The Friday Bag

Friday is always a girl’s night out. We are now down from 4 to 2 as Miss A is now based in Sydney and Miss G now works in a suburb close to her home and inevitably decides to not hang out Friday’s with us. To other people, it sounds like we always do these very interesting activities together. Which we do – based on our books. Except all we do is either shop, eat, watch a movie, people-watch whilst eating. And also, it’s not like we go to these expensive or exotic restaurants at all – we tend to go where the best meal is in town (translate to cheap but tasty!).

Tonight my intention was to go to the Feng Shui shop in Russell St. and check the water feature as I wanted to change the old one. I was not too excited with the price (I know I can be very stingy) as I think they’re way overpriced. I think I could get a more decent one at a very reasonable price in Bunnings or Myer’s. Anyway, I decided to give that a miss.

So off we went and walked towards Lonsdale Street. I didn’t realise that this area was full of Greek cafes and restaurants. We passed by this cake/biscuit shop and was mesmerised with the display of all these sweets. They look amazing on display. I was thinking – SUGAR – NO! But then I said to Ms E “yeah, let’s just have a look”. Yeah. Right. Within 2 minutes I was buying an almond crusted cake and a walnut baklava. Miss E was taking her time as usual and I was not sure what she ended up buying. I think she had something chocolate-coated cake. Temptation at it’s best. Really I could not resist. I’m weak I know. Suddenly we were so excited to have dinner so we can have our cakes for dessert.

But then 2 stores ahead we passed by a leather goods shop called, Leather CARGO company. Miss E insisted to go inside and “just have a look”. She loves the smell of leather. This is what happened: we went around and checked the bags and then Miss E stopped near the entrance and was checking this big bag – very simple cut but has the right “Friday” bag size. A Friday bag is a bag that is big enough to carry all your essentials without having an extra “shoe” bag.

This Friday bag was made in different colours: bright yellow, green, orange, purple, brown & blue. I was drawn to the orange one as it reminded me of my fave brand Hermes. Tried it on and I thought – this could do as Friday bag and of course Miss E was already giving me the plus points why it’s a great bag. And was totally agreeing with her.

The SA in trying to sell it even had to say that the style was a copy of Coach. I wish he didn’t have to say that really. It was beautiful as it was and is made of real leather – without having to refer to it as a copy. The good news was – they were 50% off. So from $299 down to $150.

The Orange Friday Bag

I really don’t need another handbag but I bargained and I ended up paying $135. On top of that, the guy was so nice to us he gave me free gifts – a coin purse each, mine in orange and Miss E in red. Miss E said that she will definitely go back and buy. She was very disciplined in her spending.

The Galliera (my current Friday bag) next to the new purchase Orange bag

At home I showed it to PG and he approved of it – he said the colour is very striking. He likes it when I buy things and they’re not black!

The new Friday bag next to my River's hot pink flats (these are very comfy shoes by the way)

Definitely worth a visit – so when you get the chance visit the Leather Cargo Company in Lonsdale Street. I may visit the shop again – to check some of the colourful briefcases…

 

 

Best & Worst Food of the Week 2

Last Friday I took my girlfriend Miss E to Conservatory in Crown. I’ve been to the lunch buffet but I haven’t really tried their dinner buffet. So to celebrate my promotion I thought we should go to Conservatory.

I like the ambiance in this restaurant: grand entrance (as you go through the staircase), high ceiling, great view of the river (if you’re lucky to get a seat near the window), and generally good selection of dishes, decent cutlery and tableware. Friday dinner I think is a bit overpriced. However, I could not complain much as the seafood selection is really excellent. If only for that – I’d rate the restaurant 7/10. Also, service was excellent as the waiters were very attentive filling our water glasses, folding the napkins, clearing the table.

This was the start of my pigging-out week. I took photos of what I had and seriously – I so deserve the bloating stomach this week. Here, take a look of what I had for just less than 2 hours:

First Course

2nd course

3rd course

4th course

This was followed the next day attending a friend’s birthday – and more food. I had several visits to the buffet table:

And then during the week I had lunch dates with friends and this normally translate to eating out. I find that when I do a lot of socialising I tend to eat the not so-healthy food especially when I go out with people who just love to eat anything. Great company though but I think next time I have to be more disciplined.

Anyway, there is always a next time to start eating healthy again.

 

Camberwell Sunday Market – the best market for vintage finds

My life in contrasts – I love luxury high-end labels at the same time I take pleasure in cheap finds and bargains. Well, bargain is relative actually as one man’s trash is another person’s treasure. My friend Miss E stayed with us last night after attending a friend’s birthday party – so I decided perhaps taking her to the local Sunday market.

I can’t remember the last time I went to the Camberwell Sunday market - it must have been last year. PG and I used to visit the market frequently and we have bought several stuff – the most notable would be stuffed toy’s for the dogs – purchased from 50 cents to a couple of dollars.

Today, I bought a few items and I’m so happy with these bargains:

1) Jade necklace – A$20. I have bought semi-precious stones jewelry from this Chinese guy in the past and I always go back to his stall. He’s got several items of beads and other materials if you are into making your own jewelry. Amazing collection – little jade figurines of feng shui animals, rings, pendants – the lot.

2) Handbag organiser – A$5. First time I have seen this in the market – a handbag organiser. It’s a must have especially for people like myself where I like changing handbags everyday. So having this I’ll just put in the essentials and voila – i just had to grab it and transfer it to another handbag. It also has lots of mini-compartments. I LIKE!!!

3) Aviator sunglasses – A$10. Now, this is really cheap – but I bet I’ll use it for 4 weeks and that will be it. But I like the look of it (gold frame with brown tint) and I don’t have an aviator yet so this will be a good way to test how that will look on me before I decide to purchase a Ray-Ban aviator.

4) Incense sticks – A$2 each. I burn incense almost everyday so I tend to have a bunch of supply at home. I bought the Sandalwood (best aroma to use when doing some ‘air’ purification), lavender, and lemongrass. The lemongrass I haven’t tried in the past so it’ll be interesting how that will smell.

5) Glycerin soaps – A$5. I know I said before that I won’t be buying anymore soaps. I really can’t help it – I see them and I just have this urge to buy them. I hoard soap and toiletries at home. I admit I have a supply that could lasts for 5 years!

6) Brooch & ring – A$5. The royal blue brooch was $2 and the dark blue in gold-tone frame ring was $3 – OMG such a bargain. This Chinese girl selling them seems to love Chanel brand and she makes these brooches and jewelry patterned after some Chanel merchandise. So so cute.

7) White pair of shoes – A$1. I don’t normally buy second-hand shoes but this was a dollar and fits me. Besides the student selling it had these amazing collection of shoes and clothes (she is extra extra small i think) and she just wants to sell off her stuff before going back home to HK.

So this was my Sunday morning shopping. At least less cost than going to Chadstone for a change.

 

Christian Louboutin SHOES!!!

I’m a shoe-whore. I  love shoes. I’m in love with all my shoes!!!

However up to now I still  haven’t purchased a Loubotin. They  have just opened a shop in Sydney and I’m so dying to go and visit that shop. I reckon I’ll get out of that shop with a few purchase. For now, I’m surfing the pages of net-a-porter and just admiring the Loubotins – OMG indeed! They are so so so so beautiful – work of art.

I have tried some in David Jones – and they are very comfy shoes. I think only DJs carry it here in Melbourne – not sure so don’t quote me on that.

I must say I like the 100mm (4 inches) – just enough height for me to go through during the day at work. Although I can tolerate the 120mm – but I know that’s going to be a stretch – really will hurt after a few hours. So here are my top 3:

1 & 2) Decollete 100 jazz pumps: Opt for a high-shine finish in CL’s black (and caramel) jazz leather Decollete pumps. Wear the black classic style with everything from mini dresses to tailoring.

The caramel pumps are a leg-lengthening shoe choice. Slip them on with a metallic dress for a luxe neutral accent.

3) Sexy Strass 100 Swarovski crystal peep-toe pumps: A stunning bridal option, CL’s megawatt Swarovski crystal-encrusted leather peep-toe pumps will illuminate any occasion. Partner them with a simple cocktail dress for all-out glamour.

Louis Vuitton Alma Vernis – What Colour Should I Get?

Now that I got the new role – a promotion actually – as I’m still within the same company – and so I think I deserve a new Louis. I am so keen of getting an Alma in Vernis – but PG thinks it looks like a PVC. I had to explain to him that it is leather except it’s coated creating that shiny look. You have to visit the LV site and go through each one of the colours to see and appreciate this handbag. I see it as a perfect Fall bag. PG also kept reminding me that there are other luxury brands, to which I reply “Sure darling, I’ll get to that too!” I have my eye on a Fendi & a Prada  – for a Friday bag.

This is the description from the LV site: “The iconic Louis Vuitton Alma shape, sleek Monogram Vernis leather and smooth rounded handles make this city bag a must-have accessory. The curved shape allows for a large interior capacity too.” It is a roomy bag – which means I don’t need to have a shoe bag!

I do love a big handbag – just because I like to put MY whole life in it in a day. I mean, I tend to have a shoe bag (translate to = another bag to keep my shoes, book, umbrella, water bottle, etc.) and my handbag is where I keep the essentials (wallet/s, vanity kit, phone, etc.)

And did I say it has golden brass metallic pieces? Who doesn’t want those gold pieces – a key bell and padlock – in a handbag???

Plus the Alma is structured and has very clean outline – just perfect for sharp suits and clean line dresses I will be wearing for fall. This bag will add pizzaz to the dark sombre fall and winter wardrobe.

The decision is now up to determining which colour?

1) Rouge Fauviste – a hue  between Pomme d’Amour and Amarante – a cranberry-ish hue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Amarante – dark cherry (my friend Ivy has this and I LIKE)

3) Bleu Infini – smokey blue

I have called LV shop in Collins today and they do have the Rouge Fauviste MM in stock. And it was nice to hear the SA say – “Glad to hear from you Mrs McCauley!” Funny because it is PG’s name in their books – not mine.

 

Worst & Best Food of the Week

In the past, I would normally eat ice cream as a treat after a hard day but last Friday after long hours of socialising I went home really hungry. I could not be bothered looking at the cupboard and I was craving something sweet and hence it was a mistake opening the freezer.

I have been REALLY really very good with my eating and then last Friday I had the worst food ever. I mean, it was tasty and sweet but right after I have devoured this sticky gooey creamy stuff – I felt sick. Since I have been on the ‘right road’ to health I had to slip having this – the Cadbury Creme egg ice cream.

I don’t know what it was doing in the freezer but when I asked PG he said he bought it one time and thought to have a taste of it sometime during the summer. Yeah. Right.

Quite frankly, the box does speak to you when you open the freezer – there it was in bright red amidst all the boring healthy frozen meals of brown rice, soups, LiteNEasy, rye bread. Next time I see it I will loudly pray “and lead me not into temptation!” I refuse to check the calorie content of a cupful (ok make that 1.5 cups) of this as I just know it will be enough to feed me for the whole day. My allergy just came through a few seconds after I had it and I was sick that night until the following morning. I solemnly agree – I deserve it.

So come Sunday I decided to do something to undo the deed. PG has been maintaining a veggie and herb garden and we have plenty. I picked up some spinach, carrot, parsley and mint and juiced it. To add a bit of sweetness, I put in an apple. It tasted okay but I was imagining the live nutrients getting into my system and kicking out the sugar and toxic stuff from my bloodstream. I drank lots of water that day and was glad of the hourly visit to the toilet. Nature is indeed the best remedy.

I love Parsley actually – whenever I pass by the herb garden I grab a few leaves and eat it raw. Sometimes I brew it as tea. I add it to salads and stews. I’m sure there are plenty of benefits but for now I am just glad I have this in abundance.