Things I Love Thursday
[ 9 October 2008 ]
Photo by Felix Larher.
Drinking espresso under the Eiffel Tower at night & watching the light show (which I think is beautiful). The tower was lit up in blue, with shimmering white lights all over it — it was really an incredible sight to behold. It was definitely one of the best things I did in Paris, & after seeing that, I pretty much fell in love with the city.
Paris! Yes. I really enjoyed my time there. It’s a magnificent place. It doesn’t give me the same rush that New York does, but it has its own, very specific charm, & I think after another visit it could easily nudge its way into #2 on my favourite cities list. I’m glad of that actually, it’s always good to have a few different cities in which you feel comfortable & happy, & which you can pick from. The best clue that I really liked it there is that I am already planning what I will do on my return… !
Being immersed in the French language — It’s so beautiful, really, & just seeing all the signs & listening to everyone around me was totally inspiring. I also found (& this filled me with total delight) that a lot of my vocabulary knowledge started to come back to me after a few days of being there. By the end of the 4th day, I was speaking with a lot more authority & felt much more comfortable with the language. I cannot TELL YOU how satisfying this was. I am even considering taking regular classes at the Alliance Française, because when I go back I would really like to be able to communicate even more confidently. Though of course, I would need to be in one spot long enough to take a course… !
Speaking in a fake French accent — Haha. So, I speak (un petit peu) French. But Timmy, who I went with, doesn’t. Well, he can say hello, goodbye & thank you, but that’s about it. We caught the hell out of the Métro, & we often had to discuss which stops we were going to, so he started trying to pronounce the names in a French accent. Eventually it devolved into the two of us talking in fake French the whole time, using “boeuf” in place of regular curse words & preeeeeetty much acting like huge dorks. It was totally obnoxious & incredibly hilarious. Hahah.
Finding a carousel with a big hot air balloon on it — There are two carousels near the Eiffel Tower. The first one is on the other side of the road, but if you go back across the Seine, there’s another one which is two storeys & much more decadent! The best part of it to me was the fact that there was a seat in a hot air balloon if you didn’t want to ride ye olde horse! It matched my tattoo, so of course that’s where I sat. So much fun!
French people en général — You know, they get a really bad rep usually. “Oh, Paris? Everyone there is so rude!” Actually, everyone I met was super-polite & went out of their way to help me. When you walk into a shop in Paris, they always say hello, ask if they can help, & bid you farewell when you leave. I haven’t been anywhere else like that, & I loved it. I did meet one rude person, but he was in the airport & clutching a passport I couldn’t read the front of, so he wasn’t even from France!
Le Crazy Horse — Cute, smiling, nearly naked dancing girls, check. Amazing light show, check. Shoes by Christian Louboutin, check. (Hyperventilate, oh my god, fan girl!!!) We went to the show on Sunday, our last night, & really enjoyed it. I kept nudging Timmy & making him pay attention, hee. “No! Look at the shoes!!!” If you ever go to Paris you must go to the show!
Being told that I speak French with “no accent” by an actual French person. Dude. Ultimate compliment! So good it warrants a heart-shaped bullet-point all of its own! You have no idea how happy that made me!
Photos by Felix Larher.
Being back in New York! As much as I love travelling — & obviously, that is a lot — I love having a routine, too. Because flying & transfers & hotels & foreign public transportation systems are interesting, & challenging, & kinda cool, but sometimes you just want to sleep regular hours, get some work done & mooch around a neighbourhood with which you’re familiar! (Especially after my mad route home, which included an unplanned overnight stay in Philadelphia’s très glamor Ramada Inn!) It’s so crazy & awesome to me that New York is like home to me now, too!
My new place — voilà!
Monthly soundtracks — There is a girl who makes them on ljmixtape & every month she releases a new one. I have to say, sometimes on the first listen I’m not totally grabbed by the tracks, but by the second or third listen? Eeeee! These mixes of hers get SO MUCH PLAY on my computer! Her taste is really impeccable. You will need to join the community to see it, but here is her soundtrack for September — have a listen, & I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Lip yummies — Yesterday I went to Sephora & bought three lip treatments. I decided about two days ago that I wanted to start wearing something on my lips other than just flavoured balm, so I was on the hunt. I am really, really happy with what I bought — Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm (for lovely moisture), Givenchy Rouge Interdit Shine in Raspberry Shine & Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in Glitter Pomelo. The Givenchy products are seriously the best things ever, beautiful colours with the addition of irridescent glittery awesomeness! I’d never used their stuff before but I am sooooo happy! You should go & try them out, they’re fabulous & they make me feel like a total vixen.
Honourable mentions: Sleeping all the way home on the plane (I know I’ve said this before but it’s so good to wake up with only an hour until you land); having a row of four seats to yourself; dreams about your idols; sugar highs; befriending small French girls who wear bunny ears & draw pictures of you; brightly coloured macarons; having Japanese tourists take photos of you; perfect plane outfits (long-sleeved thin black hoodie + American Apparel grey sweater + long black cardigan + harem pants + socks + books + scarf); women behind you on the plane who sing; fashion parades in the Catacombs; kissy faces on a carousel; balconies which look out over Paris; bathtubs (in Paris & in my new place!); ‘Dolores’, the new album by Bohren & der Club of Gore; watching Almost Famous while eating ice-cream for dinner; Sex… With Mom & Dad (new MTV show featuring Dr Drew, who I love!) & Paris Hilton’s My New BFF (uber-trash but & as if I even need to say it, my favourites are Onch & Zui); kissing videos (awww); the super-super-super-friendly woman in the canteen in Philadelphia’s Ramada Inn!; big stacks of foreign fashion magazines; vegan tacos; big piles of blankets; impulse purchasing white bunny ears, & cute voicemail from people saying they miss me. Awww!
This is one of the most amazing things I’ve read in a while:
“Listen to people’s stories, & you’ll find that they could all be entitled “Why I Cannot Be at Peace Now”. The ego doesn’t know that your only opportunity for being at peace is now.” — Eckhart Tolle
Okay, bunny! Time for your TiLT exercises! Wiggle your fingers — in, out, up, down, around! — in preparation to compose us a big fat list of your current loves! Ready? Set? Go!
If you’re posting your Things I Love Thursday list elsewhere, remember you’re more than welcome to sneak a badge!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
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You always have so many great things to comment on in your Thursday posts!
Love the shots by Felix – wish I could work with him someday swoon
Hearing all your talk of Paris makes me, honestly, quite jealous. I studied French in high school and have longed to visit the infamous city of Paris since then …
If you haven’t tried the lip glosses from Korres, you should give them a shot – the colors are great and they test phenomenal (as do their lip butters). They sell them on Sephora’s website and in their stores. sephora.com/browse/brand_hiera…
Last, but by no means least, your apartment in NYC is very drool-worthy – it looks big! I’m looking forward to moving back to Connecticut and being able to visit all my buddies in NYC again.
Oh my god, her soundtracks are one of my favorite things in life! All year I’ve been so excited for the new one to come out each month. I’ve discovered some amazing new songs and rediscovered wonderful ones I’d forgotten about because of her. :)
i love the song playing in the video, what is it? & i will definately be checking out those mixtapes, i love being introduced to new music!
*boxed wine (economical!!)
*my sisters (as usual)—oh, and my mum and littlest sister coming to visit me next weekend!!
*gala’s last post (what would you be like if you were the opposite sex…)
*salt and vinegar chips (actually, as of today i am quite over them for a bit, but over the past week they were a brand new obsession).
*ear muffs that are just little individual pockets for my ears w/o a strap between or anything…perfect for my mohawk!
* the theysaid community on livejournal…it’s for poetry by “real” authors, not lj peopple, and quite good.
*did i mention boxed wine?
*prilosec OTC—because it is curing the horrendous stomach aches i was having for over a month. thought i might be getting an ulcer!
*finding out i am no longer anemic ( i think because i try to eat a nice steak once every two weeks or so—i don’t eat much meat otherwise, except sushi, but i love my steaks).
*boyfriend applying for a job in NY, because he knows that is where i would love to live—granted, i know not to put all my eggs in one basket, but it is such a sweet gesture…even if it is in Buffalo and not the city :)
*paris hilton’s new BFF...which i only watch because it is on after parental control, which is one of the best shows ever! and that japanese boy with the cool style is still in the running!
*my black sweatshirt sweater dress i am afraid is going to fall apart.
*lupe fiasco—especially “hip hop saved my life”.
*BANDANNAS.
*learning i have an oral allergy to raw celery. because that’s just funny and ironic. my favorite snack was celery with a line of blu cheese dressing down the middle until i learned the tingling wasn’t normal…
*turning on the heattt in my apartment for the first time this year…makes me feel like i want to snuggle and stay in bed when i wake up :D
My NEW blog
Seeing my Grandma for the first time in years. She is so rad.
Finishing the university year and anticipating holiday bliss!
Moving to the sunshine state.
Spring and flowers!
Salad feasts.
Electric blue finger nails.
Drinking wine from the bottle on abandoned rooftops.
Deliciously noisy live music.
Sheer clothing.
Dangerously high heels.
Long blonde locks.
Handsome boys with scruffy hair.
This is my first TiLT – I’m just so happy I had to share
+ Moving into a new apartment! After 3 months of trying to find a place, we found one and it is perfect! So much space for everything
+ My big built in wardrobe!! So great to have everything out of suitcases and in its own spot
+ Being only 30 mins from work instead of 2 hours! We have been living with family since moving to Sydney from Auckland 5 months ago but they are about 2 hours from Sydney city where I found a job! The new place is only 30mins from the city – bliss
+ Cooking yummy dinners
Honourable mentions: Gunmetal grey nailpolish, 42” plasma TV!, Choc hazelnut hot chocolate with marshmallows, colourful stationery, curling up on the couch with blanket & laptop, compliments, sunshine, new friends, Californication new series, bow headbands & flower clips, BBQs on balconys
wow gala! there’s no way i’d be able to top your list, ha ha!
and omgsh, your new apartment is so charming!
i’ve been reading your tilts forever but this would actually be the first time i wrote one! :P
* igniting old flames – let’s see where it goes. ;)
* art class – we’ve started a new project where we have to take a famous painting and turn it into our own pop art, andy warhol-esque vision. i chose a portrait of vermeer called “the lady with a red hat”. i love her parted lips and slightly startled expression, she’s absolutely stunning!
* oscar wilde’s the picture of dorian gray – the only reason i’m reading this book is because it was on the supplementary reading list for english class but i’ve grown to love it! it’s very charming and i’m glad i’m reading such a romantic book after i finished the true story of hansel and gretel. (which is also a great read!)
* toronto – is not usually one’s preferred destination spot, but hey, it’s my home town, and i love it. it’s a baby new york, it’s diverse, it’s fast, and yes, it’s expensive. but around this time of year, a lot always seems to be happening here in toronto! a whole bunch of events/concerts/shows are happening right now that i’m excited to see!
it’s also been going through a whole bunch of architectural transformations, from the ROM last year, and the new AGO which will be opening in november. i’m so excited!
* thanksgiving – here in canada, our thanksgiving is in october, this monday actually! i’m pretty excited, i love thanksgiving at my house. my dad’s a chef and always comes up with the most fabulous menu! and of course there’s the turkey!!
* honourable mentions – (i’m going to regret saying this when the snow comes but..) cold weather, halloween, school friends, friday nights, house parties, desperate housewives, my cat, bland cereal, new restaurants, hot chocolate, history class, dior powder, mqueen fall 2008/09 ads, lily cole for playboy, filipino foods, highschool dances, boys in uniform (hehe!), kanye west, my mac, teenage dramas, vespas, parisian balconies, cobblestones, berlin, distillery district, kensington mixed nuts, warm blankets, cute with chris!
wow, i can’t believe i wrote that much! :O
Gala, your apartment looks awesome :) so bright and artsy I am twisted between awe and jealousy!
Heres my first TiLT list. *finishing an assignment *sparkly yellow nail polish *haircuts *head scarves *new dresses (from Principals but still :) ) *work tomorrow, end of uni holidays *my polka dot mug full of colourful pens *deciding to learn Spanish *kissing and making up with that special someone *black grapes
things oi love thoisday:
- my silk sleep mask. – being in bed with pretty pretty boys in the mornings instead of working. – lavender-infused coconut milk poured over fruit. me new favourite thing, it is! – pretending to be a cockney 23 hours out of 24. – my mother spoiling the hell out of me while i stayed with her. – life modeling for money. i will never stop appreciating my job! – getting a new body of work together (paintings) that looks good. – planning exhibitions and residencies in europe and possibly india.
!!!
* getting the most perfect summer vintage dress in the mail
* being off sick all week – gave me time to plan my video for my end of year art exhibition
*hot coco for sore throats
* shouting my mum lunch for looking after me so well
* listening to music out of my normal comfort zone and loving it
* finding more vintage goods
* planning photo shoots in fantastic places like spring blossom vally
* getting closer with my friends
* planning to go from black hair to brown – exciting, i’ve had black hair for years so going back to my “natural” colour will be odd
* planning a fruit and vege garden
eeeeeeeee, seeing the video of your new place (which I love btw) gets me all excited for when I’ll finally have my own abode!
Your visit to Paris sounds like it was incredible! And I’m letting your apartment video load so i can watch it :) Seeing other people’s living quarters always interests me, I guess I’m nosy that way :P
here’s my TILT: gemmabear.wordpress.com/2008/1…
Haha! Boxed wine! e – that is hilarious!
I got the same compliment as you Gala – no accent when speaking French! Doesn’t it feel fabulous! (kinda takes the ‘I’m a travelling foreigner thing out a bit tho!)
TiLT!!
My new hair! New colour and do I love it!
Spring! say no more!
A new Momiji mug to drink my coffee from – so cute!
oh and exclamation marks!! can’t use them enough!
:)
*It’s my birthday!
*My workmates bringing me cake and flowers and singing happy birthday.
*Pink icing and hundreds and thousands.
*Lack of concentration due to sugar and coffee jitters.
*Tamsin our house rabbit, who used to be a girl until we discovered she is actually a charming and sensitive boy.
*Impending burritos and margaritas.
*Finding a hairdresser I think I could love.
*Being 27 – it’s a nice number. So dignified sounding. *Buying clip in hair extensions on ebay.
*Floral dresses, wedge heels and curls.
xxxx
I missed last week, what with TiLT being on ‘Paris time’ and me being in Whangarei . . .
This (and last) week:
Making dinner and drinking wine with my mega-awesome nana and fave auntie.
Series 2 of Chuck – yes I am a nerd!
This lovely Didier Parakian dress which I saw in a shop in Whangarei . . . then I saw the price tag, and put it down and backed away!
www.breadandbutter.com/brandbi…
The smell of cardboard; there’s actually a L’Artisan perfume called Dzing! that smells like cardboard. (I’ve had a sample but I’ve never bought a full bottle – too pricey.)
School holidays.
New $3 earrings from the Sallies.
Dolce & Gabbana Sicily eau de parfum . . . mmm, honey.
Jazz-dance concert the other weekend. SO much fun! :D
Kid Rock. Actually, Kid Rock’s voice. I KNOW I should know better . . . ! ‘Picture’, his duet with Sheryl Crow, is one of my all-time faves.
Rattle and Hum.
Mussels – my neighbour got some from the beach and gave me the spares. Delicious!
Family Time – of which I’ve had a lot of lately.
My lover – who I am still madly in love with after 5 years.
Leek & Chick Pea Pasta – which I am eating right now and enjoying immensely.
Just a short TiLT this week, cos I’ve been wicked sick, and not very grateful for that.
* Teeny tiny musical boxes.
* Developing multiple ,sure to be sort lived (but super fun!)new crushes…I’m all dizzy and smiley.
* Vitamin water, yummy!
* Pyjama days.
* Beautiful music filled dreams (unusual!)
* Learning to make paper cranes.
* Watching old sitcoms in the middle of the night.
* Your “if I were of the opposite sex” post!
* Writing lyrics on mirrors.
* New flat hunting, intimidating, but exciting!
Your new place looks wonderful. Different than the other one but in a good way. Question ~ How do you always find the best Flickr pictures? They are incredible!
My TILT:
Etsy ~ I have known about this site forever but never really appreciated it. I spent over an hour and a half browsing through it looking for a tote. But there is so much talent on that site. I wish I had half of their creativity. Props to them!
Robin Thicke’s new album Something Else ~ I am just in love with his voice. He makes me swoon. I have been listening to the CD since I got it and it’s pure Magic.
My trip to Mexico ~ I will be in Mexico in about two months and I can’t wait. As the time gets closer, I feel like my cousins and I are getting back in the groove of things and are emailing each other more often. Making plans as to what we will do. I am also working on a super secret project with my mom & sister for our Christmas gift for our entire family. I know that they will all love it.
Feeling respected at work ~ often times I feel like an outsider because even after almost 2 years of beung at my job, I don’t feel like I fit in. My job is at times difficult because I am an auditor and people don’t like to be told what mistakes they may have made or how to change the way they do something. I was asked to work on identifying efficiencies throughout the company. I feel like some of the suggestions I have made have been taken seriously and are being acted upon. In a small way, I am making a difference.
What a massive TiLT this week, Gala!
I have not done one of these for a little while:
Holidays – Very soon I have exams (hpmh) but very soon after that I have 3 and a half lovely months off from uni!
Planning trips – My best girl friend and I are planning a backpacking trip across Europe next year and I’ve made a special folder on my computer to hoard all the little bits of information I can find about traveling.
Ajitas Vege Chips – Delicious and guilt-free!
New books! – My best friend just lent me a huge stack of books to read.
Friends – I mean the TV show, I’ve been slowly collecting the DVDs and I’m up to season 7! I’m completely hooked.
- Planning my move to Melbourne which is now only 5 weeks away!! Eek!
- Looking at pretty apartments on Domain.com
- Finally getting to move in with my boyfriend, after talking about it for 6 years and being together for 4. No more swapping from my house to his!!
- Job counselling. I’m having a session tomorrow and hopefully it will help me work out what to do with my life!
- Red nail polish and lipstick.
had to add: i LOVE your new apartment! The coziness, the numerous windows letting in light, the fire escape/balcony, the CHANDELIERS!!! soooo jealous :D
Oh my GOD...your apartment…
I am so very jealous!!! Awesome!!!
Gala Darling! You must check out this lovely tube of lip gloss at Target by Jemma Kidd (JK) if you haven’t yet. It’s called lip id & it’s a clear gloss but once you put it on, a color forms as it adapts to your lips. It’s crazy, and I got the most perfect shade. I made my boyfriend’s Mum try it & her shade was perfect for her too. It’s $20 :]
i’m a huge francophile, so all of this t.i.l.t. really speaks to me!
my list includes:
planning a trip to sydney with my best friend for our 21st! i love looking at places to go, hotels to stay in etc its all very exciting :D the uni semester coming to an end: it is a very stressful time getting assignments done and studying for exams, but it is exciting to think i will be on holidays in 4 weeks and graduating! :Dshopping for my 21st dress :D :D :D :D
music that makes you dance: i am loving Lady GaGa’s song “Just Dance”. its makes me wanna just dance
finding clothes in the back of my wardrobe that i havent wore for ages! feels like a new outfit!
thats about it at the moment!
xxoo
I love the song with the apartment video….really nice.
Wow your apartment rocks…..a place liek that would cost an absolute FORTUNE (seruoius) in London…..New york prices Must be so much better,i am clearly in the wrong city!?
My dad’s cousin: She’s letting me house-sit, yay! So I have a place of my own to slouch around in for six weeks.
My aunt, uncle and grandparents: They have been phenomenally good to me by helping me quickly evacuate my nasty living situation with my mum’s sister.
Getting paid: I have disposable income!
Doing nice things for others: Examples being volunteering to take over the shifts at work for the single mum who wasn’t going to be allowed to take time off otherwise, and washing the dishes for my aunt when she was sick so she wouldn’t have to get up and do them.
Freedom: I am a free agent, woo!
Writing on my new blog (www.theweatherreports.blogspot.com)
* Making bad things go away so I feel happy again. * Soy chai tea lattes from a cafe called Mr. Tulk. * Making really big, daggy, second hand dresses pretty again (with the help of my grandma of course.) * Using left over material from said dresses to turn into a scarf with buttons and all. * Sunny days when you don’t have to wear tights. * Grace Kelly. * Funny birthday cards. * Reading ‘Lolita’ on public transport and getting funny stares from conservative people. * Hugs and post-it note resolutions.TiLT:
Being given new roles at work even if it does mean extra hours, it’s a lot better than standing on the shop floor all day selling suits!
Sunshine and putting away the thick heavy clothes for the next few months
Sangria and yummy lunches with my boy nuff said
Tea oh yes. A yummy tea shop in Elliot Street sold me a Cinnamon and plum tea – not the stuff in a bag! Oh no – the proper thing :) now to find a teapot….
Finishing my assignment and planning next year’s papers for uni
The end of my week and birthday dinner for my boy this weekend :)
- Pumpkin Soup
- Tomato Juice
- ♪ deer tick ♪ ‘Art isn’t Real (City of Sin)’
- Boyfriends jogging pants, soooo comfy
- Finally working to put my video’s on my www
- ♪Missy Higgins♪ (i never heared of her before but her songs are soooo lovely)
But for now TODAY i’m going out and enjoy the autumn. Red leaves oooh :)
En bref (francophiles, unite!): * Le derniere trois semaines… of having a long distance relationship. In three weeks, my boyfriend is home for good, then I’m moving to his city next year. It’s such a relief to have this difficult year under our belts. * Haircut, and that’s it’s on its way to recovery from the trauma it went through for hair modelling comps; and also, that I found out today my photo is a regional finalist for the photographic section of the competition! * Feeling not so bad at French. I had to write a 600-word essay on boredom in schools (ironic) in the language and it came surprisingly and pleasingly easily. * New makeup. Almay sale at Farmer’s, yay! * Having a tidy room: FINALLY. * Going to the gym regularly, starting yoga and aerobics classes, and feeling fit-ish.
- Super intellectual, super geeky boys who confirm immediately when I ask them out with a message that says “Friday night surprise adventure, 9pm, say yes!”
I’m taking him to a burlesque show! Boy has no idea what he’s getting himself into :) :) :)
* Reading Gala writing that FRENCH PEOPLE ARE NOT RUDE (but arrogant, yes, lol)
* Hearing a collegue say she’d like to work with me
* Fall warm sunshine in cold air
* Having painted my new flat with leafy green in the living room, Marie-Antoinette turquoise in the desk-studio-library-livingroomtoo, and cool slightly pinky sand in the bedroom (which will match perfectly with the luxurious tree wall sticker with golden leaves I’ve just bought)
* Having bought my very first original paintings, two in the same time (teeny tiny paintings but hey, ORIGINALS !!)
* Thinking about horror movies for my Halloween party (I so look forward to each year !) : Amityville, Candyman, Romeros, Rocky Horror Picture Show… ?
* Rereading my Ellis Peter’s Cadfael series in chronological order (feels like following a good friend in his adventures)
This week I’m mainly loving my new blog which has been in the planning stages for months now and has finally “gone live”.
There’s still a lot of “tweaking” to do (any suggestions from iCiNG readers would be most welcome!) but I decided to make the first post today’s Things I Love Thursday, as this blog has been a great inspiration!
sparkleandglitter.wordpress.co…
Ooh, your new place looks so nice and spacious!
The things I MOST love, right at this moment…
*Halloween-themed care packages and gifts of tea sent from home (I don’t go to school that far away, but I still have to be gone for long stretches at a time, so it can be a downer!)
*Good Earl Gray tea with lots of milk first thing in the morning.
*Having to choose between 3 awesome groups of people to meet up with on Friday night. (Ohhhh, what a tough life!)
Hello,
I’ve been reading ICING for a long time and I really like almost everything about it: your attitude, your style, and – lately – your new place. What it is actually on the picture above the couch? Some birds or animals? I liked it, even from the blurry glimpse.
Plus, a general remark..
When you were doing the International Dress Up Day, it reminded me somehow of Sophie Calle, the French conceptual artist. Do you know her work?
things i love today!
+ sleeping boyfriend and dog in my bed :]
+ feeling like my mini depression may be lifting
+ my new ipod touch
+ seeing my parents this weekend
+ compliments from nice girls
+ celebrating a year with the boy in three days
+ organized bookshelves
+ getting packages in the mail
+ my new bike basket, even though my dog hates going in it
+ cold cold cold iced tea
+ the thought of winter clothes
+ season one of ugly betty
+ contributing to tilt for once!
Coffee: My coffee this morning is so Awesome. You have no idea.
Thanksgiving!!: It’s this weekend and i am SO excited. Turkey, stuffing, vegetables, pie, alcohol, family, friends and camping. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, hands down.
Getting off work when it’s still light out: I had a few weeks when I’d leave the building at the end of my shift and it would either be dark or almost dark, so leaving when it’s still daylight is something to be celebrated for sure!
Getting excited about photography again: I’ve been bored with photography lately, so I’m super happy to have been bitten by the photography bug again. I have some new photo projects that I’ve recently come up with, so I’m excited to get started on them.
Gala, ton appartement est fantastique, j’adore la baignoire! Si tu veux pratiquer ton francais, contacte-moi ;-) Je ne viens pas de France mais je suis Quebecoise.
Bon retour a NYC!
Victoria Everman — Thanks for the tip about Korres! I actually saw some in Sephora yesterday & considered buying one, but then decided I would go with the Smith’s Minted Rose! There was something else there that smelled really yummy, some kind of sugar balm… Actually it was this! sephora.com/browse/product.jht… But when I tossed up the price ($20~ for something I didn’t know was any good versus $7 for something I knew was), I went for the cheapie. The reviews of the sugar stuff are excellent though, maybe I will have to go back!
Anika — Yay, someone else who likes her mixes! I think they’re amazing, with very very seldom a bum track.
amanda — The song is ‘A Good Start’ by Maria Taylor… It actually came from the September mix I mentioned!
e — Boxed wine, hahah. You’re so classy! ;D & I love Lupe Fiasco too… So good!
Sonya — Congratulations on your new blog! Also: drinking wine from the bottle on an abandoned rooftop sounds excellent, I am definitely going to do that in the next couple of weeks!
Katrina — Yay yay, welcome to TiLT! You must be so happy to have new place, I know I am! Such a great feeling!
Joyce — Ooooooh, good luck with igniting your old flame, I hope it goes well for you!
Courtney — Thanks, cutie! The woman who usually lives here is a photographer, so good aesthetics are obviously important to her!
Natalie — Residencies in Europe & India! GET OUT! That is so exciting… India especially, I have always wanted to go! !!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!
Nelly! — I was so pleased. I could even say I was “pleased as punch”, hahah. I want to call my old French teacher & say, “Thanks for being so awesome”!
Becky Lou — Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy biiiiirthday dear Becky Loooooou, happy birthday to youuuuuu! I hope your 27th year is MAGNIFICENT in all new ways! MWAH!
Nadine — Hee, Whangarei time… So glamorous ;D Love you much!
Gem Wilder — Aw, sweetness! Hopefully you can be grateful for getting better! Kisses!
beth — I’m glad you liked the opposite sex post, I’ve been thinking about the subject heeeeaps lately. I’ve been asking people for their answers but most people are like “Oh I don’t know”, which is so disappointing!
Marisol — I spend a lottttttt of time browsing Flickr. It’s like my part-time job, hahah! That’s my only secret!
gen — Yay, how exciting! I hope your move goes splendidly! Are you feeling panicked?!
Jessie Ngaio — Thanks lovely! xx
Millie — That sounds amazing! I’ll keep my eyes out for it!
Cherry — I’m very glad! Smooch!
emma gahan — No, NY prices are just as ridiculous as one would expect. I’m paying a fairly pretty penny for this place! But I think it’s worth it… I think our environments affect us a lot, & writing & being creative is compulsory for me to make a living, so I need to be somewhere that stimulates & supports that! Plus… I like living in nice places ;>
Jessabelle — Yay for having a place of your own! There’s nothing like it…
Sassy — Mr Tulk in Melbourne? I used to live literally a block away from there! They do good soy lattes… I like your site, & your tie-dyed t-shirt! Clever you! I never even attempt anything like that, I always fear disaster!
amika — PUMPKIN SOUP FOREVER, seriously I think I should start a gang of people who are obsessed with it, & maybe every week we could try a different one at a different place, & IT WOULD BE SO GOOD. Hahaha. I love pumpkin soup, god it is like the best thing ever invented!!!!!!!!
mlle_elle — Congratulations on surviving an LDR! They can be super-tough. You must be so psyched/relieved/delighted!
taylor — Awesome! I hope you have a great time & blow his mind!
Lilith — Hahah. I like the French!
Vicki — Your site looks lovely, I hope it goes well for you! Mwah!
Ewa — It’s two eagles, actually! I had to turn around to look at it to tell you :> & no, I’ve never heard of Sophie Calle. I should look her up, oui?!
dee — I want to go to Canada to have thanksgiving now! Haha!
Katoo — Awww, you cutie! xxx
Montreal: Studying there is so much fun! I love that city, it’s great for going out, discover new things, meet new people and have fun!
That girl in my German class: She always wear very classic clothes, in blue, black, or grey, but she has the craziest shoes! She got a pair of silver Oxford heels, and one of red Mary-Jane heels, they’re gorgeous! Plus, she seems totally nice!
Meeting people you’ve not seen for a long time: Tomorrow, I’ll dine with the group with whom I went to Greece this spring, I didn’t see them since then and I really miss them. Plus, I’ll get to see another friend who’s studying in another province and who’s staying here for the weekend.
my TiLT has a bit of a french twist as well this week…quelle coïncidence! =)
J’adore…
parler francais! after studying the language for years, i’ve been a bit rusty lately. i decided to take a course at a local university, and last night was my first class. the instructor speaks only in french, which is both good and bad. at first i was horrified and had no idea what was happening, but after about 2 minutes i realized, “hey – i understand what she’s saying!” SUCH a great feeling, and that was just the first class! onward & upward!
making lists i’m no virgo, but homegirl lovesss list-making. i hand-write them in my fanciest cursive and then revel in their glory everytime i look at them. what a dorkkkk!
fall colors both on the trees and on people! i love that the leaves are starting to change – it puts a permanent smile on my face – but i also love the fall fashion color palate. rich & luxurious & decadent – i painted my nails dark purple last night (plum cassis to be exact) and i am totally feeling it
potential suitors everyone loves having that little mental list of your current potential suitors. even if nothing comes of it, it’s fun to flirt a bit!
taking chances i’ve been making a conscious effort to do more of this lately, and i can already feel the universe rewarding me for stepping out of my comfort zone
honorable mentions tiny dogs with short little legs!, lollipops, my pink crocodile makeup bag, my amazingly comfortable bed, sleep that leaves you refreshed and ready to start the day, things clicking at work, giggles, my gorgeous ball gown, and certain friends’ uncanny abilities to make me laugh at the most inappropriate times
Gala you are so right about that…...i am debating paying a pretty penny for a nice place to live but am torn as if i pay all my pretty pennies on a nice place i won’t have an left to spend on going out of shopping!!!
It’s a big ‘ol catch 22!
But yes your place rocks so much…..& tis inspiring me :)
I particularly meant her project for the latest Venice Biennial in the French Pavillon, with more than a hundred women interpretating a letter from Calle’s ex-lover. There is a good documentary on her art by BBC within the Art Safari series. Entitled “Conceptual heart”.
Pardon this little lecture, it’s all because, I’m an art critic ;) best wishes!
emma gahan — I tend to believe there’s an infinite flow of money, so just because I am spending $$$ on my accommodation, that doesn’t mean that I then have to scrimp & save in other areas… I just need to generate more income :D
Ewa — Oh, sounds interesting! Thank you!
Hair dye – I haven’t dyed my hair in almost a year! But I’m going bright with the bangs and dark reddish-purple with the back, and probably chopping off some more length. I am SO excited to do something with my hair again!
Dressing up – Even though I’m not much of the going-out sort, dressing up for the sake of dressing up always makes me feel sexy, and I do it at least once a week. Fancy hair, makeup, and bright red dress, and I dance around the room to jazz music.
Falling off rocks – I’d always wanted to try rock climbing, and now that I’m studying abroad right next door to the Snowdon Mountains, I get to do it at least twice a week! Bouldering (climbing without ropes, on lower rocks) is soooooo much fun, and though my muscles ache, I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow!
Adorable geeky boys – After years of being single, I’ve got A Boy, and though we’ve only met once offline, we’re sort of a ‘thing’ and will be spending time together once I’m back in the States. The anticipation and absolute glee of being in a long-distance relationship is perfect for my lifestyle! It’s also just great to know you’re cared about. :)
Shadow Unit – I’ve been fangirling this not-television-show for the last several months. Think X-Files crossed over with Criminal Minds. It’s tv written in the form of prose, and all the characters are glorious and lovable and the plots really suck you in. I think it’s my new favorite “show” for the year! www.shadowunit.org
Creative inspiration – After months of writer’s block, I FINALLY got a spurt of inspiration for my script-writing class! It’s so awesome to finally break through like that.
Honorable mentions – sewing brightly colored buttons onto random articles of clothing, sunny days after a week of rain, successful experiments with cooking!, discovering new amazing authors, eating in Camden Town, being able to see the mountains from your bedroom window, finding an awesome dress for £3.50 at a thrift store, and being able to fix a bad hair day with bobby pins and some creativity
1. My lovely designer fr and all her wonderful creations (see Etsy link www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...) – and working with her is a blast!
2. My stylist friend and her passion for fun and funky hair colors – I told her I wanted strawberry colored hair, and got SFX Devlish Red with chocolatey lowlights
3. Making my own crocheted snoods and wearing them (and then the aftermath when people swoon over how cute they are!)
4. Reading Gala’s Tilts!
5. Rocking slips with black tights under plain shirt-dresses and having people look twice.
Ooh so nice. Loved the song, AWESOME place gala – I was all, oh wow you’ve put so much personality into it, looks so comfy and awesome and then you ended with that VIEW. Awesome!!
My TiLT (altho it’s a tiny bit friday but shhh!)
~My dad coming two states over to visit me this weekend!
~Finding out a friend I haven’t seen in two years is in my city for a couple of months!
~Going to the beach and actually swimming in the sea for the first time in SO LONG! It was awesome, I’ve been missing out!
~Bouncing ideas back and forth with my mum over the phone!
~Swapping music with friends; getting more & more involved with Sydney activities; life drawing; burning incense; planning things to do over summer..
& last but not least..
~cute boy @ the cafe a couple hours ago, who was not only super nice when getting me my requested piece of cake, but who gave me extra icecream :D
Knitting. I love being able to make my own stuff whatever it is.
Being able to eat without “morning” sickness. Such a joy plus it is nice to eat whatever I want to without the nausea or worse.
My kitties of course and the hubby.
Getting back in touch with old friends after almost 20 years.
Deciding to have a home birth since I absolutely hate Drs. and hospitals. Love the midwife.
You just bumped Paris even higher on my list of places to get to ASAP.
it’s a lovely place!!!
today i love purple sweaters, pumpkins for sale, chai lattes, the picture books old bear and when agnes caws, lemon-scented cuticle cream, and rediscovering old favorite songs.
i love wearing sweaters
and cute slightly gaudy jewelry
cleansing my system
and learning how to be the best version of myself
cant forget mysterious boys…
Your new place looks AMAZING, Gala, and so homey already.
Today I’m lovin’ – Preparing to bake endless chocolate chippers this weekend – Setting up my first coffee date with a blogging friend – Huge cups of hot cider – Dressing up like Joan from Mad Men
T-shirt modding before the paycheck
I can never have neough clothing, so when I find a bargain bin pile of t-shirts I whip out the sewing machine and get to work. I love what I’ve made, some from the internet and some of my own design.
New jewelry
College
oh em gee so much better than high school.
Days off work
Not the days where you get all your errands done, though those are awesome too. The days where you lay in bed until 11, get out of bed, get a frapp, do a crossword, and realize you don’t have to go to work today and just giggle for a while.
Office supply shopping
Okay, I’m a nerd. But I LOVE finding new ways to organize! I found some butterfly clips and paper clips that have typewriter keys on them! And a notebook with a typewriter pattern.
...Have I mentioned I have a thing for typewriters?
Fun slogans
Shoot pool, not people
1,2,3,4 We don’t want your ****ing war!
...Yeah.
I love the movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and my small town’s embrace on the season of autumn.
Btw, lucky lucky you, who speaks French with no accent. I constantly try to tell my French teacher that my New York accent prevents me from speaking correctly. She doesn’t buy it =(
Yoga sessions before the sun rises
Bowls of matcha tea to stay awake late at night
Shots of Everclear that take the night in an entirely surprising direction
My new tights s24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/...
TV and Movies on the internet in bed
Ah, Paris! How I love thee. I hope I can have a beautiful apartment there when I’m older. With huge windows overlooking the city. I think it’s my favourite city in the world. Saying that, I’ve never been to New York – it’s #2 on my list of places to visit (after Australia).
I love being able to speak another language and be understood. I went to Marrakech last month and I was so pleased that my French from 4 years ago was good enough to get me by. My friend was a bit rusty on her numbers though and when she was haggling the taxi fare she agreed to “cinquante” thinking it was “quinze”. Devasation!
And Crazy Horse! I saw one of their shows in Las Vegas. Not quite the same but I still really enjoyed it
Things I love today:
+ crisp autumn air
+ blue skies stretching out over head
+ breakfast before school with new and old friends
+ photo shoots with best friends
+ boys that tell you they want to marry you even though you know its not possible
+ haikus!
+ Tegan and Sara
+ being reminded of past lovers
+ biking when its cold and dry
+ my sewing machine!
your apartment is so so pretty gala!
*
your apartment is so so pretty gala!
My tilt this week :)/// The fact im still loving my music management course at college, and that we get to go to the recording studios next week :)
/// Hanging out in the sunshine today at lunch with course friends
/// Meeting my twin sister tommorow at the city where she studies and getting the train home together! being able to see my family for a couple of days :)
/// The fact ill be reunited with my car for the weekend! and be able to go on some night drives with some amazing music on!
/// Going to the coolest venue last night, it had vintage wallpaper on the walls and to get into the gig you had to have a massive skull stamped on your hand :) and yeah obviously getting to see errors and holy fuck! ive wanted to see errors for so long and it was worth the wait and holy fuck certainly didnt dissapoint.
/// The disco after the gig :) great music + dancing times
What I Love Right Now:
-Making mistakes and learning from them as well as discovering that the mistakes are funny and I can use them as funny stories to tell friends
-Morrissey. I’ve just gotten into The Smiths and I simply cannot get enough of this man. He has such an interesting past and an absolutely positively glorious voice. For the longest time, I did not have a favorite male voice in music and he has just made the soundtrack to my life all the more intriguing and compelling. That being said, he is also completely beautiful.
-This soup kitchen I’m volunteering at. I love volunteer work and philanthropy and I truly believe in giving back to the community and those who have helped me out in my life. The soup kitchen draws such an array of people, like snowflakes they are all different and have fantastic stories to tell. My two favorite are Reynaldo, a middle aged man who quotes Charles Dickins and Michael, a devastatingly handsome man in his ‘30’s who loves to talk about James Bond with me.
-Writing. My true love no matter what but lately, I’ve had the time to actually sit down and expand on this story I’ve been writing. For a really long time, it was just there and every now and then I’d add a paragraph or two but because I worked so much, had school, wrote for a newspaper, and partied often, it was neglected. Since moving to California, I’ve been able to better manage my time and write more. I really love the way the story is taking a turn for now; it is truly coming into its own.
-Rainy Days. I already loved them to begin with but where I live, rain doesn’t happen often. Last Saturday it rained for the first time since August and I had a great time going out with my umbrella and enjoying the cool breezes and gray sky just walking around.
-“Beautiful” by Taylor Dayne. Who doesn’t love a song with a line like “Darling, you’re beautiful!”
-It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. LOVE IT!
-Trader Joes. Samples, delicious pre-made sandwiches, pretty flowers by the entrance door, and all low price. If you haven’t been there, go!
I’m completely in love with your apartment. I’m looking for my own place and yours definitely gave me some design ideas!
My TILT:
* My jobs – my day job has the nicest people, and I’ve met so many great people in the past few weeks through my freelance work.
* Espressotinis
* Autumn – I love it when it’s chilly outside but the sun is shining. Days like this don’t happen enough.
ok, adding on because i JUST found this out like, 30 minutes ago:
4 MORE CLASSES AND I AM DONE WITH COLLEGE!! i really AM going somewhere in my life :D i needed to see it to believe it…i was convinced i had at least another year off…now i am super psyched and motivated!! yey nice guy at the advisement center!!
♠ Walking around my apartment naked.
♠ New bras and underwear.
♠ Visiting the library for the first time (and the millions of visits that have followed).
♠ Spaghetti Os for lunch (still good even as an adult).
♠ Having pink hair again.
♠ Trying to figure out why people stare at me in public, only to realize half an hour later that it’s because my hair is pink.
♠ This comic strip from Lio.
♠ Perusing thinkgeek.com for things that make me squeal with delight.
♠ Pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream.
♠ Listening to music very loudly in my car.
♠ Thinking up new tattoo ideas.
* www.uclick.com/feature/08/09/2… That comic strip from Lio
:)
Being Naked
Taking Photos
Minus The Bear- I’m going to see them october 27!!
Chai Lattes
Fall Activities- pumpkin picking, decorating for halloween, haunted houses, and so on and so on
Gala! you are in Paris… it feels so strange my ancestors are from there and I have never been… [really: I am only the 3rd of my generation born in America.. my great-grand-father was a frenchman who escaped by hiding on a boat to escape from being hanged for murder!!!! He ended up here!!! he built a small house on the shore and my grandfather lived there with his 8 children, then my father built a bigger house 5 doors down.
watch for the dog poop it is everywhere but the one good thing I hear is you can smoke everywhere [I am NOW a smoker!!] or did they outrule that?
So sad it is cold. Here its been sunny & pretty warm for October, a beautiful start to fall – I love fall
& I have a mystery date tomorrow night,,,
YOU CAN SPEAK FRENCH??
That means, we can have short Youtube conversations en français???
yes, please!!! mon internet sera branché à la maison dans 10 jours….
fly safe & happy
xoxo
Iza
Great digs, Gala! Are you subletting till you head back to NZ?
Good things? Hmmm.
Winning a bit of blog award What’s that you hear? Why it’s me, tooting my own horn and reaching around to pat myself on the back ;)
Meeting online friend IRL I’m looking at you, Sal!
My sunrise simlator Is it possible to have Seasonal Affective Disorder this early in the season? Wellll, I’m certainly sleeping too much and eating like I’m preparing for hibernation, but my sunrise simulator at least aleviates that “blinky, I’m blinded by the light” shrew-face I made every morning.
Building a better relationship with the Pseduo Mother-in-law I’ll never forget that she begged The Mister not to move to NZ with me, but I can forgive, right?
Lady Adventures Tomorrow some of my favorite ladies and I are going hiking, apple picking and antiquing in a sweet little historical town on the Mississippi River. It’ll be like a J. Crew catalog come to life!
1. Dark green nail polish
2. $10 iPod speakers
3. Bundt cake
4. Juicers woo
5. Girlprops.com
6. Walking around in panties and socks (another plus to being home alone after school!)
7. The Dress Looks Nice On You – Sufjan Stevens
8. Reading The Crucible for school
9. Letting my dog poop in front of “Pick Up After Your Dog” signs
10. Recliners
my tilt is very short this week:
- LIFE.
*Dance choreography: it took me a little while to go from being a dancer to choreographing my stuff, but now I feel like I can’t stop!
*Quaker chewy granola bars: I know it sounds lame, but they’re the absolute perfect healthy, easy snack. I’m obsessed with the cherry and dark chocolate.
*Making plans for Thanksgiving in LA!: not only have I never really been to the city, but a lot of my friends recently moved there and it will be so good to see them and catch up.
*Having a wonderful roomie: it’s so nice to have someone else creative who has similar aims as you. You can bitch about the trials and support each other in ways most other people don’t understand.
*The return of Pushing Daisies!: Love this show.
I just read the Cupcake email.. you’re coming to St. Louis?
:] I’ve lived there my whole life but I’m about an hour and a half away for college right now. If you need any suggestions on what to do or where to go, I’m your girl. :] I love St. Louis even if some people think it’s in the middle of nowhere!
My TiLT …
*Dustin O’Halloran’s “Opus 28” (the song from the Diane von Furstenberg American Express commercial!)
*Learning about music theory in class
*Working for the weekend
*Autumnal clothing!
*Having a crush on a freshman boy! =X
You keep getting me re-excited for my honeymoon in Paris! I can’t speak French at all, though…so I’ll just say “Bonjour” and smile at everyone and hopefully I don’t get lost, hahaha.
The brain-tired-from-learning feeling I’ve been getting at the end of each day at my new job
The shim sham, despite the confusion
Working closer to home – less petrol consumption, YAY!
Morning cuddles after hitting the snooze button
Anticipating spending Saturday in the city and participating in free classes for a variety of dance styles
Friday drinks on the company tab – even if I can only have a glass of wine because I have to drive
Anticipating NZX008
Realises that I can probably manage a 1930s look if I grow my hair a little – vintage looks are hard to do when you best suit short hair but are distinctly curvy (and I think that ’30s gives me an excuse to indulge my girdle predilection)
+ LOVING the fact that today is my last day ever of university. Last of lectures, anyway, so it counts. I can’t believe it’s finally today.. So exciting to know that this is sort of the end of one (very long!) chapter of my life.
+ I’m just going to include this even though I haven’t technically finished it yet.. Finishing assignments and handing them in! Such a HUGE sense of relief.. And by the time this afternoon rolls around I will be done and dusted!!
+ Weekend trips away. Went to a seafood and wine festival in Kaikoura last weekend and had the best time with an old friend (and some new ones!).
+ Having said that, I must pay respects to the most devine whitebait fritters and crayfish I had there, and Pimms! New fave summer drink
+ Speaking of drinks, Nutrient Water! I lived of this in the States – except it was called “Vitamin Water” there.. But the Dragonfruit one is my fave. Yum
+ Big parties. Two this weekend and they’re going to be epic! I have a good feeling about it.
+ Seeing people in other cars smiling and laughing together.. Such a cute scene to witness, esp because you have no idea what they’re so happy about..!
+ Getting tickets to things that sell out very quickly.. I got tickets for the Sevens AND Toast Martinborough – sooo excited about each!
You’ve got me all excited for my trip to Paris in February! I’ll definitely have to brush up on my french, the only phrase I can remember is ma voiture est en panne which means “my car is broken down” – not that I ever plan on driving in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is dangerous!
Things I Love…
1) Finding myself at random parties with friends, which are full of celebrities. Rather exciting, although a little embarrassing trying to hide the squees of excitement when I saw some guy from the telly!
2) Catching up with my best friend that I’d not seen in forever and remembering why I love her.
3) Tilly & The Wall are coming to my town! Tap dancing and tutus.. I can’t wait :)
4) My boyfriend serving Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs who was buying fish fingers and a tin of beans and sausages in the corner shop.
5) And on the subject of boyfriend, he records every episode of Neighbours for me while I’m at work. It’s love!
6) Having epic lunch hours in a restaurant and having to run back to work on a really full stomach.
I am loving
- my birthday – photography – lolita lempicka – cadbury milk tray – candles – paper buildings – france (i am going in 2 weeks!)
i have a new website, dears:
www.lemonsausage.com
please check it out and let me know what you think!
xx
big shout out to michaela!! hehe! :D
i am loving…
- sweet potato soup
- booking my driving test (Wahoo! i’m almost on the way to being a fully fledged driver!)
- planning a semi-gap year after 3 years of working as a graphic designer (thinking thailand, vietnam, cambodia, peru, tokyo, australia, new zealand!)
- saving up for the said adventure!
- the travelling bug in general
- my tidy kitchen!
- having chums over on saturday night, it’s another buddy’s birthday, so i am baking special brownies!
- friends in general!
- pamela tuohy’s jewellery – my man is buying me the spider cuff from her site for my birthday! it is so beautiful! i am so lucky!
- dualit toasters and kettles – my mum has bought me a red set for my christmas!
This is not my week…but I’m sure I can find SOMETHING to love.
1. Awards ceremonies! I’m going to one tomorrow with some family, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get all dolled up and sit in a posh room eating gourmet food and clapping for people :)
2. Having a 2-week break from science lab.
3. October! every time it rolls around I have a tremendous urge to wear orange and go pumpkin picking
4. I’m going home next week! (if I survive exams…)
5. My “Citrine Cheer” nail polish
6. Beautiful weather, songbirds, flowers, and playful squirrels, all of which make the morning walk to class very pleasant
7. French, Biology, and History—the three classes I’m actually doing well in haha.