Back to school shopping list, Part II

The next thing on my list before I move to New Zealand is.. a haircut! I am in desperate need of a serious trim and restyling. Right now my hair is quite long, and I'm rocking the same side bangs that I've had for about six years. I'm not interested in going super short at the moment (though I do want to lose several inches) or making any really major changes, but I am contemplating making the transition from side bangs to full.

These are some pins that have been inspiring me:

When done right, the full bangs can look so innocent yet sexy. Must be the air of mystery created when your eyes are half hidden! I'm a little worried about looking too young or being overwhelmed by my hair, and have no clue what type of bangs would look best on me. But, my hair grows quickly, so here goes nothing!

P.S. The Beauty Department gives a great explanation of some of the most popular types of fashionable fringe, here.

Back to school shopping list, Part I

It's a new year, with a new country and a new school to look forward to. This calls for some changes to my wardrobe! Also, New Zealand has a significantly cooler climate than the tropical one I've become accustomed to here in Cairns. It's not nearly as cold as my hometown in New Hampshire, but it will definitely take some getting used to.

Source: http://pinterest.com/pin/138696863493908822/

Something I've wanted for awhile now but never had a use for in Australia is a leather jacket. Preferably brown, to soften the look a bit. I've been looking at my options and trying to choose between faux leather or the real deal. I am a very serious bargain hunter when it comes to clothing (or anything really), but a lot of the cheapest faux leather jackets just look so bad. At the same time, I don't really see the point in paying more for a nicer looking jacket if it's still made from the same synthetic material. This might be one of those rare occasions when I actually decide to fork out some cash (within reason) for a nice, real, leather jacket. I'd still like to stay well under $200, but that may be a myth. Wish me luck!

Last Looks

Just some images from my last few days in Australia (I'm home in the snow now!). I saw friends, spent a lot of time at the beach and ate some delicious food. It was a really nice way to say goodbye (for now).

On Saturday we had a beach BBQ with friends. We filled our bellies with food and then sat on the sand chatting until the sun went down.

On Sunday the boyfriend and I went to brunch at our favorite beachside cafe. It was a perfect day and we marvelled at the colors in the water as we sipped chai tea lattes and ate hearty breakfasts.

Later that night we went to see the Sherlock Holmes sequel. I'm not much of an action movie fan, but I thought it was great! It was exciting and also very funny.

On Monday night we went out to dinner with the boyfriend's parents. It was a beautiful night and the full moon was shining over the ocean. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera!

Tuesday, my last day, was spent running errands and paying a visit to the city's waterfront. We passed a few quiet moments looking out at the mountains, sea and sail boats.

These last few days were great. Just a way for me to take in the beauty and appreciate the place that I've come to call home. Now, I'm back in the states! More to come!

*All photos my own.

Exciting changes and challenges in 2012

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Can you guess what these images mean? A big move is in my near future... to New Zealand!! I've never actually visited this beautiful country, but for a long time now I've felt drawn to it. So when I was accepted to grad school at the University of Auckland, it was a dream come true! The only drawback is that the boyfriend and I will have to return to our long distance ways, at least for a little while. After spending nearly every moment together for over a year, this will definitely be a difficult adjustment. We are just trying to look on the bright side and be thankful that this time we are in the same hemisphere and just a short flight away! You know you've been in a long distance relationship when you're saying, "Same hemisphere?! Sweet!" Haha, it's the little things!

So, in a little over a month I will be venturing out on my own to a new country, new city, and new school. It definitely has not yet set in! This will be my biggest challenge yet and hopefully an amazing experience. I have so much to learn.

But FIRST, it's back home to the good old US of A for four whirlwind weeks of family, friends, food, snow and shopping! In about one week I am leaving Australia to begin my next adventure. I am, and will continue to be, and complete mess of emotions, but I can't wait to see where this takes me.

Be merry and bright

My artificial tree. Love those glitter stars!

Our smaller, fiber optic tree!

My first "baking" experience... cookies from a box! Ha.

Just some tidbits from my Aussie Christmas! We began the celebrations a couple days early with a small gathering of friends and food. My contribution to the meal was some chocolate chip cookies, from a box. I'm completely useless and inexperienced in the kitchen, but these came out pretty good, if I do say so myself! They're pretty hard to mess up, even though I did have to bake them on a pizza pan!

Christmas was a quiet and relaxing day with the boyfriend and his parents. We slept in, opened presents, watched movies and ate ourselves into food comas. As much as I missed my white Christmas, my Aussie family made me feel at home and it was really nice to celebrate the day together. Now I can't bring myself to take down the tree!

Tis the Season

This is the time of year when it becomes most apparent just how far away from home I really am. It's not just because the holiday season is a family time, but really because there is nothing like the bizarre experience of holiday shopping in the scorching summer heat, amongst palm trees and barbecues. As a New Englander, I don't think I'll ever quite get over that.

Last Christmas I was already living in Australia, but I travelled home for the month of December (that was a shocking transition to cold!). This year will be my first Christmas away from my family, and my first in Australia. I'm planning to make the most of it by discovering and embracing quirky Aussie traditions (drinking on the beach in santa hats, perhaps?) while also decorating my own synthetic tree. :)


*All photos my own

Pleats, please!

I've been on the hunt for a sweet and flowy pleated skirt for months now, and the other day I finally bought one! It is the perfect bright coral color. The outfit possibilities are truly endless! Here are a few ways that I can't wait to style my skirt, all from my collection of inspirational pins on Pinterest.

color blocking, lace, neutral & bright, stripes, cardigan