Living life on a happy shoestring budget.

So, on the weekend I: went on a roadtrip, attended Soundwave, visited my grandma, visited my cousin and his friends, met up with my best friend Bop and met her boyfriend, and generally had a very good time. We got home on Sunday. On monday I woke up and there was a great big package on our doorstep from Mother with lots of interesting things inside. Two pots of jams she made herself, my Milly-Molly-Mandy book, my Cheap Date Guide to Style book, a present for my brother's 18th (last Thursday), his birthday card and a few other things. It was nice to get! Thanks muvver.

Soundwave - was excellent. Didn't have to be frightened of the lavatories, ate festival food (mmm hotdogs!), ran around with Sam all day and sat on the bleachers aaaannnndddd - saw Paramore. They were just great, and I had shivers down my legs the entire three quarters of an hour. My friends pointed and laughed at my goosebumps. But I didn't care because it was worth it. They are such great performers and made my day. Afterwards we walked back into the city, had showers, then ran around the streets until late in the night, but not too late because we left for home the next day. I got a speeding fine for doing 77 in a 60 zone, but I don't really mind. Its annoying having to pay a 200 dollar fine and recieve nothing in return for the hard earned money though, which is why most people don't like receiving fines, I guess.

This week I had two days off before I had to go back to work. I've just been cleaning and decorating my little house, and making it an even more comfortable place for us to be. I've decided I'm going to Woodford at the end of this year. I've missed so many years of the best festival ever, because it is smack bang from Boxing Day to New Years Day and I'm always trying to be somewhere else, or I'm working. But not this year. I'm going to commit, and I'm going to be sitting there between Arrin and Phil and Joey and enjoying every second of it. Except maybe I'll be a festival volunteer like last time; then I'll get in for free and it was really fun meeting all the hippies while I put on their wristbands and worked out their season ticket problems. Yes, that is what I'll do. Find out about the festival here.

So, now I'm going to get pie for lunch. I think that would be a suitable way to prepare for the 8 hour shift I'm about to have to work. I can't wait to be my own boss.

xx OTIG

To tell you the truth, I am a bit stupid

Not long now til Soundwave, only 5 sleeps. Getting pretty excited. On other notes entirely, living arrangements have changed. Well it was ages ago really. My girl housemate left and now I live a blissfully 'psycho-emotions' free life, with my brother. Who is very cool. So thats nice. I don't really like living with girls, I've decided.

Watched a movie with one of my friends yesterday, that was rather funny/messed up. Donkey Punch - you may have seen it. Its rated R and the concept is, well, precarious. I wouldn't recommend it for kids. But we laughed at the fucked-up-ness. I think we made approximately 5031 donkey punch jokes throughout the movie, and continuing on into the rest of the afternoon. We also appreciate the fact that we now have something to laugh hysterically together over, at parties when we might feel a bit awkward or embarressed. FUN!

 Keep your hats on ladies and gentlemen. xx OTIG

Stoop Lowe and Pick a Daisy...

One of the best issues yet.

Awesome outfit, and perfect make-up. Good structure here.

She's Peaches' bf, and a tiny bit of me is also wishing she's mine. Although I'm definately thinking my mum wouldn't approve, and that I'd also get in quite a bit of trouble as a result of her influence. But who cares, right.

xx OTIG (those are for you D)

A collection of favourites...

She and Him
Ft. Zooey Deschanel

Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

These two together are pure gold...



Ladi6
Not sure if I've mentioned her before, she's from NZ and she's amazing. I could watch this clip all day.

Hobbies, Lifestyle, Love, Outfits.

Had a good night last night... drank a small bottle of vodka with lime and dry ginger ale (that's my new favourite tipple, the Boy was drinking whiskey!) at our friends place. We sat outside on the patio and listened to Alice Cooper on the radio, before pulling out every instrument in the house (they own a music shop) and playing old rock renditions late into the night. By the end of it I could barely sit upright in my chair so I took off, with the Boy trailing along behind me all the way home. Got in a little fighting match then fell asleep curled up in his arms. As I said before, all in all a good night.

On my wish list at the moment are these (see right). If you see the perfect pair, let me know. They have to be the perfect ones though, or no reward offered. These are the real deal. You can see the benefits - just imagine it started raining - your toots would barely get wet but you'd still have good ventilation. Jolly good idea I think.

My goodness I have a headache.

I've decided to post a few pictures of my little blue house so you can see for yourself how decidedly delicious it is, for yourself though. I, of course, am biased in my opinion.

The kitchen table was my grandma's - rather retro kitsch! In an unfortunate twist of fate my housemate accidently let the glass topper slide to the floor as she was lovingly cleaning it and snapped a little corner off, but thats alright, it still sits in there proudly. And on the wall in the second picture you can see a huge map of the USA and my cute-as-pie bookshelf. Its an old big dollshouse. Best find of my life, and right here in our local secondhand shop. That bookshelf will never leave my possession. I was going to post more photos but thats all for now... my internet is sleepy.

I'm of to work now. Ate some panadol and had a shower and I now feel like a new woman, ready to tackle her little coffee shop and woo those nice old-lady customers of mine (well, not literally tackle - the old ladies I mean). Loves and kisses from

OTIG xx

Well go get your shovel, and we'll dig a deep hole

I don't care what you say... I actually think Ms Hudgens has managed to quietly grow out of her child-star role/s in a certain (rather tacky) high school musical. Cue sigh of relief. And I also think you'll agree she happens to look smashing, both here and around the place. This woman has comfortable down pat, and I'm really getting into slouchy fashion lately (I invested in my first pair of Sportsgirl boyfriend jeans last week, and they are a dream to wear, so soft and snuggly). I'm not totally giving up on my mindresses, but its been raining lately and I've enjoyed potting around in my slouchy jeans and wellington boots. Its fun!

Love you, xx OTIG

Lessons of a Lipstick Queen

This book didn't change my life but it has definately activated my brain. I bought it at Melbourne Airport and didn't put it down until I turned the last page. It's amazing - you can tell when somebody has themself, and others, worked out. Poppy King is one of those people. In Lessons of a Lipstick Queen, she outlines exactly what it takes to make a wish into a reality, no matter what you're trying to do. In my case, it really helped me to think about plans of action I need to take to fulfill the goals I have - from little things like learning a new language, to big things like starting my dream little business.If you have a dream or wish, you need to pick up this book. Even if you have no idea where you might start, it will quite possibly provide you with the inspiration and direction to begin. Clear your mind, don't worry, and have a read. Poppy is simple and direct and I think that you will really love it.

Here is NYLON's coverage, including an interview...

Another book I ready lately : Slash - autobiography of the infamous Guns 'n' Roses lead guitarist. It was quite good, excellent for an insight into the band and how they evolved. Well written and almost endearing, he was pretty honest about how far off the rails he actually went, and his efforts to get back on them. Made me think about and like my good rocker boyfriend even more (he wants to read it next, but he's halfway through a Red Hot Chilli Peppers memoir). My brother loved it too.

More I have to share - next you're in Melbourne and on Bridge Rd, Richmond, you must visit Tweek Cafe (266 Bridge Rd). It's quite easy to find - almost on the corner of Church st. It is the cheapest and best place we went to the whole week. The shop itself is the cutest thing ever, you can sit outside on the pavement, inside with the action, or out the back in the itsy bitsy courtyard. The coffee is sensational, and it was, and will be, exactly the same every time. The menu is the essence of quality and variety, and it manages to be surpising but simple at the same time. We went for breakfast twice. The boys got Big Tweeks, Tweek's version of the traditional big breakfast. It wasn't just traditional, it was the most delicious they'd had. I had the Tuscan; a perfect combination of hot buttered toast, spinach, fried juicy tomatoes, piles of bacon, poached eggs and topped by big slices of fresh avocado. It was the only way to start a fabulous day in my city.

So those are a few things I though you should know.

xx OTIG