adorable advent Christmas package in the mail. Each present has a note on it and a date to open it up until Christmas. They also sent little bags and chocolates to make presents for my friends! As the weather keeps getting hotter and hotter, it progressively feels less and less like Christmas. There are no Christmas lights or decorations, caroling, or Christmas music on the radio. While I am an anti-snow girl, I do have a love for the red cupped creme brulee lattes at Starbucks and Christmas shopping at Barnes & Noble where it's warm inside. Christmas is the only day I allow snow; Every other day it is unacceptable. Somehow though, I do miss the chill in the air, the Christmas light drives and hot cocoa by the fire. But not enough to keep me from enjoying a change in tradition! This year I will be on the beach, sipping an ice cold cider and jumping into the ocean to go snorkeling with the tropical fish. I have an amazing group of friends from all over the world that I can spend the day with on the beach. Then, I will finish at a party at my friend's house where we will cook dinner and have a pool party. But while I'm enjoying basking in the Australian sunshine, this box keeps me remembering my family, friends, and all the things I love about Christmas in snowy Colorado.

These Last Pennies.

2011-12-11T23:15:00.001-07:00

Festivals are the epitome of Australian happiness. The thing about Aussies is they love their sun and any excuse to drink. So, when summer comes, they dress up all crazy or strip down and party all day in the sun to any and every kind of music every weekend for as long as they can. As a happy goodbye I decided to spend my last pennies on a few festivals before I left. I chose Stereosonic and Sets on the Beach. Sets on the Beach was actually my favorite because you got to watch the sun set on the ocean as you danced the night away on the sand. I know these will both be memories from Oz I will never forget and that is priceless to me.

Bonjour Beautiful!

2011-12-05T23:11:00.001-07:00

Bonjour mes amours! One of my most fashionable friends from Paris introduced me to her friend's beautiful boutique called Satine Creation! You can add her on facebook and look at her items.

I love getting an inside scoop to the fabulous fashion in Paris, and I just had to share with you...

Beautiful accessories and you can order them online!

Satine Creation

Wake Up.

2011-11-25T23:23:00.001-07:00

I always lived my life based on the “Live Your Dreams”motto or some extended form of that. Every moment from the time Iknew there was another place than Colorado, my dream had been to move away andstart a new life. When I exploredAmerica through the years I decided I wanted to move to California because it sounded so cool. But then Iwent to Hawaii and dreamed of living in a tropical vacation destination, anever-ending vacation sounded so perfect to me! But then my world grew biggerwhen I studied abroad in Rome, a country I new nothing of, not even the language. I learned my passion for different culturesand found people different than me so intriguing. So, my dream kept growing and growing insize. Then… the dream of Australia happened!It’s everything in one and suddenly it was a possibility in my mind because Idreamed of it! I flew here as fast as Icould and found everything I’ve ever wanted: independence, tropical climate,different culture, accents, thrill-seeking adventures, living with people fromalmost every country of the world, living on a beach, working a beach-sidecafé, and road-tripping with my best friends. My dream has been fulfilled! I amin my dream right now. Every day I wakeup and think, “I love my life! I can’t wait to jump in the ocean today!” I runto the window and look at the bright turquoise ocean. This is everything I’ve dreamed of andmore. But what happens when the dream isover. What happens when I wake up?

{fashion toast}

{sydney @ luna park}

Pinnacles & Penguins.

2011-11-24T00:19:00.001-07:00

The Pinnacles, Cervantes Desert

another breathtaking Western Australian sunset

I have been in Perth for exactly 3 months today. I can't believe it because time flies so much faster when you are working and get into a routine! 3 months on the east coast would have seemed so much longer! I am so happy that my friends gave me an excuse to take time off of work and travel the west coast. It's been amazing exploring my city and its surroundings with my friends, but somehow its making it even more bitter to leave. I know that I only have a month and a half left here, and I am really trying to not be upset about it. The only way I can describe it to help you understand is that I fell in love with this beautiful life here in Australia, but it's breaking up with me in January. Australia has changed me more than anyone will know, and I know I will always look back to it and remember how amazing life can really be. I am trying to remember that the future still has amazing things around the world to show me, places so amazing I couldn't even imagine it (just like I couldn't have imagined how amazing life was here). I'll be spending the next month soaking up as much sun as I can before heading back to snowy Colorado. I'll be swimming in the ocean everyday and working to save enough money to head off to my next surprise destination to wherever the wind blows me {aka. whatever God decides}.

Penguin Island, Rockingham

Elissa Coleman.

2011-11-18T18:44:00.001-07:00

I'd like you to meet Elissa Coleman, a beautiful Aussie designer, stylist, entrepreneur, and my new found inspiration. She just re-opened her beautiful store in my home-for-the-moment of Cottesloe, Western Australia. After chatting with Elissa, I learned how similar we both were despite her obvious incredible achievements in life. I think it's all the world traveling that makes her so personable and down to earth and our common passions for fashion, interiors, and traveling that makes me relate to her so much. Because her husband lives in Rome and she has stores all over the world, she is a very experienced world traveller. After telling her about my worries about my return when I move back to Colorado in January, she told me that it always takes her about a month to adjust and she calls that period the "re-entry." While she twirled about in her color-blocked fitting room, trying on all her clothes and mixing them with some vintage pieces she owned, she talked excitedly about the re-opening of her store and all the crazy adventures she's had. I can tell that she is finally living her passion, a mix between her love for fashion, interiors, and travel here in her home town after living pretty much everywhere around the world I dream of. I think she's reached that point in her life where everything makes sense, all the traveling, all the different jobs, and all the re-entries, and it gives me hope for living all my passions in one perfect combination. I absolutely adore the fabrics she used to create her clothing, they are so light and perfect for life in Cottesloe. Easy to wear to dinner at one of the nearby up-scale restaurants and easily transitioned into beach/resort wear. Her clothes are made with beautiful bright colors that reflect the fabulous interiors of her boutique. What's more is she hand makes all her clothing and puts tiny details (like a little metal heart-shaped charm with an E) that make you feel like you've bought a one of a kind piece (which you have)! Let her style, her experiences, or her present inspire you, and take a peak at her website and her take on Summer 2011 in Australia.

Cottesloe Shore.

2011-11-12T22:42:00.001-07:00

{showing my friends my everyday life (before work) on Cottesloe Beach}

My friend Alisha from Colorado came to Cottesloe and surprised me for a visit! I am so happy that I finally am going to explore my city & the West coast. There are so many aweosme things to see and do! In her 2 days in Cottesloe, we had a barbie @ Kings Park, watched the sunset over the ocean, played frisbee on the beach, went to the Aquarium, and explored Freo [Fremantle]. I am taking the train down to Mandura tomorrow, and we are going to have a little road trip full of crazy adventures. I am so excited! It is so much fun showing my friends around my new home here in Cottesloe!

{playing on the tire swing at our barbie in Kings Park}

{at a fairy shop in Freo, writing (and reading) the wishes to the magical fairy wishing-well}

{On a sushi train ride around an awesome aquarium}

Color Pop.

2011-11-06T22:55:00.003-07:00

I'd like you to meet my two new dresses! The Vero Moda Chiffon Shift Dress was my first ASOS.com purchase & I was so excited to receive it in the mail! The reception was so sick of me asking for my package to arrive they finally taped a huge piece of paper to my door saying it finally arrived! It is free shipping both ways to Australia, so I knew I could return it if I didn't love it... but of course I loved it! The same day it arrived, I had bought this mint one-shoulder chiffon dress from Ally for only $24! This is very exciting for me because I haven't had pretty new clothes in a very very long time because I never had room in my suitcase. I am in love with shift dresses and color blocking at the moment, so I am so excited to wear my new red dress on a girls night out! As for the mint one-shoulder, I really want to find some coral accessories to pair with it!

My next purchase is definately going to be something with cutouts: 1, 2, 3?

New Oprah.

2011-11-04T22:27:00.000-06:00

In my Cleo Australia magazine that I caved and bought ($8... yikes!), there is an article called "Is this woman the new Oprah?" Her name is Gabrielle Bernstein, and she is a life coach, motivational speaker, and author of the new book Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles. After reading the article, I was impressed. She takes "The Power of Love" & "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, meditations, and inner peace to a much more understandable level for a younger generation. However, then I went to her website herfuture.com to learn more about this "new Oprah" and her take on inner peace. I have to admit I got a little freaked out. There is such a huge movement now, based on this girl, and she is missing such a crucial part of being happy... a personal relationship with God. The basics that she teaches are important though, nonetheless, and I have to share them with you (but mind you, please take her website with a grain of salt). Even with my personal guide to calming negative thoughts (The Power of Love), there is alot of it that is simply bullshit and alot of it is twisted. But you just take what can improve your life with and leave the rest. With that said, she has some very important tips for being happy, and I wanted to share them with you!

Gabby's Top 3 Happiness Tips:

1. Have The Willingness To Change. You could begin with 30 days of positive intentions, every morning saying something like, 'I'm willing to do things differently,' and then trying to use that principle every day.
2. Practice Forgiveness. I call it the 'F' word. True happiness comes when we can surrender and let go of the past. Recognize who you've been holding resentment towards and let that go. Accept others and yourself.
3. Pay Attention & Have An Attitude Of Gratitude. When you're charging through life, it's easy to lose focus on what you're grateful for.

I love this quote from Gabby in the article...

"Living in the happy dream doesn't mean that I'm an enlightened master detached from the world," she says. I still love bright stilettos, soy milk lattes and tight jeans that make my butt look good. I can love these things, but I don't need them to be happy. Happiness is a choice I make, not a hot new purchase, a romantic partner or a title on a business card. It's not the outward surroundings that make me content. Happiness is in my mind."

Sea & Sun.

2011-11-01T23:10:00.002-06:00

I finally took my new camera underwater for a 8am morning swim with Leoni! I love that my camera is perfect for a night out on the town, bonfire beach parties, underwater, or capturing a beautiful west coast sunset. I've started to get up earlier because with working every day I don't have enough time in the day to do what I want. I've definately decided that I don't photograph well underwater though, haha! I guess my day job as an underwater model is down the drain. {pun intended ;)}

Things I'm Loving right now:

Thrill Seeking Ideas

Cute Love Stories

Perfect Theme Song to an Aussie Summer
Watching the sun set on the Indian Ocean...the colours are different every day!

Princess Polly.

2011-10-28T23:44:00.003-06:00

So, at work these two Aussie girls came in for fresh juices on the balcony overlooking the ocean. They both had on the coolest sunnies I'd ever seen, so I just had to ask where they got them...

...and then I discovered the secret hiding place where all these girls are finding these cool things!

Princess Polly

Cinema.

2011-10-25T22:51:00.002-06:00

I love how a movie can take you far, far away from yourself. I think it’s the only time when I fully lose myself, forget who I am, forget my body, forget what I’m going to say next, forget what I think. I just sit there and watch as the movie takes over my life. Then, when the movie ends and the credits start to roll, I start to remember who I am. I rebuild what I think, regain consciousness and feeling in my body. Sometimes, I feel happy to be myself, sometimes I feel sad. Sometimes, I feel like I want to be with somebody. It’s funny how a movie can change you. It’s like a reincarnation time machine that you submit yourself to for 2 hours. As you sit down, give over your mind to Hollywood, and let it show you what it wants to. You have no control yet hope for a happy ending. But if not, that’s okay, you’re still you at the end of those two hours, and what was going to happen before the movie started is still going to happen because it only takes about 15 minutes to get your head back in real life. With our more common than not ADD, technology, and over stimulation, you’ll forget all about it in an hour. What’s more, you never have to claim guilt for killing that villain or sleeping with his son. To any one that knows you, nothing happened and none of that matters because your still you after that little time travel to Hollywood land.

Sometimes I think I get too into movies and that, my friends, is why I don’t watch scary movies. I have the inability to separate myself from the characters. Maybe that’s a good thing; it certainly makes me challenge my own views on things.

Just watched: City Island. Good movie with a happy ending! Makes me want to hug my family.

{photo via Nirrimi}

Hollywood Treasure.

2011-10-25T22:41:00.001-06:00

The real question in life isn't 'what am I here to do or have?' It's 'who am I here to be?'

Embrace your unique self & be happy in your own skin.

You are more beautiful than you realize and more cherished than you know. Yes, you. And I wanted you to know that.

{Photos via Nirrimi}

That blue.

2011-10-22T22:45:00.003-06:00

Welcome to my home in Cottesloe, Western Australia. Just a normal arvo [afternoon] before work. I saw dolphins playing in the water from work yesterday.

We Live Young.

2011-10-18T23:45:00.000-06:00

I got lost. In this incredible talent of Nirrimi Hakanson. I don't think I've ever seen a photographer more able to pull me in and take over my mind. I just am in disbelief that this girl is 18. Let the photos speak for themselves, there's nothing more I can say with my jaw stuck wide open.

Nirrimi Hakanson

We Live Young

Gin & Java.

2011-10-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

Like I said before, I have 2 jobs, one of which I quit. One is as a waitress on a beach cafe the other as a bartender at a beach bar. Surprisingly, I am best as a bartender. I almost never mess up, and I actually make good tips for a country that doesn't tip. The waitressing, however, I am honestly terrible at. There are some people who are good at waitressing and some who just aren't. For some reason, it just doesn't work with my mind. I am good at analyzing, organizing, planning, and creative-type things. So, why then did I quit the job I was good at?

Well, there is something I have learned in my life, and it is: surround yourself with good company. The most amazing job in the world would be worthless if the people you work with are fake, negative, angry people. Yet, if you could work in the worst job ever and be surrounded with great friends and positive attitudes, the quality of your live would vastly improve. Even, in my case, if you are terrible at your job and break a hundred glasses. So, in an effort to rid myself of the negative people in my life and surround myself with people who make me laugh, smile, and happy, I quit.

Now, here's some pretty eye candy for you that is in no way related Xx

Ten to Happy.

2011-10-13T05:18:00.001-06:00

Skyping with Kapta Delta Delta Delta Delta (my besties). Knowing that even when I am forced to returnhome to yucky Colorado, I will have them there with me and everything is funwhen we’re together. We’re like littlekids with a cardboard box, we’ll turn it into a mansion.
Eat a Pink Lady. Favorite fruit (of the moment). I always hated eating apple skins becausethey made my mouth dry, but these ones are actually sweet on the outside!
Go to the library? Yes. Shock. I said it. My roomies literally had to drag me in there,but the libraries in OZ are so much coolerthan back home!!! They have an incubator with baby duckies and chicks, a sonicchair (like an iPod for your body), balloons, a coffee shop, and Frankiemagazine! I'm changed!
Sip a Dôme Cappuccino & catch up on the prettiest hats just in time for the Melbourne Cup in Marie Claire Australia.{via}
Umm... new. tim. tam. flavor. Honeycomb! I snuck a cheeky slam in Dôme...sshhh.
Beinspired by words. (frankie mag)
Listen to The Kooks “Junk of the Heart” My new happysong.
Get an adrenaline rush... i.e. the most extremeride at the fair, even if does cost $20 to ride, it’s worth the thrill.
Listen to the answer to my prayer. “Being out ofbalance opens the door for the devil to rob people of the good life. The devil tempts people to live in excess andextremes. He pushes some to beworkaholics and others to be lazy, whichever works to keep them unproductive.He drives some to seek wealth above God, and convinces others that poverty isgodliness. I believe that the only safelife is a balanced life. And a balanced life is obtained by keeping itspriorities in line with God’s truth. Build your life on solid, safe ground bypraying to God and listening to his plan for you” (Starting Your Day Right,Joyce Meyer)."
Watch some fireworks (my second favorite thingin this world… second to the ocean).

Paradise Lost.

2011-10-11T01:10:00.000-06:00

{via something else by natalie wood}

Keeping my balance is a struggle sometimes. Being happy is that place where everything is in balance: Mind, Body & Heart.

I've reached what I have felt to be my happiest in Australia, twice. First, was about 2 weeks into my trip in Sydney, I made an insta-best-friend and was going on dates every day, sightseeing, running across the Harbour Bridge, going to festivals and games. I had felt completely happy with everything in my life. I was falling in love with Australia which I thought was all contained in Sydney. I thought the rest of my life I would feel that way, perfectly lighthearted and joyful. Yes, I was wrong about how easily that balance can be thrown. Looking back on it, I don't even think that was true happiness; I think it was being disguised by uber-amazing distractions & attractions.

Then, I found my balance again in small hippy town that I bet you couldn't find on the map called Bellingen. It was surrounded by rainforest, aboriginal-claimed healing rivers, & meadows. I started eating gluten free and drinking tea all the time, went for hikes in the rainforest, lived outside with a net above my bed, kayaking under full moons, and floated down the rivers on inner-tubes. I remember getting into a zen-like place of happiness, like a non-stop meditative state. Then, I jumped out of an airplane and it all disappeared when I hit the ground.

It reminds me of Eat, Pray, Love, when she finds such an amazing happiness and balance in Rome and then she goes to India to 'meditate' and can't find peace. It was like all her hard work had gone to waste, and here she was in the 'center of peace' and couldn't find it. That's how I feel now that I am here in Perth. In some ways it feels like I'm starting all over again, being on my own trying to discover what I love. I am constantly working on keeping my life balanced between work, play, body & mind. Right now I am very much un-balanced, placing too much importance on working too much and worrying. I'll let you know how I get back in balance... I am determined to!

Casper & Pearl.

2011-10-09T23:37:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely in love with this lacy floral "build a bridge" dress from Casper & Pearl, a South Australian designer. I love that each piece is one of a kind and hand-made from vintage inspired fabric. I would feel so happy to don this dress, but unfortunately I cannot fit into a xs. Oh well, I guess one of you lucky ladies will be small enough to wear this beautiful creation. For a whimsical frock handmade by 19 year old Aussie designer Stacey Hendrickson, fall head over heels on her website . Her designs make me want to go frolicking in a peach orchard... georgia maybe? Xx

Rain drops on roses.

2011-10-04T02:54:00.000-06:00

Il Lido Sesh.

2011-09-30T00:30:00.000-06:00

So, I wandered into this little italian canteen called Il Lido for my daily cup-a-cap (cappuccino) and stumbled upon the most perfect me-like intriguing hilarious artsy fashion magazine called Frankie. I fell in love when I read a story from a girl ranting about when the right time is to show the guy your dating your disgusting miserable i-have-the-flu side of you. Its witty and I had to go back to this cafe just to read more. Now its a weekly routine to catch up on my Frankie. I am a regular there now, and the manager goes and fetches the Frankie mag and gets me a delightful cup-a-cap to sip on while I indulge. It's the best of both worlds. I get my fashion-fix, help my never ending missing Italy problem, and have an amazing Australian cup of coffee overlooking to Indian Ocean. I call it my Il Lido therapy sesh cuz I feel good as new when I get through!

Lindt & Roses.

2011-09-28T02:11:00.001-06:00

There are very few times I have felt homesick on thisso-far-8-month journey around the world. The most I ever feel it is when I am sick, though, and honestly, I justwant my mommy to bring me tea in bed. But my mom is clever enough to know that she can cheer me up even when Iam all the way on the other side of the globe. I woke up one morning with these flowers and chocolates next to my bedfrom my mummy & daddy wishing me well. It’s so nice to know that however far away from home I run, my parents arealways there for me with open arms to take me home. Truth is, my happiness can indeed be bought by pretty flowers and Lindor truffles, and I love that my mom knows that.

Addicted.

2011-09-20T05:49:00.001-06:00

I just ate a whole box of these petit french cookies. Gosh, so addicting!

Can't stop dreaming about owning these perfect heels from Wittner Australia.

...and non-stop obsessing over the amazing new Summer 2011 collection from Tigerlily Australia.

The most genius summer-kissed color combo ever made: Neon & Nude Nails

by Goldfish Kiss

Alannah Hill.

2011-09-19T08:33:00.002-06:00

Loving the Summer 2011 lookbook from Alannah Hill, one of my newest Australian designer discoveries. The looks remind me of Betsey Johnson / Guess 50's campaigns, but somehow, I like it even better! It's classy, glamorous, fun, and flirty!

Tea party.

2011-09-16T22:23:00.000-06:00

Check out my new earrings :) Only 8AUD! I fell in love with the color as soon as I saw them.

To continue my rant about tea, what better to wear to a tea party than this collection from Forever New: High Tea in St Tropez

T 4 2 & 2 4 T.

2011-09-16T04:39:00.001-06:00

I definately never thought I would say (or write) this, but here comes my rant about ... TEA! I wandered into a cool looking shop named T2 today, and I think I am a changed person. No, honestly, I have never ever been a tea person... coffee ALWAYS and every morning. I never understood the allure of tea (or tea culture as compared to coffee culture), until I saw the extravagant and playful tea collections in this crazy little store. My favorite part was that they had samples of different mixtures, and I tried one that was iced ginger & lemongrass. It was phenomenal. If someone offered me tea in one of these, I would definately be impressed!

I was happy to find some photos online of the inside of the store because honestly, I think that might have been the reason for my extreme-drink-makeover. I guess I am easily persuaded by a pretty cover, but the yummy taste definately helped too! Bonus, I've been wanting to eat healthier by only eating very natural, from the earth, kinds of foods. This store sells each tea as a simple (such as, only rose buds, or only chamomile). I think I spent an embarrassing amount of time on a tea website, but I encourage you to have yourself a cheeky little browse too: T2. I won't tell anyone! Xx

Mooloola.

2011-09-15T00:11:00.000-06:00

My 2 jobs! Both ocean views! I still can't believe it, as it has been my dream to work at a place like this my whole life. I decided to take some pics of my new boots that I was talking about in my last post too because I love them so much! I think these two bars/cafes has to have the best view I have ever seen for a restaurant/cafe in all of Australia. Anytime I get stressed out or anything, I just look at the beautiful ocean view or sunset and it calms me down.

Boots- City Beach

My Boots.

2011-09-13T09:14:00.000-06:00

There really is no way to describe how monotonous my wardrobe seems after living out of a suitcase for 8 months now. Even after 1 month, I was sick of everything I owned. One trend that the Aussie girls totally have down perfectly is wearing boots with shorts. I always thought this was such a cute look, and so when I needed black closed toed shoes for work, guess what kind I decided to buy? It was the perfect excuse to go to City Beach, and finally splurge on some cute black boots to go with my work outfit (black shorts + black shirt). My job is as a bartender at a beach front hotel where I can watch the sunset over the ocean through the ginormous windows that surround the bar. Sometimes it's weird how normal all of this seems to me, but I have been struck with a serious case of homesickness that I hope gets better shortly. No worries...all I need is a few more of these, and I'll be okay.

[this girl's got it down perfectly! via lookbook]

Gum Trees.

2011-09-08T09:44:00.000-06:00

I bought this new button-up shirt dress from Chic-a-booti on my birthday. I have this very strange, un-like-me obsession with birds lately. Like, for example, I bought this stuffed animal kookaburra that I sleep with at night and now this dress with exotic birds on it. There are so many cute exotic birds everywhere and I love them, they are so cute! My german roommates and I went to King's Park in Perth, and it was overflowing with beautiful flowers I have never seen before. Then, there were some baby ducklings that I was completely obsessed with, again I think it is that it has to do with the bird-thing... ducks are birds, right? Haha, whatevs, it was an amazing day & I got to practice my photography!

Vanilla & Bleue.

2011-09-02T23:59:00.001-06:00

This seriously is the coolest thing I have ever seen... One of my best friends A created this masterpiece and posted it on her blog today... how amazing is this!!! Check it out: La Vie en Bleue

This was my amazing birthday cake muffin that my friend from Ireland, Rachel, bought for me :)

I loved it to pieces.

White Chocolate & Vanilla Bean muffin from The Coffee Club.

for my birthday, I went shopping and fell in love with this collection from Dotti. Isn't it gorg!

Hundreds & Thousands.

2011-09-01T03:20:00.000-06:00

I rarely watch Australian TV, but today I caught a commercial that really took me in. This totally inspired me to start doing more photography, and I just had to share these amazing photos with you!!!

EOS Photo5 is Canon's annual creative photography competition that begins with a brown box. Inside there are 5 separate photographic briefs to challenge photographers. This year, the briefs will take your senses to a whole new level. Plus, for the first year we have a Portfolio competition, which means there’s another way for you to win the amazing prizes. There are only a limited number of official boxes available, but if you miss out on the box, everyone has a chance to enter the Open Brief.

Amazing, aren't they?

Check out my 365 Project for some of my favorite photos from this year

Last Evening.

2011-08-31T22:13:00.001-06:00

Watchin the sunset last night!

Our nightly workout at the wooden gym at sunset!

No Singlets.

2011-08-31T01:03:00.001-06:00

I originally came to Perth wanting to get an apartment and finally unpack my suitcase. But then I realized that I actually love the backpacker lifestyle, mostly because I am never alone if I don't want to be. There is always someone in the tv room, the cafe next door, the movie room, going for a jog on the beach, going into town, cooking, eating, etc... I love that! I can always walk 10 steps away and be on the beach in solitude if I want (see above), but I don't need too much time alone, just enough to sort my thoughts out.

Yesterday evening, a group of us wanted to work out, so we all went to the beach gym & did a little workout sesh at sunset. Tonight, I am teaching everyone pilates on the beach. Sure, it can get annoying that I sleep on a top bunk in a room with 7 other people, or that my clothes are still in my suitcase, or that I have to lock up my plate and silverware so no one steals it... but that's worth it to me to have all these amazing people from all over the world around me.

What I am currently LOVING about life right now:

Workout Sessions @ sunset

Planning my birthday

Seeing Marty Party (my puppy) lookalikes on the beach

Raisin Toast (such a luxury)

P.S. I Love You

An Aussie TV show called "Balls of Steel"

Free BBQ in the courtyard tonight

Best worship song ever: Kari Jobe-Revelation

Meeting new people every day

Teaching my Taiwanese roommate english

Bonfire beach parties

Watermelon, Apple, & Strawberry juice

Realizing that this sign made sense to me without even trying:

Translation:

No flip flops

No tank tops

No bathing suits

You need your passport if you want to get in here, American!

P.S. I Love Ireland

2011-08-30T02:02:00.001-06:00

I decided to finally watch P.S. I Love You. My friends have been begging me to watch it for years now, and I always refused because I knew that it was sad. Well, it was, but also it has a happy ending which makes it okay! It made me think of my trip in 2008 to Ireland and miss it just a bit. A lot of my friends in Perth are Irish and Scottish, and I absolutely cannot get enough of their awesome accents!

P.S. I Love You was one of those movies that makes you rethink your priorities in life and appreciate those that you love. It also makes me want to follow my dreams and live my life to the fullest! I am so happy that here I am, in Australia, exactly where I want to be, traveling the world and discovering myself in this fantastic little town called Cottesloe. I just hope that I can inspire everyone I love to do the same because this trip has truly changed my life and my perspective on life. I truly believe that life is meant to be lived and not just rehearsed as it was back home, and that is one thing I can carry with me wherever I end up in this world.

This park was in the movie...

Beachy Winter.

2011-08-29T03:02:00.000-06:00

There really is no place in the world I would rather be right now. I wish I could find a way to live here forever. I am determined to find a way. Spent the day going to job interviews, watching the surfers, and laying out at the beach. The first picture is the view from my awesomely huge window, and the beach is literally across the street. I couldn't wish for anything more!

Italy in OZ.

2011-08-27T06:35:00.002-06:00

Pizza has been my favorite food since I can remember, so I pride myself on knowing a good pizza when I taste it.

So, here's my little (but BIG) secret. When I lived in Italy I searched for the best pizza in Rome, and I found it. It's a local secret in the smallest pizza shop ever, but it is truly the best pizza in the world. I can't imagine anything yummier. You have to shout and push people to get your order in, stand up while you eat it, and it is always super-packed in there...but trust me it is always worth it. So, if you ever go to Italy, make sure you stop by this un-named pizza shop to experience the best pizza in all of Rome.

BEST PIZZA EVER:

Via Giacinto Carini, 42

00152 Roma, Italy

...but now that I am in Australia, I am on a hunt for the best pizza here:

Apparently its a big problem... people asking for pineapple on the pizzas. We had to laugh at this ridiculously serious sign, and it took everything in me not to ask for pineapple on our pizza. I'm pretty sure they would've thrown me out though.

Caffe Dell'Isola on Magnetic Island

Kangaroo Pizza @ The Australian Hotel in Sydney

(so amazingly yummy but i wanted to cry while i was eating it b/c of the cute little kangaroos)

These are my 2 favorite pizzas in Australia... so far :)

Repeat After Me I AM FREE.

2011-08-24T00:05:00.001-06:00

Loving right now:

The lyrics to Benny Benassi- Cinema

Strawberries & Passionfruit yoghurt

Listening to kookaburras laugh

My new Lumix DMC-FT10 Underwater camera

(Electric blue to remind me of my car)

Pear cider

Nighttime yoga on the beach

Watching the sunset on the ocean from my window

Perth & Sunset.

2011-08-21T03:06:00.000-06:00

Do you know what my favorite part about moving to Western Australia is? The sunsets on the ocean. I can't think of a more beautiful thing in life.

Sydney Must-Do's

2011-08-13T22:49:00.000-06:00

Kangaroo Pizza @ The Australian Hotel

Potato Wedges w/ sour cream & chili sauce @ The Opera Bar (the bar under the Opera House)

A sunset glass of house red @ The Glenmore Hotel Rooftop, which overlooks the city & the Opera house

A day of shopping @ The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) & Paddy's Market in China Town

Wandering the Botanic Gardens

OzParty Bus & OzParty Cruise

Eat a Bondi Burger @ Bondi Beach

Walk across the Harbour Bridge to Luna Park

Back Home to Sydney.

2011-08-06T21:36:00.000-06:00

I returned to my first love, Sydney, and I fell in love all over again. This time I am with my twinzies, and it's a whole new experience. I remember the difficulty to post blogs in Sydney, as well. Life is amazing, but its bitter sweet because an end is coming to this part of my trip. My friends will be heading home soon, and I will be moving all the way across to the other side of Australia to start a job, get an apartment, and start over making friends again. Sydney is as beautiful as ever, even during the winter and I have concluded that Australians are a bunch of wooses when it comes to cold weather. It's not cold. It's perfectly warm, yet to an Aussie this is "freezing." I am still in my shorts and tank tops and that's all that matters to me.

Last night, we went dancing at this very expensive local nightclub called Home. All I did was email a bunch of clubs that my friends and I couldnt afford to get in ($30 cover). Home replied right away, let us in for free and treated us like VIP all night long. The venue was absolutely beautiful, and it was great to experience the night life in Sydney like a true local.

2011-08-01T17:40:00.000-06:00

Today, we are leaving Cairns, Australia. It is such an amazing place and it has been a great 2 weeks. This north, you can't go to the beach, so we spent our time having fun in other ways. We had barbies, played on the amazing playgrounds, and laid at the lagoon all day long. America has nothing on Australian playgrounds. The Aussies have it down. I turn into a little kid again trying out the different things. I am looking forward to going back to Sydney, my first love, but I will miss the warm weather during this Australian winter. My money from working back home is dwindling, and it is time to find a real job soon. So, I am flying to the west coast after 2 weeks in Sydney to try to get sponsored so that I can stay here forever.

J'aime.

2011-07-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

Rainforest & Waterfalls.

2011-07-24T19:50:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the best days are the ones you dont plan. My whole philosophy with this trip was to not plan anything. My life back home is so rigid and planned out, I feel like there is nothing spontaneous or adventurous. A couple of days ago, my friends and I took a roadtrip to the Daintree Rainforest in northern Australia to see a bunch of beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and the biggest tree I have ever seen in my life. It was one of the most amazing days I have had here, and I couldn't have planned it if I tried. Sometimes you just need to let go of the plans and just live your life as it comes and you will have the most amazing adventures. Keep a positive attitude always, and life will rush in and show you how amazing it can really be!

Moonlight Beach.

2011-07-19T22:16:00.001-06:00

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving, safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, wine in one hand, chocolate in the other, body totally used up, totally worn out, screaming 'Woo Hoo! What a ride!'"

This is the difference I feel to the life in Colorado, and my life in Australia. It is wonderful feeling, knowing that my friends understand this, now. Our lives back home are routine, mundane and planned out for us with one purpose: to get money. Our lives in Australia have a much deeper purpose and everyday is an adventure full of new friends, boys, jokes, food, and memories. We meet all sorts of crazy people along the way and laugh the majority of the time. Life is supposed to be about finding joy and loving life, not devoting your life to routine. I love this quote, as it reminds us how life should be and is for us at this moment in Australia.

Sparklers & Sand.

2011-07-09T06:42:00.002-06:00

I don't know if I had mentioned this before, but i have this problem every year where I recurrently look forward to holidays so much that I am always disappointed that they never meet my expectations. The worst part about this is that the more I like a holiday the higher my expectations are, and the worse the actual day is to me. Not this year, though!!!

The 4th of July is my ultimate favorite holiday of all. Barbecues and fire works... I love the whole day! Yet, I have not had a good one for as long as I can remember. Ever since I have been in Australia, I have had the most amazing holidays, one after the other exceeding my expectations.

We were in a very small town in Queensland Australia called 1770. There is literally a beach, 1 store, 1 petrol station, and 1 hostel. Of course, I was not expecting the big sha-bang of traditions such as the fire work shows in the baseball fields and huge barbecues in a town like this, in a country who doesn't even celebrate it. Yet, this 4th of July was the best I can remember. I celebrated in Australia with my twinzies, 1 American boy, and about 30 people from all over the world. The manager of the hostel decided to throw his first ever 4th of July party, and we just happened to be in the right place at the right time!

We taught everyone how to make an "american hot dog" with "American ketchup" and "hot dog buns." We used facepaint to draw American flags, USA, and I <3 America all over everyone. We explained the "S'more" to our deprived friends from other countries who had never heard of it as we sat around the bonfire. The best part was that we bought sparklers at the one store in this town with a population of like 100. Sparklers have been banned since I was 10 in Colorado, and I have missed them so much! It was the most amazing day, unexpectedly so, and I am so grateful for that!

Life is unceasingly more here in Australia, even on the one day when I thought I would miss America the most. I just wish i could ship all my friends and family out here and stay forever! Xx

The Secret.

2011-07-08T08:25:00.000-06:00

I have discovered this amazing secret of life. It is simple, yet no one realizes it. It is the power of giving love for the things that you want. It is the amazing fact that you can create the life that you want. All you have to do is give love for the things that you desire. Don’t let any negative feelings of jealousy, doubt, sadness, guilt, fear, or anything else enter your mind otherwise you will bring negative things into your life. Every morning I meditate thinking only of things that I love… I think of my amazing life of living in Australia forever. I think of how I am becoming my healthiest I have ever been. I think of how amazing life is when I surround myself with happy, positive people.

This is the secret that so many people that I know don’t realize. That whatever you can dream, whatever you can imagine your life to be, it can be that. At one point and time, before I was even in Australia or knew I was coming here, I loved the life that I am living right now. I loved it into existence. So many people settle for the things that they think they are stuck with, but in reality, all they need to do is love the life they want. Love it and believe in it enough, and it will come into reality.

This is my secret that I believe with all of my heart.

3 ways to find Joy!

2011-06-29T22:48:00.000-06:00

3 ways to find Joy!
Joy to me is the combination of peace and happiness. If you can calm your mind, you will find the simple things in life are what make you happiest.

Just Breath!

Focusing on your breath centers you and makes you realize the miracle that you are alive and blessed to be able to breathe. I always like to think of my breath as the sound of the ocean waves washing on shore, as it helps me to relax. Take 3 deep breaths, and then continue. Almost every time, I feel better just after breathing.

Keep Perspective!

When you are super stressed, your vision becomes so narrow on the problem in front of you. It makes you feel like the thing you are worried about is so huge! But when you change your perspective, and imagine looking down on yourself from the future, or at the end of your life, how big is this problem really? Is it really worth ruining your day over? Keep your perspective large, and all your small non-important problems will disappear.

Practice Mindfulness!

This is one of my favorite practices, and best calming tricks. Throughout your entire day, while you are walking, eating, sitting... notice all of your senses and start listing the things around you. Right now, I am sitting outside at night, listening to the rain on the palm trees, the breeze flowing through the leaves. I hear the sound of a movie playing in the common area and the faint sound of someone practicing guitar. I feel the cool Australian winter air and my soft blanket wrapped around me. I see 12 wonderfully unique guys and girls from all over the world, in a colorful hostel, just happening to cross eachothers' lives at this place and time, all coming together to watch the same movie in this tiny beach town in Australia.

I hear...

I feel...

I see...

I smell...

I taste...

J'ai un singe dans ma dos.

2011-06-29T03:08:00.000-06:00

A nice rainstorm to blog in? Oui Oui. Wishing I had my piano to play on right now, I am in the perfect mood for playing.

Eternity.

2011-06-28T06:48:00.000-06:00

I had the most amazing 2 hour hike along the coastal trail around Noosa today. There were some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen in my life. The weather was absolutely perfect, as well. By the time we got to Main Beach (the end), I felt like I was in a tropical rainforest, and we made sandcastles on the beach and drank smoothies. This is my absolute favorite way to exercise, looking for dolphins and watching the surfers along the way.

Twinzies.

2011-06-26T01:24:00.000-06:00

Being in Surfers for the past 2 months and then coming to Noosa, a completely different place, has made me realize how easy it is to get back into stress-mode. Without even realizing it I have gotten back into my stressful thought patterns, with negative thoughts clouding my mind. When my friends, B & J got here to Australia, we were busy and stressed out for the first 2 weeks, but then now that we are in Noosa, I am finally able to show them the worry-free Australia I know and love. I finally remember the joy in just sitting in the sun, listening to exotic birds chirping, sleeping in the rain, and walking therapy sessions with my twinzies. Just walking can be such an incredible experience. I wish I could explain this to everyone around me, how amazing Australia is, the real Australia, not the fake parts like the middle of Surfers Paradise. Sometimes partying and touristy places can be fun, but I know that is not the place to find happiness in. Right now we are in a small beachy town called Noosa, living the good life just chillin’ in the sun. My friends and I are living together for the first time, and we are learning so many things from each other. I think that is the important part about having friends learning from their mistakes and enjoying life together, and always realizing that our time spent together makes up our lives. Life is all about finding joy, love, and growing spiritually. I feel so blessed to have my friends here to help me find those things, helping me stay on track along the way.

Paradise life.

2011-06-20T08:50:00.000-06:00

My best friends from home came to visit me in Surfers Paradise. We have been friends for 8 years, and we have always talked about living together in Australia. Our first trip out of Colorado together, and I am more than stoked that it is Australia. It has been one week, and we have done so much! A week in Australia is worth months in Colorado to us.

I have learned so much about myself already, having them here. Your best friends challenge you, question you, laugh with you. Sharing my life with them and looking at my life here from the outside has taught me where my priorities are, where I want them to be, and how I can change. I am so blessed.

This is pretty much our motto in life, especially for the next two months in OZ:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving, safely in a well-preserved body. Rather to skid in sideways, wine in one hand, chocolate in the other, screaming Woo Hoo! what a ride!"

Macaroons & Betty Blue.

2011-06-19T17:31:00.000-06:00

I love pretty food.

I finally had my first macaroon! It was Bailey's flavored and my friend J and I split it. It was worth the $4 for sure! We had the most amazing morning at Diva Coffee & Tea House, listening to a guy serenade us while he was basking nearby. The markets at the Marina Mirage were buzzing, and we enjoyed this incredible coffee called Betty Blue- a double shot espresso with steamed milk. Fabulous life.

Hats & Crowns.

2011-06-08T21:37:00.001-06:00

Way back, before I came to Australia, I found this line called MARKET HQ. See here when I fell in love with it. In this Australian "winter" on the gold coast, it does require you to cover up a bit more. Unlike back home in Colorado, you don't have to cover up so much that you lose your style and shape in heaps of layers. I live in the Gold Coast where fashion and looks take priority over personality or ability. Here's the key to the Aussie winter look... cover up your arms or your legs, but not both. And top if off with a hat which magically reduces the need for a jacket! Oh yeah, and animal prints count for fur, so you can show your legs and your arms and still magically stay warm. Voila. That is the recipe for becoming Australian-winter-chic!

ps. its really not that cold

Want to know what the Aussie's fashion looks like in the winter? Here you go:

...i guess crowns count for hats too

{markethq.com.au}

White Space & Wondering.

2011-06-08T19:36:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned before, I live right above an art gallery. Every day they change up the paintings in the windows. I immediately fell in love with this artist, Erin Flannery. I love the portraits and the white space to leave to the imagination! You can create a whole story for each picture in your head!

The best part, that I love... the titles she gives to her art! I adore them.

Under One's Beehive.

GC Gwen quickly realized the flowers on her new shopper tote were not edible.

Hot Shot, Polka Dot.

Monday Morning Latte Lineup.

Sylvie's Unconventional Bowtie.

...and my personal favorite:

I knew I had completely fallen in love with this girl's art when I saw this chair inside the gallery:

The chair that came out of the closet.

See more art from ERIN FLANNERY.

40 Cent.

2011-06-03T20:40:00.002-06:00

One of the simplest, but most amazing experiences here in Surfers Paradise has been the 40 cent meals at hard rock café with my friends and new ones. Every day for 40 days at 4 o’clock, for the first 40 people, hard rock café has been serving 40 cent meals. They have all been incredible and I have had the greatest times at Hard Rock every day with my friends. Sometimes, I invite random people from the hostel to go with me, and I have made some incredible friends from all over the world.

Ps. This blazer from Factorie has been my very best friend in this Australian "winter"...

Bed time.

2011-06-03T20:27:00.000-06:00

Tahnee Atkinson is the new face of my absolute nightwear obsession- Peter Alexander. Favorite part of this choice, is that she's not a size 0! I absolutely would love to own this collection and live in it all day and night. I am in love with the 50's glam Bridget Bardot style of this collection. I adore the leopard print against the roses and the bouffant-eyeliner-combo with the pajamas. It all doesn't make sense to put together, but somehow it works so well!!!

{To see the full collection... PeterAlexander.com.au}

Modern Muse.

2011-05-30T22:20:00.003-06:00

I have gained some weight because of the incredible food in australia... KitKat Cookies & Cream, barbies, Magnums, Boost, Kebabs, gelato, more Magnums, Snakes, Starburst gummies... the list goes on. Everytime I saw something that I have never had before, I had to try it. Living as a backpacker, I was trying to get by on the cheapest food and the smallest amount of groceries... Therefore, my diet consisted of bread and peanut butter, Doritos, and candy bars. I eventually got really sick, and the doctor told me that I couldn't eat anymore sugar or bread. I have been really good about the bread, but until recently I just couldn't give up my beloved sugar. I really had become addicted to sweet things. Finally, I got really sick again, so I had to give it up once and for all. After the first 3 agonizing days of withdrawals, I don't crave it anymore! I have been sugar and bread free for almost 2 weeks now, and I feel so much healthier and happier!

I am focusing now on a much healthier diet and I exercise every day on the beach! What better way to work out than in the Australian brand Lorna Jane. Back home, I pretty much live in Pink, the Victoria's Secret comfy brand. Here, I had to find a brand that is casual and comfortable to go from every-day to workout on the beach easily. I go for runs on the beach to get my groceries, that's just how life is when you live in a city on the beach. I love that this ad focuses on the diversity of their clothes and how you can wear them everyday, anywhere and still look hot.

These Three Things.

2011-05-29T22:34:00.002-06:00

I started reading a new book, Commited. At the hostel there is a "free books" bookshelf which I pass by every day. I have been wanting to read Commited for quite some time now because one of my best friends, A, told me she really thought I would enjoy it. From the writer of Eat, Pray, Love, and one of my greatest inspirations for taking this leap to Australia, the book appeared on the bookshelf this morning to my great surprise. I went down to the beach today to start reading it, and I got this incredible inspiration to write. I spent the morning/afternoon laying on the beach, doing yoga, and meditating on three simple things.

Peace.

Joy.

Love.

These have been the three goals of my life for quite sometime now. Whenever I think about what I want out of life, it all boils down to these three things.

I have been shallow and closed off lately because of my present state of satisfaction. My movements and thoughts only dictated by what is in front of me. How wrong is that? That only when in need do I get deep and turn to God. Today, I closed my eyes and imagined my life completely at peace. I imagined my relationships to be at peace, my work situation to be at peace, my body and my state of mind to be at peace. Do you know what I saw? I saw such joy in my life. I saw health, laughter, and so much love that it was overwhelming. I imagined how I would feel to breathe peace into other people’s lives, that I could actually be a light to others. Instead of focusing on the frivolous, shallow things, I should be focusing on this way of life, or the road I'm on will lead me to a dead end.

How do I do it though? I focus my thoughts on God. On this intimate relationship with him, and that feeling of complete control and peace when I have hit the bottom and I am absolutely torn apart, fallen on the ground. That moment when I know that my life is in his hands completely, and that he will treat me with love and love me to a life of joy again. I need that kind of intimacy back. Where I climb into his arms and hold on to him for my life, knowing that I am completely safe with him. This is the piece of life that I have been longing for, that I have missed. I have felt so empty even though I am in Paradise. Paradise only lasts for so long, and then the cracks show through.

Listening to the waves on the beach, reading my book, completely alone and completely relaxed, I focused on one word over and over, peace. I heard the waves rhythmic and soothing. I heard nothing else, not even my own thoughts. Suddenly everything around me grew quiet and somehow connected. I felt so at ease, so filled with love and joy. If I could just hold on to this feeling, everyday...

A day at the park.

Cuppa Cap.

Boo Boo, a puppy Nanna & I fell in love with at the park.

Hey Sweets.

2011-05-25T05:01:00.001-06:00

I had this amazing idea that I would jump from that ledge and get a jumping shot into the water and land perfectly. Of course, I slipped and got soaked! Nanna and I had an amazing day just playing around with her new camera. Sometimes, just taking photos is the most fun thing to do!

I was in such a terrible mood this morning! I woke up with bad dreams, late for work. I felt like all I wanted to do was go back to bed… I had a complete lack of energy, motivation, and joy. Thankfully, some of my friends had this amazing idea to go bike riding. To my surprise, there was this fantastic bike trail along the coast. We met up in Surfers and then rode to Broad Beach. By the time I got on the trail, all my stress, sadness, and lethargy had gone completely. I was in ecstasy flying along the path next to the beach. We found this amazing park, which had some incredible swings that we played on for a while. Along the path, there are exercise equipment for the runners to work out on along the beach! It’s so smart and so perfect! I was so excited to discover this part of Surfers Paradise, and such a refreshing change of pace. It’s a lesson to myself too, that whenever I get in one of these moods, just to get out in the sun and do something active! Meet up with friends for coffee or play at the park. How easily a bad mood that you think is unchangeable can make a turn for a fantastic, blissful, and enlightening day!

How beautiful was this sunset as I was riding back home today? How could I not have a smile on my face all the way back!? I really do live in Paradise.

Life Soundtrack.

2011-05-23T05:50:00.002-06:00

Christina Perri Lovestrong

I cannot tell you how much I love this girl's music. She is one of the most talented songwriters I have ever heard. I just want to share her with the world!

Make sure you listen to:

Bang Bang Bang.

Blue Bird.

Jar of Hearts.

Penguin.

I think what I love about her so much is that they picked her up in a coffee shop, where she would spend her days off writing music. The rags to riches fairytale. I also love the nakedness about her songs. Completely honest, the way that music should be. The music completely embraces the way that the lyrics should feel. It's not fake or overly done. That's why I love her music so much. It's so complete. Each song is such a story.

Fashion Art.

2011-05-23T04:14:00.001-06:00

I stumbled upon OneTeaspoon today to shop online, and I noticed that I wasn't so much looking at the clothes anymore as I was the photography and art of the photos. I love that they took selling these outfits to a very artistic level, showing the shapes and cuts in a very unique way. I don't necessarily like any of these outfits. I just found the photography to be very intriguing. I love artsy fashion eye candy like this!

i heart bambi.

Being happy.

2011-05-17T05:15:00.004-06:00

I am thankful every day for the brand new chance at life that God has given me.

We <3 it.

One of those days...

2011-05-15T23:38:00.003-06:00

They all can't be fantastic, right? Then I wouldn't appreciate the good days.

I am in a bit of a funk today, missing my friends back home terribly. I have been sort of moping around, reading my book in various places around the town.

I also like to buy myself things when I am sad, so I splurged and got some banana bread and fancy cappuccino to drink while I read by the pier. Then, I meandered through an art gallery right next to where I live, which I admire as I pass to get to my room. This one by Samantha Everton especially caught my eye because it is exactly how I feel today...

Finally, I ended up on the beach where it was too windy, but I got to meditate to a few new Brandon Heath songs I just downloaded. Plus, a free one on iTunes I downloaded last night by Christina Perri- Bluebird.

In the end, it may not have been a significant day or the most exciting day in the world, but at least I had some time to pray, meditate, and read my book. And for that I am very thankful.

Now, watch this beautiful dance/song number that I am now officially in love with:

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts Live on SYTYCD

I've watched it like 10 times today.

I wish you all a fabulous day. And if it's just one of those days for you too, find something you love and share it in the comments!