Hola! my european vacation...(part 1 High Rockabilly)

Sorry for the lack of posts- I am trying to do less computer time and more real time living!

I and three gal pals have just got back from a dash to Europe- which included going to High Rockabilly in Calafell, Espana!

Much anticipated this trip did not disappoint- Barcelona, London and Paris were the destinations.

First stop, High Rockabilly Festival in Calafell.

What more could you ask for- beach, good weather, pool parties, bands, booze, pals from all over the world and lots of eye candy (should I say more politely- people watching!).

Ok first up I did not seem to take nearly enough pics- I was pretty overwhelmed by the whole thing (in a good way).

I read with interest Olivia's review of High Rockabilly on her blog, the Big Mama's introspection (I am sorry to say I did not get a chance to meet her- maybe next time?). I agreed with a lot of what she had to say. I surprised myself by how little of the bands I saw- I am not sure why but I seemed to get caught up talking or I found myself in the DJ room. I caught at least one band a night and went to almost all of the pool parties.

Ok so what were the highlights?

Ummm- being in Spain- who could ask for a better location?

Paella, paella and more paella

The locals were so friendly and helpful

The pool parties rocked- not so much for the bands although I really enjoyed Carlos and the Bandidos heaps- they put on a good show. The pool parties rocked because you could actually relax, catch up with friends and listen to DJs and have a dance- I can't dislike any opportunity for a stroll. Go the strollers!

Of the bands I would say the highlights for me (of what I saw) were:

The Rip em ups (AWESOME!!!!!!!!!) What can I say this bands plays exactly what I like and how I like it. Next I thought Rockin Bonnie was good, I enjoyed seeing the Flatfoot Shakers (Kieron is a friend but I don't think I am biased), Wild Fire Willie never disappoint me and of course the Dragtones (although I think I am more of a fan of Luis and the Wildfires). Unfortunately I can't remember too much more band wise- I am putting it down to being distracted by cute boys, trying hopelessly to string together more than two words in spanish and mojitos.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the DJ room, and was up for any and every stroller- and I thought overall the DJs were excellent.

The vendor room was only open at night- which added to my sense of distraction- and having to carry your stuff around was not fun- although most vendors were very helpful in putting stuff away for you. I could kick myself now that I didn't buy more stuff. I was disappointed that Remix didn't have much stock- I look forward to seeing what new styles are around that may not be on their website. I got some Freddie of Pinewood jeans (Phil was very helpful), there was a french couple who had some great stock (but somehow I couldn't get it together to shop) and Nick Barnes had some great stuff.


What could the festival do better?

Firstly props to Jose- it is an awesome festival that I look forward to going to again.

I don't think this year was the strongest line up (and was part of the reason I wasn't too fussed on missing some bands- although next time I will make more of an effort).

It was not till almost the last night that we realised there was a bus (or maybe I am just slow of the mark). It made that late night/early morning 5am drag your bones home easier. It would have been great to know about this earlier. The bus drivers were always so friendly and accommodating.

I don't think the band room was the best- more seating would have been good (maybe I am showing my age or that I wasn't drunk enough).

I have to say the bar staff were awesome.

I didn't work it out till the last night that you could buy High Rockabilly t-shirts at the door and by that stage we missed out.

I couldn't work out if the bands were selling merch or not- missed opportunity (or I am just blind!)

On a note on the pre-party- I really didn't like the outdoor venue- it was squishy and I don't much like being pinned against a wheelie bin! The Caezers did not get to shine in this venue- but I am not sure if any band could?

Oh and the police were very cute in navy uniforms, jack boots and berets (drool).

So would I recommend High as a festival- hell yeah!

Finally some quotable quotes...

In line at the international airport where we needed to purchase tickets for the train to Calafell: (we are looking blank, jet lagged and struggling to think of what we needed to say in spanish) -without us needing to say a word the ticket seller says "to Calafell?"
There must have been a procession of rockin' types that day!

From our Spanish friend Lydia (who had one of those laser light beam pointers):
"I have brought this so I can shine it on the ceiling and you can find me. I don't need to find myself"

From a Russian rockabilly dude (Mr RRD) to me:
(Mr RDD)" Are you married?" (me) "Err no" (Mr RRD)"Please consider"
Enough said really!

These pics are from Saturday at the pool party.
Sorry there are no band pics- as I stated I got overwhelmed!







So let me know if you want more details on the festival, more pics, frock talk, band talk, vendor talk etc and I will see what I can dredge up from the recesses of my brain!

Wishful thinking...

As far as the weather goes I think I am either a wishful thinker or maybe just a winter denier!

Saturday I was looking forward to a lunch date with a group of girlfriends. I was doing my best to embrace the advice of MaryDeluxe and her correspondent Desi De Lu Lu about practicing being a bus stop goddess; in particular making a bit more of an effort and to look good just for me.

I was looking forward to donning an outfit rather than just chucking on some jeans- a grey wool early 50s skirt, a red check Pendleton jacket and my trusty 40s Re-mix platforms...and then I looked outside. Cold and heavy rain, max 13C... Blah!

Hmmm so after Friday's efforts of being a winter denier and wearing summer sandals and getting completely soaked and waterlogged (well yes it did say approaching rain but it also said 17C- So I went with the 17C outfit choice and pushed the possibility of rain to the back far reaches of my mind).

As most Melbournians will attest we have been in drought for the last few years and so we have forgotten what a good downpour looks like. I know our winters pale in comparison to our northern friends, but I am just not a winter girl- give me summer, a frock and sandals any day! I honestly don't know how those in colder climates cope! Clearly my wardrobe (particularly my footwear options) are not set up for looking glam in a downpour.

So my bus stop goddess outfit got left looking dejected on the ironing board as I scrambled for the much less glamorous option of jeans and loafers.

Good company makes up for any weather indiscretion and if you're looking for good grub in Melbourne and I cannot recommend highly enough the cafe El mirage owned by mates of ours, Sarah and Martin.

Lunch consisted of pumpkin, spinach and pinenut risotto and was finished off with a gluten-free orange and poppy seed muffin (with yummy cream cheese icing) and copius pots of tea.

El mirage 349 Lygon St Brunswick East (sorry I forgot to take a pic).

I bid my pals a fond farewell and with my trusty travelling companion and oft partner in crime (Dawn) we popped next door to a very cute store called Five Boroughs.



This store is filled with loads of cool local handmade stuff, all very purchase and drool worthy. My fave pics- get your coffee beans in cool 60s repro cannisters or maybe a handmade leather purse with an owl appliqued on it?





Go check out the Five Boroughs Blog!

So I did manage to get a quick leaving pic. I guess I am not Robinson Crusoe here, but I have decided that I feel absolutely awkward when it comes to having my photo taken!



So outfit for today...
Red 1949er Pendelton jacket purchased at Retrostar Vintage
Kitty Carson side zip jeans gift from my ex and purchased in San Fran
Loake Doc martin loafer (not shown)
Brown belt thrifted
Bakelite bangles- bluemoon, red marble and tritone laminate in bluemoon, red and butterscotch- various ebay purchases
Bakelite mexican man brooch (hiding under my layers) Hyde and Seek Antiques
Green overdyed and carved applejuice bakelite ring- thrifted

Close ups of ring, bangles and brooch...






So what do others do to not feel like a complete dork when having their photo taken? Any and all advice welcome!

Ok, off to do some sewing...

Inspired by Fiona over at Straight Talking Mama...

So over at STM's blog she posted some awesome pics of herself when she was in her mid 20s (and BTW I think she looks equally awesome now!) and it got me thinking about how we as women see ourselves and how I see myself as I head into my 40s. Okay so I am 42- and at this stage while I don't like some aspects of how my body and face are aging, on the whole I actually like how I look now more than I did when I was in my early 20s. Gone is (most) of the self consciousness, I like how my sense of style has developed, and I think I would wear more womanly and revealing clothes now than I ever had the confidence to back then. I guess there's gonna be a tipping point where I maybe don't like what the aging process is doing (I know the weight gain "at the drop of a hat" is not thrilling me even now and my skin ain't what it used to be!) But on the whole give me 40 over 20 any day- I like looking like a woman.

Ok with that said, Fiona, who I think is one sassy chica, inspired me to drag out a pic or two of myself from back then. The pics below were taken twenty years ago when I was about 22. A mate asked me to do a job- he needed some pics for a newspaper ad and so I helped out and scored some neat black and white pics.






So what do I notice about myself at 22? I spent a lot more time on my hair- used to set it all the time (note to 42 year old self- could spend more time on said hair do!) And I reckon there's a whole lot my 42 year old self would like to say to that 22 y.o. about life, love and the world!

So what do others think? How easy is it as a woman to like yourself at any age?

Introducing myself
Hello, well I have landed in my new place (although this pic is not taken in it!) and I have been having blog commitment issues (should I? do I have time? Would anyone really care LOL!) I started writing, well, really for myself- (a bit of post break up, life transition musing and a bit of emotional catharsis, really). So here I am, not sure how much I'll post, but will give things a whirl and see where it goes.

So this is me- hello! Quick pic courtesy of my gal pal's hubbie, who was my dashing escort to my pal's burlesque festival (The very first Australian Burlesque Festival). I went to the Saturday night event, the Big Tease, and it was a very professional show with a mix of Australian and overseas acts. If you are in Sydney, the Big Tease is coming to you this Friday and Saturday night- check it out http://www.australianburlesquefestival.com

So it was freezing (well freezing for Melbourne) and after a swag of outfits strewn over the bedroom floor I decided to keep it simple and go for this look (which I accidently - but secretly pleased, managed to colour coordinate with my escort's outfit!).

So I guess this is now an outfit post!

Outfit:
50s Red bolero gifted from my pal cindy
Black 40s crepe blouse with floral sequining purchased way back in 1998 at San Fran Vintage Clothing Fair
40s wool black skirt thrifted
Red Remix platforms
Bakelite carved bangles in cherry and butterscotch- mix of ebay and from a wonderful jewellery dealer friend in San Fran (Hyde and Seek)
Carved bakelite ring courtesy of a dealer pal William
Not shown 50s Red leather handbag thrifted

Looking forward, new beginnings and being thankful.

I take ownership of my new place in about 2 weeks. I honestly can't believe it.

I am so excited about being surrounded by my own things again- as all I own has been in storage for over 12 months.

I am looking forward to putting up these...

And I am looking forward to wearing these...

My housemate though, wise thing she is, reminded me that while I start to get itchy about taking the next step it's important to enjoy what is now and what won't be again.

I have been so lucky to have people from which to draw support and learn from.

You know who you all are and I thank each of you for your sage advice, your listening ears and reminding me what's important.

Closing one door and opening another..

Well, when I set out to start this blog back in 2007 I was looking forward to writing about all my plans and hopes in setting up and renovating my first home.

Built in the early 1950s it was a simple place, the style I think is called post war austerity, but it had lots of potential with original bathroom and kitchen and all its original fittings. While it had suffered from some disgusting paint choices (who would paint a room fluoro liquorice allsorts- pink, lime green, black and white and also wallpaper a wall in Chinese joss paper?) it had great bones for a wonderful home. We settled in and started working on establishing a palm springs-esque cacti garden- the inside would have to wait- we figured the garden would only get better with time and the inside we would get to next.

So I started home making and blogging.

But as all great adventures go- things went a bit pair shaped. My then partner and I broke up and my renovation plans had to take a massive u- turn and became plans to get the house fit to sell.

So life has kind of been on hold since. We remodelled the garden (I couldn’t bare to leave my cacti collection) and we worked on painting the house. It took a while and was not the project we had planned for ourselves- we did a very neutral palette and stripped back much or our belongings to present the house for regular folk's tastes. But we got there- sold up, moved out and started with getting on with our new separate lives.

So my blog has kind of just been sitting here on idle- a bit like me! But things are starting to move- literally. I have just signed off on a new place and am ready to get on with the next adventure.

So in honour of what I started but never really got to share here is the home I have said goodbye to. In the words shared by blogger Marydeluxe I am having one last look at the door that closed and am looking forward to focussing on the doors that are open- and I’m ready to walk on in!

(Above) The entrance hall leading through to the lounge.

(Above) The lounge room looking onto the sunroom.

(Above) The dining room looking back to the lounge room.

(Above) The master bedroom.