Debuting my short bob, finally! I can’t explain the reverse Alfalfa my fringe is doing but it’s crazy, as is the faint left overs of a tan from a summer of fun-day rays, living daily in short shorts and much needed exercise.
Following from Sora’s great write up on Alice McCall’s Cruise 14 S/S collection, I couldn’t stop dreaming of owning a piece from this oh-so-fine range and settled on the super pwerdy “Over the Rainbow” playsuit. The details really speak for itself – quirky, flirty with a bold graphic liner that feathers into the cut out detailing mixed with pastel shades. Wear alone or stack some accessories, it really is a simple outfit to pull off since Pastels + Playsuit = New BFFs – the combination is just too cute!
Currently Alice McCall is having a sale so be quick if you found anything that catches your eye!
I’m here to inspire you with my grunge side. That’s right, sometimes I also like to dress a bit edgy…and lumpeehhh.
Ever since I laid eyes on Lumpy Space Princess, there has been a connection that we both just can’t deny. So when I saw these tights on BlackMilk I HAD to get them!! It’s so sad BlackMilk doesn’t stock these collections anymore…but I just noticed a Disney and Nightmare Before Christmas Collection….
I can’t help but love BlackMilk, they are just all-round amazing – their brand marketing for one is just A-star, I mean trust me, just sign up to BlackMilk, the opening email you get is fantastic. I love that stuff.
But not only that they have the cooolest, the cooolest range of tights ever.
If you had a childhood like mine, watching Saturday Disney, Cheez TV, Agro, and was an internet savvy pre-teen, a prerequisite of which was to love anime, (and I bet you found your community online ayyye ayyye? YOU HAVE A LIVEJOURNAL DON’T YOU! *cough* I only know coz I had one too…animated avatars FTW!), these tights bring you back to that. Love Jack Skellington? Wear him on your legs. Disney Villains? My homegirl ursula and I are skin tight close. Literally. These tights bring you back to your childhood with a mature grunge.
Not only that, Black Milk tights are comfortable, durable, really great quality and cling in all the right places. I’ve had mine for about a year and they haven’t faded, stretched or ripped at the seams. The only negative I have found is that they are slightly, SLIGHTLY see through around the underwear area – so wear something nude coloured underneath. However I think this is because I have pretty wide hips for my otherwise petite body so I may be stretching the fabric too far.
Nevertheless, the love I feel definitely makes these leggings worth the price. They are a bit pricey…but trust. Tis worth it.
Close up of the glorious-ness. Dang gurl these lumps!
And before I leave I want to give a quick shout out to my Siree’s beanie from Lazy Oaf. I usually don’t suit beanies because I think they bring into focus how small my head/face actually is, however me and Lazy Oaf seem to get along fine!
I’m baaaaaack. Can I just say being an adult plain and simply sucks…working long hours leaves me absolutely no time for myself or blogging – I cry! But my New Year’s resolution is to blog blog blog!!
I’m here with an advertorial for the lovely Quicky Circus! What’s great about Quirky Circus is that it is a brand by Aussie loved Mink Pink. Whilst Mink Pink tends to be a bold, grungy New York style, you can find Quirky Circus‘ collections have an inspired vintage flare.
When Quirky Circus approached us to do an advertorial for them I couldn’t wait. I absolutely love the pieces across all their collections. We were given a choice out of the “At The Lake” Collection, and I chose the Quirky Circus “Blue Bouquet” shorts since summer was on its way. They are the perfect summer shorts – loose, flowy and vibrant – a great piece to add that pop of summer colour to your outfits.
I have and always will be a detail orientated person. The small unique details make me happy and it’s often these details that sway me to choose one clothing item over the other. What I absolutely loved on these shorts was this notice right here on the tag:
Can I just reiterate the following: “Vintage Inspired Designed to Fade – This garment is designed to fade to give a vintage inspired look”
How awesome is that? Your shorts will fade per wear, tear and washing to create a personalised vintage look. Seriously. It’s the little things.
The material and overall quality of the garment is great! Really well made – secure stitching, great pockets and I love the dart detailing on the front of the shorts.
I thought I’d put this shot in, in memory of my ombre.
So where can you get your hands on them? These shorts are called “Blue Bouquet” and you can find Quirky Circus clothing at any Myer store in Australia…or keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming Giveaway!
Breaking bread at Bread and Circus Wholefoods Canteen was a week of calling for my inner being.
Its crate-to-table concept models the simple approach to eating which I find inviting, just like its many quirky scattered pineapple fruit and quaint dainty pink plates beacon me to “tea time.” It’s that light and fresh touch to the day that picks you up and motivates a wave of goodness to eat food that’s wholesome like nature intended – wedged between two slices of fresh sourdough bread with butter (mmmm).
Tower of Juices – cold pressed of course
Food
Rating: ★★★★
Definitely the must-have on the menu. Their deconstructed sandwich boxes are better suited for your adult sensibilities than the open sandwich variety as it centers on the best part of its anatomy – the filling.
Like all sandwiches, there’s nothing too complicated about its components as all boxes are assembled with a basic salad of tomato, avocado slices, cucumber, grilled brussels sprouts and sometimes a pilaf mixture, with the sauce and meat differing. However, it’s definitely the quality of each element that makes it delightful to graze on since everything was well seasoned and marinated.
Digging in separately or pilled on together on bread, it was a joy to eat both ways!
Re-imagining the canteen setting as a semi industrial warehouse style kitchen cafe at Bread and Circus would make every school kid jelly to know what their canteen could look like with a little thought.
There’s plenty to look at full of quirky cool knick-knacks and fruit display center pieces scattered everywhere with various seating styles from low coffee tables, communal tables and booth seating options making dining entertaining. It’s super chilled and relax, what’s not to like for a perfect late weekend lunch?
Service
Rating: ★★★★
I really enjoyed the staff at Bread and Circus. The 2pm crowd was a bit quiet that day so it felt nice to see everyone so nice and welcoming to see if you were comfortable at your table and causally checking in on you from time to time. It reminded me of the customer service you would expect from the States which there is a certain lack thereof in Sydney’s attitude towards customer service generally…
Pricing and Value for Money
Rating: ★★★★
For the quality and portion size of our meals, it’s certainly affordable, if not a lot more reasonably priced than some of the lunch menus out there for these types of eating spots.
With options for side, regular and sharing sizes for some of their dishes, the menu is generous for choosing different eating styles so you can stretch your cash if you want a try of everything and share.
So girls and guys, let’s talk. We haven’t really done this in a while!
If you don’t know, I’m dating someone new and I’d say it’s going pretty well. Things are still quite early though, but the balance feels right. Yeah.
Some weekends ago he initiated we go on a short weekend trip together. I was excited and nervous! Our first trip away together, what if we get annoyed at each other? What if we fight? What if we have nothing to talk about during the drive there?!?
Never fear, Talyssa is here. Sometimes my over-thinking and naturally anxious brain does me some good. Let me tell you my tips on how we survived:
This was actually a really cute accident. The boy and I decided to get together one night about a week before our trip, to talk about where we wanted to go together. We ended up choosing a destination, looked at hotels to stay in, places to eat and activities to do. Separately in our own time, we narrowed down these lists to the things we really wanted to do over the trip. We came back together a couple of days later, compared our choices (surprisingly most were the same!) and made a final plan together.
Our Destination….
Final Itinerary….
Attractions – 1. Bald Hill 2. Sea Cliff Bridge – Lawrence Hargrave drive 3. Austinmer beach 4. Science Centre and Planetarium 5. Nan Tien Temple 6. Illawarra Golf Complex 7. Historic Lighthouse Wollongong 8. Hangdog Climbing Gym 9. Flip Out Trampoline Arena 10. Mt Keira lookout Wollongong
Places to Eat – Diggies, C Grill, The Mango Tree, My Pantry, Lee and Me
The Resting Place….
We stayed at the Comfort Inn. This was really great, affordable accommodation. 100% recommend it!
Planning our trip out was great for a number of reasons – we always had something to do, we were never bored, and having a plan in advance took off a lot of pressure during the trip – we never had to think “What should be do now?” or “Where should we eat tonight?” We already knew.
I can’t help it. I am socially awkward. To make things worse, I think about my social awkwardness whilst I’m experiencing socially awkward moments and it’s just a downward spiral. So you can imagine, the thought of being alone with a newly significant other (SO) for an extended period of time, such as driving in the car, set my social awkwardness radar on high alert.
The solution: Have some tricks up your sleeve to pull out during your alone time.
Alone in the car:
Make a road trip playlist with both of your favourite songs. Let’s face it,there’s no way you can be expected to constantly talk to your SO for the entire drive to your destination. So let your favourite tunes fill up the silence when you don’t particularly feel like talking.
Plan games to play in the car. Don’t worry about how lame “Eye spy with my little eye” is, just whip it out. We did! We had tonnes of fun playing word associations and asking eachother random questions. Here’s some fun and easy game options:
Word Association: Rain > Clouds > Lightning > Harry Potter. Each person takes turns in saying a word that is somehow associated to the previous word. The person who can’t think of another association, or repeats a word already said, loses.
Road trip Questionnaire: I found this idea from the awesome site that is The Dating Divas. Think of 50 questions you and your significant other have to answer then compare your answers.
Would you rather?: The crazier the questions, the better. Here’s a little something to get your started: “Would you rather chew on a stranger’s dirty toenail clipping, or re-chew sometimes deposited chewing gum that has been stuck under a public train seat?”
The Worst of Everything: Take turns asked and comparing your answers to various “What is the worst” questions. E.g. What is the worst song at the moment? What is the worst sport to watch on TV? Answer: Cricket. Obviously
Most importantly, don’t be afraid of some silence. Comfortable silence with your SO is nothing but a good sign. So go on, take a nap, read a book, or stare out the window absorbed in your own thoughts – I certainly did :)
Alone in the hotel:
We actually didn’t have time to do many of these because we were having too much fun!
Have a bath – make it special with essential oils, scented candles, bath bombs, rose petals, face masks.
Give each other a personalised spa treatment. – what more could you ask for? Give each other a massage with massage oils and do facial together! And trust me, guys love this stuff too even if they don’t want to admit it.
Watch a movie – I had bought my hard-drive along and stocked it up with movies, whilst the boy bought his laptop and projector.
Use this time to sleep, cuddle and have deep conversations with your significant other.
Out of the extensive list planned above, we actually only managed to visit:
Bald Hill Lookout and Sea Cliff bridge
Science and Planetarium complex and Illawara Golf Complex
Illawarra Golf Complex. I’ll have you know I won with me finishing the course in 59 holes and the boy finishing the course in 62 holes :D
Hangdog climbing Gym and ate at The Mango Tree and Diggies
3 Beetroot Salad with Feta, Smoked Salmon and Poached egg at Diggies.
Being flexible and not having a strict agenda made the whole trip extremely enjoyable – we did a lot, but took our time to relax, explore and have fun along the way.
In fact one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip happened because we decided to be adventurous and stray from the plan. As we were driving to our next destination after finishing up our game of mini golf, we spotted a really beautiful view and decided to take a look. It was a giant lake, framed by mountains and alive with sea birds – including pelicans!! A bonus was that it was so quiet and secluded. We just lay here on the grass, relaxed, cuddled, talked and took funny photos. It was just so nice!!
This means even when you’re feeling angry, upset, sick or tired. Smile, be happy and let go of the little things.
The night before leaving the boy and I had a bit too much happy soda…and boy did we suffer! All that night and the next morning I was throwing up. The boy even offered we stay home because I was so sick. Never!!!! I persisted!! We were doing this trip!! Unfortunately the sickness lasted until early evening that day. Just as I was feeling better, the boy was starting to feel sick and was developing a really bad cold :( Despite my constant nausea and throwing up, and his sniffles, sore throat, fuzzy head and feeling all round terrible we were both happy, had fun, didn’t lose patience with each other and just had a really great time.
Not excessively, but this is your special time together and you don’t get to do it all the time. So eat at one of those expensive restaurants you have your eye on, do that activity that costs a little bit out of your means, and pay to watch all the special shows at whatever exhibition you find yourself at. Make it special and your trip too will be special.
Well guys, that’s all for me. I had an absolutely fantastic trip – looking back I don’t know why I even had worries in the first place! It was such a great trip, I didn’t want to leave haha!
“MINKPINK. Designed and loved for who we are. Be brave and free.”
We all know there’s a gigantic hole swooping the Australian fashion market for well designed, gorgeous, yet affordable clothing. It’s something that has been close to our hearts here at The Hidden Thimble and it’s the thing we LOVE most about MINKPINK’s philosophy. 8 Years on, the Australian iconic brand have stayed true to themselves designing inspirational, original pieces that girls can afford to buy and LOVE to wear. I for one know I’ve worn the death out my favorite floral MINKPINK skater skirt!
I am forever tired of the dreary colours that seem to come out in winter…I’m so sick of seeing dull grey and black tones being paired together. And when there is color, it’s always the same dark blues or purples. I mean, who said winter had to be boring?
If you’re feeling me right now, do read on. It’s time to get cheeky, sassy and edgy this winter because MINKPINK’s 2014 Wild Child of Rock winter collection is EPIC!
MINKPINK brings a fun, eclectic and old-school vibe to this winter – jam packed with a whole heap of grunge and sass – and we know how much us Aussies love street grunge and how much The Hidden Thimble loves sass! Ladies am I right? Am I riiiigghhtt??
Speaking of sass lovely ladies (and gents of course) who may be reading this, what better way to authentically carry out this collection than to team up with daughters Chelsea and Alexandra, of rock legends Aerosmith and Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards ohmagawd!
MINKPINK Winter collection 2014 pays homage to the age of rock stars so it’s time to get styled in your shaggy fur coats, bohemian bell sleeves and 70s vintage coats, studs and all else glam and rock!
I’ve only got six words to display my love for the next series of outfits. Fur, leather, metallic, gold, silver and lace. The best combination to glam up this winter!
I am in love with the print and metallic colour of that jumper.
Want some colour thrown in there? Don’t worry MINKPINK are one step ahead!
I’m really loving furry things this winter. The amount of comfort I feel from rugging up in something soft and nubbly in winter just brings a joy that is incomparable. And the colour of that baggy cardigan is just so minty fresh! Love!
Finally, my favorite pieces of the whole collection! Here’s some winter colour that’s not your typical dull and muted hues. I absolutely cant get enough of that matching blazer and shorts combo!
So I know the burning question on your mind right now….
Can I has?
OF COURSE!!!! >> Enter the competition below!! <<
Competition Time!!
How to Enter:
Post an Instagram of you and your BFF on a wild night out. Your spontaneous selfie could win you:
2x flights to Sydney thanks to Studentflights
A night at 1888 Hotel, Pyrmont, and
$500 worth of MINKPINK clothing! THE HIDDEN THIMBLE BONUS: Tag #thehiddenthimble in your Instagram post to DOUBLE your wardrobe prize to $1000 worth of MINKPINK clothing!
Don’t forget to tag #mpwildnightoutau and follow @official_minkpink!
Good Luck!
Talyssa
Run by two travel and lifestyle bloggers, The Hidden Thimble focus’ on creating truthful and in-depth travel guides, food & beauty reviews. Enjoy drool-worthy photography from around the world!
