myheartbeats

I've moved...come join me?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 02:44:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

I bet you're all wondering where I've been or even perhaps who I am...did you even subscribe to this blog?

It certainly has been a while. It wasn’t intentional, rather just life getting in the way.

2012 was a very hard year for me. I honestly needed to take a break from a lot of things – blogging, socialising too much, running myself into the ground and trying to do everything all at once.

I lost two people I have known and loved my whole life – in the space of a month. One was expected but heartbreaking, the other a complete shock and equally devastating.

These events led me to a dark place - I fell into a deep heartache and I didn’t know how to heal. I lost myself in the grief and it would hit me in the most unpredictable of places.

Seeing a ginger chocolate bar I’d shared with one of them in the David Jones confectionery section brought floods of tears.

Hearing a car that sounded similar to theirs, made my heart jump out of my chest.

The thoughts of ‘I need to visit him’ and ‘I’ll have to ask her next time I see her about…’ and the sense of loss when my brain finally caught up that there would be no next time.

It was a very, very difficult time and was further complicated with an unhappy time at work and a stressful home life.

Not exactly conducive to ‘Keeping calm and carrying on’.

But after a long overdue holiday, a move to a new apartment and some all important ‘me time’ I feel as if I am finally out of the dark and on a new path.

The people that I lost will be in my heart forever and l know I will always miss them but I am choosing to live how they both did – with love and laughter, a sense of fun, adventure, and a passion to make the most of everything.

So opens a new chapter, and a new blog – my beautiful friend Ina and I are now blogging over at Adventures in Colour and I'd love for you to stop by and say hello...perhaps be my friend again?

I promise I won't go MIA again - I have too much planned for 2013 and I hope you join me on the journey.

Lots of Love

xxx Kirst

I won!

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Hey Everyone, just a quick one because I wanted to share some exciting news...I came joint first place in Katy Potaty's Valentine's day nail art competition. WOOT WOOT! I was so suprised because i thought my entry was crap commpared to everyone else's. Needless to say I am stoked! I certainly don't need any more polish but I always want more and winning it is extra great :)

How did I achieve this amazing joint first-place feat? I used OPI's That's Hot Pink underneath a couple of coats of OPI's Excuse Moi. If you want to buy your own (they are both wonderful and essential items in any nail polish collection) you can get them at a reduced price over at The Glossery. Here's a dodgy instagram pic of my nails and then a slightly better one of my Valentine's day outfit. I went for pink because I adhere to Faux Fuschia's style guidance that channeling the Fashion Icon that is Barbie is perfectly acceptable and in fact encouraged.

Alannah Hill Top (so old), Vintage Bally Belt and hand sewn pencil skirt.

How did everyone enjoy Valentine's Day? The Boy and I don't really celebrate as we like to express our love for each other throughout the year. We got Mexican take out in our gym gear. Not super romantic but it was still awesome because we were together :) I really do think you can feel the love in the air on Valentine's Day don't you?

Anyway, sending my love you way
xx Kirst

A Belated Birthday Post

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:32:00 +0000

Last week was my Birthday. I is old now. But not too old. I had to go to work but I still had a lovely day. To celebrate on the day I went to Dinner with my family at Moo Moos Restaurant in Briz-town. It was superb. They surprised me with this amazing dessert.

It was great to spend the day with my family after having my annual joint Birthday party with the beautiful B from Style from the Suburban Intellect and another friend of ours at Limes Hotel. Here's some pics from the occasion (I wore this which you can make too!). I must stay Sarah at Lime's was super amazing, helping us to organise our little shindig so a big shout out to her!

This is Hilly. She blogs about music over here.

Birthday Girls!

The ever lovely Jane from Suburban Intellect too

Thanks also to all my wonderful friends, The best Boy in the world and my family and followers for making my Birthday such a lovely (and extended affair).

xoxo Kirst

Lustworthy: Gorman Autumn/Winter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

You all know I love colour...and Gorman. So it's no surprise I am lusting over pretty much everything in the latest collection.

And I'm certainly not the only one. The splashes of colour and mix of patterns has been well received by Bloggers and fashion types across Australia.

I have taken a particular fancy to the yellow coat and black and white spotted dress...and the coloured jeans! I am jumping on that trend despite the protests of some of my friends. Bring on the saving, I'm gonna get me some Gorman.

Which is your favourite?Are you looking forward to new season dressing? Tell me everything

xx Kirst

A-dressing a Dilemma Part 3: The Engagement Party.

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:03:00 +0000

So it’s been months. MONTHS since I’ve posted one of these a-dressing a dilemma posts…but you know what? Now they’re back on the blog as an occasional feature.

So first up. With three couples I know planning on holding their engagement parties this year, and more and more people I know announcing their plans to wed and settle down I thought I’d address the dilemma of what to wear to an engagement party.

As it’s a special occasion you need an extra special outfit, but what does one wear for such a celebratory shindig? And what happens if you’re a little strapped for cash? Well first things first - you need to dress to fit the venue - and be classy about it.

Engagement 1 by kirst84 featuring sparkle skirts

If it’s at a fancy cocktail bar

Glam it the hell up but try to limit the cleavage and legs on shoe – you are not the centre of attention today. I tend to gravitate towards colour but I do think it's nice to be a bit girly or to rock a 'softer look' at an engagement party. Of course this depends on your style but I would say a fluro pink body-con dress is probably not appropriate at most engagement parties held outside of Vegas.

Strapped for cash?

Why not breathe life into an old skirt or dress using this tutorial. Dip dying is simple and can look great paired with simple accessories.

Sit down dinner at a restaurant?

It pays to look polished. Your outfit should be chic but still comfortable (preferably with room to hide a food baby).

A sit down dinner may limit the time you’re on your feet mingling and result in potential outfit crushing so I would definitely go with a fabric that doesn’t crease if possible.

You can afford to make a statement with accessories here – those killer heels you can’t stand up in for long, some massive sparkly earrings or a chunky necklace will catch the eye and lift a simple outfit.

In a park or back yard?

Relax a little. A pretty summer dress with some cute sandals or some structured pants with a printed top and flats are perfect for this kind of occasion.

So what would I love to be wearing to some of the engagement parties I've got coming up? Probably any of the above. A little romance and girlieness makes up my perfect party outfit...especially if there's a little sparkle thrown in there! I can feel a sewing project coming on...

xx Kirst

Sewing with Gorman

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Way back in September or October (it’s so long ago I can’t actually remember which month it was) QueensPlaza did a promotion with Gorman where they ‘gave away’ a free Gorman dress pattern.

When I say ‘gave away’ I mean you signed up for a promo email and they sent you instructions on how to download the pattern and instructions.

Well I’ve finally got around to making this dress and let me tell you it was not easy. I am lucky I have a wonderful mother with superior sewing skills to mine who saved the day!

The first problemo?
The pattern was out of scale. Sure I can hear you ask ‘Maybe you printed it wrong?’ Rest assured my friends I did not. I followed the careful printing instructions laid out for my by Gorman (as did some friends of mine) and the pattern was still not right. Luckily I actually already owned the Backgammon tea dress of which the pattern was for (you can see it here) so I was able to use the cut out pattern and my actual dress to mark and cut out the fabric.

The second problemo?
Man those instructions are hard to understand! Trying to sew a dress without some printed ‘how to’ steps accompanied by instructions was a first for me – and my mum who’s been sewing for about 35 years.

It was like reading a foreign language to be honest.

"Join front and back fabric bodice side seams and join front"...join front what?? Can you be a little clearer?
It was about here that my mum took control of the situation, decoding the instructions, advising me what to do and basically taking over the whole project.

And thank god she did. If I had persevered any longer I may have fallen into the ‘danger zone’ *

The third problemo?

I was too god damn tired (and a little unwell) which is never a good time to start a new sewing project. Sewing when you’re not in the mood is pants.

But it was all worth it because look what I (ok so really my mum should have most of the credit) made.

I really wanted to buy this Gorman dress because I love the fabric so much but instead I used it for fabric inspiration and ended up with this.

Ain’t she a beauty? What do you think? I wore it for my birthday party this weekend and everyone loved it just as much as I do. Also please excuse the wrinkles in the pics - I was too tired to iron before outfit photos.

How are your sewing projects going? Have any of you tried sewing your own Gorman dress with the free pattern? How did you find it? And more importantly have you seen the latest collection? I LOVE Lisa Gorman for always giving us patterns and colour and I promise I'll do a post on the Winter Collection soon.

Until then, Happy sewing everyone!

*the point at which sewing makes me so crazy frustrated I resort to eating peanut butter from the jar and crying during the advertisements for the new series of ‘Biggest Loser’.

Jason Wu for Target

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Whilst Australian shoppers have been lucky enough to see Target's Designer collaborations with Stella McCartney and Collette Dinnigan in the past, it looks as if we will be missing out (like Missoni) on the Jason Wu capsule collection that is due to launch in a few days.

I for one am very disappointed. The collection is really polished and whilst it’s always hard to determine the quality of fabric and fit when online browsing, it looks as if Mr Wu has put together some beautifully feminine and softly structured pieces.

I would wear all of these.They're girly and fun but still sophisticated enough for the office or a special occasion.

WHY OH WHY can't we get these in Australia?!?! I have a feeling there will be lots of ebay browsing going on in the next couple of months!
You can view the entire capsule collection here. And if you’re so desperate you want to get your hands on some pieces now rumour has it that some sneaky fashion editors are selling it on ebay…for 5 times the price.

Happy shopping…or if you’re in Australia happy dreaming.

Theres a New Girl in town

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It seems that women (and men) everywhere are falling for Zooey Deschanel in her new sitcom; New Girl. And what’s not to love? Her character Jess is truly ‘adorkable’ and has the cutest style around.

Don’t believe me? Here are some pics to prove it:

These shorts for instance. I am obsessed. OBSESSED! I know they are Marc Jacobs and I would never be able to afford them but they are soooo cute and would be such a fun and wearable item to own.

And this is simply perfection.

I like how her wardrobe sits between items you could wear for work (at least in a slightly more creative job area like mine) or for play.She isn't afraid to embrace colour, patterns and girly details like bows and yet her outfits are totally wearable!

So how can you get the look? There is only one answer: Modcloth. Head on over and get lost in the amazing fashion...you'll feel like a new girl.

New girl 2 by kirst84 featuring a tshirt dress

Images courtesy of google and http://wwzdw.com/.

Instagram still life

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Like many Bloggers and social media enthusiasts I am addicted to instagram! Here a a few pics of what I've been up to lately...or even a few years ago. I post all kind of things on there so check it out.

If you've got instagram follow me at myheartbeats. I'm also on twitter @myheartbeats84 if you ever want to tweet me.

Fair trade and fashionable - Bags to love

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

As a dedicated blog reader, I have spent months watching my favourite bloggers like Jen from Little Bird and Susie from Take-out in Couture sporting satchels from Cambridge Satchel Company.

These amazing bags were all over New York Fashion week last year and celebs can't seem to get enough either so of course I want one.

Even though I don't go to university or school and therefore don't really have a specific need for a satchel (and I received a beautiful Mimco satchel for Christmas) I still really, really want one of these bags.

Not only are the Cambridge Satchel's company satchel's available in a rainbow of hues but they can be embossed with your initials and are handmade in Britain which makes them none other than fair trade fashion.

I do believe that's what we like to call a Win-Win people.

The biggest problem is choosing which one to buy...should it be a classic colour, a gorgeous green and navy one or a designer leopard print one that is exclusive to asos.

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Green and Navy

Cambridge Satchel Company ASOS Exclusive Leopard Pony Skin Pocket Satchel

Cambridge Satchel Company ASOS Exclusive Leather Plum Satchel

Thoughts?

Of course Cambridge Satchel Company aren't the only British, fair trade company creating amazing leather goods. Zatchels is hot on their heels producing fun and quirky bags to boot.

You can purchase a pink and white polka dot satchel, a satchel printed with love hearts, lady bugs or flowers or one that's simply a Kaleidescope of colour.

Zatchels satchel in Yellow

Zatchels Pink and White Polka Dot satchel

Limited Edition Zatchels Kaleideskope Satchel

Zatchels Colour Block Satchel

Of course, DIY is another great part of ethical fashion so if you love the look of these bags but aren't too excited by the price head of over to the wonderful DIY blog Glitter 'N Glue to see Kristen's amazing Cambridge Satchel Inspired tutorial here. She is one talented lady!

Which bag is your favourite? Do you have a Satchel by one of these wonderful fairtrade companies? I'd love to hear from you.

xoxo Kirst

Lustworthy Summer threads by Mister Zimi

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:42:00 +0000

Despite the pouring rain outside, I can't seem to escape thoughts of long summer days and balmy nights. I'm hoping summer returns to us if only so I can buy and wear the entire Summer 2011/12 collection of Mister Zimi.

Mister Zimi is the brainchild of Zoe and Jimi Paul - a bright young Australian couple living in Bali. They produce beautiful on trend clothing (some of the most standout pieces I've seen in a while) at super reasonable prices.

I already have a number of their pieces on my wish list including all of the following. The current collection seems to have that effortless and relaxed glamour I am always attracted to in clothing...hence I must buy some.

With my Birthday coming up I think I might purchase either the Red or Green Tina Mexican Dress provided it doesn't sell out first...fingers crossed.

All Photographs available at and courtesy of www.misterzimi.com. No offence of infringement is intended in the publication of these photographs. Any issues or requests for withdrawal will be attended to immediately. Please contact me if there is a need for problem resolution.

Flowers for my valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:42:00 +0000

With Valentine ’s Day just around the corner I’ve taken it upon myself to belt a little more romance into my wardrobe.

Inspired by the beautiful and stylish Mez from Domestic Divinity and the GORGEOUS Alannah Hill Belt she wore with her wedding dress to her pre-ceremony (scroll down her beautiful wedding post and you'll spot it) I scoured my local Spotlight for some suitable ribbon, tulle – whatever I though could work. I found a lovely reel ribbon with red flowers (also available in black if you’re interested) of which I bought three to use.

This is such a simple and easy tutorial but I apologise for not taking photos along the way.

Step 1. Double over a length of red fabric (I used 100% cotton) making sure it’s wide enough to sew the flower ribbon on to it and long enough to fit around your waist. Cut the fabric but be sure to leave an extra centimetre on each side for when you stitch it up.

Step 2. Place the flowers on the centre of the fabric (where they will sit on the belt) and measure where you want to taper your belt off. Draw or mark fabric to guide you then cut.

Step 3. Sew around three sides leaving one end open.

Step 4. Turn the belt inside (rightside) out

Step 5. Hand stich on flowers. Following this hand stich the unsewn end of your belt and sew a button onto it.

Step 6. Mark a couple of button holes on other end of the belt and sew them in. If you don’t want to use a button you could always hand stitch a couple of hook and eyes on if you prefer.

Step 7. Button up and Wear! I think it will look best with a white, black or cobalt blue dress but the choice is yours.

See easy…and oh se feminine. Granted it's not quite as beautiful as the inspiration for it but I personally love it and I hope you will too!

Oh and apologies for the awful photographs...not my best work!

Byron Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:25:00 +0000

What better way to spend a holiday then lying on the beach at Byron Bay? Sunshine, great night life, good friends, and quality time with The Boy makes me one happy girl. So enjoy these...a few holiday snaps from my break.

Hope you're January is peachy.

A Step forward: my progress so far

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:47:00 +0000

The holiday season was never going to be an easy time to dedicate myself to getting healthy and fit but I honestly haven’t found it to be too hard because of all the preparation I did.

That’s right ladies and gents – preparation is key if you’re trying to make a permanent change to your health!

So where do you start?

Well, Instead of inhaling chocolate and guzzling champagne throughout November and December, I’ve spent my time overdosing on fitness and health related blogs, magazines, books, tweets, and websites along with the odd fashion and beauty blog too!

Check out mevsthebulge.com and runthreeseven.com if you want to get FIT-spired!

Have you all discovered Tanya Burr? Her youtube channel has the most beautiful make-up tutorials and has me hooked hardcore…but make-up tutes are for another time.

First off let’s talk diet.

I’m not on one. I have however, changed my eating habits. I have never eaten particularly poorly but I recently made the decision to stick to clean food as much as possible. I’ve tried to remove all sugar from my diet (with the exception of some berries or mango on the odd occasional) and processed food is all but gone too. I’ve increased my protein and veggie intake and also reduced starchy carbs like potatoes.

I do miss sugar a little bit (that stuff is like crack) but the less I have the more I less I want it and the easier it gets to say no. I love food and I still very much enjoy it but now I am much more conscious about what I eat. I think to myself, 'What will this food give my body?'

‘Will it energise me and make me feel strong or will it make me feel guilty and sluggish?’
‘Will it help me push my limits to run further or lift heavier or will it make me tired and push me further away from my goal?'

It's pretty easy to work out the answer to these if you're over the age of 15.

My general rule is that if eating something (e.g. creamy pasta) will take me further away from achieving my goal it’s put into the no go zone. Even if I am dying for a bite of chocolate once I put eating it into perspective with my ultimate goal it just doesn’t seem worth it!

But what about alcohol you say. How do you say no to all those festive drinks? The champagne… the cocktails?

Luckily for me, this part has been really easy. I tend to have a better time when I’m not drinking and I adore/am slightly obsessed with soda water so going alcohol free hasn’t been a problem at all.

Give me a soda water with some fresh lime and I can party all night. Make the switch and your body will love you for it too. Seriously, why would you want to wake up reeking of booze with a headache and blood shot eyes when you can wake-up refreshed, ready for some cardio and feeling great?!

The other key ingredients: Exercise and Staying motivated.

Diet is key if you want to lose weight, feel healthier and become leaner but exercise and staying motivated are equally as important.

My whole life I have tended to focus my efforts on what I look like and not worry too much about my health or fitness but this time things are different.

Instead of being motivated by looks alone I'm focussing my energy on getting my fitness back, becoming stronger, faster and leaner.

I've made goals and I've ramped up my gym sessions to put me on the path to achieving them.

I want to lift more, run further and faster and generally feel like a strong, sexy woman. Increasing my weight training has definitely made a difference to my appearance.

My weight hasn’t changed much in the past month but the muscles in my arms and legs are more prominent and I can see a difference (even if no one else can).

It is motivation enough to stay focussed this Christmas and New Year. I want minimal wobbly bits for my birthday in February – hard work is going to get me there J

Until next time.

Xx Kirst

Photos courtesy of Google and/or Tumblr. Find links to them here: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/kiki-kickass

Band Crush: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinoaurs

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:34:00 +0000

The Boy has been listening to this band for months and months but they've only just started to get airplay here.

Their name pretty much won me over but if it didn't there is no way I could not fall head over heels in love with this song.

Listen and dance people...listen and dance!

QUT 2011 Fashion Graduate Show

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:57:00 +0000

Phoebe Younger

I'm no fashion expert, but I can tell you that there are a lot of talented young designers in Brisbane.

How do I know this?

Well last night when the style set were all attending the Chanel show, my lovely friend B and I were sitting second row at the 2011 QUT Fashion Graduate Show.

I can just hear you all now…Second row? What a loser… she wasn’t even invited to Chanel…but before you step away from your computer have a think about it: champagne and fashion.

There is no loser here.

The show was titled SIX as most of the graduating students presented six pieces from their final collection – the culmination of their university studies. The collections were mainly womenswear but there was also swimwear, lingerie, menswear, accessories, and theatre costumes on show and the quality of all the collections was simply outstanding.

The show was billed as having an international flavour and it did not disappoint.

There was Kirsty Glynn’s romantic and Victorian-esque ‘Out of Colonial Africa’, Alexandra McGuire;s stylish swimsuit collection ‘Border Lines’ which seemed to be inspired by the chaotic colour of India and Pakistan (I want! I want!) and the quirky unisex collection ‘Boys and Girls are choice’ by Sally Edwards which featured a lot of tartan.

Meredith Howell

Ali Kornhauser

Kirsty Glynn

Katrina Gaskin

Franchesca Blardony

I don’t think I could choose a favourite collection but I absolutely adored Phoebe Younger’s ‘Cue 2012 – New Royalty’ collection, Katrina Gaskin’s ‘The Fallen Romantics A/W 2012’ lingerie collection, and Jacqueline Curran’s ‘Mirror Animal’.

If I wasn’t wearing my super high heels, I would have tried to crash tackle the 16 year old models to get my hands on some of the pieces.

Of course, at a fashion show you tend to get caught up in the moment and I apologise that my photography skills were a little lacking (check out Suburban Intellect for better photos and B’s account of the night). Despite this I feel like you can still get an idea of some of what was on show and hey, if you are free tonight or tomorrow night, you can go see for yourself! Tickets are available here or you can view the video QUT put together to showcase some of the students work below.

six: QUT Fashion 2011 Graduate Show from QUT Creative Industries Precinct on Vimeo.

Please note all photographs are author’s own of original work by 2011 QUT Fashion Graduates. No offence is intended in the publication of these photo and if you have any issues with the publication or a request for withdrawal please contact me immediately.

Colour blocking...take 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:16:00 +0000

Bathroom photoshoots scream glamour and sobriety

If you've been reading this blog, you may have noticed that I like colour. I like to wear it. All the time.

Whilst not all of it has been successful (let's just say The Office was not ready for pink tights), I think this cheap purchase from Ice - a store I had never entered until I saw this from across the shopping centre- is a winner.

Yes it's polyster and yes it was under $50 but it got just as many comments as this Gorman dress that I wore to Melbourne Cup and it is super wearable. Add some black accessories, my freshly blonded hair (it's good to be back!) and a pair of new season Wittner shoes and I was set for a fabulous night out.

BFFs

Back to blonde and hanging out with the Birthday girl.

With some beautiful ladies

Everyone loves a makeover...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Lately I've been feeling a little, well...meh. I lost my blogging mojo and certain parts of my life had gotten a little dull so I decided that it was time for some drastic action. And what better way to shake things up than with a makeover.

Everyone loves a makeover - especially my heart beats.

You'll notice I've added some tabs at the top so you can more easily find posts under particular topics and I'm sure you haven't missed my brand spanking new header and background. What do you think of the facelift so far?

I'd also like to let you all know that the makeover doesn't stop here. Fed up with not fitting into half the contents of my wardrobe and with feeling self-conscious and unfit, I've decided that things have to change.

Spurred on by inspirational Bloggers like Cooper at runthreeseven and Amanda at mevsthebulge and with the support and encouragement of The Boy and I am embarking upon a new health and fitness regime/challenge to eat 'clean', exercise more and cut as much sugar as possible out of my diet. I'll be blogging my ups and downs along the way as a way to keep me accountable and hopefully encourage others to work towards their fitness goals too.

So watch this space...and if you've got any tips - tweet me!

Chai to try...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:28:00 +0000

I love health and wellbeing stores. Behind the shelves of vitamins and supplements you can often find many wonderous products that you simply wouldn’t discover elsewhere…another plus?

They’re often fair trade and organic which means good for you and the world.

My most recent experience of this was at my local Healthy Life Store. Tired and hungover, The Boy and I decided to browse the aisles…although this might sound like odd behaviour to you, we actually love it (and no we aren’t hippies!). On this occasion our ‘haul’ was pretty small, consisting only of some Indian curry spices, wholemeal spelt flour (which was actually cheaper than the supermarket) and a pretty tin full of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Coconut Chai Green Tea.

As I’m trying to quit/reduce my consumption of sugar at the moment (after reading Sarah Wilson’s ebook), tea has taken on even greater heights of daily consumption in our household. I’ve found that brewing a cup of warm chai or some fragrant green tea is a great distraction from cravings and when I saw the pretty green tin the tea section with the words ‘Coconut’ and ‘Chai’ on it I was transfixed.

Separately coconut and chai are two of my favourite flavours so how could a combination of the two not be simply orgasmic? Quite quickly after concluding to myself that they couldn’t NOT be delicious Zhena was in my bag and on her way home to live with The Boy and I.

My first sip of this brew was all that I anticipated. It was soooo yummy, and the smell is simply divine. The Boy had his with warm milk which has since become a breakfast favourite of mine, but even served with hot water this has become my new favourite tea.

On my shopping list now is to try some more flavours of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea – there are so many that the biggest problem will be choosing just one. Egyptian Mint, Ambrosia Plum White tea, or Acia Berry tea have all caught my eye as have the many other blends of chai to try.

Chai to try! Try saying that super fast. And while you do why not head on over to Oxfam Australia to buy your own Zhena brew online…it’s fairtrade and fabulous!

Sewn roses

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:42:00 +0000

Today was an important day. Australia got a carbon tax, and I wore my latest creation. It is green with pink roses…kind of appropriate for a day marking an environmental landmark in Australian - and world - history don’t you think?

I have to say, this dress was a little tricky. I had difficulty with the darts and the bodice doesn’t quite fit as well as I would like but it’s not the end of the world. I think it has a very Mad Men feel to it. What do you think?

The pattern is Very Easy Vogue V8630 if you want to make your own. Next project is a replica of my Gorman Backgammon teadress…stay tuned.

A belated Melbourne Cup post

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:13:00 +0000

I know this post is a lot later than your average Melbourne Cup post, but I thought I would post it anyway so you can see a number of attractive ladies in beautiful dresses having a whole lotta fun.

We we won best-dressed table and had a thoroughly enjoyable day. If you're curious I'm wearing my Gorman Backgammon Teadress with the Wittner wedges I bought in Melbourne, a vintage leather belt and a home-made fascinator.

The Line-up...really need to work on my posture :-s

1.5L for the Best Dressed Ladies

This first pic is from Instagram account - if you want to follow me on Instagram my name is myheartbeats. My Twitter name is myheartbeats84 (same as the blog) so you can follow me on both if you like. Go on, DO IT, you know you want to!

Hope you're all having wonderful weekends xx

BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

M83 take me to a happy place. I'm sure you've all heard it by now but listening to Midnight City from the recently released album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming always improves my mood - so enjoy.

They are also playing the St Jerome's Laneway Festival early next year so get tickets now!

The $5 Rug skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:24:00 +0000

After being inspired by this post by Geneva from A pair and a Spare I was brimming with excitement when I found some colourful rugs/door mats/whatever you'd like to call them made from weaved jersey fabrics at my local Dollars and Sense store. Snapping two rugs up at the crazy price of $2.50 each I took them home and got my DIY/sewing on.

I basically followed the exact process Geneva laid out. I pinned the two rugs together using the outline of another fitted skirt (I use my Gorman Pencil skirt). Then I sewed down the sides, cut of the excess and zigzag stiched the raw edges to prevent fraying. Due to the nature of the rug I had to be careful when cutting the edges off as there was real potential for the 'wire knit' that holds the fabric together to unravel. I will say that the thickness of the fabric was not loved by my sewing machine but we got there in the end!

Pinned, sewn and hacked off

I also added to darts in the front of my skirt to prevent it from stretching out and losing it's shape/falling down.

I am delighted with the result. The stretchy fabric hides all manner of sins, it's super comfy and flattering and the multitude of colours in the fabric make it lots of fun to mix and match. I may just make another...look out Dollars and Sense.

Rug skirt in action - Let's call this Sunday summer casual

I know I look like a dick but trust me - you too can have a but like Kim K thanks to this sin-hiding fabric!

Where else but the Whitsundays

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:43:00 +0000

Ok so I know it's been a looooooooooong time between posts but what can I say? Life got in the way. Thankfully I'm back now and as I'm at home on my potential deathbed today I figured what better time to reminisce (and post) about my recent holiday to the Whitsunday's with The Boy. It was amazing. Here is a sample of our holiday pictures (warning, it's photo heavy).

This is my much adored Gorman skirt - a gift from The Boy

Here we are on Daydream Island

Cheesy Mermaids

About to go Ocean Rafting - so much fun!

Beautiful Whitehaven Beach

We went snorkelling/scuba diving at Reef World then caught a helicopter over the Reef to Hamilton Island on Hamilton Island Air

Heart Reef

The Great Barrier Reef from the air

Snorkelling with the fishies

Hill Inlet

Windblown on Whitehaven

Got a feel for Teal

noreply@blogger.com (Kirst ) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Gorman Cardigan, Cotton On T-shirt, Handmade skirt, H&M Scarf, Senzi shoes, vintage Bally Belt.

This is the second pencil skirt I made with my 1980-something New Look pattern. As you can see I ditched the waistband and conjured up a facing instead.

I'm pretty sure it works because I got asked where it was from on my lunch break today. Oh yeah I did!

Trying to throw my cardigan away...unfortunately it still made it into the (awkward) shot!

P.S. Sorry about the weird creases, and the strange angle of my belt and my not quite prepared/awkward poses. The Boy was not really in the mood to take outfit photos and I didn't realise what the pics looked like until it was too late. I promise the skirt really doesn't bunch up like that in real life! I swear to God it fit's better than the photos demonstrate!