A trip to hospital in the ambulance. Pride of Australia nomination. Pretty treats.

What a strange fortnight - it's been a whirlwind of good and not so good events! I wanted a calmer week this past week, and for the most part it has been, except on Monday night when I had to go to hospital by ambulance because I had a reaction to my delicious seafood dinner. My lips swelled, face become heavy and itchy, then my body felt like it had a fright, and I had a temperature of 38.9 degrees.

By the time I got to hospital, I was feeling a little better - I think I reacted because I ate so close after having a shower and when I have a shower, my face is stripped of its top skin layer which probably acts as a protectant. When I finally saw the doctor (it was still a 3.5 hour wait after arrival in ambulance) she prescribed me anthisthamine. Fortunately it was not anaphylaxis. The reaction on my face settled, but I felt so tired the next day so I stayed home and slept. My skin is very sore now especially on my arms and hands, but I'll be ok with some rest. I'm booked into the immunologist soon - I just hope I can eat seafood again! I've been very lucky with not having any food allergies, but my dermatology team are always concerned I may develop them. Fingers crossed this was a once off!

The Ambos were amazing! I had four attend my house. The Mica paramedics arrived first - they're able to administer some high level drugs and intubate if required. Then the van arrived - and they took me to hospital. They told me they had been researching Ichthyosis on their way to me. When we arrived at hospital, the female officer sat with me for two hours, doing my obs, and just talking. She said she enjoys that part of her job the most - meeting people. I saw her in action, attending to a seizuring patient in the triage bay. She was so calm and yet so responsive.

Do you have ambulance cover? If you are not covered, a trip in a Victorian ambulance costs $1300. I highly recommend signing up - I pay $40.30 per year through Ambulance Victoria (it's a little over $80 for families, and it covers ambulance trips in other states). Each state's ambulance cover varies - view details here:

www.ambulance.qld.gov.au (Queensland)

www.saambulance.com.au (South Australia)

www.stjohnambulance.com.au (Western Australia)

www.stjohnnt.org.au (Northern Territory)

www.dhhs.tas.gov.au (Tasmania)

www.ambulance.vic.gov.au (Victoria)

www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au (New South Wales)

www.ambulance.act.gov.au (Australian Capital Territory)

No photos of my ambulance trip sorry!

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Last night I was looking forward to a night of rest on the couch, with no excitement. I was checking my emails as I was on the phone to Mum and Dad, and saw this!

I shrieked! I've been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal. Thank you to whoever nominated me. I am excited and proud, but I also feel like I'm just being myself. Thanks for believing in me. What a lovely surprise!

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And then, to celebrate everything this past fortnight. I thought I'd treat myself to some late night shopping at 11.30 pm (oh the comfort of online shopping!). I bought these two dresses from Joy, my favourite UK store. I bought a dress from the store on my last day in London (one year ago tomorrow, can you believe?!). They have a sale on right now - you should treat yourself too!

Also, a lovely reader, Eloise, saw me on the train, and left a comment here. I didn't speak to her on the train but admired her bag. I replied to her comment, asking if she was the lady with the amazing green bag that I admired. Yes she was! She linked it in another comment, I bought it (though it's sold out now, but may be restocked) and it arrived yesterday :) Thanks Eloise!

Have a great Saturday everyone! I'm staying home to rest, and will also sort my accommodation for the Problogger event on the Gold Coast in September (those dresses will make their debut there!). Bob Evans is playing when I'm on the Gold Coast - I am so there!

What are you doing today?

Ever been in an ambulance? Do you have ambulance cover?

What pretty things have you treated yourself to lately?

 

Dare to dress up on a White Night (thanks to Target).

This is a sponsored post. Target provided me with vouchers to go shopping and will pay me for this post. Opinions are my own.

On Saturday night, I excitedly headed to the city for dinner with Sandra and then on to the White Night Festival. The White Night Festival was an overnight art festival - bringing music, dance art, and light shows to the city. I was looking forward to the writers camp at the Wheeler Centre, and seeing the lights, but I was not prepared for the large crowds. Oh the crowds. More about that later.

We decided on a cheap progressive dinner (it made spending $25 for three courses and a drink all the more fancy!). We started with rice paper rolls, and then I overcame my fear of dumplings at a little place in China Town. We finished dinner with a piece of cake each from a Greek patisserie. Delicious. I love dining with a food blogger. We never run out of things to talk about, and we never have to ask each other permission to take photos of our food.

Before dinner and taking outfit photos, we stumbled across some street art and live hip hop in Tattersall's Lane. I saw this one just off that lane, in Stevenson Lane. Here we are now, entertain us.

And after dinner, we set off to White Night, first stop was The Wheeler Centre where we saw one of my literary heroes, Sean M Whelan, perform some poetry. He was brilliant - alliterative, evocative and funny. A beautiful talent. Sandra and I met up with Karen, Carli and Carli's sister Liza too - lovely to see these ladies again. My initial plan was to stay at the Centre and write, but then I was enticed by talk of the light and art around the city. Only, there were crowds. I've never seen so many people in the city of Melbourne. It was a slow pedestrian crawl, rubber necking to look at the pretty things. Carli, Liza, Sandra and I walked down Swanston Street, taking it all in. We saw a catwalk in a lane way, live music, street artists and many many people. It could have been more accessible and participatory had it not been for the thick crowds, but that was also the magic of it. Sam McHugh tweeted "#whitenightmelb: Earth Hour's nemesis". I laughed - so many lights used and power cables over the roads.

Here are some of my favourite sights of the night.

The State Library of Victoria.

A shadow play at City Square - this was fun - seeing the children interacting with the shadow characters. There was an audio story being told too.

Projections on the windows of St Paul's Catherdral - Sandra made a great point - funny that they'd projected AFL, where fans are fanatics to the point of religious, on a religious building.

The Yarra River, westward. There were light fountains looking east, but the crowd was too thick to look through comfortably.

And the jewel of the night (that I managed to walk to anyway - my face was getting sore - and yes, a sore face does affect my desire to walk!): Flinders Street Station. There was a rock concert on the stage too.

Isn't it beautiful?

White Night was pretty special. I loved how pretty Melbourne looked, and how many people celebrated this great city. I am excited about next year's. Were you there too?

So, about what I wore. I love Target, it's my go-to store for workwear (I like their dresses, pencil skirts and short length trousers), their pieces fit me well amd often I can avoid trying them on due to their consistency in sizing, and I also like that I have so many pieces that make people say "huh?! that's not from Target!". Like my coral lace dress and black pleather jacket. Target has a really great selection of women's clothing - I mostly buy from the City Dressing, Hot Options and Limited Editions ranges. I have also recently picked up some Target Essentials basic tops and bonds undies which I'm really happy with.

Target sent me shopping earlier in the week. The brief they gave me was dare to dress up. I had great visions of me moseying through the store, taking my time choosing the perfect outfit. But instead I found myself there one hour before closing time, doing a power shop because I thought I'd cram as much into my day by scheduling a phone meeting after work, cooking a meal and remembering just in time to get money out for my cleaner (note: first world problems hey?!).

I took a brisk walk through my local Target (one of two - I have a large store which I shopped at last week, and an Urban store within five minutes drive of my house - I like Urban for the up-to-the-minute range of women's fashions) and headed straight for the dresses. Though I couldn't find any that I liked. They seemed very conservative for my tastes. I rifled through the clearance racks (so many of them, such low prices) - but nothing piqued my interest. I then looked at Hot Options, and to be honest, the colours didn't grab me. I was a little disappointed. I have loved the brights and florals of spring/summer, and now the tones are more muted - lots of bottle green and burgundy - reminded me of a bag I sewed in year eight textiles class.

So then I located my old faithful, the Limited Editions section. I can always count on this range to find something that I like. I have a lot of work clothes from Limited Editions. I thought I would use my voucher to buy something that I wouldn't ordinarily buy - black and trousers. And luckily, there were some beautiful tailored trousers and interesting luxe tops to fit the brief.

Here's what I chose:

A slinky jersey Limited Editions top with pleather trim ($49.95) and black jacquard print straight leg Limited Editions pants ($59.95). I like that theese pieces can be dressed up or down - I can wear them both with denim, and I can wear the top with a skirt or even layered over a dress with leggings. The top is actually short sleeved (you can't quite see it because of my love of layering) and is a really flattering fit. I need to take the hem of the pants up, but overall they fit very well and make my legs look long and slim.

I wore some silver bangles and a bracelet I made myself (navy sunstone) and a Red Phoenix Emporium necklace (the long white one, gifted), plus another Target necklace (the heart) that I picked up for $5.40 after that initial shopping trip. I love the heart - especially its woven fluro wire. Received lots of compliments on it. I wore the same shoes that I had for my year 10 formal. Back in 1997!! Yes, they still fit and are quite comfortable. See how the pants have a pretty floral black on black print?

Later on, in the cool of the aircon, I put on my shiny shiny jacket - a buy from Target in September 2012.

That was me in a beanbag at the Wheeler Centre. Of course I chose the purple one. I am not sitting very graciously. Beanbags are heaps of fun, but very hard to get out of! Sandra made me laugh: "It took seven years of yoga to get my ageing hips out of that beanbag #downwarddogfacing", she tweeted! Oh the awkwardness!

Thanks for the lovely night amd for taking outfit photos Sandra, and thanks to Target for having me as a Target Blogger!

Please note: I am a Target Blogging Ambassador, and this is the first in a series of sponsored posts.

If you can't say anything nice...

I was recently at an event with my parents, not knowing many other guests there, surrounded by pretty young things wearing gorgeous dresses. I glammed up for the occasion too - my pink Cinderella skirt from St Frock, and my silver jacket and floral top that I wore to the AusBlogCon (though I always seem to feel really overdressed due to the amount of layers I need to wear!).

While I was talking in hushed tones with my Mum about how beautifully dressed some of the girls were, it turned out some of those beautifully dressed girls were talking in hushed tones about me too.

Later on in the night, after a few wines, I went to the toilet, and got talking to a girl I met on the way. We talked through the toilet walls, small talk - that we liked the food, that the event was a great one, that our shoes were killing us.

Then, out under the fluorescent lights as we washed our hands, the girl turned to me, looked closely, and said "so what happened?". What happened to my face, she meant? "I was born this way", I told her. "And what happened", she asked again. Drunk people can be hard to reason with. "I was born like this, that's what happened", I told her, again.

She asked me if it was a skin condition, I said yes, and I told her the name. Drunk people are also quite honest. "I thought it was a skin condition", she said. And then she added "The people I am with were arguing about whether it was a burn, or sunburn all day".

Right. So while I was probably complimenting some of those girls, they were discussing my appearance.

I know this happens. People ask me all the time. People stare. People ask friends or family or colleagues what is "wrong" with me. it's curiosity. But I didn't even think people would be spending more than a few seconds thinking or commenting about my appearance or discussing appearance in general in a negative way. Certainly not when there's so much beauty and fabulous personalities and wonderful acts of kindness to compliment. And I thought about the shallowness of being so image focused.

I went back into the room happily laughing with the girl I met in the toilet. We went on to discuss the cute boys in the room, arms linked like old friends. She wasn't meaning harm. But it our toilet discussion left me feeling a little self conscious, and got me thinking.

Is it ever appropriate to negatively comment on someone's appearance (how they look or dress, or their race or disability)?

When I think about my own behaviour, I can guiltily admit that there has been times when I've said quietly to a friend "what is she wearing??", or even made a comment about someone's weight. I know. I shouldn't. But it is rare. And the comments never turn into a conversation. It's an instant reaction, and I wouldn't then give their appearance a second thought. And I'd certainly never make judgment about someone's face, disability or race. Never.

My Twitter friends gave me their opinion about the appropriateness of commenting on appearance (and their opinions made me proud):
@mscurlypops: my motto is that if you can't say something nice then say nothing at all!

@KITsDad: No. Unless they're a hipster, then go for it.

@keepcatebusy: don't undrstd why any1 would ever want 2 say something nasty abt some1 else. Ppl only do that 2 make themselves feel superior
 
@_jaime_: when they're wearing socks and thongs -yes. :)

@rhiannoncra: No. Have your opinion, but don't voice it - if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!

@Aneets1: Never. It seems a lot of people lack basic manners. x

@pomegranitaa: If their fly is undone or tag hanging out = yes. If you don't like their shoes or think they look slutty = no.

@Denwise1: never appropriate. Ever. "if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all is old maxim" So hope not 2 u

I tweeted to Sydney Shop Girl "Seriously, when did negatively discussing someone's appearance outside of gossip mags become a valid topic of conversation??"

Glossy mags thrive on the way celebrities look. They criticise, point out 'flaws' and persuade readers to aspire to an ideal. Too thin, too fat, too much cellulite, acne scars, best diets, beauty treatments are the secret to happiness. Hell, even my appearance was (positively) highlighted in a women's mag. Image sells.

I was thinking about the way we encourage positive body image in the media. The National Body Image Advisory Group, chaired by Mia Freedman, is an Australian Government initiative, "committed to tackling negative body image from a national perspective, by helping young Australians to build confidence and resilience against the body image pressures that they face.”. The group recently launched new initiatives to promote healthy body image in Australia. These initiatives include the establishment of a voluntary code of conduct for the fashion, media and advertising industries.

The discussion of my appearance at this event made me wonder how far the media has come with portraying a diverse range of people realistically. And wondered whether the media is still giving the public permission to discuss and criticise peoples' flaws. Like the colour of my skin.

It's never ok to negatively comment on the way someone looks. Even telling someone they look tired may be taken as criticism. If you are going to comment on someone's appearance, tell them they look beautiful. Compliments are fare nicer to give people. And I think it's about time the media starts paying more compliments to celebrities' appearances, instead of criticising them. Perhaps this act by the media will mean every day people will be less critical of those who look different.

Inspired by the Offspring wardrobe

Nina and Billie Proudman - I want to play dress ups in your wardrobes. I adore the Offspring wardrobe. Offspring started back on Australian TV last night. While I hadn't loved the first season as much as I'd anticipated (I think it all came down to Nina's repetitive ringtone), I enjoyed it enough to watch all episodes and really warmed to it in the last episode. So I snuggled on the couch for the first episode of the second season. I did enjoy it, but I realised the aspect I enjoyed most about Offspring was the fashion. So here's a lazy cut and paste job-blog of the fashions that I've loved on the Proudman sisters. The best dressed women on TV.

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Just gorgeous. The show's got style.

Clothes make me happy

Clothes make me happy.

This first one was worn to a vintage clothes market - Round She Goes. It was so much fun! I went to the market with three lovely new friends I met at high tea. There were two rooms packed with vintage and modern treasures. I bought a number of dresses and a skirt, all in great condition and at great prices. The sizes were difficult. My petite yet curvy figure made the tiny size 12 waistband feel like a size six.

The outfit I wore featured a pre-loved skirt from a friend - it is so beautiful - lots of material and a tulle underskirt and a cute poodle appliqued on the front, and appliqued scattered hearts. I am also wearing my Stella McCartney for Target silk blouse from a few years ago, a Mimco headband, ballet flats and giant Diva cocktail ring.

This outfit was worn to Jebediah on Friday night. I don't know if such a dainty outfit was conducive to the rough moshpit complete with beer showers, but it survived the experience, albeit smelling like a brewery. The dress is my favourite one I bought at Round She Goes. It's a gorgeous peach floral with a cowel neck and gathered waist. I also wore a swing coat from Valley Girl - it's metallic cream - and my merino jumper and opaques and ballet flats.

And this one was worn to work and a lunch with friends. Excuse the gaping waist - there really should be an extra button. I am wearing a dress from Cue (it's green and mustard) and pleather jacket from Temt. My boots are from London Rebel.

What have you worn lately? Post your outfit links and descriptions below :)

Canned soup, Sydney shopping and other stuff

The trouble with being quite a good an expert home cook is that I don't know how to cook canned chicken soup. Off work, unwell with a cold, I thought chicken soup and orange juice was a good remedy. This orange juice is the best. Chicken soup not so good.  

The soup came out of the can like custardy Pal. I didn't know if I needed to add water to it. I didn't add water to it on the first 'cooking' serve. Heated, it looked like pure custard. On the second serve, I added water, and it looked like watered down custard. Errr yum. I should have made my soup from scratch. Major food regret.

I did eat other cold-combating foods. A slice of garlic chilli pizza. And Panadol. Is it a food? It is effervescent.

I figured that seeing I had artificial chicken, and was too unwell to eat dinner last night, the next best chickeny thing for me (aside from real chicken soup) is deep fried chicken. And salty chips.

The girl at KFC refreshingly told me she had a shitty day too. She said it with a smile. And gave me some coupons for next time I visit. My thighs dictate that I won't be visiting soon.

My day was spent sleeping, watching The Circle and the Nanny, and flicking through magazines. I am still not sure of whether I like Peppermint. The Melbourne Magazine has undergone a makeover. It features comedian and TV host Charlie Pickering who I once met in a lift and rabbited on to him as though I knew him. He did recognise me from the audience of the 7PM Project.

I want to make a speedy recovery, because a bad cold can end up in sore skin. So I am getting all the rest I can. Including sadly missing out on one of my best friend's birthday parties tonight. Happy birthday Scott. I will see you soon.

Today I also reminisced about my Sydney trip a week ago. I will write about the Aussie Bloggers Conference soon, I promise. I need to rest my body and mind for now, though. Reminiscing also included thinking about the shopping I did in Sydney.

I bought these at Simon Johnson when I was with Lanelle. I love elderflower.

I bought this from a boutique in Newtown on Friday afternoon with my friend K from school (and her cute babies).

The print is great. Flowers and deer.

I also bought these two cards from Monster Threads. So many cute things in store, and all I bought were these cards.

On Sunday I bussed it to Bondi Westfield. I had a rainbow cake. For breakfast. I was a bit hungover, and hangovers and holidays allow cake for breakfast.

I also spent my vouchers from my birthday and Christmas. First stop was JB Hi Fi - thanks LJ! I bought a Sia DVD.

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This was near the changerooms at Myer. I loved the series of pictures, most were from the Melbourne store.

 

At Myer, I fell in love with this dress after seeing it three times in Cue Sydney, and with 30% off plus two Myer vouchers, I had to have it!

 Here is the dress from the Cue catalogue. I am in love!

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I can't wait to wear it with my merino jumper underneath, and boots.

Two more things. 

This Social Network review I wrote was published on DiVine today. I revised it from this blog entry.

And a big congrats to Faux Fuchsia on the birth of your gorgeous son! You're going to be a great Mum!

Being treated like a princess at St Frock

 

On Perfect Day 1 in Sydney, I went shopping. One of my lovely blog readers/Facebook friends, Sandradee, owns a shop in Pyrmont called St Frock. She invited me to St Frock, and so Lanelle and I went on the bus to see her. We winged it on our travels, not sure where we were going, until we saw this, nestled in a cute terrace shopping strip!

I shrieked and asked the bus driver to stop! We jumped off and headed inside.

St Frock is a beautiful store. It's luxurious and girly and magical.

It stocks funky and affordable labels such as Love & Lies, Kylie Hawkes, Gingham & Heels, Mok Theorem, White Euphoria, Maria de Guzman, Erin Louise, Sage, By Cherry, Mink Pink, Staple The Label and JUNK.

This amazing blossom tree lit up the window and featured delicate necklaces hanging from its branches.

 

Lanelle loved the tree. How beautiful is this picture?!

 There were butterflies and autumn leaves on the walls. So pretty.

 

And post-it hearts as a wall decoration.

The puppy was wearing an aviation jacket because Friday was photoshoot day, and a model was wearing an aviation jacket too.

Sandradee is so so so wonderful. She made us feel welcome, and was such a good hostess in the store. She has an inspirational story - following her dream to open a store after a life changing moment. She has a hard work ethic - her Pyrmont store opens seven days a week, she also sells online, and does markets on weekends.

And she is so very generous.

Sandradee treated me to some gifts in the store. She said she is inspired by me. I was honoured.
She gave me these beautiful clothes, and a unicorn necklace.

I felt like a princess. I was helped into the clothes by Sandradee, and was photographed by Lanelle. So very special.

I wore the clothes both nights I was in Sydney - pictures to come.

Thank you so much for the generosity and great service, Sandradee and the St Frock girls. I loved the experience ♥ I am honoured and still smiling.

You should all visit St Frock at 190 Harris Street, Pyrmont, NSW, Australia, or online.