08th Feb2012

New to my Apartment | Customised Cupboard

by Joelyne

I was waiting all of 2011 to get this cupboard installed, and finally by November I saved all I needed for it and had it installed in December – a very nice Christmas pressie to myself. A carpenter came to measure up everything. I discussed with him what I wanted and he threw in some ideas too.

George’s sister suggested I put a cupboard where this nook in the wall is. Such a perfect idea, which grew into the perfect storage space!

Before

IMG 9888 New to my Apartment | Customised Cupboard

 

After

IMG 9897 New to my Apartment | Customised Cupboard

cupboard New to my Apartment | Customised Cupboard

Sliding Pantry | Drawers | Sliding Shoe Rack

 

The top of the cupboard is for general storage space, the left a shoe and clothes rack, and in the middle, draws for linen. The right side is a pantry as there’s not enough space in my kitchen for everything.

I do have a walk in wardrobe in my bedroom, however, as a girl who loves clothes and shoes, I needed more space!

Once my cupboard is all organised, I’ll take some more pictures to share with you.

 

01st Feb2012

The Sydney Girl | Love List

by Joelyne

 

Welcome to my first installment of The Sydney Girl | Love List. My own twist of ‘Friday Favourite’s’ which I absolutely love on the blog Lipstick and Cake!

 

LOVE… the belated birthday pressies I recently received

A pretty pink bar of soap, cotton napkins, crystal wine stopper, salt and pepper shaker & vase and a floral mug! – thanks to my special friends.

gifts5 The Sydney Girl | Love List

 

 

LOVE… this Gorgeous Cosmetics Scarlette Lip Pencil

Thanks to GlossyBox.Com.Au

 

lip liner The Sydney Girl | Love List

LOVE… This juicer

A present from George. Apple + Carrots = A yummy, healthy treat!

juicer The Sydney Girl | Love List

LOVE… My new customised cupboard

More pics of my new cupboard next week!

cupboard The Sydney Girl | Love List

 

 

18th Jan2012

Having No Expectations

by Joelyne

It was my 26th Birthday last week, and I had such a beautiful day.

I didn’t plan much. Just treated the day like any other day, and was wonderfully surprised at how the day turned out because I had no expectations.

Have you ever been considerably disappointed, because you expected so much from an event like new years eve, valentines, a birthday or anniversary and things didn’t turn out the way you thought they would? Or someone dissapointed you because of their actions, when you expected so much more from them?

I am slowly learning to have less expectations, of people and of situations. Here are some quotes I found which sum it up nicely.

 

“If you expect nothing from anybody, you’re never disappointed.”- Sylvia PlathThe Bell Jar

 

“The best things in life are unexpected – because there were no expectations.” - Eli Khamarov

 

“I’d rather be pleasantly surprised than fatally disappointed.”
― Julia GlassI See You Everywhere

 

Here are some photos of the pretty gifts I received. Thank you to all of you on twitter, instagram and facebook for the nice birthday wishes icon smile Having No Expectations

 

IMG 0795 Having No Expectations

Thanks Mum for the beautiful lamp and crystal candle holders.

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Thanks to my lovely work colleagues for the gorgeous roses.

IMG 0774 Having No Expectations

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04th Jan2012

Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

by Joelyne

 

The Laser Lounge’s Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

This festive season look and feel fabulous by following The Laser Lounge’s Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips…

 

 

1.      Drink Plenty of Water…

Why? Helps to keep your skin hydrated and moist whilst clearing away any build-up of unwanted toxins!

 

2.      Apply the Right Moisturiser…

Why? We recommend consulting with a Skin Expert whether you’re using the best moisturiser for the season. If your moisturiser is too light then your skin may end up dehydrated, however, if it’s too rich and heavy during the warmer weather, you may increase breakouts along with a greasy looking complexion! Not so fabulous!

 

3.      Use Sunscreen…

Why? Sunscreen is one of the best anti-ageing products and protects your skin from sun damage and pigmentation.

 

Sunscreen Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

4.      Eat Healthy…

Why? Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout summer not only helps to keep your skin glowing, but minimises the chance of piling on too many unnecessary kilos, especially during the festive season.

 

Apples Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

5.      Avoid Excessive Alcohol…

Why? Some of us may like to indulge every now and then, but drinking excessively will only dehydrate your skin causing fine lines, wrinkles and worse of all breakouts.

6.      Wear Mineral Make Up…

Why? Mineral make-up not only covers any flaws and accentuates your features, but it also allows your skin to breath!

 

Mineral Makeup Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

7.      Have a Break – Sleep…

Why? You know what they say every guy and girl needs their beauty sleep! We say black bags are a good fashion accessory, not a facial feature! icon smile Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

Sleeping Girl Top Ten Summer Beauty Tips

8.      Fake it with a Spray Tan…

Why? Choose the healthy option and fake it, not bake it. You’ll thank us for this tip in the long run, we promise!

 

9.      Apply a Hydrating Body Moisturiser…

Why? AHA’s keep the skin smooth and moist. If you also choose to fake it (8th tip), hydrating body moisturisers help spray tans last a lot longer.

 

10.  LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH and GIVE…

Why? Never take life, health, family and friends for granted. Let your inner beauty shine from within and treasure life’s most precious moments.

 

Illustrations by Kim Davies at Inspired Lines

25th Dec2011

Merry Christmas | A Great Time to Set Goals

by Joelyne

Merry Christmas, Happy Hunnukah, and Happy Holidays! Wow, I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by! Is it the same for you? Everyone I speak to had such an eventful year. Full of some crappy things and some absolutely amazing things. That’s life I guess, right? A balance between good and not so good. Our biggest challenge is making the most of life, keeping happy and helping others.

 christmas Merry Christmas | A Great Time to Set Goals

So have you bought all your Chrissie presents yet? I haven’t! Keeping it simple this year. (Edit: Actually since I wrote this, I successfully bought them all!) Last year I went all out with wrapping presents remember? And here are some pics from my Christmas Day in 2010! This blog has come a long way since then, and it’s been so fun! I’ve met so many of you, and we’ve conversed either in person, through comments or through social media like twitter. It has been amazing getting to know a lot of you, and I hope to get to know you more in the New Year 2012!

chritmas 2 Merry Christmas | A Great Time to Set Goals

Wearing; Jeans G-Star, Top Trois, Sandals Replay, Sunglasses Dragon Roosevelts

Time to Tidy & Set Goals!

Before the New Year, I’ll be tidying my apartment, and writing out all my goals for next year. Will you be writing out your goals? Here are some posts I did previously on the subject that might help!

 

Do you have something you’d really like to achieve in 2012?

 

 

19th Dec2011

How I achieve what I want in life!

by Joelyne

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut and need something, just something to get you feeling motivated again?

I feel like that at least once a year, and it’s usually when I haven’t had a proper break from work.

I’ve learnt that it’s pretty important to take a break, go away from your usual routine and be somewhere else for a while. I’m feeling like that now, and can’t wait to get away in a few weeks.

What seems to happen, is I lose track of my goals, lack inspiration and need some time away to reflect, be at ease and get in touch with myself again. Sometimes in our busy lifestyle, we don’t make the effort to stop, reflect and unwind.

 

BELIEVE How I achieve what I want in life!

 

I’ve just bought a book called ‘Follow your Passion, Find Your Power: Everything You Need to Know about the Law Of Attraction’ by Bob Doyle. I’ve always been a fan of the power of attraction, which I’ve written about several times. I love re-reading books about this phenomenon, as it brings me back to life. It gives me that inspiration I need to set goals again, think positive, and attract everything I desire. It’s worked for me my whole life, so I know it’s 110% full proof.

Things in my life I have achieved, just by believing it was possible (not showing off, just proving that if I can do it, you can too).

 

- purchased a Peugeot 206cc convertible car when I was younger

- Bought my own apartment, with an ocean view in Sydney – 2010

- Top 10 Fashion bloggers in Australia, rated by Editd in Ragtrader Magazine Oct Issue – 2011

- Created a blog, which is my passion, and I love working on it every. single. day! – created in 2009

- Attended Sydney’s Rosemount Fashion Week – 2011

- Came 3rd runner up in Miss Earth Australia Competition in 2006

- On the Fashion Panel for the Bloggers Relations Forum in Sydney – 2011

- Trip to Greece for 2 months – 2010

- In a relationship with an amazing guy who treats me like a queen! – Since 2009

- Won HP Australia’s Very Important Blogger Competition – 2011

 

So when I saw this ‘believe’ sign in a local nifty gift store, I had to get it (for myself)!

This is why…

If you believe that what you want in life is possible, and you believe you already have it, your positive energy matches that, and brings more of that in to your life.

What have you achieved in life, by just by believing it was possible?

 

 

06th Dec2011

Gorgeous gadgets every female deserves!

by Joelyne

gadget 1 Gorgeous gadgets every female deserves!

 

Samsung GALAXY Note – I LOVE the fact that you can scribble down ideas with the S Pen on the Samsung GALAXY Note. I’m the type of gal that loves to capture ideas while on the go!

Juicy Couture Ear Phones & Wireless Mouse – How pretty are they? Florals are perfect for the stylish woman!

Canon EOS 1100D – I currently own a Canon EOS 450D and can vouch for the ease of use. Wouldn’t mind upgrading to the 1100D. SLR cameras take amazing photos and can’t compare to a point and shoot. I can’t live without mine! I take it to all events, birthdays, travel and all!

Marc Jacobs Lips USB – Marc Jacobs always has affordable and fashionable stuff. I’m totally adoring the Lips USB and think it would go perfectly on my keyring, to take with me everywhere I go.

Elephant Handheld Desk Vacuum – It’s an elephant!!! I rest my case. The cutest gadget to have sitting on your desk.

Amazon Kindle – I use my Kindle every day, and any woman who loves reading and doesn’t have one, needs one ASAP. Kindle’s E Ink screen reads like real paper, with no glare!

Breville Juice Fountain Juicer – A commercial quality juice extractor, with an extra wide feed tube. No need to pre-cut! Pretty AWESOME!

MacBook Pro – I’m a newbie to this computer, and it’s so easy to use. Love the graphics, and it’s just so stylish. It’s a must have.

 

What are your top gadgets?

 

 

30th Nov2011

Basics I need in my wardrobe

by Joelyne

I’ve been trying to bring more basics to my wardrobe lately, and here are some purchases from the last week. I’ve already worn the Zara blazer a couple of times, and the pink cardi today. I made a list of the essentials I need, to bring with me when shopping, so that I could focus and not get sidetracked! George (my bf) got some basics too, and I might show you some photos I took of him yesterday wearing his new stuff!

So, for you ladies who can’t focus cause there are too many gorgeous things to look at in store, here’s some tips!

1. Make a ‘clothing essentials’ list to bring with you when going shopping e.g. Black boyfriend blazer, Nude heels for work, Colourful cardigans…

2. If you see something else that doesn’t fit the list, take a photo of it with your phone, to keep it in mind for future shopping trips. That way you’re staying focused to spend your money on what you really need, and not buying things on an impulse!

So here’s what I bought!

IMG 9794 Basics I need in my wardrobe
IMG 9792 Basics I need in my wardrobe
IMG 9798 Basics I need in my wardrobe
IMG 9793 Basics I need in my wardrobe
IMG 9799 Basics I need in my wardrobe

Umbrella: Forever New $24.99

Kitten Heels: Betts Airflex $119.99

Boob Tubes: SES $4.95 each

Basic Blazer: Zara $89.95

Pink Cardigan: SES $10

Orange Cardigan: Glassons $25

24th Oct2011

Hg2| A Hedonist’s Guide To… Sydney – Guest Post

by Joelyne
It’s not difficult to see why Sydney is consistently rated highly among the world’s most liveable cities. In celebration of their new guide to Sydney, the insider city guide series Hg2| A Hedonist’s guide to… have rounded up their top picks of where to be-and-be seen right now.sydneysleepdarlingpoint Hg2| A Hedonists Guide To... Sydney   Guest Post

Sleep it off: The Darling Point Pad
No excuse needed for treating yourself to a few zzz’s in this glamorous, privately rented penthouse. The pimping pad spans the entire top floor of a 1930’s mansion so you can watch over the rest of the city.

 

sydneyeatdukesbistrojoe Hg2| A Hedonists Guide To... Sydney   Guest Post

Eat Together: Duke Bistro
This laid-back bistro is the latest hangout for the fashion-forward hipsters of the Eastern Suburbs. Take a seat on one of the communal tables and order some of its famous food/booze concoctions like the kingfish gin & tonic.
sydneydrinkstickyjoelyn Hg2| A Hedonists Guide To... Sydney   Guest Post Dive Drinking: Sticky
It’s amazing this clandestine haunt has managed to stay under the radar for so long. Of course, getting there (down a deserted laneway, press a door buzzer and cross your fingers) might have something to do with it. Once inside, it’s worth the wait.

sydneysnackallpressjoel Hg2| A Hedonists Guide To... Sydney   Guest Post

Caffeine Fix: Allpress Roastery
If you don’t already know about Allpress, it is possible you have been living under a rock. Sydneysiders who take their brews seriously can be found lining up around the block to grab a rich flat white.

sydneypartyslidejoelyne Hg2| A Hedonists Guide To... Sydney   Guest Post

Dance Queen: Slide
If this opulent club can in human form, she would be Liza Minelli. This Art Deco building offers up cabaret, burlesque and over-the-top entertainment to keep you dancing until dawn.
17th Aug2011

Reward Yourself

by Joelyne

 img7400a Reward Yourself

 
Ph by me. Amazon Kindle, 11/12 Calender, Time Culture Watch. 


After buying my apartment in December, I renovated it and then moved in to it on Valentines day – February 14. Apart from paying the mortgage repayments, I also had to take into account all the essentials I needed. Like something to sit on, a fridge, toilet paper, food, you know, all that stuff.
As you know, all these things add up. You don’t realise how much, until you have to start from zilch. Well I did have a bed and clothes, and some lovely gifts from friends and family, so at least that was something!


img7399 Reward YourselfWhich brings me to buying this Amazon Kindle, which allows you to read ebooks. I love books! And I’ve desperately wanted the Kindle for so long. I could have put it on my credit card at this hard time, but I had so many other things to pay off, this was something that could wait. 


So six months later, once my credit card was paid off, and I sold my car (A month ago) I rewarded myself and bought a Kindle. I appreciate it so much, because I waited so long and worked really hard to be able to buy myself something that wasn’t a necessity, but a luxury. It goes everywhere with me. And you’ll find that the enjoyment felt is intensified tenfold when you are using something that you worked so hard for.


img7397p Reward YourselfNext thing on the wish list is the Apple Mac Laptop. But, I’ve decided to get one when my mortgage is down to my goal amount by the end of the year. So in December, check back and see if I’ve done it! icon smile Reward Yourself  


Have you ever really wanted something and saved till you could buy it? Or had a goal in mind, and once you achieved it you rewarded yourself? 


Would love to hear about it! 

07th Aug2011

Cleaning your leather shoes

by Joelyne

img7337e Cleaning your leather shoes
I’ve found that my shoes get dirty quite quickly – so I’ve decided to polish my shoes at least once or twice a week. And after each use I like to brush them to get rid of the dirt build up, which helps protect the leather and lengthen your shoe life. For normal leather, like these, get yourself a soft cloth, shoe brush & a commercial shoe polish.

img7372y Cleaning your leather shoes
It doesn’t take long – I like to do it on a Saturday in my free time. Just brush the dust off them first, then use a damp soft cloth with soap and clean off the dirt. Get your shoe polish, blot the polish all over, and then rub it in evenly. I like using the sponge polishes for easy application.

img7358v Cleaning your leather shoes
img7324t Cleaning your leather shoes

And there you have it… as good as new.
img7341o Cleaning your leather shoes

02nd Aug2011

Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe

by Joelyne

img7294t Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe
Some of the ingredients I used. All ph. by me.

So this is the second baked dish I’ve ever tried to cook. I’m a total newbie to cooking – just so you know. Now that I’m living away from home, where there are no ready cooked meals made for me by my dearest mum, I am now learning to cook, and thoroughly enjoying it!

Click more to see the recipe, and see the photos I took of the whole process!

So here we go! This dish was absolutely easy. The recipe I used is by Donna Hay found here.

What you’ll need:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
500g veal mince
2 cups (560g) tomato puraacée
2 tbsp chopped thyme
1 tbsp brown sugar
sea salt and cracked black pepper
750g ricotta
1 cup (100g) grated mozzarella
1/2 cup (40g) finely grated parmesan – I didn’t use this
2 eggs
400g cooked penne

Preheat oven to 200C.

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until onion is softened.

clipboardhl Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe

I tasted the bolognese sauce when done. And wow, it was SO yummy. A perfect saucy mix!

Now onto the ricotta & layering…

clipboard2l Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe

And here is my outcome! Next time will bake at 180C, for a nicer browned top, rather than burnt tips.

img7317r Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe

If you decide to make this dish, do let me know! I’d love to hear how it turned out! icon smile Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipe

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