The big move

So the biggest news to come from my four month absence has been something that I've been looking forward to for a while: moving.

Yep - farewell green walls - we're outta here!

Where to you ask? Well, rather than  packing our bags and heading to some far away majestical place - we've decided to keep things simple. And move 100 metres down the road!

Too funny.

But we're chuffed. The new place reminds me of a little European manor, it's lovely:

We're on the ground floor, with two rooms, a sunroom, and a very spacious outdoor area! Loving the prospect of a new-ish kitchen and (most importantly) a dish washer! (Although LB does a great job of dish washer in our house ;))

Needless to say we're counting down the next 10 sleeps until move in day! Can you just picture LB and I wheeling our worldly possessions down the road! Hilarious.

And now the fun begins...decorating!!

xx

leaving the farm...

All good things must come to an end, greener pastures, time for a change, yadda yadda yadda...

You get the drift. My days 'on the farm' (well, as close to a farm as these well-manicured fingers were ever going to get!) are drawing to a close. I'm leaving my job in agricultural lobbying for a new role. Still in the environment sector, but a fresh start. I'm excited :)

And here's a picture of a ridiculously stunning pair of shoes. Just because every celebration deserves a pair...

Shoes, here, of course ;)

Return of the mack..or was it max? And a new beauty book to knock your socks off!

I always sang 'return of the max..' - but that's very 'beth' - my Lover Boy (Happy Birthday today!) always laughs at my ability to make up my own lyrics to songs. He will forever be known as my 'shaving grace', after a roadtrip where Beyonce's 'Halo' featured prominently and it wasn't until we had travelled quite far along the Great Ocean Road that my interpretation was corrected, with much laughter to ensue...

Meanwhile, back to the topic - I'm alive! I didn't die after my surgery (my worrying once again hitting where it hurts). The surgery went well, we found Endo, treated it, and my little uterus is all ready to house many many happy fat bouncing babies (one day...). Enough of the over share - time to return to fun topics, methinks!

Like Beauty. I admit - I have a girl crush.

The other day I was walking through the city DJs on my lunch break, when I saw a cluster of people all gushing over a gorgeous brunette, who was signing books and smiling for cameras. My thoughts of 'who's the D-grade celebrity today?' were quickly overshadowed by something shining over on the MAC counter, and I quickly forgot about said brunette.

Until I saw an snippet of an interview on TV, and had to track her down. And by her, I mean Zoe Foster.

Beauty editor, author, youtube-producer-extraordinaire. This girl has serious Wow! factor. I've spent the whole afternoon looking at her YouTube clips and flicking through her new book Amazing Face which I quickly ran to Dymocks to buy today.



I just wish I'd discovered her last week so that I could have had my book signed too!!

the gift that keeps giving

One of my b'day presents from LB this year was a 12 month subscription to Marie Claire. I thought this to be an awesome gift - as when the first edition arrived in the mail yesterday it felt like my b'day all over again!

Thanks babe!

Looking forward to snuggling up in my PJs and reading tonight - although my version didn't have all of text on the front cover - simply the pic of Gale and the MC header. Not sure whether that's because I'm a subscriber and get an early edition? Hmm..interesting...love that frock tho!

keeping calm, carrying on

Sometimes it doesn't all go the way we planned. I get that.

I've always planned on falling in love, getting married, having a million babies, and living happily ever after. Living the simple life,  but loving it.

So you never think anything would ever get in the way of said plan. Like, your health.

As I blogged about a while ago, I've had a few health issues this year. While I hoped and prayed they'd go away it doesn't seem to be going my way. It would appear my body wants to challenge me a little bit. So I have to raise to the challenge and get things sorted to ensure my dreams of happy baby-infested simple life can happen. 

I'm booked in for investigative surgery on 17 June. At this stage all signs are pointing towards endometriosis. 

I'm drawing inspiration from this one person's story, who I blogged about here, before I had any idea that I would one day may be heading down this road too. Unlike this blogger, whose story is quite simply amazing, my troubles have come on suddenly. Who knows what has been brewing inside me over the past 10 years - if anything at all. Best I find out, treat, and hopefully - move on.

So it looks like I'll have a bit of spare time while cooped up at home recovering in June - a good chance to get serious about Foxy and get stuck into blogging! I treat Foxy as a bit of a diary of sorts, so I hope no one reading minds me taking this personal approach. Writing is good for the soul, so they say.

Who knows what we'll find - but I'm in good safe hands with an absolute expert specialist who is as determined as me to get to the bottom of this whole saga and make things right again.

Here's hoping the fairytale ending remains.

Take me for a ride on a big jet plane!

And so the busy-ness continues.

Tomorrow we're off - to New Zealand! My beautiful friend Tamara and her partner Xavier are set to say their I dos! MC Hammer here has her lines written, yet I'm feeling very under prepared. It has been another crazy week and I haven't had a chance to really sit down and practice. Or pack for that matter. Or look for my passport. Here's hoping I can pull a rabbit...

Meanwhile - I'm totally excited about checking out Queenstown over the next few days! Any must sees??

Can you think of a more sensational backdrop for a wedding? I'll be sure to take plenty of happy snaps :)

Have a fantastic end to your week!

image via here

busy in the bush...

I know, another week with no new posts...

I've been busy. Not saving the world busy, but busy.

This week I traded my heels for boots and headed to the Wimmera for an annual grains industry conference that the organisation I work for hosts. The Wimmera is a big, flat, dry place - perfect for getting lost in (which I managed to, successfully, twice).

After my few days in the bush I headed back to Melbourne in time for the opening cocktail party of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - which my work is also 50% owner of. This is one gig I really don't mind - each year I'm asked to head along and take photos. I'm no pro, but I'll be sure to share a few more soon - so many beautiful displays!

For now, there's a million things I need to get done before my weekend begins. Very excited for tomorrow - Aunty Beth is babysitting little baby Jessica while her Mama and Papa Bears are off at a wedding! Oh I can't wait!

still kicking...

Leaving my blog on that sour note was rather rude of me, yes?

Just to clarify, I didn't die from said illness. I'm still being poked and prodded at with no real answer in sight. Sigh...

Meanwhile, I've been ridiculously busy with social commitments that have kept me smiling throughout it all.

Will smother foxy in some love soon, for now I need to catch up on what I've been missing in bloggy-world!

xx

image via we♥it

taking it all for granted.

I haven't been around. I haven't had the desire to blog.

I took it all for granted. I stress and worry about all those around me, what they're doing, what they're putting in their bodies, how they're treating themselves, how they're treating others. I never turn the mirror on myself.

The one thing I should never take for granted and I did. My health.

It's a waiting game now. I try telling myself to stay positive, that it will be something minor, that it will all be over with in a week or two. Then that ugly face of worry rears its head. What if it's not ok? What if it can't be fixed? What if I can't be fixed? Too many what ifs, not enough answers. For that I have to wait. Patiently. Never my strong point.

It's been a crap week. But it has shown another side to those I feel closest to. Having support is one thing. Reaching a whole new depth of support is another. Seeing someone there next to me, who I thought I knew inside and out, seeing their love and support go one step deeper. I'm so blessed.

It could be nothing. There is every reason for me not to fear.

I need to fill that glass, instead of watch it empty.

It will be ok.

image via here

hens on the loooooose!

In a few weeks time I'm throwing my lovely kiwi friend Tam-Tam the ultimate Hens Party!

LB and I are flying to Tam and her Aussie lover boy's wedding in Queenstown, NZ in April. Alongside a trip to a country I've never been to - and a chance to wear that Alannah Hill dress again - I'm most excited that I've been asked to conduct the official proceedings during the reception: hello MC Hammer! ('break it down!)

To celebrate Tam's nuptials, I've helped her kiwi based bridesmaids organise a super-rad bachelorette party to be held here in Melbourne on 5 March! Two of her bridesmaids are flying over for the occasion, and Tam and my previous housemate Sarah is flying in from QLD too! To say I'm excited is an understatement!

And what do we have planned?

Well Tam's a total wild child, so with the theme "Paint the town red" we're out to cause some trouble!

A lovely late lunch will kick things off; followed by bridal games, champagne and canapés at the bride's house. Then we're set to get our creative juices flowing with a male nude life art drawing class! Following all the giggling that this will surely evoke, we'll then have a knock at the door from a certain male visitor who will leave nothing to the imagination! Good thing Tam's mother-in-law-to-be has a wicked sense of humour - I hope this doesn't offend anyone!

A trip into the city to a host of our favourite bars and we're sure to make Tam's send off into married life a night she'll never forget!

Time to find me another red dress to wear!

Lovers, and oh what a bonus!

So late last year my boss presented me with a fun bonus: a gift voucher for 2 night's stay at Melbourne's Rydges Hotel, smack in the middle of the CBD.

Living in St Kilda, and working in the city Mon - Fri, I could have thought of a few different places for the boss to send me as a treat. But I'm not complaining - as LB and I have decided to cash in our voucher this weekend as a fun Valentine's Day adventure!

So Melbourne tourists we will be this weekend - with an upgrade to the spa suite I can't wait! Really hoping the sun will show it's face by the time Friday rolls around (wishful thinking?) With its renovated pool, city views and complimentary buffet breakfast this is one V'day weekend I'm sure we'll enjoy!

The cozy bed I plan on sleeping-in in...before frocking up for a night of good food and wine at some of Melbourne's hot-spots!

The lobby bar where we'll indulge in a cocktail or two! (loving those yellow chairs!)

The pool that we'll relax by! (Gosh, if only I had that bikini body...stunner!)

How are you spending V'Day?!

Read.

Read this post. Today. Be moved.

I was.

a promise to myself

"I will take my lazy butt to the gym tonight"

I'm sorry, I know this is a lame post - but I really really really need some motivation and if I put it out there on this blog then I'm going to have to stick to it! The gym is 300m from my doorstep and I haven't been there once this month. My jelly belly is screaming out for a decent workout and as a wise friend reminded me today: "to be blunt you are the only person who can make it happen".

Today I will make it happen.

Smiling.

Good news found its way to us this week.

♥ There's a party going on inside me, the smile will never fade. ♥

Image via we♥it

Resolving to...

I always ponder a few resolutions to carry into each New Year. In the past, they have almost always revolved around weight loss. But not this year. I don't need to resolve to lose weight, I've been slowly chipping away at that goal for the last year with my trusty WW membership. I feel confident in achieving my goal at my own pace without making a resolution to do so.

Today I came across a fun website to help get the creative resolution juices flowing. Out of the quirky (eat a whole tomato at once like I would an apple), sweet (make cookies from scratch), typical (win the lottery) and random (stay away from gas station slushies) - I thought the following best summed up my desires.

I have a terrible habit of letting my mind live in the future. I'm a 'what if' kind of girl - it goes hand in hand with my worrying. If I could only start enjoying the present, and all the fun and happiness that it involves, then maybe I will be able to help curb the worrying about what may or may not lie ahead.

Along with living in the present, I have set a few other goals for 2011.

• Financial stability: after Europe the bank balance took a bit of a blow! During my break I checked out a few websites to help set myself a budget and get things back on track.
• Think positively: if I had one word to sum up my outlook for 2011 it would be positivity (again, I guess it fits in well with the worrying!). Chin up love, there's a lot of good around you!

And that just about sums it up - here's to 2011, and all slushies and cookie mix that your lottery money can buy!

To you and yours,

Merry Christmas bloggersphere!

May your champagne flutes overflow with bubbles and plenty of kisses be found under the mistletoe.

xx

image via here

love at first sight

Delighted to announce that over the weekend I became an Aunty!

My big bro and his lovely wife gave birth to beautiful Jessica Rose on 11 December. Mumma bear and baby bear are doing well, Papa bear is chuffed!

I met baby Jessica last night, it was love at first sight. A precious little doll for us to treasure.

Little Jessica, I cannot wait for all the fun times we have ahead!

What's up, Doc!

Today is an exciting day! One of my best and dearest friends Stephanie has graduated from her medical degree! Tonight will be filled with celebratory champagne, plenty of dancing and general tomfoolery!

Stephie is one of those friends. The type who's always there when needed; or only a phone call away. She has been a constant support over the years and her friendship is one I could not do without.

Her road to doctor-hood hasn't always been easy, and today I couldn't be more proud of her.

Well done Dr. Alexander, you ROCK!

Something so beautiful, something so fragile,

How could I have pushed it so close to the edge?

To be so confused, but now so sure. Only perhaps too late.

Hopeful. L'amour triomphe de tout.



zoom, zoom ZOOOOM!

Four weeks and I'm out of here!!

It still seems so surreal, but in four weeks time I will be boarding a jumbo jet and making my way to Europe. We've booked most of our accommodation for the first half, but are leaving a lot of the planning until we are there and seeing where the northern hemisphere winds take us!

I feel like I've placed so much emphasis on this Europe trip. As cliché as it may be, a time to 'find myself'. To have a few weeks exploring and opening my eyes to the possibilities of life seems so alluring of late. I want this trip to teach me more about the world, but more importantly - more about myself.

For some reason I seem to think of life in two stages at the moment, BE and AE. Before and after Europe. Right now I feel quite trapped by everything. I've put all this pressure on Europe as being the place to escape, the place to discover.

I just hope I discover enough...