#18: Monica Vinader

I still have some net-a-porter credit leftover so recently when they had free shipping to Australia I couldn't help but order some new jewellery. I'm the first to admit I don't need new costume-y jewellery but I've loved some of Monica Vinader's stuff on NAP and wanted to get my hot little hands on a piece.

First off, I love the packaging - the magnetised box is slimline and just perfect for a beautifully fine piece of jewellery.

I chose this silver bar/union jack inspired piece for a bit of colour and because I thought it would work nicely stacked with my dogeared karma bracelet. Actually that reminds me, I haven't even posted about that! I've been slack oops!

When worn its not as rounded as it looks in the pics - it actually sits flat on the wrist which is what I love. It is a little too big, but I have that problem generally with my wrist being so small.

Sony NEX-6!

I've been a little naughty recently with the technology purchases, with my new toy arriving this week - a Sony NEX-6!

Even though I already bought a new camera earlier this year (plus an iPad and upgraded my iPhone), my justification for this expensive purchase was that I was able to get a very good staff discount deal from one of my very generous friends. Who could say no, right?

This camera only just got released as well so I was pretty stoked.

I've only played with it a bit and I already love love love it! As much as I would love a DSLR purely for photographic quality, the size factor has always stopped me because I just know I'll never carry it around. This is a great compromise as not only is it still fairly small, it is also very lightweight! There are a few things about it that annoy me - namely the kit lens isn't great for macro and some of the functions aren't as user friendly as my other Canon cameras, but the pure responsiveness, shutter speed and photo quality (with its APS-C sensor) cannot be beaten.

I'm excited to take it on my upcoming holiday to see how it fares!

Meanwhile, my camera collection has grown ridiculously so I am officially on a technology spending ban! Four of five of these cameras are mine (the 5th is my sisters) and I have now handed on the S95 to her because I do not need 4 cameras! So if I even blog about contemplating purchasing something new, please stop me!

Sculptures by the Sea 2012

A few weekends ago I went to Sculptures by the Sea because the weather was AMAZING! My mum's boss had a sculpture there too so it seemed like another good reason to go.

I have to admit, I didn't stay for that long so I probably missed some here and there and I didn't go into the indoor exhibits because the line was too long but these were definitely my favourites:

I loved this dome as both a decorative and perhaps slightly functional structure (it could be an amazing gazebo like feeling for a wedding?).

This memorial to the Bali bombing victims was by far my favourite in terms of being meaningful and beautiful. The sound these made was haunting and eerie and is such a perfect reminder that those people must be looking down on us everyday.

I love ribbons so couldn't help but like this one!

Did you manage to go to Sculptures and which was your favourite?

What's in my bag?

I've been meaning to do this post for a while but never got round to it. I've been changing bags a lot lately so thought I would show you all the junk I carry in my bag everyday! There are rare days that I don't carry all this stuff, but because I'm a planner I like to make sure all those things are there 'just in case' and its representative of what I carry 95% of the time.

I realised when I took the photo that I totally forgot to include my phone in this pic...but I've posted pics of that before :)

So what's in my bag?

From the top row across and down - I always carry a little fold up tote bag in case I have extra stuff! Gum, camera and Oroton make up bag are of course mandatory. My make up bag actually has a lot in there from emergency medicine and bandaids, foundation, bobby pins and the like!

Then the second row has my T&Co keyring (love this because it's so small and not heavy), a box of chocolate snacks (I never leave the house without snacks!) and my favourite Chanel purse.

Then the boring stuff in the bottom row - work ID pass, Smythson card case, mirror and must have make up items (perfume atomiser and lipgloss go with me everywhere, no matter what size bag!) and then another zip case of extra bits and pieces for work mainly.

What's in your bag?

Youtube: Apple Fanatics

My friends alerted me to these two videos recently - I'm ashamed to say I can totally relate to some of the things mentioned here!! Pretty funny viewing if you are an Apple user and want to have a bit of a laugh :)

Part 1:

Part 2:

Are you an Apple or Android user? There's also an Android version of the video!

ASOS 'In Your World'

I've been slack with posting this because I lost the charger to one of my cameras (I have no idea where it went and can't for the life of me remember the last time I had it!) but you might remember a few weeks ago I mentioned going to one of the ASOS 'In your world' launch party events in Sydney. I went to one of the parade events at Opera Point Marquee, which I have actually been to before. I love it there because of the view, ambience and glamour of being in a marquee overlooking our beautiful harbour.

I actually have never been a fan of ASOS' clothes but this was a fun, free event so I thought why not!

Excuse the very photo heavy post ahead =)

They had this wall where you could scan the pics of clothing using your smart phone and the special ASOS app to purchase it straight away.

These wristbands were personally ID'd so that they could take photos of you then scan your wristband and the photos would tag you on fb automatically. It was definitely a very technologically savvy event!

And here are some photos of the clothes on parade:

 I like the poised sparkly fun aspect of both the dresses below (though I would never personally buy them!)

 The final walk...

All up I think the clothes looked better in real life than I expected - the fabrics were better than I expected and better than I had seen of other ASOS items I've seen friends wear. The fashion parade and event in itself was short and snappy with three runs of it happening over the night and bits and pieces of finger food and drinks on offer.

All in all a fun night out and the goodie bag wasn't half bad either!

This pic is a bit terrible 'cos its on my old camera....the sunglasses are going to come in handy in Bali when I'm sitting by the pool all day!

The Grounds Alexandria

I have been trying to go to The Grounds at Alexandria for ages, but everytime I go the wait time is ridiculous (I am not waiting 45 mins+ for normal breakfast fare!). Anyway, I've now been let into the secret which is to order take away and perch yourselves at the outside tables (tip for next time, right!).

Last Saturday however I managed to get myself out of bed early and met up with a friend who lives around the corner for a quick brunch/breakfast meal. I have to admit, the vibe there is really awesome with the grounds just so family friendly and almost unexpected in the concrete jungle landscape of Alexandria.

They're setting up a new bar and pizza area which will be fabulous when the weather warms up and people can chill out on a lazy Saturday/Sunday arvo for drinks and sunlight.

I ordered the croque monsieur which was really well done - and mesclun salad on the side was a welcome addition.

I don't remember what this is but that's my friends Turkish inspired toastie breakfast item. Looks amazing too!

So my verdict? The bandwagon aspect is definitely very annoying but the food is really good quality and well done. The ambience is fun and casual and they didn't push us out quickly despite having queues of people waiting. I wouldn't say the place is mindblowingly unique or the best brunch ever but definitely worth a try (especially with the take away trick)!