1. A new tattoo
and it would be great if Tim from Miami Ink could do it….but instead I am getting it done in Melbourne from a highly recommended artist. Just gotta pick what I want. And man up for the pain of a tatt on the ribs!

2. Uggies

just like the ones on Charlize Therons feet! And maybe that handbag too!

3. HP oh yeah!

have dropped numerous hints that a trip to Dendy premium would be a great way to spend my birthday to see the last Harry Potter…

4. Parklife
This is ticked off. My fabulous hubby got me a ticket to Parklife in Melbourne. So flippin excited!! I hate festivals, but am making an exception as 90% of the acts of AWESOME!!!

5. A sleep in.
and maybe some breakfast in bed…..

well lookie what we have here….a new year and we are 6 days in…..and I am back! I think….

So, it’s that time again. Time for resolutions. I didn’t do too well on last years, so some of those are still standing. I will get to them, eventually, allegedly…
Here goes for 2011

1. A year of minimal
So, really, I have a lot of stuff. A lot of stuff I could probably do without. It’s no secret I’m a bit of a tree hugger and I try very hard to be planet friendly. I read this magazine religiously and there have been many articles about buying nothing new, recycling, using op shops/garage sales and making your own clothes and bits and pieces. That is what I am proposing for this year. I am hoping to be able to make my own clothes, accessories, etc from my own existing wardrobe with some help from pre loved op shop items. I have been inspired by this blog and this blog and both lovely ladies do just this. And of course the gorgeous Second Skin always has the best second hand finds. Obviously food and such essentials I will need to buy, although I intend to get my veggie patch up and running this year, so that’ll help the cause. Wish me luck

2. A year of maximum
What? I thought it was the year of minimal? This is referring to my health and my time. I want to make the most of my time, spend less time on the couch watching TV. More exercise, more crafty pants, more time with my 2 fave boys. I have already started the exercise regime and I have bought a sewing machine (although it’s still in the box). And I am going to try very very hard to get more sleep at night. Too little sleep means grumpy Kate. Grumpy Kate makes others grumpy. No fun.

3. A year of happiness
Last year was full of a lot of negativity in Kate Land. I let things get on top of me and weigh me down. I let stupid things get to me. I sweat the small stuff. No More!! 2011 will be the year I get back into meditation (lost motivation for this a little while ago…and felt I couldn’t spare the time) and try not to let everything effect me in a bad way. Look on the bright side. I am 3 days into a new role at work and I am absolutely loving it, so I think that will help me reach this goal, since you spend the majority of your time at work.

4. A year of reading
This is an important one, since I am in a book club (not that we really spend a lot of time discussing the books). Hubby bought me a Kindle for my birthday and it is the best present ever. Plus, in accordance with resolution #1, I have been buying second hand books from op shops. I have a fairly large pile of books now, plus a few downloaded. Not sure when I will have the time to get through them all…..but I will try!!

5. A year of HD
I got my uni results back and was pleased to have gotten Distinctions for both classes. This year I’m aiming higher! The time I spent watching Americas Next Top Model, when I should have been studying…..the time I went drinking instead of studying……the assignments I left to the last minute…..all meant I could have done that little bit better. I have one day off a week to dedicate to my studies, which I need to use wisely and in accordance with resolution # 2, I will cut back on the TV and binge drinking. High Distinctions here I come

and I actually have an extra supplementary resolution…

6. The year of giving back
I already donate regularly to a few charities and have started giving blood again. I recently started giving plasma and will soon graduate up to platelets as they are more beneficial than just straight blood. I do this every 2-3 weeks, on top of full blood donations. I have also signed up to the bone marrow donor register. I may not be a match to anyone for a few years, or ever, but it’s good karma none the less.

What are your resolutions?

1. Alex Perry – oh la la!

For those who don’t know him, Alex Perry is an Australian designer and has a spot on the panel of Australia’s Next Top Model (which, as you may know, I am addicted to that show and it’s American original). He is brilliant and hilarious. He has released a line of jewellery for Diva stores, which I had been wanting to get my grubby little hands on since I saw the special about it on TV. So, here is is. Chunky pearls. Sigh…

2. Oldie but goodie

The watch I have had for years but never wear, but it is perfect for tattoo hiding when teamed with these bangles. I think I actually bought these bangles for a gift years ago, but didn’t see the person they were intended for…so I kept them. And why not?

3. chunky monkey

I’m loving green at the moment, so I had to get the green bangle and what doesn’t go with black? Loving the fatness and the coverage.

4. I jingle, therefore I am…

As beautiful as they are, they are so frickin noisy! And they smash on my desk all day long….so no ninja action around the office for me… But at least my arm looks pretty..??

5. Old school

Again with the green! These are both necklaces. The green one was my grandmothers, so I am very careful with it, even though I’m sure it’s nothing more than plastic. And the black I have had for years.

So, it’s still a little chilly in Canberra, so I’m still long sleeving it most days. And being that the lady who sits next to me has full arm tattoos on display regularly, it appears my conservatism was unnecessary. But it gave me an excuse to shop, so it ain’t all bad!

oh hi, nice to see you Kate…
…ah, yeah, sorry, I’ve been a bit distracted….
With what exactly? It better be good…

1. Uni
yep. It’s killin me. I am only doing 2 subjects this semester and it’s taking up every available piece of my spare time. I have soooooo much reading to do!!

2. The squish
My little man is like a freakin tornado on legs. He is walking, no sorry, running, everywhere and is getting into everything. Again..killin me

3. Work
Not telling anyone anything new here. We all know work takes up a lot of your time. I just got offered a new job that involves travel and lots of exciting opportunities, so it appears work is going to take up more of my time!! (although, it appears I will be able to work 4 days a week, as they really want me to take the job so I could negotiate for what I wanted…which was 1 day a week to do uni stuff. Maybe a blog post here and there can come into that bargain…)

4. Renovations
The house is finished but it’s not….We are trying to make the backyard pretty as I have big plans for an outdoor party for my hubbys birthday next year in March. I know thats quite a few months away, but it will take us that long.

5. Life
I know, I know, lame excuse, but seriously, I refuse to give up my social life. It is what keeps me sane!

So, if anyone is still with me and still checkin on my sad little blog that has been neglected for 2 months, I thank you for your patience! I will do my best to get back on track and be more exciting very soon. I bought lotsa new clothes in Hong Kong and am so totally ready to unleash them on the world….or just Canberra I guess…. And apologies for neglecting your blogs. I am to scared to check my bloglovin account…I think it may be a little full… eek!

1. getting to a busy carpark and snagging a park in the first lane you turn down…at the shops end of the lane!

2. Hugs from littlies….my little bubba squeezes so tight when he hugs and nestles into your neck. totally awesome

3. getting to know the people in your local cafe so they know how you like your coffee (or in my case, soy chai) so you just have to walk in the door and they are on it!

4. Toasted cheese sandwiches

5. Getting in to work, not really in the mood to be there, open up your inbox and it’s full of non work related emails from your friends – yeah!

Whats awesome to you?

(by the way, I am aware that I have been slack in posting again….I have no real excuse this time, just pure lazyness…)

2. bathroom order

Our cleaner lines my shower stuff up when he cleans and I have noticed that I just cannot bear to mess it up. It makes me smile every morning when I get in the shower.

3. Red Nose Day

For those who are aware of Red Nose Day, you would have seen the charity boxes at your work or in shops. This year I got myself a pin. They’ve gotten pretty classy with their pins this year. This one was my fave and I wore it today (I am a little late…)

4. VIP pass

It’s a little silly, but I have totally gotten caught up in the whole Twilight saga crazy-ness! I have read all the books and seen the first 2 movies and this weekend I’m going to a special Eclipse party at the premium movie theatre. I got my VIP pass in the mail today…I’m a bit excited. And it doesn’t help that my friend who is coming with me keeps sending me emails with a count down till we see the movie (she is slightly more obsessed than me). And just quietly, based very superficially on appearances, I am totally team Jacob…..

5. packages at work

I got my uni books sent to work and they arrived today. I am quietly sh!tting myself about starting uni but am also very very excited. The semester starts in a couple of weeks…. Anyway, I was a smiley little squirrel all day and kept flicking through them.

what made you smile today?

1. Damian dress

How hot is this dress? It’s so annoying that it’s freezing in Canberra right now! I think I would wear this every day…

2. Lola cardigan

It’s not the best pic of it, but I love this cardi. It looks super comfy and I love the feather prints

3. jasmine cardigan

this is pretty much a longer version of the Lola and in a different colour, but it’s still beautiful. A girl needs a few cardigans, right?

4. the opy jacket

Isn’t the colour of this jacket gorgeous?

5. kimono dress

Oh. My. GOD! This piece is my fave – it is breathtaking. Totally wish I had this dress to wear to my work dinner next week…love love love

which celeb fashion designer is ringing your bells right now?

This was the night I went to see Sex and the City with my girls. The silver scarf is a bit of a winter fave at the moment as you will see…

2. silver scarf, the sequel

This was the night I went to see a performance of FAME the Musical. My brother in law was in it (he was excellent and hilarious). Silver scarf got to come to the theatre with me, as did my stripey socks. I am loving the socks peeking out the top of the boots look at the moment….

3. whats that? You’ll have to speak up I’m wearing a scarf..

Silver scarf again….I should probably point out that these outfits were not consecutive, just the photos…that would be slightly embarrassing. I think This was just a work outfit, but I’m wearing the same boots as the last pic….

4. Something different??

Oh my god, different clothes!! I was about to take my little squish to a 5 yr olds birthday party. But I’ve decided to be a bit daring and not wear the silver scarf!!I am wearing an awesome beanie from etsy…as usual, can’t remember the seller (I am so shocking with this!! I am so sorry!)

5. boring town. Population me…

Ok, might be being a little harsh on myself….I do have my Top Shop tights on that I bought when I was in London a few years back (I love Top Shop…well, I did 4 years ago….) and some new heels that look ace but were quite uncomfortable.
I think I tend to hibernate clothes wise in winter…what about you?

1. this necklace

I got this from etsy a couple of years back….I can’t remember the seller…..But I love it! The bird, the key, the shiney red bit! It makes a lot of noise though, so it can get a tad irritating, but it makes up for that with cuteness!

2. this necklace too

my beautiful hubby got me this necklace (before we were married). I saw it in a shop at a little country town called Tilba. Hubby did the sneaky when we got home and called up the shop, described the necklace and were it was in the shop and got them to send it to him. He also got it engraved. He rocks.

3. super cute earings

These teeny tiny origami cranes were just begging to be on my ears! I think hubby bought these for me also! From the Gorman House Markets in Canberra. Impressive, no? They are no bigger than my little finger nail!!

4. pearl bracelets

The ridiculously talented Lady Smaggle made these for me, along with some other goodies for my wedding jewellery. She was my wedding stylist (without her, I’m sure I would have looked like a horrid 80′s bride with puffy bits and taffeta everywhere!!). I think I love them most because they are hand-made.

5. this ring

Hubby strikes again!! He designed this ring for me all by himself! I often get comments on it and I am pretty sure a lady at work would tackle me in a dark alley for it…

Whats your fave piece of jewellery?

1. Sunglasses

I never buy expensive sunnies because I always break them or loose them. My current ones are pretty old and the finish is peeling off them (classy). Time for an upgrade. I quite like the look of these Oroton sunnies, so something like this would be lovely!

2. Laptop

I start uni in a couple of weeks so I totally need a laptop so I can sit in cafes, drinking cups of tea and writing essays…right? And if I managed to score myself a good lappie, I want it to look something like this!!

3. new frames

I need to go get another eye check up (damn old age bringing on worse blindness!) and was thinking my frames need an update. Word on the street is there are plenty of cheap frames in HK. These DKNY ones will do quite nicely…

3. shoes

Of course! I expect a large part of my suitcase will be taken up with new shoe purchases!. And I have always had a thing for the Louboutin shoes Carrie had in SATC (which were sadly destroyed when Miranda’s water broke!), so maybe I could get lucky and find something similar…

5. Handbags

Last time I was in HK I got an awesome tan handbag from the markets for a super cheap price (I am the haggling queen!). I will be on the lookout for a bag like this Tommy Hilfiger one that Milla Jovovich is cuddling (read why here). I think Milla rocks and she clearly has good taste!!

So can I pick you up some duty free vodka on my way home?