Hacked?

Hi everyone. I think my blog has been hacked. Many of my old posts are being reposted. I'm not quite sure why. Please hang in there while I work it out.

I'm Taking a Break - I'll Be Back Soon

I just wanted to tell you all that I'll be taking a break from blogging for a couple of weeks.  I have absolutely no time to blog at the moment. I will return with a bang on the 7th of April. Until then I hope you all have a fabulous month. See you soon.
Xoxoxo
Isabella
Photo from http://womenonthefence.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/BloggingBreak.jpg

Inspired by.....The Help

I know, I know! I haven’t blogged for ages. I feel ever so guilty, honest! It just kept slipping off the end of my to do list. But forget that and let’s get onto The Help. 

The Help is one of my favorite films.  The acting is really great, the plot is compelling and interesting and it informs people of the whole total gist of the time.

I was shocked at my own naivety. I had thought of the fifties as a time of swing dresses, brownies and happy housemothers. I had, in fact, completely looked past the sexism and racism of the time.

The plot of the help is really quite good. It moves at a nice pace without dragging. It starts when Skeeter, a smart, journalist that has little interest in marriage, decides to write a book from the point of view of the help. The women that raise white children. 

This is quite a difficult task of Skeeter’s ‘friend’ Hilly is very against the whole book. Hilly is the equivalent of the villain of the film. She’s an evil racist woman.   

My only criticism for the film is that it ends on a limb. I wish they would just make it a tad longer. Then again, when it comes to films, I like them to really finish it. I like to know exactly what happens. I don’t like any loose bits. That’s just me.

Overall, the film will make you laugh and cry and smile. I give it 9/10. 

The only good thing about Hilly is what she wears. Oh, I utterly adore her dresses. Of course, you are not meant one on their fashion and I totally acknowledge her horrible character but how could I not do a feature on her fashion? 

So, Hilly seems to have an oath to printed swing dresses. She wears florals and apricot print (yes, she wears a dress with apricots on it). She wears her red hair in a big bun. She looks sophisticated. She looks fab.  

So, I like the fashion in The Help very much. So I made a little polyvore collage for it. I tried to find dresses that put a bit of a modern spin on the 50’s.

http://ilovelife765.polyvore.com/

Another thing I noticed about The Help is the food they eat.  It seems like traditional American diner food. Fried chicken seems to be a feature as does…. chocolate pie and pie that isn’t so chocolatey.

Minny’s Chocolate Pie (no, not THAT one) 

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/minnys-chocolate-pie-recipe-fw0811

Minny’s Fried Chicken

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mamas-fried-chicken-10000000331662/

Have a lovely day, it’s a rainy Saturday in Sydney. Depressing much.

Xoxoxox

Isabella 

Photo from http://bigthoughtsfromasmallmind.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/help-cleans-up-some-messy-assumptions.html

A mixed bag - Lana Del Rey, Polka Dot Earrings and Picnics!

New section alert! Say hello to a mixed bag. A mixed bag is a collection of mini articles, recipes, links, photos and videos. It’s a mega post and will happen monthly!

Short n Sweet Album Review – Born to die

I did a feature on Lana Del Rey a couple of weeks ago. I told you I was very excited for her new album and believe me I was.

When it came out I was a little disappointed.

It’s very repetitive. There aren’t really any amazing songs apart from the ones that came out before the album. I mean the songs are pleasant to listen to but they aren’t as good as expected. I give it 3/5.

Amourx

These earrings are as cute as a button!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Amourx?section_id=8093900

Let’s Picnic from Eat Drink Chic

I love these let’s picnic invites by Amy Moss. They are pretty and free to print!

http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/free-let-s-picnic-invitations

A collection of beautiful photographs by MOI

I love this collection of retro style photography

http://www.anocial.com/2010/09/24/retro-photography-25-beautiful-examples/

Challenges!

It’s good to give us a little challenge. They can help us put a new perspective on the world and make a positive change for our world and life.  Try and do one this week and see how you feel. Rejuvinated? Happy? Crazy?

-      - Plant a veggie garden

-       -Go for a week without internet

-       -Wear a colour you wouldn’t usually wear (yellow anyone?)

-       -Eat a tofu burger

-       -Run 5km

-       -Do not drive your car for a month

I only just discovered this. It’s really interesting. It makes me feel like a bit of a bimbo because she is so insightful but that is far from the point.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gWxTUBasrU

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening

Coco Chanel

This pintrest page is mouthwatering.  

http://pinterest.com/ohjoy/tasty-treats/ 

Don't worry everyone I'm not one of those crazy, anorexic weight loss fanatics. However, I found this article really interesting and I think it would be a really good way to live. 

http://www.thelondoner.me/2012/01/anti-diet.html

Movie of the month - The Help (more to come later in the week) 

Have a lovely day! 

Xoxoxoxoxox 

Isabella 

Icing, Sprinkles and Vanilla: The World of Cupcakes

Cupcakes from Friday! 

Oh, how I love cupcakes. They are handy. They can be eaten in two bites. They taste amazing and most importantly they are a delight to make.  I think cupcakes are the food I cook the most often. I love to decorate them and I enjoy both eating and making them.

Cupcakes are loved all around the world. Cupcakeries are everywhere and in LA and NYC they are (wait for it) even setting up cupcake ATMs. (Oh my goodness) 

My absolute favourite cupcake recipe is one from David Herbert’s Complete Perfect Recipes. It’s very simple and the end result is delicious.  We often flavour them with lemon or coconut as well 


Cupcakes can be used to send a lovely message and can help you be creative and have fun.

5 Things You Should Do This Year Involving Cupcakes

1.  Give a batch to a friend

2. Decorate them with some children (when I say this I mean decorate the cupcakes and let children help you do this, I don’t mean kill children and put them on the cupcakes)

3.  Have a cupcake decorating party (Sometimes being childish is magnificent!)

4. Invent your own cupcake flavour

5. Decorate cupcakes with friends 

Ways to decorate your cupcakes

-       Write things on the top in writing icing

-       Place a single sugar flower on the top

-       Put edible glitter on top  

-       Sprinkles!

-       Silver balls

Happy baking

Xoxoxoxoxo

Isabella 

When You Feel Like You Are One Of THOSE People. Alternate Title: A Beginner's Guide to Fashion

Sometimes you feel like your fashion is failing. You have no idea what you’re doing and EVERYONE seems to look so much better than you.  You feel ugly. You feel horrid. You feel as if you may as well write ‘I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY FASHION!’ on your forehead.

It doesn't get much more unfashionable than that

Well, start by realizing what you are doing wrong. Here’s a list of my 7 Worst Fashion Pairing Mistakes taken from my Inspired by... Sydney CBD.

1. Sneakers and Jeans 
My least favourite fashion pairing mistake. EVER. Ok, converse don't count but your running shoes. Egggghhhhhhh. It looks so awkward and well, just plain awful. You may as well write 'I DON"T CARE ABOUT FASHION' on your forehead.


2. Ugg Boots and Skirts (or even worse Dresses)
I don't really like Ugg Boots at all but they can look ok with jeans. With a skirt they are just hideous.


3. Socks (especially white ones) with sandals or thongs
If there is something that screams OLD it's this. Even if you were wearing the prettiest top and the best jeans the outfit would still be unbearable to look at if you wore sandals and socks.


4. Leather Boots and shorts
Boots are for winter, shorts are for summer. Pairing them doesn't make sense. Don't do it!


5. Spots and thick stripes
Print vomit. Colour vomit. It makes me want to vomit. Way too much (thin subtle stripes can look ok).

6. Hoodies and Dresses
A combination of formal and casual can look really good and REALLY BAD. This is an instance were it looks REALLY BAD.

7. Heels and trackies

That just completely stupid, why did I even list that

 If you feel you are doing any of these things stop!

The next thing to do is to buy some new clothes. Try the following stores

If you are 14-29

http://www.threadsence.com

http://www.frenchconnection.com.au

If you are 30-49

http://www.dvf.com/

If you are 40-50

http://www.jacandjack.com/ 

If you are 50+ 

http://www.blueillusion.com/

All AGES

https://www.leonaedmiston.com/online_store

Remember this simple piece of information. Cream. Goes. With. Pretty. Much. Everything.

Look around at other outfits you like. Try and recreate the. There’s nothing wrong with stealing good ideas once in a while. 

Have a lovely weekend!

Stay happyily fabulous 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo 

Isabella 

Photo from http://www.maskworld.com/pix/costumes/large/91099-urlauber-fat-suit-tourist-fat-suit.jpg 

The Stupidness of Averages, Stereotypes and General Normalness

We all get just a bit scared of standing out. No one wants to be viewed as weird. Stereotypes barricade us. It’s as if they keep us in little boxes. Peer pressure pushes us over the edge. We’re all scared of being a current instead of just going with the rest of the river. I was inspired to write this because of an article I read in the latest Frankie. It was about creatives with disabilities. I was drawn to a story about a blind furniture designer. I loved the fact he was unique. People expect designers to we women with red hair, cat eyeglasses and architectural jewelry. But this guy pushed boundaries. He wasn’t an average.  It made me realize how stupid stereotypes are. How they barricade us and stop us from doing things we love.  

  

This is a message to everyone. It doesn’t matter how normal you are.  There are two words that have been said so much they are a bit of a cliché but they’re true so I’ll share them with you.  Normal’s boring.  As is fitting in with the crowd. If we didn’t have creatives, unique people and weirdoes our world would be so boring we’d all fall asleep. So, do your bit for our world and don’t be afraid to stand out. Jump up and down, wear a banana suit and dance like no one’s watching.  

Have a good week

Xoxoxo

Isabella

Photo from http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/44/36/blue,eyes,bunny,bunny,ears,bunny,rabbit,bunny,whisker,carrot,color,colour,eyes,girl,green,hipster,indie,long,hair,make,up-4436c9fc1721c03d3c6ecab2f90e6610_m.jpg/ 

A Sophisticate's Guide To Shopping

Shopping. It's fab. But it has it bad side. It makes you blow money you don't have. It's time consuming. It's addictive!  
This article helps you bask in the sun of shopping and veer away from those bad things about it.  

To prepare..... 
Before you go shopping do these things. Don't worry they won't take more than 2 minutes, it won't take up any of you're shopping time!  


Firstly. SET A BUDGET. Only bring the amount of money you plan to spend. This way you aren't tempted to blow your budget. 
Also set a time limit. You don't want to miss anything. 


Ask yourself these questions 


Do I need any garments? For example: you are low on skirts, it's cold and you need a coat, you need a new bag as yours is getting old.  
What are the trends and do I care about them enough to buy around them?   
What shops should I go to? 


You can even check online at your favourite stores before you leave so you have an idea of what you might buy.  


Where to shop
Go somewhere where you have a bit of variety. Your local mall, department store or high street are usually the best spots. 


It's important to keep a balance. Have a browse at all types of stores. High-end, vintage, op shop! Keep it mixed! 


How to ENJOY shopping  
The best way to enjoy shopping is to go with your favourite people. Walk along chatting and then get second opinions about all your favourite garnments. Sit down and get a drink. Talk. Eat. Shop. Laugh. Enjoy. 


Happy shopping! 
Xoxoxo
Isabella  


Photo from http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qY_8uKRbQg/Tmt32QRHE5I/AAAAAAAABWw/hhtvFasiapc/s1600/day+12+-+shopping.jpg   

The Picks of the Month - Music, Fashion and Food

So view this as a plug in to the amazing things I’ve seen this and last month.  We can all admit these few months have definitely have their ups and downs like most months. But let’s be optimistic and focus on the good stuff. 

Music

Lana Del Rey

Not amazing live but fabulous songs and big lips.  Ring any bells? It must because Lana Del Rey is the new big thing.  Sure, she’s liked and disliked all over the world but the amount of hate she gets doesn’t stop her from producing amazing music.  I give her massive thumbs up.  

Lonely Boy by The Black Keys  

The new song by The Black Keys has gone absolutely viral. It is loved all over the world. The tune is catchy AND they are talented. This can be very rare in the current pop music scene.  I utterly adore it. There’s only one problem…I can never get it out of my head.   

Boys Like You by 360 feat. Gossling

I love the chores and the voice of Gossling plays my heart strings but 360 annoys me (all rappers do) and the theme of the song is really horrible and not the most pleasant to listen to when you take the lyrics seriously (shown in music video, which is not displayed here as I feel it isn’t all that appropriate for this blog).  

Tongue Tied by Grouplove

I’ve run out of words for love. I think I’ve already said love and adore so many times in this article. I’ll just say I’m nuts about this song. The backing line with the instruments in the background is so fabulous and bold. This means the song is wonderful to listen to and never drags. 

Fashion  

Collard Shirts

Those collard seem to ensure sophistication and funkiness. They absolutely ooze coolness whether they are covered in a bold print or in a simple colour.  I heart these shirts!  

Photo From
http://rockinthatbling.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vanessa-collar.jpg 

Polka Dots

Oh my gosh. Who knew these tiny little spots could make me feel so happy. They absolutely scream cuteness.  I love them on 50’s styles dresses, on skirts, on headbands on EVERYTHING. 

Photo from http://www.isdress.net/img/black-embroidered-polka-dot.jpg

High Waisted Skirts

Oh, how I love wearing a skirt tucked in.  It seems elegant and cool all at the same time. Wearing one with a cute blouse and a pair on sunnies is one of my new favourite outfit combos

Photo from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ9ggK9U_5BY254wL1jdzInpibpfggaKEa8udPQgFayHArL6bRZg4nzjCn5-6YpeNnYG-sOKT3dCzt5qmrXwnTeNTf3x1Cr7wFTsjcNQhLmMVCYTEopW_MmBc1DliscLvPhbzfmd_IbQ3/s400/2b86082e-9d20-47a1-948f-2cbedeee309e.jpg

Vintage

Ahh, the love of the old and lost. Rekindling new trends in one of my new favourite things to do and vintage can really help with that. 

Photo from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlnE3r1mn-A/Tb7hbEwGqRI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LZQt-K4wcAc/s1600/pretty-pink-vintage-collage.png

Food

Tofu

I love tofu in all forms.  It is high in protein and iron and low in calories. It’s also highly delicious. A perfect healthy snack. What’s not to love? 

Photo from http://www.thefatlossauthority.com/fat_loss_tips/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Tofu-Image.jpg

Thai Food

Mmmmm. I love the bold and delicious flavour of Thai Food. Pad Thai anyone?  

Photo from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrAYkbRtk-EIvfXOzit2vhHV0WoHl3l4P2NiVPnMGiLgX5jNu4darunsL90qpmpaA0YQrtYh5T4W0MyAVFkpfMPqXrlJiH0-BJsYxc2HXxoJV4DGb8y17ExacLj49PMlpGKk-UBqwalyI/s400/padthai.jpg 

Scones

Is there anything better than a warm scone with jam and cream, a cup of tea and a really good read. No there is not?

Photo from http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/02/12/scones_narrowweb__300x449,0.jpg

Have a nice weekend

Xoxoxoxo

Isabella 

Chocolate, Pink Baths and That Little Thing Called Love - A Guide To Having The Perfect Valentine's Day

I have never celebrated Valentine's day in my life so for me tomorrow will be a first. It seems no one does in Australia.  Valentines day is corny and retailers see it as a way to sell more stuff so people often forget about it's true meaning which is love. Now I'll stop there or I'll go into motivational speaker mode. What I don't get is why people only view it as a day to celebrate our love for another person. Why can't we celebrate our love for the world or for ourselves!  This guide tell you how to celebrate love in it's many forms. So curl up and read all about celebrating love for...well.....everything. 

5 Fabulous Ways To Celebrate Your Love With Someone

1. Go to a drive in movie

2. Bring out the corny heart chocolate and have a picnic!

3. Go out for a fancy lunch or dinner.

4. Each of you pick a movie and watch both of them back to back!

5.  Make love heart cookies

5 Fabulous Ways To Celebrate Your Love For The Amazing World Around You
Who doesn't love our amazing world.  Sure, it has it's flaws but it's beautiful and full of culture and diversity. 

1. Go away for a day to a new place

2. Take photos of everything you see that is beautiful or interesting.

3. Spend the day gardening

4. Go for a picnic

5. Go for a walk around your city  


6 (I had to throw in an extra one) Fabulous Ways To Celebrate Your Love For Yourself
Self love isn't about being full of yourself, cocky or selfish. It's about having confidence and a high sense of self worth.  Gala darling is the ultimate self lover and has amazing tips about how to be confident and how to love yourself so for more ideas have a look at her.

1. Treat yourself to a mini shopping trip. Come on, you deserve it!

2. Have some exercise.

3. Write down the 100 things you love about yourself

4. Paint your nails a new colour

5. Cook yourself a special meal.

6. Hang out with friends

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Thing
OK, so a couple of weeks ago I discovered a Lush bath bomb in my room. 'Oh, how lovely' I thought and I put it in the bath and hopped in. As the bath bomb spread the bath turned pink (yes, pink) and little confetti hearts went everywhere. I felt intensely happy and put on some calming music thinking about well....everything as one often does in the bath. It was INSANELY relaxing and I plan of doing it every Valentines day for the next couple of years. It's amazing how the little things can make you happy.

This is the bath bomb. I'm pretty sure you can buy on line. 

Have a fabulous Valentine's Day
Stay wonderful
Xoxo
Isabella