A-Z of Me

I baby sat Micah again. Poor little fella always gets photos taken by me. He had these cute little Pooh pants on. 

I was tagged by Sandy of Sandy a la Mode to do this A-Z about me. It's a different way to learn random facts.

Age: 26 (oh no I'm past the mid 20's)
Bed Size: Queen (perfect size)
Chore you Hate: Cleaning the bathrooms
Dogs: Playful and cute ones. I've never had a dog though
Essential start of your day: A warm shower
Favourite Colour: Pink. Then turquoise and aqua.
Gold or Silver: Both. I wear them both so I don't really mind
Height: 5'2" :)
Instruments I play: I used to play the alto and tenor saxophone. And I played a little bit of the keyboard too.
Job Title: Sales assistant at Myer
Kids: Sometime in the future
Live: Brisbane, Queensland
Mum's name: Marilla
Nickname: Gracie, Shenny, Grash
Pet Peeve: Dirty dishes let around the house haha
Quote from a movie: Princess Leia: "Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy looking Nerf herder"
Han Solo: "Who's scruffy looking?"
Right or left handed: Right handed but I swear I was left before I learnt to write
Siblings: 2 wonderful older brothers
Time you wake up: Between 7-7:20 on weekdays and Sunday :) and around 8:30-9 on Saturdays
Underwear: Well my favourite is Bonds. Comfiest undies ever.
Vegetables you dislike: Not the biggest fan of baked sweet potato
What makes you run late: Getting ready late or being indecisive with my outfits
X-rays you've had done: Teeth and throat
Yummy food you make: Brownies and Jam drop biscuits
Zoo animal: Tigers

And I tag anyone who would like to participate :)

Tagged with more questions

Thanks again for your wonderful comments. They make me feel so happy!

I have more tagged questions. I will try and do at least two in this post :)

This first lot if is from lovely Cassie. She is so sweet and has such a lovely blog full of gorgeous images. I adore her Tumblr Tuesdays.

1. What book(s) are you currently reading right now?

Alright I'm reading a few YA books because I love them. One is The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, Withering Tights by Louise Rennison and I'm starting The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin.

2. What is your all time favourite film and why?

Oh this is a hard one as I don't think I have one. There are a lot of movies that are my favourites but I guess I would choose Blood Diamond. I thought about this movie a lot when I first saw it. The whole blood diamond trade (We made sure my rings have certification to say they are not blood diamonds), the father who loves his son no matter what, the wonderful Leonardo Dicaprio (he's amazing in this movie). It also made me realise how blessed I am to live here.

3. Which is your favourite room in your house and what makes it special?

I guess at the moment it's the lounge room. It's where I'm usually during the day. I sit on the lounge and blog, read, eat, create. Plus Jason's computer is here too so it's where we spend most of our time together.

4. Tell us about a childhood holiday you loved.

I think my second trip to the Philippines is quite memorable. My first trip I turned one in the Philippines. The second time round I was seven. I think I enjoyed it because I spent time with my cousins, most of my grandparents were all still alive and I just remember having such a wonderful trip. I even enjoyed the plane trip.

With a few of my cousins. I have a lot more but these are the ones closer to my age.

5. What is the one place that you really want to visit that you haven't been to before

Again there are many places I have been but I would have to say Spain. It's been a country I have wanted to visit for years. For awhile at university I was thinking of doing an exchange there. I really looked into it too. I know that I will absolutely love it when I will one day visit.

6. What is your go-to favourite comfort food

I would say biscuits. Especially if they are chewy with lots of chocolate chips :) Or Tim Tams.

Via Intelligent Travel Blog

7. What is something fun and inspiring you have seen online lately and would like to share with us all?

There is so much lovely inspiration online. I have recently discovered this lovely tumblr archive, which I found via Anastasia's twitter. Absolutely lovely and dreamy.

Here's an example....

Via Designlovely via KristaKeltanen etsy

Via Designlovely via Dadaya flickr

Via Designlovely via AndreaFleischer flickr

Via Designlovely via Diana_Catherine flickr

A lot of prettiness here.

Ok I was going to do my other questions but I might do that in my next post. It will be too much to handle for you lovely readers :)

Have a good rest of week full of beauty and inspiration.

P.S. My new site is up but I haven't done much with it yet. My blog will be changing very soon.

A tag and award

I have an award and tag that is long overdue. With the Bathurst trip I will write about it next post. We didn't really do much anyway.

I received this award from the gorgeous and talented Andhari of Insomniac Lolita. It appears that I must answers some questions and pass the award on. Thank you!

1. Who is Your Style Icon?

I've always loved Natalie Portman's style and more recently Emma Watson.

Via NataliePortman.com

Via EmmaW.org

2. Which is your favourite socialite book?

I don't think I've read any socialite book before.

3. Favourite Party Theme?

I have to say masquerade. I've been to a few and it's so much fun to make the masks. Plus there are some gorgeous masks to buy out there.

It's a Masquerade by Graciebella featuring Kiki de Montparnasse

Made by me on Polyvore.

4. Go to Halloween Costume?

We don't really do Halloween here. But if I must, some type of fairytale character.

5. Extravagance you cannot live without?

My iPhone and Mac. I didn't need to buy a Mac or have an iPhone.

6. Living Person you admire.

My parents. They are the best examples of who I want to be as a person.

7. Greatest Fear(s)

Fear of failure. I think this is really detrimental because it stops me from doing what I want to do.

8. Traits you deplore in yourself

My procrastination and constantly comparing myself to everyone else. Jason says I compare myself way to much.

9. Which talent you would most love to have?

I would love to be one of those people who can whip up anything. For example they need a summer dress so they sew it themselves. They need a scarf so they knit or crochet one. They are going to a party and need a hostess gift so they bake something. I guess if I really worked at it, it might happen someday :)

10. Greatest Achievement?

I think would be getting where I am. Sure I've made plenty of mistakes over the years but I'm proud that I am quite happy with myself and I hope that one day I will truly be who I want to be.

I give this award to... Fashion, Art and Other Fancies, Diana of OneCraftyFox, Erin of Pughs News, Megan of Time After Tea, Jasmine of Lavender's Green, Anastasia of Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming.

And I was tagged by the lovely and sweet Rachael from It's Simple Love. In this tag there are 8 random questions that I must answer, then I must write my own 8 random questions and pass them on :) Thanks!

1. What Band is your "go-to-band" in the car?

I don't actually have a car but in Jason's car we tend to listen to anything kind of sad. That's our go to music for some reason :) There's no band in particular that I can think of...maybe Linkin Park?

2. What is your pet peeve?

I hate lateness. Being quite punctual myself I get really agitated when someone is late (and they don't msg to say they will be).

3. Who is your celebrity crush?

Ahh this changes all the time. I guess at the moment Sam Worthington, he is so typically Aussie. And for some weird reason I have a Draco Malfoy thing going on so I would say Tom Felton (I've been in the weirdest Harry Potter mood) and he's so nice in interviews. And I think I will always like Leo DiCaprio. Girl crush is also my style icons Natalie Portman and Emma Watson.

4. How would your friends describe you?

Ahh happy, thoughtful and sweet? Hopefully creative, friendly and loyal too :)

5. Where is the furthest place you have been?

Not too far. I guess the Philippines would be the furthest place I've been. I haven't travelled much yet.

6. What's the most important thing in a friendship to you?

Trust and being able to just hang out and have fun without feeling like I have to be someone else.

7. If you could change your name what would it be?

Hmm...never really thought about it. I did rename myself Graciana at one point :)

8. Unibrow or mustache if you had to have one?

I would choose the unibrow lol

I will pass this tag to... Jasmine of Lavender's Green (An award and tag for my new good bloggy friend), Joana of Ecological Storyteller, Caroline of Coeur de La, Sierra of Ocean Dreams, Mara of M Loves M, Alely of Oh Sweetlee Me, Amy of Junghwa by Amy Stewart, Belen of Belen:Beh-LEHN

My questions for you

1. What's your favourite fairytale?

2. Do you prefer Mac or PC?

3. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

4. Heels or flats?

5. What's your biggest dream?

6. Your favourite book character?

7. Are you the type of person who keeps their feelings inside or lets it out?

8. Who is your role model?

You girls are all lovely! Have a great rest of week. It's Game One with State of Origin (rugby league) tonight. Queensland vs. New South Wales. If you live in either of these states you will understand how big this is. I have to admit I'm a fence sitter. Born in NSW but moved to QLD at such a young age I don't really feel any loyalty for NSW but technically I should be going for them :)

What's in my bag tag

Hello lovelies! I was tagged by the lovely Belen. It's to see what's inside my bag (or purse? we use bag here in Aus). I have to say I love seeing what people keep in their bags. It's really interesting.

I had some lovely sunshine pouring in through the window this morning so I quickly took a photo. The sun is off and on at the moment. I hope it stays out for my washing.

Anyway, here's the photo and what's inside....

1. My bag is from Forever New. It's one of my favourite shops ever. Jase got me this bag as part of my bday present.

2. The Guess wallet next to it is to keep my excess cards and other things

3. The little blue purse (was part of a package from Julia) and it has my bits like eye drops, blotting paper, mini nail file etc.

4. The grey pouch is for my camera

5. My sunnies and I can't seem to find the case

6. My little hair brush

7. My iPhone and pink case

8. My headphones (usually tucked into a pocket in the bag)

9. The little Oroton purse is where I keep my main cards that I use. I bought this ages ago when I used to work in another department store and it still looks almost as new. Excellent quality.

10. The other little purse is where I keep my keys, my work name badge and work locker key

11. The last row has my Kikki.K 2010 diary. It's so cute inside.

12. The slim notepad is also from Kikki.K. With a tiny Smiggle mechanical pencil. This is for all my random thoughts during the day.

13. The soft cover Moleskine sketchbook is for my ideas.

14. A little packet of tissues. I always try and have tissues in my bag.

15. My Lucas' Pawpaw ointment. I use it as a lip balm. This is an absolute must have! It's pretty much a cult item it's so good. Well it's a cult item here in Brisbane at least. Not sure about the other states?

16. A little pink Smiggle pencil case. It has other tiny pens, tiny scissors, tiny stapler and other staples, a pencil sharpener and a few paperclips. You never know when you need it and it has come in handy at the most random times :)

17. My favourite black pen. Jason got it for me. He knows how much I love black felt tipped pens.

In the pockets in the bag I keep feminine products and pain killers. I would usually have a book if I have a long work shift, a bottle of water and some snacks.

This little bag is actually a giant pencil case from Smiggle. (Yes I buy a lot from Smiggle even though it's a kids stationery store. and Jason bought me this...he knows me so well) I sometimes take this with me filled with stationery and letters or cards I need to write.

Now I tag...Megan, Julia, Mara, Nicole, & Yelena. I would love to what's in your bags if you want to participate of course :)

And a snapshot of the books I'm reading at the moment.

I'm re reading the Craft Inc book (because of Etsy). The Paper Flow book is to help stay organised. And the pretty hardback Penguin Classic Emma which was a gift from a friend.

Although I did read 3 books in the Maximum Ride series on the weekend and I have also borrowed some books from the library so they will also be on my book reading list.

Plain Truth - Jodi Picoult

Swimsuit - James Patterson

Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahern

Well that's it. This turned out longer than I meant for it to be. Have a wonderful rest of week!

Tagged!

I was tagged by Julia, and the rules are:

+ Link back to the person who tagged you

+ List six little things that make you happy

+ Tag six bloggers and let them know they're 'it.'

This is a sweet tag and it's always nice to list little things that make me happy. Sometimes it's the little things that make it a day filled with happiness.

1. Ballet Flats

Image via French Sole

I'm completely obsessed with flats. I'm making myself quite a collection.

2. Books

Image from Design Sponge photo by Perfect Bound Studio

I love to read and drink tea to relax and it makes me happy. So do pretty covers.

3. Writing and receiving letters

Image from Perfect Bound Studio

I love to receive letters and to write them. I still have every letter written to me since I was 9. I'm always up for new penpals if any one wants one (let me know). I always add little notes, stationery and other bits in my letters =)

4. Moleskine Notebook/Journals

Image via Notemaker

Ever since I bought my first Moleskine I've loved them. I always carry one around in my bag. I usually go for the plain pages instead of lined.

5. Being a kid again

We love to play in the park when we get the chance. It's fun to just be a little kid again.

We just adored jumping on the trampoline at Christmas last year. It was a present for the nephews.

6. Sweet Kisses

Image via Le Love

Those sweet little kisses on the cheek always make me happy and loved. And images like this fill me up with such joy!

I now tag:

+ Laura of Miss Laura+Mr Joshua

+ Melissa and Megan of Fiddlesticks and Funny Girls

+ Claire of Book Shelf

+ Jo of Labour of Love

+ Ellia of Green Bean Baby

+ Nicole of My Teacups in Peony

Thanks lovelies! Hope you enjoyed!

Style Challenge

I've been tagged by Anastasia with the 'Style Challenge,' to pick one image that describes my style. I'm finding it hard to find just one image as I'm a fan of a few different styles. I have to say though that I'm a fan of white interiors with pretty items. Here's a few rooms that I adore.

Image from Daisy Pink Cupcake 

I would love to have on of those claw feet bathtubs. A definite future investment. 

Image from Wehearit (via Twins Garden)

I find white interiors so relaxing and peaceful. I like it when mixed with neutral colours. 

Image from Lily G

This looks like the perfect place to sit and read or write. I would love to have a little nook in the future.

Now for the tagging....

Miss Laura - I love this girl! Jason and I went over to her house for dinner at the beginning of the week and it was perfect. She's such a great cook, hostess and their place is lovely and their interiors are beautiful! They are such sweet newlyweds!

Jeweled Elegance 

LenkaLovee 

Fiddlesticks and funny girls 

And because what's a post without me mentioning something wedding related, I made a tentative booking at Victoria Park. This is for the ceremony and the reception. Anyone from Brisbane knows everyone gets married here but I can see why and it got way too frustrating looking for places. Anyway, we are looking at 24th January 2010, which is only about 9 months away but we can do it. We also met up with Sharon our photographer (pretty much know we are having her - thanks Laura!) and she's lovely. 

Image from Victoria park

This will most likely be the room we are hoping for called the Marble Bar. Actually this room is the ballroom but we're not taking the whole room. And the ceremony will take place in the Garden Marquee. So happy to finally have a pretty definite place. I only placed a tentative booking so it doesn't get booked out while we decide. 

Anyway, have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Tagged and enjoying the sunshine

Image from Kiss the Groom

I adore this image. It's the sweetest thing. 

I'm sitting outside with my laptop absolutely loving the sunshine and warmth. I love this weather at the moment. It's warm with a coolish breeze. I'm learning to appreciate the little joys in life. Right now besides my laptop I have a book and two wedding mags to read through and a Moleskine notebook for ideas. I'm almost a fanatical fan of Moleskins now. They are so smooth to write on but they have to be blank pages. I have a weird obsession with needing blank journals/notebooks, but if there are lines I don't mind either =)

Anyway, I was tagged by Lenkalovee. I haven't done one of these for awhile so this should fun!

What is your current obsession? 

Definitely wedding blogs, magazines, pretty dresses, pretty interiors and just beautiful images and things in general. They are always on my mind. 

Who is the last person you hugged? 

Jason. Last night when he took me home after his indoor soccer game. Though it was more of an armless hug cause he hadn't had a shower after the game =p

What's your favourite dinner? 

Hmm....this is a hard question. Coming from a filipino family background (though I'm Aussie born) we love to eat. One of my favourite filo dishes to make and eat is called afritada. It's a type of stew. I prefer using beef than chicken. It has a tinge of spice to it and it's soo good! I do love Mexican and Italian food too. 

What was the last thing you bought? (to wear)

That would be a long gray cardigan to bring to Bathurst. I was going to say dress for my friend Laura's wedding. But Jason actually bought it for me lol.

What are you listening to right now? 

Ahh 'Quest.' It was a piece written for the Moccona coffee ad. I loved the music from that ad I had to look it up and download it. It's so relaxing. Check out the ad on my youtube link. It's only a short song. 

and Cinderella is one of my favourite fairytales so this ad is a favourite of mine.

What is your favourite weather? 

Days like today. Sunny, warm but cool breeze. Although the clouds are covering up my sun. Sigh go away clouds!

Say something to the person/s who tagged you?

Lenkalovee is a new blog that I've been following and I adore it and her already. She posts beautiful images and thoughts and they are so inspiring to see and read. She's definitely someone I could be friends with in real life =)

Tea or coffee? 

I'm more of a tea person, especially green tea. But I do like my coffee as well, especially with Moccona ads =) 

What did you want to become as a child? 

As a child it varied. A nurse was one of them (apparently for the white shoes my family told me later =s). I also wanted to be a writer. But that dream went away as I got older. 

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour where would you go? 

Europe is always a favourite. I would love to go to the USA though to shop at the stores that we don't have here =)

Who do you want to meet in person? 

Hmm...blog friends! That would be fantastic to meet the people whose lives I read about on an almost daily basis. Maybe one day....

What is your most challenging goal right now? 

Besides planning the wedding (maybe challenges), I would have to say to stop worrying and to keep faith with God with everything that is going on in my life at the moment. 

What is your weirdest obsession? 

I think I have a couple (that Jason can attest to). Some like my almost unhealthy obsession with stationery or always reading kids books. I think my weirdest would have to be needing to list things down on paper even when I have Mac laptop and iPhone. I use my paper calender and my paper diary and notebooks instead of doing it all electrical. 

Why did you start a blog? 

I'm not really sure. I liked to read blogs and I had other friends who had them on and off. It seemed like a good way to share creativity, beautiful images and write about life.

What is your blog about? (2-3 elevator pitch)

Ahh my life, creativity, thoughts, pretty things....It's a jumble of different items.

Which blogs are you obsessed with at the moment? 

Miss Laura - My friend Laura. She has the most beautiful style. Her wedding photos, her own photography and some wonderful images she finds. 

Kiss the Groom - Gorgeous! Wedding and other romantic images.

This is Glamorous - Laura told me about this one. It's beautiful! 

Lily-G - I haven't even been to the store yet but her blog is amazing. Lovely interiors and I can't wait to check out the shop.

100 Layercake - I adore the colour boards they do. A wedding blog of course.

Once Wed - Another wedding blog filled with inspiration. 

Polka dot bride - An Australian wedding blog. Filled with mood boards and real weddings. 

Style Me Pretty - Of course this link is here. I've been obsessed with this blog for ages. 

What is your dream job? (realistic or unrealistic)

I guess to have some type of business, mainly stationery, letterpress and other creative items. To be able to do that full-time. 

If you could change professions or careers, what would you like to try? (realistically speaking) 

To sound nerdy I've been thinking about being a librarian. Even to the point that I might go back and study. 

Who is your favourite designer at the moment?

I don't really have a favourite designer, but there are some pretty clothes I wouldn't mind. I do have to say I love Sarahseven. 

Image from Sarahseven

Image from Amanda Archer

Yes I'm loving dresses for some reason. I just thought of a designer well brand that I like, Thread. Too many styles I like there to show each one. They are an inspiration for my bridesmaid ideas, so I'm sure to do a post about them some time. 

What's your favourite brand of jeans?

I love to wear jeans. But my all time favourite pair are my Sass and Bide. They are the comfiest jeans ever! I've had them for a few years and they are starting to fade but they are still worn a lot! So I guess you could say Sass and Bide. I wouldn't mind trying some Bettina Liano ones. Really I don't mind brand as long as they are comfortable. 

One thing that you would snitch out of someone's closest, with no regrets?

Real life friend I would say this dress from Laura =) It's so pretty. From Forevernew, a store I'm quickly starting to like a lot. 

Image from Miss Laura

Sorry lovely girl...I wouldn't really steal it with no regrets, but if I bought it we would be the same lol. 

What piece of designer clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)

I have loved this dress since I first saw it on Etsy. It's by Sarahseven. I've loved it for ages.

Image from Sarahseven

Ok well I have to tag some people so.....Which you don't have to do of course lol. 

Miss Laura 

Olynxes Ramblings

Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming

Fiddlesticks and Funny Girls

And anyone who wants to join. I hope you have fun reading this =)