The (Grown Up) Lunch Bag

If you've been paying close attention to my outfits, you would have noticed that this week I wore heels twice - and these have been the first for quite some time.  I have hardly worn heels this year at all.  And it's not just that I've been feeling lazy, or wanting to take care of my feet/legs/ankles/knees or anything like that.  It's mostly because I haven't had enough bag space.  My lunch bag (one of those 'green bag' type things, but a small version) started to get some holes.  And then it disintegrated entirely.  So all my lunch, plus insulated cup, plus scarf/cardigan/hat - all these things have been in my main bag.  No room for heels.

Surprisingly, it wasn't my outfits that drove the upgrade.  It was me taking home my insulated cup that wasn't empty.  And I didn't realise until a day later.  On Monday, I bought a grown up, dedicated lunch bag.  One that can be wiped down to be cleaned. 

The bonus is that I can now fit heels in my bag, and potentially spilly stuff in the new black and white bag which isn't going to get punctured by a fork or a pencil or whatever else I put in my old bag.  I hope.

Outfit #87 - Melbourne Cup and Minute Taking

Outfit details:
Dress: Jeanswest (op shop).  Top: Suite Boutique.  Ribbon: from a skirt.  Shoes: Show Story (op shop).  Earrings: Mombasa.

Today was Melbourne Cup day.  You have to wear fabulous shoes for Melbourne Cup...I think it's the law...  So I adhere to this even though I have worked through every Melbourne Cup race in my memory.  These are pretty fabulous shoes.

I received so many shoe compliments, right from the word go.  The best, though, was when I picked up a grade 4 girl from music.  Her music teacher said "Love the shoes!" and a circle of 20 or so 9-yr-old girls whipped their heads around and craned their necks to see my shoes and go (in unison) 'ooohhhhhh....'.  Worth it.

The other part of today was a big change for me.  Cathedral council meeting tonight, and after being on it for 2 years, this was my first minute-taking experience.  Ever.  And just to make my poor brain have even more of a fit, the meeting was conducted out of order.  I haven't typed them up yet so I don't know how much of an effect this will actually have on my minute-taking skills.  It was out of order for a really good reason - there is a proposed monstrosity for a site adjacent to the cathedral and we are now in the process of objecting to it.

Today's photo:

These green leaves  brighten my day whenever I see them.  Curiously, I don't seem to notice them so much during the middle of the day, but the light hits them differently at the ends of the day.

Shoe Storage

For a few years, the lower staircase has held a pair of shoes on each step.  Some of my students and friends can tell they're at the right door by the parade of shoes up the stairs.  Yes - I have many shoes.  Earlier this week I had my carpets cleaned, and I discovered I had more shoes even than I thought.  They kept popping up!  Although it's nice to be referred to as 'The Shoe Lady', it's also nice to be able to vacuum without stopping frequently to move a pair of shoes.  I've been on the lookout for a suitable cupboard or shelves, but then - I opened the hall cupboard and had a light bulb moment.  This would make a lovely shoe cupboard - and it's free! 

Today was beautiful - it seemed my Facebook newsfeed was chockers with 'perfect day' posts.  Instead of doing something outdoors (and, really, between about 9:30 and 4 it was rather warm), I chose to reorganise my hall cupboard in favour of shoes.  I think this was a good choice.

Apart from the obvious benefits of having one place for my shoes (as opposed to me thinking 'Is that pair beside the keyboard? Next to the drawers? On the stairs?'), this central location is near my room.  So when I'm choosing outfits, I don't have to trek up and down stairs until I have a suitable pair.  And it's forced me to do a bit of a clean-out.  I have quite a stash of expired things - sunscreens, painkillers, cold and flu tablets, and prescription medications.  I found some interesting things (for a hall cupboard) - like electrical cords, a drill, bubble wrap, candles, curtain rings, and a whole lot more. 

My shoes don't take up the whole cupboard, so towels and first aid will still live there.  And there is a stash of shoes I will be giving away at the next swap.  Not the greatest of photos, but it's rather an awkward place if you want to take a photo, short of climbing over the ledge (although that was tempting).

Yesterday's photo:

Again, not a great photo.  Yesterday's gig was wedding and reception, with the reception at Customs House - and who can resist a photo of the Story Bridge?

Today's photo:

Because today was so hot, I took pity on my plants and gave them an extra watering this evening - and spotted this little caterpillar enjoying my parsley.  Good for him.

The Pictures by the Stairs

I didn't go to work today - this cold has been hanging around for a while and I just want it gone.  Today, then, I had breakfast and coffee... then I slept for the rest of the day.  One thing I've been itching to do since Saturday, though, is to rearrange the things hanging on the walls.  This was the most energy I could expend today, apart from boiling the kettle and moving from the bed to the sofa. 

Two things prompted this current stage of change: I noticed when my niece's drawing made it to the top of the keyboard, that the frame of the photo already sitting there was sitting lower and lower; and I was given a beautiful (and appropriate!) card for my birthday.

For maybe a couple of years, I've had these 4 frames with wrapping paper near the top of the lower stairs. 

Having now added more personal items, I plan to replace the paper bits with other photos I've taken myself. 

I need to replace some printer ink though before I can print anything.  And from this angle it looks a little uneven...

How nice is this card?!  Thanks Jeannie!

Today's photo:

Pattern.  While having coffee this morning, the sun was lovely, creating sharp lines with the clothes line and the fence.

The Running Shoes

It became apparent recently that I needed new running shoes.  I'm not sure this has ever become apparent to me before - I'm one of those conscientious people who know that every 500km or so you should replace your running shoes, so I replace my running shoes every 500km or so.  This is the first time my shoes have really told me it's time to move on.  The most recent pair have been Brooks, but the 3 before that were all Asics, the same model and size.  I thought I might branch out and order a pair online.  After a rather painful end to Sunday's run, on Monday I went online.  I thought I was all set, when I realised the online store dealt in UK sizes whereas my shoe displayed the US size.  Hm.  I knew the shoebox would most likely include the relevant sizes, but did I still have it?  Probably not...

Monday night was a short (10km) painful run.  Tuesday I tried my last pair of shoes, hoping I hadn't worn through them, and it was the most painful 13km of my life (so far).  I couldn't even run the last 2 km, tried to run for a 100m here and there but it just wasn't happening.  Today, I went to a real store.

A few people had recommended I try the Nike Airs.  That sounds simple, but there are many different varieties.  I tried on 3 pairs - one actually hurt the inside of my ankle, but the other 2 were both contenders.  As I do mostly road running for long distances, the salesman really strongly recommended the option with more cushioning.  It was closer in feel to the Asics too.  And they have the option of the running chip, so I can track my distance/speed/calories - as seen on my favourite crime shows (you never know when it will come in handy).  More to the point, check out the colour scheme!  The fluoro pink will surely make me run faster, and the trademark tick is in my favourite colour.  I can't wait to run tomorrow!

March Spending

I'll just come straight out with it.  Grand total for the month is (gulp) $258.  I can explain...

I started the month with no items on my wish list, except a pair of slip-on shoes for wearing between stations and school/home. 

March 2: Target - Ugly black thongs $16
Black flats with flower $12

I felt justified in buying the black flats - they made up for the ugliness of the thongs.  Plus, I need them when I'm on duty at church.  And really, what else was I going to buy this month???

March 12: Target Indooroopilly
More shoe love:
Navy flats $7.50
Beige flats $30

Then, March 16 was the Global Music Fiesta for Charity.  I needed something not black to wear, so I bought a green dress.

Oasis Boutique in Adelaide St (end of lease sale... come on!)
Sunny Girl dress, $32.50

This took my subtotal to $98 for March.  With 2 weeks to go, I thought I'd be fine not buying anything more.  Oh well.





I have been running a lot lately, for many reasons, but mostly because it makes me happy.  This means though that my weight has come down somewhat in the last month, and just that much that my clothes are no longer really fitting.  I was eagerly awaiting April anyway, but then Friday happened.

When I joined the gym about 18 months ago, my goal was to fit into a particular pair of jeans again.  On Friday, I had 2 (free!) tickets to QSO and, with no dresses fitting, I thought I'd try Those Jeans on.  They've been close for the last few months, but not quite great enough to venture out in public.  But - ta da!!!  They fit beautifully.  Yippee!

Going through my (extensive) denim collection, I realised that I only had 1 pair of regular jeans that actually fit.  Knowing I had a $20 voucher for Jeanswest, I planned to buy one pair of jeans.  You know how it is, though - you get in there and not only can you get those 2 pairs for $98, they're having 30% off jeans...  The voucher then was useless, but I ended up with 3 pairs of jeans.  One pair is still being shortened because according to that make, I'm about 15 cm too short.  Another pair is a super skinny design - the salesgirl kept trying to convince me to try them on.  Amazingly, though, they fit and were really great when on.  The biggest win for me though, was a pair of skinny jeans.  The size I would normally buy was too big, and when I was still trying to check I actually had the right size, the salesgirl said she'd get the next size down.  Sure - because that size has never made it on.  My jaw dropped when they turned out to be an amazing fit.  I know it's just the particular design, but wearing a pair of jeans in that size is such an amazing boost to my ego.  Yes, I did a little happy dance, and I'm wearing them right now...  Does that make up for spending $160 on jeans?  I hope so.

Outfit #18 - Retro Lime

Today was all about the shoes.

Outfit details:
Skirt: Temt (op shop).  Singlet: Ambra.  Shirt:  Suite Boutique.  Fabulous retro lime platform stilettos: Show Story (op shop).  Earrings and necklace: gifts.


The last time I wore this skirt I found it quite short.  As soon as I put it on for the outfit test this week, I noticed a difference.  I know I've lost a tiny bit of weight recently, but have really started to notice it in the clothes in the last week or 2.  So today it was not nearly as short!  (Although maybe not such a flattering length).  I was a little concerned about wearing a knee-length skirt for grade 3s as I still need to kneel frequently to help with shoulder rests, so at the last minute I wore leggings as well.  This was great for extra warmth this morning as well, and I ditched them after morning tea.

These are the shoes I wore to Ted's place on Sunday but didn't get a photo.  They don't feel that tall to wear, but several students commented on how tall they were.  I had students, teachers and randoms telling me how fabulous the shoes are (on Sunday, too).  This is not my normal green so I had to be a bit more neutral in everything else... The sad thing is, by lunch time they were just a little loose around the heel - I'll try the insert thingies to see if I can get a firmer fit.









Not a great photo day.  Plus, despite having loads of breaks, there was plenty of movement around my room so I didn't want to look too silly by taking photos of myself.  So, apologies, but this was the best I could do.

Outfit #15 - Like a Librarian

 Outfit details:
Blouse: Sportsgirl (op shop).  Singlet: Ambra.  Skirt: Sunny Girl (op shop).  Shoes: Pulp.  Necklace: op shop.  Bracelet: gift.  Earrings: made by me.

I thought today's outfit would be hampered by the shoes.  I was wrong.  It was the skirt that was rather restrictive.  The drawback of this was, obviously, I couldn't walk as fast as I would like.  Stairs took longer - and on Tuesdays, when I have at least 3 lots of 3 flights of stairs as well as every time I need to leave my teaching room, this is quite significant.  On the upside, though, there was no 'Marilyn Effect' on all those junior school stairs.  And the shoes were much easier to walk around in than I had anticipated. 



 This skirt I bought in January.  Shopping with some friends as a post-summer-school celebration, I picked this skirt and a few others off a rack and went to try them on.  Once on, I then noticed the detail at the back.  "Is this weird, or does it have the sexy librarian look happening?"  Unanimous vote on the latter - sold! 

I must admit, though, it doesn't feel quite as amazing as it did when I bought it.  There's just a bit more room in the waistband.  I do like the button detail though, and the ruched back doesn't feel nearly as raunchy as in the dressing room.
I made these earrings in 3 varieties - these blue ones, black, and green.  One of my girls said they look like little worlds, until you get closer and can see the flowers.

The necklace I'm liking more and more.  I discovered after its last wearing that one of the beads at the front is split so I'll have to glue that together.  It did come on and off all day so I could play, but it feels really nice when on - and suits the neckline of this top rather well.

How amazing are these shoes?!  I worked out today that I bought them 2 and 1/2 years ago - and this is only their 2nd or 3rd outing.  Incredible.  I was a little worried about wearing them to work, being rather high and platform, but they held up remarkably well.  I was originally going to wear a far more boring pair, but with all the grey/blue/black above the ankles, cherry red was just what was needed. 










Yes, I anticipated much shoe-gazing during the day.  Bonus - the shoes matched the drum!

Outfit #5

Dress: Hot Options. Shoes: Lipstick Design (op shop).

Shoe love

Shoe details

The dress... On the up-side, it's simple, and I don't need to coordinate much with it.  Curiously, it was some time after I bought it that I wore it.  Shoe dilemmas.  On the down side, it's all polyester.  Thankfully I have wonderful air-conditioning in my teaching room.

Now, this dress.  At the end of last year, another violin teacher and I put on a studio concert together.  I almost wore this dress, but decided at the last minute to wear something else.  The other violin teacher, though - she turned up in this dress.  It's a good thing then, that we don't teach there on the same days.

I felt so lucky when I found these shoes just before Christmas in an op shop (West End), and they are so lovely to wear.  When I showed my 3-yr-old niece my shoe collection, she loved these.  Absolute favourites.

Summer School Shoes Week 1

One of the challenges I set myself for summer school (before I really grasped just how much work was involved) was to wear a different pair of shoes each day.  Success!

These are the shoes from the first week.  I think I need to find a replacement pair for the black - you can just see where the heel is wearing through.  The ivory and patent pair (thanks Jeannie!) are lovely, but very hot by the end of the day.

The red pair are possibly my current most-worn, but the white wedges and the stripey flats always receive oodles of compliments.