Outfit #98 - Happy New School Year

Today we had our start-of-school-year meeting.  Weather is still sticky and threatening rain, so I dressed moderately casually, in clothes (and shoes) that deal well with humidity and rain.  Unfortunately, this type of outfit is not terribly flattering.

Dress: Caroline Morgan.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings: can't remember (small silver roses - sorry no close-up today.  Trust me, this is a good thing).  Necklace: Mombasa.  Bracelets: made by me.

As it turned out, it didn't rain.  Well, not on me anyway, but I was glad I wore these sandals. 

It was humid enough though that, even though I was not doing any violin playing until this afternoon, I had to take the beads off as soon as I got home.  I'm tempted to put them in my pile to give away.

I'm totally back into wearing bracelets.  When I returned from Melbourne, I put one on to go to dinner, and I have rarely been without one since.  These are both thanks to Sunday - the blue one I mended, then I was inspired to make the pink one.

Melbourne Trip #4, Part 2

Thursday morning (after I had rather a lovely sleep-in), Jeannie asked me what I wanted to do that day.  'Not get hot' was my reply.  Forecast high of 36, or 37, or 39, depending on your source.  I knew it wouldn't be the same as high 30s in Brisbane, but I was still keen for as little exertion as possible. 

We headed into town, and after getting to Federation Square without any real plan, Jeannie mentioned Koko Black.  Chocolate.  As if I could resist.  Oh my, what a chocolate shop.  Think Chocolat meets Paris.  Beautiful.  I didn't get a good photo of the interior, though - possibly because my brain was in pleasure overload.

While choosing some morsels for consumption with coffee, we were offered free samples (score!).  Best cappuccino ever - it came with a little pot of shaved chocolate on the side.  Which meant it ended with a hit of melted chocolate.  Bliss.  Couldn't resist buying some more to take away.

Despite this being my 3rd trip in 5 months, I was yet to experience a famous Melbourne laneway.  We went to Degraves Place for lunch in a cafe, which just happened to be opposite Kinki Gerlinki.  More shopping. 

We then headed over to South Bank and the National Gallery of Victoria.  Its cascade entrance was such a relief - it was 37C on the iPhone app at this stage.  We finally found the famous stained glass ceiling (we'd searched on a previous visit) - wow!  Then spent the next few hours wandering the gallery. 

Coffee at a place on South Bank, then we headed over to ACMI in time for Laurence Anyways - and even had time to watch a bit of the tennis on the big screen in Fed Square.  The movie was really interesting, and I keep thinking of new aspects and elements. 

Friday.  My last day - so I was a bit down all day.  Jeannie and I went to a nearby cafe, Porgie and Mr Jones, then stopped off at the local Vinnies (excellent idea!).  With Matt, we then headed over to Collingwood, to the People's Market (on Stanley St).  Not as market-y as I was anticipating - mostly food, with a couple of non-food containers.  I like the concept, but more tangibles and people required.  We then wandered down Smith St, and had lunch at the eco-friendly pub, Grumpy's.  Really good food - sustainable, local produce - with friendly service and did I mention sofas?  Cool sofas.  I wish I'd taken my camera with me to the bathroom - the walls were papered with old sewing patterns.  On the wall by the window (complete with window seat) was a sign reading 'If you sit here you are super cool' - so of course we had to have photos there. 

We also checked out the homewares stores and lost and found market.  The market reminded me of a certain Simpsons episode... 

And that was it.  I then had to head back, fit everything into my suitcase (success!), say final goodbyes, and get back to the airport.  Although quite cool in Melbourne, it was another record-breaker for much of the country.  Bush fires were numerous, and I've never flown over such a hazy country.  The photo doesn't really do it justice.

Ice Blocks

It's hot.  If you're reading this from somewhere else in the world, Australia is in a bit of a heatwave right now.  And we're looking at another next week.  I like summer, but... For starters, bushfires are scary, and we are seeing so much of the country affected.  People seem to act with less thought.  Anything useful has to be done at either end of the day, and just remembering to keep up the fluid intake is an effort.  Honestly, I've done hardly anything useful the last couple of days.  (Some things, and I'm about to tackle a Task, but added up it doesn't seem like much). 

On Tuesday evening, there were warnings for Queensland that Wednesday would be a scorcher.  I decided I would make ice blocks.  Not that it ended up being that hot - in fact, today feels hotter - but it's nice to know that if I need to freeze my brain, I have that option.

Admittedly, this is not my first time making ice blocks.  I bought the ice block mould a couple of summers ago, and made yoghurt and berry frozen things then.  Once.  Unsuccessfully.  Although I didn't think you could stuff up something so simple, I guess I was impatient and the removal of the ice blocks was just too much effort.  I was determined to do a proper job this time, and actually boil water, place in a smallish receptacle, and sit the ice block inside until ready to come out.

I also decided to make different flavours.  This came about because I was thinking about flavours, and realised the bag of kiwi fruit would do beautifully, and wouldn't lemonade be a great addition?  Then a friend said you have to have banana (3 squishy bananas available), and I found some pureed berries in the freezer.  So, I have 4 flavours of ice block: yoghurt and berry, lemonade and kiwi fruit, lemonade and berry, and yoghurt and banana.

None were consumed yesterday (thanks to an air conditioned friend - oops - friend with air conditioning... and a mariachi meeting/rehearsal), but today I had one at lunch.  Yoghurt and berry - which could do with a touch of honey in the mix.  The lemonade mixes had done what I thought might possibly happen, and expanded a bit more than the holders allowed.  Thankfully not exploding all over the freezer, though.

And I was really good, boiled some water, used the metal milk jug from the coffee machine, and stuck the ice block in there for a little bit. 

Longer than I wanted, but I was determined. 

The Short Pajamas

I was going to call this post simply "Pajamas" but then thought that might be misunderstood.  I assure you, I've been wearing pjs for a while.  However, it's been a really, really long time since I've worn short pjs.  In high school I remember having a dark green pair, but since then it's been long pants all the way.  My summer long pj pants are super lightweight and incredibly cool, but I started to notice that I was waking up with the hems around my knees.  On a whim, I looked for a shorter option.  I found bucket loads of 3/4 pants (tried, and same result as long pants), and eventually, tucked away discreetly, a couple of short options.  Actually, many short options in heavier materials, but what's the point of that?  Eventually, I found 2 pairs of light cotton boxers in my size.  Achievement.

And they are so lovely to wear.  I still wear the long pants occasionally, if the weather isn't too hot... Which means, on New Year's Eve when it was after midnight before I got to bed, and there might have been a night in late December, but it's been so hot lately!  For the first time ever, I've had my ceiling fan on medium during the night. 

Outfit #93 - Blue 31

Outfit details:
Dress: no label (from Jeannie, from an op shop).  Singlet: Jeanswest.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings and pendant: from Jeannie.

Today was forecast to be 31.  I'm also in a super-busy time of year, so ironing is not on my list of Things To Do.  Maxi dress to the rescue.  This was its first outing, and I was a little unsure once I'd put it on... but I was told by several people (yes, most of them 9 and 10-yr-old girls) that it is a very pretty dress.  And, although 31 is up there on my list of Least Favourite Numbers, I did appreciate that we were forecast for 31 on my 93rd outfit...

These shoes are a little hard, and this was the first time in ages that I've worn them.  I packed a stack of Band aids... I used nearly all of them...

Possibly the most versatile earrings ever.  They go with everything. 

Today's photo:

No rehearsal today, the ensemble had their last performance last week.  At morning tea, nearly all of them (plus a couple of extras) rushed to my room with these flowers, a card, and a big group hug.  Followed by some dancing and more individual hugs.  Made my day :)

Outfit #86 - Thank You Accessories

Outfit:
Dress: Jeanswest (op shop).  Leggings: Ambra.  Shoes: no label, made in Spain, swapped or from Jeannie.  Earrings: ??? Pendant: gift.  Belt: Target.

Yes, I am aware I have worn this dress, with these shoes and belt and leggings, before.  The accessories saved the entire outfit from being a repeat though.  Phew.  I did have a different outfit planned, but couldn't find a component of it this morning (I'm in crazy mode right now) so Plan B... which had to be something comfortable in the heat, and with shoes suitable for walking all over the school looking for little people.  In a hurry, this is what I ended up wearing.  I love having decent air conditioning in my room... and I was quite comfortable all day, but it was really good to get out of this when I got home.

I even wore a flower in my hair. 

Today's photo:

This evening, I had a violin playing evening.  A friend is in that trying-out stage of violin acquisition, and asked me over for dinner and a play.  I took along mine as well, so our violins had a little party.  I like the first photo better as a photo

but I like the violin party feel of the second.

Outfit #77 - Black Spring

Outfit details:

Dress: Jeanswest (op shop).  Shoes: Target.  Earrings: from Jeannie.

I had a couple of necklaces set to wear today as well, which looked fine when everything was on the hanger - but this morning, they looked all weird with the earrings.  The earrings won.  And they even received compliments at lunch!

Another hot day today - and another comfortable clothing choice, thankfully.  However, I got home with 10 minutes before my first student, and the first thing I did was change into more relaxed clothes.  About half-way through his lesson, I realised I was yet to take photos.  D'oh!  So (this is how dedicated I am) I changed back after he'd left as I have a bit of a break now.  I didn't really check the photos much though, just made sure head and feet were present and I wasn't looking too odd.  I hope that explains the disappearing elbow.

Today's photo:

This morning I was watering my plants (an exercise now taking up 11 minutes of every morning) when I noticed the reason something looked a bit different... Something has had a good meal out of 2 of my eggplant seedlings.  And some coriander.  Grr.  I suspect a possum, but the birds are still under suspicion as well.  Any suggestions for deterring such scavengers (not involving sprays or chemicals, of course) welcome.

Outfit #76 - Hot Spring Sleepyhead

Outfit details:

Skirt: Jay Jays (op shop).  Singlet: Hot Options.  Shirt: Mischief (from Jeannie).  Shoes: Target.  Pendant: from Jeannie.  Earrings: made by me.

Today was rather warm.  Forecast for 28 (which always feels worse at this time of year), I didn't want anything that was restrictive or synthetic.  This worked... kinda.  When I tried on this outfit last night, I thought it looked rather spring-like.  It was not at all restrictive (maybe borderline for work standards though); not at all synthetic (it felt beautiful and soft and cool).  However, the modesty leggings, while necessary, caused the skirt to ride up the front a lot (apologies to anyone who witnessed this!).

I was also super sleepy.  Thankfully I ended up with a super-early finish, and had a nap through some next door jackhammering.  Fun.

Today's photo:

Purple flowers drifting through the breeze by the fence in the lunchtime sun.

Midday Behaviour

Today, it's hot.  It got up to 31.6 this morning, and is currently (just after 5pm) 28.2.  Inside, I'm quite comfortable, provided I'm doing not much.  I'm curious how I'll go with my run tonight though.  When I took some water out to the garden - wow.  Like stepping into an oven.  Now, I'm not normally a 'do nothing' sort of person.  Admittedly, I still have a few things on my To Do list, but I knew they would make me just want to go to sleep - especially as a nearby party kept me awake a long time last night.  So after church I lay on the sofa a bit, read the monthly publications out today, then decided to watch a movie while having lunch. 

Watching tv during the day is so foreign to me, it hardly ever happens.  This is normally reserved for a rainy card-making day, or... actually, I think that's it.  Today, I didn't even make any cards, I just watched, took notes (so I can do a review soon), had a great phone call with mum, made tonight's dinner (possibly a mistake as it got everything rather hot), had afternoon tea, and started another movie.  Next door is doing loud gardening so the movie's on hold for a bit, which is perfect for doing a blog post.  I was going to wait until tonight or tomorrow for this last movie, but this works better.  There are 3 due back Tuesday and available windows are few.  Note - I'm now able to watch part of a movie, then do something else, and come back to the movie.  Especially this one - it's really good.

Today's photo:

While making coffee (and toast - gotta have toast) the afternoon sun was making my tea jars look all pretty.  I love this blue.

Outfit #2

I wasn't expecting this to be a flashing outfit.  When I tried on the skirt, I thought it was a perfect work skirt.  Just below the knee, straight, not totally boring.  I didn't notice the attachment of the 2 front parts, which have nothing to hold them together past the middle of the thigh.  As soon as I sat down on the train, I found myself pulling bits of my skirt across my knees. 

 I stand a lot during my work, but I don't want to tower over my little people - oh, hello knee.  The most drastic time though was coming home, walking in a breeze.  I even saw an elderly lady from church drive past...she didn't wave...

I was expecting hot weather, high possibility of rain, and a fire drill (which means heels are not a good idea, I have discovered).  This outfit - apart from the unexpectedly leggy skirt - was perfect.  Cool, moveable, not too long (I dislike long things in the rain), flat shoes for the fire drill on the oval.

Skirt: Sussan (op shop).  Blouse: Jacqui E (op shop). Shoes: Pulp. Earrings: ? Necklace: made by me.