Butterflies and Bananas.

Hello,

On the weekend my mother (Mumma duck) asked me to come with her to Coffs Harbour in NSW. She was driving down and would like some company. I jumped at the chance. I have only ever driven through Coffs Harbour, I have never actually stayed there.

Starting our Journey

So we drove down the coast on Monday. Watching mountains and fields of green go by. Slowly relaxing more and more as we drive. We stayed overnight at this cute little lodge in Grafton, where there was no wifi but very cute. The next morning we were up and back on the road, heading to Coffs Harbour to pick up my Nan from the airport, Coffs Harbour's airport is very tiny, like propeller planes are used tiny. My Nan was not happy, she hates small planes. Best part besides seeing Nan, were the kangaroo farms. They were cute. I love animals, they make me so happy to see them.

The Lodge we stayed at in South Grafton

We then headed to a very cool restaurant called Cocoa on the main drag. Quaint, cool and sophisticated was the vibe. The best feature was the really well done painting of a tree on the wall. It was beautifully painted. I got the eggs benedict which I always get when I can as I am in love with them. They were okay, they put a tomato relish on them that had a really tangy flavour which was nice but really drew away from the creamy taste of the hollandaise sauce which is a little annoying. I scraped it off as much as possible. They had freshy squeezed juices, I got beetroot, orange and carrot and it was delish.

Artwork created at the cafe Cocoa

We then did a few family things before heading to our hotel, a little hidden motel. We grabbed food and bunked down for the night playing catch up.

On our last day we dropped Nan off at the airport to head home, Mumma Duck and I drove to the Butterfly House just outside of Coffs. We walked up the path, bought our tickets and stepped in.

The entrance to the Butterfly House 

First thing you notice is the heat. The blast of humidity needed for the butterflies is like a slap in the face. But once you get over it you see them. Every where. Landing on the flowers, nectar pads and even my hair. Butterflies. Every colour. Blue ones, green ones, purple ones, orange ones and beautifully patterned ones. We wandered around and took photos. Watched them do those pretty spiralling, flying dances.

We then got to go see the other bugs and creepy crawlies they have there. These included various stick insects (the leaf one was my personal favourite), crickets and unfortunately giant burrowing cockroaches. These things severely creeped me out. Big black and slimy looking. I had a friend who used to have them as pets. He would hold them and let them crawl on him. I shudder thinking about it. Eeek.

After getting our fill of all the pretty butterflies. Mumma Duck and I jumped back in the car and started heading home. Not before we grabbed some photos of the Big Banana (which I had Havana Browns song going through my head as I write this). We grabbed a snack then headed home.

Now we are safe and sound, tired and sleepy from all the driving.

We had a lot of fun on the mini vacation and we are already planning to go back as there is alot to do in Coffs Harbour. And it's pretty cheap as well as only about five hour drive from Brisbane so double bonus.

Well talk to you later,
                    Aussie Girl

Bazaar, Binging and Brownie Smores

Hello Everyone,

I realised I haven't told you all about the gift I got for Valentines day from Geek Boy.

He gave me dinner for two at Bazaar at QT, one of my favourite hotels. I love it here. They have this enormous gourmet, interactive buffet that is to die for. There are Asian, roasts, seafood, salads, side dishes and pizzas galore. And the best part? if say you want your meat cooked to a certain way or don't like the pizzas on offer you can choose how you want them done and they will bring it to your table. All apart of the rather high fee. (It's about 72.00 for the full buffet, includes all food except drinks)

And we gorged. You do not come here on a diet. You prepare to role home. Which we did after three plates of dinner each then a plate of dessert.

This was the first course:

Paella with chorizo, slow cooked beef and some form of Asian beef/rice and potato. The Paella was to die for, so yummy.

Second course, more paella, a baguette and black bean beef. With a little sliced salami. So good, it was all so good. But I wont lie, I was starting to feel a little full by the time I got to this point.

 Finally, the best course. There is a make your own sundae bar, I got vanilla ice cream, oreos, nutela and popcorn. Then I got doughnuts with chocolate ganache and sprinkles, macaroons (pineapple, strawberry and thyme), Oreo rocky road, salted caramel and popcorn tarts and the little things in the jars are brownie, melted chocolate and melted marshmallow i.e. mini smores. They are the best. Geek Boy had four. I managed two plus a few bites of everything before giving up. But seriously, they are all goo and melty and they have the brownie in them. It's just , I can't describe it. Go and try it. Or make one. I think I will and I will post how to when i manage a decent one.

This is the drink I got. It's called a Byron Bay, with vodka, citrus, passion-fruit, lime and soda. Perfect. 

It was an awesome meal but by the end we were feeling a little ill, but that is solely due to it being very well done food that you can have as much as you want. 

Bazaar it's self is best described as kind of vintage fresh, the space is really nice, mood lighting but I felt a little hot. There is not a lot of air con going on. But that is the only bad thing I can say about it. And it can get slightly uncomfortable, but nothing to prevent ou going. The staff go beyond and are always smiling (except for the girl at the sundae bar, and she only gave me one scoop of ice cream. so rude!). They bring things out before you ask.  

This is my favourite place to go, not just food wise but hotel wise as well (their breakfast buffet is even better in my opinion). I definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it. It is a little exxy at 72.00 per person but so worth it. Best place to splurge as you definitely get your moneys worth. You get to watch the chefs make food while you are choosing yours. So you know its freshly cooked. 

Geek Boy and I love it, and he confessed that one of the reason he was taking me there as my gift was because he got to have it too. Can't fault him for it, we've been looking for an excuse to go again for ages. 

We even starved ourselves all day so we could enjoy as much as possible. Which totally paid off as we tasted everything (or at least almost).

So has anyone else been there? Would love to know. 

Talk to you later,

                    Aussie Girl. 

Returning to battle again...and it sucks!

Hello,


So something you need to know about me. I have always been the fat one in my family. And it sucks. It just absolutely sucks. And what's worse I once made it to my goal size. I was a size 12 and ecstatic. Some may think this is big, but when you have a natural hourglass figure and your thighs and butt are just muscle and thick, its a good size.

It took me two years, very little food and a lot of exercise to get to that weight. I started when I was sixteen. Then life comes and I got sick. I had to give up dancing and skipping for a while and when the exercise goes it is so easy to just keep letting it go, keep eating the bad foods.

Then I got dumped, got sad, worked on a project and before I know it ballooned 30kgs. 30kgs. I was the biggest I had ever been. I got the personal trainer, had no savings, lost the weight. Was feeling great. Then I let it go again and the weight is now all back on.

See, now to some this would be fine. We are told to love ourselves. But considering the genetic diseases I could get, it's not. I have to lose weight. Not just to stay healthy but for my sanity. I feel better when it's muscle and not fat and I can wear all those damn dresses I love.

I don't believe in diets, I have to change how I eat. I have to change how to live. Which again sucks. I am not one to put my body through pain. It hurts, it's uncomfortable. But I have to or I'll be gone sooner rather than later. I like sitting and watching tv or reading a book all day.

But it all comes down to it sucks, I don't want to do jump rope or go for a run. I want to scream and shout over the fact I have to do this again. I want to cry over the unfairness of it all. I am over it, so over it all. Why should I have to do this for a third time? Why can't the weight just stay gone?

Because my weight genes suck, because I will always prefer my coffee with peppermint syrup, cookie dough ice cream over fruit smoothies and a burger with bacon over a salad.

So I have to not give up (because I could never give up ice cream and peppermint coffee), but cut back on my favourite things. Like way, way back and up the foods that I can honestly say I really don't enjoy at all (but more on that later). I am going to have to grit my teeth and do the things that put me through pain or bore me to tears.

Am I the only one? I know we are supposed to want to exercise, to get up and go and greet the day with a smile. But are there others out there who just look at it all and go, god damn it?

Well, I will talk to you all later,
                                        Aussie Girl

Hiking in Flats

Hello,

So today did not start out great but I will be talking about that later this week. Due to it not starting out my husband Geek Boy decided to 'kidnap me' and take me somewhere as we were driving home from the shops.

We went through the most bendiest, twisted lot of roads I had ever driven on and ended up at the Springbrook National Forest. Now here is where I need to mention something. I had dressed not for an adventure in the woods but for going to the shops and then seeing a movie later. I was in a pair of bloody flats and I was supposed to hike through the bush.

I'll be honest I glared at Geek Boy. No way was I hiking through snake and spider infested bushland in open shoes. I know better from experience. He solemnly swore we would stick to the bitumen path and not go into the hiking areas. I glowered but nodded and huffed an answer.

So we start walking, I am still in a bad mood and keep walking, feet are starting to hurt from all the working so not focusing on grumpy thoughts as much and then we come to a bridge with a clearing. Its a stream, a rather large but shallow, pretty stream. Water is tumbling over rocks and you can see straight to the bottom. All lush green forest around it. Looked like fairies would be coming out at any moment and start playing. My mood lifted exceptionally higher.

Then we saw the creek.

Then we saw a waterfall,

A cave with glow-worms you couldn't see during the day.

Before finally making a full circle back to the car. I felt better. A lot better, both from the beautiful sites and the exertion of exercise. So yes Geek Boys plan worked wonderfully and I so want to go back to Springbrook National Park and go through the hiking tracks in winter when the snakes are in hibernation and I am wearing hiking boots, not flats.

Then to further the adventure we went on a drive past NSW border and through a huge chunk of farm land where I got to see horses, llamas, fluffy chickens and cows. It turned out to be a rather perfect day.

Talk to you later,
                       Aussie Girl

All the Sparkles of Crown and Glory

Hello!

Today I was lucky to get my Crown and Glory Glitterati February Box. So happy. It came so quick this month. Normally I am waiting till the 25th but not this month.

Anyway, so I have a very new and blossoming love for Crown and Glory, this beyond unbelievable hair accessories shop in the UK. Everything is made by hand and all of it is either floral or sparkly. My first piece was the Elbie Crown in Gunmetal (found here: http://www.crownandglory.co.uk/product/elbie-crown-headband-gunmetal ). It reminds me of King Tritons crown from the Little Mermaid so when I first found it, I pounced. Now I wear it all the time.

I also belong to their monthly subscription where you pay 40.00 Aus a month (this includes postage) and get over 100.00 worth of goodies. I just recently got my February box. 

As you can see it's very heart filled due to Valentines Day coming up. But I am already wearing the red heart headband which strangely works with the Jack Skellington Blackmilk Dress I am also wearing. Go figure. 

So one of the reasons I love this brand is besides being pretty and beautifully made, is that at heart I am still the kid who likes to wear lovely things that are different and can make someone smile. Or have a hint of cosplay. Like the below photo. 

I did the braid Rapunzel style and the roses you can see are from Crown and Glory. What's not to like about injecting a little fairytale into ones life no and then? This is what Crown and Glory brings with their items, there is that sense of fun and quirkiness. And the community is beyond unbelievable. I already have a growing wishlist of items I want. Including more flowers. 

So if you are looking for beyond pretty hair things check them out: http://www.crownandglory.co.uk/ 

But I am curious if absolutely anyone is reading this, what are your go to places for pretty things? 

Chat later, 

            Aussie Girl. 

When the love of my life is a content man and Valentines Day is coming up....

I love my husband, Geek Boy is my best friend and we love nothing more than going on crazy adventures. But he does have one particular downside. He is one of those people who is comfortable enough in life that he doesn't actively ever want anything. 

Do you know how frustrating this is? Last year I couldn't even find him a Valentines Day, so I may have fudged the truth on buying him one and it getting lost. Seriously. Every Christmas, Birthday and Valentines Day I struggle. What do you get someone who doesn't really want anything? And you are also on a very tight budget?

So I almost literally banged my head against the wall. Till we were watching the Lego Movie. We both like Lego, having grown up with it, but when you're in your twenties at home looking for a house it is not something one can get without worrying about bloody storage. (seriously, no room. None). So I found the next best thing. A Lego mug. It's literally a mug that you can build Lego's on. 

Courtesy Of  Think Geek 

I really like Think Geek, they have some of the nicest things. Though the shipping does cost through the nose for some items as it all comes from the US. I got Geek Boy a Stark Scarf one year for his BDay, and I got friend the coolest solar powered pastel glowing jars another year. It's just fun stuff that makes you feel like a big kid (so getting my mother in law the plush kitty bouquet for her Birthday, she adores cats)

I also got him Max Brenner Dark Hot Chocolate (As he always says he never gets to go). All Natural Snake Lollies, his favourite lollies. I will say it's killing me to have them near me and not eating them (the banana ones are the yummiest). So hopefully he likes the little kit I am making him. If I can only find a batman Lego piece that isn't over twenty dollars I will be happy. I cannot believe how much Lego costs now.  

Well, I will let you all know how it goes. 

Catch you later,

                     Aussie Girl

  

Going to Goma

Hello,

So yesterday I decided that I needed to get out and about. So I took a quick trip to the Gallery of Modern Art in Southbank.

I felt giddy as I jumped on the train with coffee in hand and fell into staring out the window at all the pretty sights for an hour. I got to Southbank, now minus the coffee, and smiled at all the sunshine. I got to walk through my favourite path. It's stunning how the gardeners have had these beautiful climbers shade the path. It's all green and lush with giant splotches of purple. Makes me feel like I am off to meet a Fairy.

So, as I was ridiculously early, I wandered the cafes and shops. Max Brenner is by far my favourite. Walk in and all you can smell is chocolate. See the giant vats of melted chocolate and the decadent desserts. I picked up a dark hot chocolate mix for Geek Boys Valentines Day present. He is always complaining about never getting Max Brenner, so I will bring it to him instead. But Shhh, it's a secret. The Mexican hot chocolate is my personal favourite.

Finally the Gallery is open. Best parts about galleries is you can wander. No rush, just let your mind wander as you gaze at the different exhibits. The ones that captured my most attention were classified children exhibits, but they were so pretty and full of colour what's not to like?

The Yayoi Kusama Obliteration is a pure white room full of chairs, furniture and knick knacks that you get to cover in stickers. It was already really covered. Except where it got too high for people to reach. It looked amazing and so cool. Especially if you watch the video they've created to show how the room has changed from pure white to dot covered.

The second one I really liked was the Journey to Fantastic Lands, full of these pretty windows of colourful mini lands. I was in a pastel paradise. I know it's childish but I really like colourful and beautiful things. Things that make you escape to a little slice of wonderland.

So after visiting the gallery and wondering I jumped across the river and checked out a few shops before heading home.

Doesn't sound like I had fun. But I did. It was a nice slice of escapism.

Catch you next time,
                        Aussie Girl