Gargoyles - Strange and Creepy or Loveable?

I think everybody (wether they admit it or not) has a weird or quirky interest. For me, it gargoyles. My love for these strange and often creepy little creature began when I spent a couple of weeks in Portugal and Spain when I was sixteen. These two countries are FULL of amazing castles and churches, that are adorned with these wonderful little stone beasts. 

As much as I love them, you do have to wonder, why there are stone creatures all over the castles and churches. Well, historically Gargoyles where used as ornamental water drains, but a much more exciting theory is that they where intended to scare away evil spirits. This was the most common explanation that I can across during my time in Europe, and my personal favourite.

There are several other theories, such as the idea the gargoyles are depictions of the evil spirits that the Christian Church had 'triumphed' over, or that they are in fact devils, frozen in stone as the fled the church. 

But Gargoyles aren't limited to just one form. While I travelled around the two countries, I saw a whole variety of different Gargoyles. I saw lions head, alligators, ghost looking creatures, dogs, demons, snakes and heaps more! Not surprisingly, I ended up with quite a collected of Gargoyle photos....

These aren't even half of them. I love looking through all of them, and the way that each picture reminds me of a part of my trip. I hope in time that I will be able to travel some more, and expand my collection of Gargoyle pictures (Notre Dame anyone?). 

What's your quirky interested? Do you have a thing for Gargoyles too, or do they creep you out a bit? 

Family gatherings with a side of Coconut Chicken Salad In Crispy Wong Tong Cups

Last weekend was my beautiful cousin Bridie's Birthday. She loves any excuse to get everyone together, (who doesn't?) and what better excuse is there than a birthday? 

My aunty invited the family over to her place last Friday night, and asked everyone to bring a plate to share. My family is huge, so I think that was good move. It saved her from having to do all the cooking and cleaning!

I pulled out the trusty Australian Woman's weekly Cook Book (which actually belongs to my boyfriend!) and flicked through the pages, trying to find a good finger food recipe. I finally decided on one for  'Coconut Chicken Salad In Crispy Wong Tong Cups'. Not at all the kind of thing I usually cook! I only began eating Asian style food in my mid-teens, as I came from a very meat and 3 veggies family. Although I am really enjoying eating it, I am yet to attempt to making it. 

I trudged off down to the shops to get everything I needed, contemplating grabbing a packet of Spinach and Ricotta Pastry Puffs in case my Wong Tongs didn't work out - which I fully expected they wouldn't. 

Well, I was wrong! They worked out perfect, and they received many complements from all of my family!

So pleased :)

There was quite a few steps to the recipe, including making the crispy Wong Tong cups out of spring roll pastry. They where supposed to be made with Wong Tong wrappers, but they didn't have them in my local supermarket. The recipe listed Spring roll pastry as a substitute, and it worked out fine. I made the cups by lining mini muffin trays with the pasty, and putting the in the oven for a few minutes. It was relatively simple, but they looked and tasted really good! I am thinking about trying them again with different fillings. 

I had a great night with all of my gorgeous family. It's always good to see everyone, and hear all the latest news. Why is it that when your enjoying yourself time goes so quick? I felt like I was there for half an hour, and then all of the sudden it was midnight and time to go home! 

Do you cook a lot of asian food? What is your favourite recipe? How do you celebrate special occasions?

Melbourne Zoo - One of my favourite places!

In anticipation for my upcoming 4 months off (hehehehe) I started to think about things I want to do over my break. 

One of my ultimate favourite things to do in Melbourne is to visit the Royal Melbourne Zoo. I go once a year, at least!

The Melbourne Zoo is one of those places that appeals to almost anyone. It has beautiful gardens, cute animals, awesome reptiles and stunning birds. 

I know some people are opposed to the idea of keeping animals in captivity, but the Melbourne Zoo has done amazing things with there enclosures. They resemble there natural habitats, and make sure they are stimulated, and have thir privacy. They also do so much for animal conservation. Almost every time I go there is a new baby something! 

I especially love going with my little brother and sister, because it gives me an excuse to run around like a little kid all day....

Another reason why I love to go with them is because I get to see their captivated little faces as they watch the animals. 

I love this photo of my gorgeous little sister watching the seals swim above her. 

There is nothing better than spending the whole day at the zoo, wandering around looking at all the different creatures.  I even like looking at the insects and spiders! (warning: scroll down quick if you are scared of spiders!)

Last time that I went to the Zoo, I came hope with a little souvenir. My boyfriend is a Ranga (aka. Redhead) so I thought this badge was highly appropriate. 

If I had to pick my favourite animal..... I couldn't! I love them all! I could happily go to the Zoo every month and not get sick of it! If you have never been, I highly suggest you do! Make sure you let me know what you think!

What's you favourite bit about going to the Zoo? What's you favourite animal? 

Westfield Fashion Shoot - Pretending to be a model

Photo courtesy of audreyeffect.tumblr.com

Last monday, I was lucky enough to get to model for Westfield!

I modelled in a photo shoot for  for The Westfield Insider blog. the The photos where being taken for a blog post offering women advice on how to find the perfect dress for different body shape. Five women where chosen from the Westfield Facebook community. None of us where professional models, we just wanted to pretend!

It wasn't until I arrived that I realised how lucky I was to have been picked. Over 100 women had applied!

 The shoot took place in a studio in Port Melbourne. I had never been in a proper studio before, but it was so cool! Huge lights, white walls, big fancy camera! 

The beautiful Alyce, who is the author of the blog, had picked a few different outfits for each of us. There was a whole rack of clothes, just for us! We tried them all one, and picked the best ones to model for the shoot. 

Photo courtesy of audreyeffect.tumblr.com

I wore an animal print maxi dress, from Dotti. The dress was so different from the sort of things I usually wear, but I quite liked it. Alyce matched the dress with chunky bronze bangles, a big ring (both from Diva) and amazing orange heels from Betts! 

We each did an individual shoot, which was actually much more difficult than I expected! It's quite hard to pose in front of a camera for 15 minutes! I think I got the hang of it by the end though.  I did pick up a few good tips from our lovely photographer! For example, she suggested that when you are standing side on, you should put back shoulder foreword to give you a nicer shape. 

Our gorgeous photographer

The lovely Sarah from audreyeffect.tumblr.com

My turn!

After we each had our individual shoot, we did a few group shots with all of the 'models' and Alyce. I couldn't get over how great all the girls look! I felt like I was in a real shoot, with real models!

Me (on the right) with some of the lovely models
Photo courtesy of  audreyeffect.tumblr.com

I had so much fun on the day! Maybe I should be a model now? haha


  If you want to see the final product, you can find the blog here:


http://blog.westfield.com.au/fashion/the-dress-decoder-finding-the-perfect-dress-for-your-body-shape-win/

Jane Eyer - The Film

On Tuesday night, Mum and I trekked all the way to Frankstone to go to the movies with my Aunty, Nanna, and cousin for a bit of a girls night out that we try and do every few months. 

It was my suggestion to go and see Jane Eyer. I love the book by Charlotte Bronte, and have read it at least 3 times...

I kind of have a thing for the Bronte sisters. Actually, I have a thing for almost any period novels, or books set in different eras. I'm not really quite sure why I like them though! Usually I hate anything romantic, and I am completely against most of what goes on in them!

My Mum also loves Jane Eyre, however we where both slightly sceptical about the film. The Bronte sisters are such amazing writers, who put so much detail into there novels, that we where worried that the film wouldn't do it justice. 

Well, we weren't disappointed!! 

The film was great! When the lights came up, I caught Mum crying, and had to practically drag her out of the cinema because she wanted to stay and watch it again....

I did have a bit of a giggle at the end of the film when I stood up and turned around. The cinema was filled entirely with with 50+ year old women!! I guess I don't fit into the typical Jane Eyre demographic...

One of my favourite elements of the film was the characterisation and casting. I felt the film portrayed the characters that Bronte creates really well. My Nanna thought that Mr. Rochester was far better looking in the film that Bronte portrays him in the book, and I tend to agree (but none of us where complaining!!).

Jane was played perfectly by Mia Wasikowska. She portrayed the dynamic elements of Jane's character so well! I think her look is also very similar to how Bronte describes her in the novel. 

As well as Jane and Mr. Rochester, I loved the characterisation of Jane's Evil aunt. She was exactly as I had imagined her!

The film showed a lot of the beautiful country side that Bronte describes. All the lovely scenery helped to make the film so easy to watch! 

There was one thing that appalled me in the movie, although it was nothing to do with the film itself, but the ear it was set in.

I can't believe what people got away with under the guise of 'religion'. The treatment of the Orphans at Lowood is appalling, and it is all done in the name of god! 

Overall, we all loved the film. Although, my Nanna did lean over at one point in during the film and complain that 'they're leaving so much out!'. While they did leave out some aspect of the novel, I think they managed to maintain the overall feel of the book. With a novel as long as Jane Eyer, there will undoubtably be thing that have to been left out to avoid a 10 hour long film!

If you haven't read the book, or seem the film I would strongly suggest you do!

All photos in this post come from the Official Website for the film

http://focusfeatures.com/jane_eyre

Are you a fan of Jane Eyre? Have you read the book or seen the film ? If you have seen then film, what did you think?

Getting the most out of the Queen Victoria Markets

A few days ago, I posted a blog about my visit to the Vic markets.

The market is huge, and it is so easy be overwhelmed! I thought I would share a couple of pointers that help me get the most out of the day. (Well that and I just wanted to do another blog about the vic markets because there are so many photos that I love which I didn't my last post!)

• Bring cash. The lines for the ATM are always huge, and most stalls don't have EFTPOS.

  

•  Wear comfy shoes. The Vic markets are massive. You will be doing alot of walking during the day, and you don't want to get sore feet!

• Get there early so you get a good park, or catch public transport. We got a park pretty close, but it was only a 2 hour spot, and we had to go back and move it. Trust me, you will end up spending longer there than you expect to!

• Bring a bag. We forgot to do this, and boy did I regret it. By the end of the afternoon, my arms were loaded up with all our goodies. My hands where so full I couldn't take anymore photos, and I was scared I was going to drop something!

• Don't be afraid to haggle. That's what markets are for. You will almost always be able able to get things cheaper. Don't be shy either. There is no harm in asking 'What's the best price you can do?', 'Can you do it for X amount', or 'Will you give it to me cheaper if i buy 2 (or more) ? "

• Take you time, and shop around. Many of the stall have the same things, or similar. You would hate to buy something and then see if a better range or cheaper version three stalls down.

• Take you time picking fresh produce. Have a look around before you pick what you want. Many stalls will have the same produce, but different quality or different prices. 

What do you do to get the most out of your day are the market? Do you have any tips that I haven't mentioned? 

Queen Victoria Markets

One of my favourite places to go in Melbourne is the Queen Victoria Market.

I remember going there a few times as a little kid, and being overwhelmed by everything I found there. I would spend all my money on lollies and junky little toys, which I thought where the best things ever!

Even now that I'm older, I still love it!

My partner and I went in a few weeks back, and spent hours wandering around all the different parts of the market.

There is just so much to see, do, eat, watch, smell, buy......

The markets is great for cheap presents. We got a belt buckle for my brother (who is a little cowboy) and some jewellery for my little sister.

Belt buckles

One of many jewellery stands

While we where working our way up and down all the isles, I was surprised to come across this stall.

Knife stall

I couldn't believe that they are aloud to sell weapons at such a public place! Any one could buy them, then and there. I was so amazed that it was so easy to purchase them! Many of the knives being sold we not hunting or cooking knifes either. They were purely intended as weapons. It just seems so ironic that the police are trying to crack down on weapons, but are allowing this place to operate.

You really can find anything at the Vic markets. Including coloured hair and a fluro man-kini, if you so desire.

Wig anyone?

Hmmm... sexy?

Another thing that I love about the Vic markets is how multicultural it is. There are so many different cultures selling there goods, and so many different languages being spoken. The sign at one of the jewellery stalls made me giggle.

' You no lean on glass! O.K. Please. '

Then, we got to the good bit. The food! The food stalls are one of the busiest parts of the market. They are always so alive with the beautiful colours of all the fresh produce, the yelling of the merchants trying to sell their produce, and the haggling of customers. Not to mention the amazing smells!

These spices smelt amazing! They looked beautiful too.

All the gorgeous colours of the fresh fruit looked and smelt fantastic.

Yummy!

More delicious fruit!

We brought some of these to make our dinner with.

After going through all the fresh produce, we moved onto the food pavilion. This is one of my favourite places of the whole market. There is always lots of food to sample!

We brought some delicious parmesan cheese, and some fresh pasta to have with our tomato's for dinner.

Cheese!

Our last stop for the day was the meat hall, to get some chicken for the pasta sauce. There is so much interesting stuff in there though that we just had to have a look around!

 Chicken for dinner

Whole Snapper

Crayfish, one of my favourites types of seafood.

More fresh Seafood

Monkfish. Apparently they are some of the best eating fish you can get!

The good thing about going to the food hall last, or later in the afternoon is that the stall holders are keen to get rid of their produce so that they don't have to pack it all up and take it home. We got a whole tray of fresh flake for $10!

We had a fantastic day at the market, and I would highly recommend it to anyone, of any age. You can get some really great things super cheap.

At the end of the day, we came home with fish, chicken, fresh sourdough bread, parmesan cheese, a pineapple, fresh tomatoes, fresh pasta, 3 bottles of red wine, a belt buckle, a ring, a jewellery box, chilli oil, lemon butter and lots of lollies!

And a big grin on my face :)

Have you been to the Vic Market? What was your favourite bit?