New Years Goal

New Years is a time where people make resolutions - this year I've decided to not make resolutions to change things about myself because I don't think I ever stick to them. I've decided to create a list of things I would like to do in the year 2012. I figure if I write them all down then I can use this year to try and achieve as many of these things as possible.

50 things to do in 2012 (in no particular order):

1. Move out of home
2. Rescue and love a kitten from the RSPCA
3. Watch all seasons of Mad Men
4. Read 50 new books
5. Read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
6. Watch all three extended edition Lord of the Rings movies in 1 day
7. Attend San Diego Comic Con 2012
8. Have a Mexican food dinner party
9. Watch a sunrise
10. Watch a sunset
11. Dye my hair blue
12. Get a tattoo
13. Fold 1000 Origami Cranes
14. Go on a roadtrip with friends
15. Spend a week without Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / any internet that isn't work related
16. Go Zorbing
17. Lay in a hammock
18. Have a fancy dinner party
19. Shoot a gun
20. Turn myself into a cartoon character
21. Swim with a dolphin
22. See a movie at the drive in
23. See a movie at the Rooftop/Outdoor Cinemas
24. See 5 musicals
25. Attend a sporting event in the USA
26. Watch the Godfather trilogy
27. Get my fortune told
28. Swim with Great White Sharks
29. Learn to say "hello" in 20 languages
30. Take pictures in a photo booth
31. Paint a picture
32. Write to my favourite bloggers
33. Watch all Harry Potter movies
34. Re-read all Harry Potter books
35. Have a Ryan Gosling movie marathon
36. Dance like a maniac
37. Use a hotel bed as a trampoline
38. Wear glitter eyeliner for a week
39. Buy a new pair of Irregular Choice shoes
40. Take a segway tour
41. Get a record player
42. Expand my record collection by 40
43. Update and re-design my blog
44. Build and sleep in a blanket fort
45. Watch 20 black & white films ("classics")
46. Go to or have a dress up party
47. Travel to 10 new cities
48. Take a photo every day for 366 days (using my iphone)
49. Go to a zoo
50. See 10 new bands live (not including support bands) 

There we have it. I have 52 weeks and it begins today.

Anyone else made any kinds of lists or resolutions for this year? I think having these goals are going to help make 2012 a fabulous year full of adventure and fun. 

Happy New Year!

 - Brooke

Christmas 2011

Christmas. Can we believe it's over already? I can hardly believe that Christmas has come and gone and it's almost 2012. 

I had a lovely time at home with family eating far too much food (which seems to be the norm) and enjoying watching nieces FREAK out with every gift they opened. I scored some amazingly thoughtful gifts including a Mocking Jay pin (!!!!!!), Griffindor scarf (!!!!!!!) and a silver globe necklace (that should hopefully arrive tomorrow) plus other awesome things.

This was one of the most relaxing Christmas's that I've had in the past few years. There weren't any dramas and my Grandma was super well and happy and LOVED the massive photo frames that we put together for her. Last Christmas she was really sick so it was extra special to have her happy and healthy this year enjoying Christmas lunch with the family.

I hope everyone else had an amazing Christmas and got some special gifts. I'll leave you all with my Christmas gift to you - THE HOBBIT TRAILER (IDK why I didn't post this as soon as I watched it - I still don't have the words to describe how happy/ecstatic/crazy this trailer makes me). Enjoy

 - Brooke

Christmas Wishlist 2011

Christmas Wishlist 1 by baaarooke featuring a heart necklace

It's that time of year again. CHRISTMAS WISHLISTS!!!

I'm actually dying for the Blue Galaxy swim from Black Milk (as I mentioned A LOT) but they don't have it in the shop anymore - I'm hoping I can score one on Thursday in their museum sale (fingers crossed). 

I don't have a huge wishlist this year - I could maybe add a few different things to this image but it was tough enough filling this small image. 

 - Brooke

Christmas is...

A FANTASTIC new Christmas song by the Killers (accompanied by an even more FANTASTIC new film clip).

I love everything about this clip - it feels like perfection (smiles, robots/aliens, cowboys & Mr Flowers) and it makes me want to dance around with it blasting through every room of the house. 

You can download this song now from iTunes, with proceeds from every sale benefiting RED - which is only a bonus for buying amazing music.

Here I was thinking I'd be solely listening to the She & Him Christmas album.

 - Brooke

Black Milk Obsession

Obsessed with Black Milk you say? I'd be inclined to agree.

It didn't take much and this is not the entire collection that I have acquired in the past couple of months (note: since September) and I'm sure I'll add to the collection again soon (since they're having a crazy museum - old collections - sale on Thursday). Currently I'm dying for a Blue Galaxy Swim, I could get the purple but I'm worried it'll clash with my purple hair. 

I'm so happy to have added Black Milk to my wardrobe - it adds a little bit of spice and colour and amazingness every time I wear them. 

I was contemplating wearing the outfit in the last photo to my work Christmas party tomorrow night - the theme is "A Touch of Christmas". I could always say I'm Jack Skellington and I'm trying to help Santy Clause :) I think I'm going to go with the Mario Watchmen Swim since my family had a less than encouraging response to my idea. What do you guys think? Should I be brave?

Is anyone else as excited as I am that it's December already? I'm so excited because that means it's now ok to blast my She & Him Christmas album without weirdness. 

Happy December friends

 - Brooke

P.S Mind the iPhone/Instagram photos (follow me @baaarooke) but this is about the only images I have of myself wearing these beautiful clothes. 

67 Special Happy Times

Last night was a trip down memory lane - one of my most favourite Australian bands re-formed 3 years after their farewell gig to say goodbye their local pub that is closing. 

From about 2004 until 2008 67 Special were a constant part of my nights out and always put on fantastic gigs - last night was no different. It was amazing to catch up with my fellow former "Spechy forumers" who I haven't seen in AGES and who are still as awesome as ever. 

Watching 67 Special last night reminded me how cruel and unbelievable the music industry can be. This band is so talented and put on one hell of a show with amazing songs and incredible stage presence but they weren't able to "make it". It was clear last night that their finale was not due to their lack of passion or enjoyment of playing live. It just doesn't seem fair.

I wore my new Black Milk Mario Watchmen swimsuit out to the gig last night. I'm not usually the kind of person who would wear a bodysuit / swimsuit with a skirt but there is something about Black Milk that gives me that confidence. I have bought a whole bunch of their leggings and this was my first swim. I was worried about the sizing (after a friend bought one that didn't fit right) but the worry was unfounded as it fits brilliantly and holds everything in perfectly. My next purchase is going to be the Ribs Black swimsuit or Purple Galaxy swimsuit or the Tiger swimsuit (or maybe all three).

Peace & love

 - Brooke

HUNGER GAMES **EEEP**

Oh man this looks far too ridiculously amazing for words. I'm going to throw my fan-girling into the blogosphere. 

I somehow managed to wait until all three books were released before reading them earlier this year. I stayed up for hours and hours completely absorbed in the story and characters. These movies will replace the gap felt but the lack of LOTR / HP / Twilight.

Peeta looks amazing.
Katniss looks perfect.
Gale looks pretty much exactly how I imagined.
I want to punch Seneca Crane in the face.
I can't wait until we see more of the other tributes.
I'm still not 100% sold on Cinna but I will wait and see.
 HAYMITCH has super pretty hair.

 I have been MIA for over a month - which has been a bit refreshing for me. I was struggling to find the words and stories to share on my little space of the Internet so a break was definitely in order. I'm back and refreshed and ready to share some fun stories and photos again. 

xoxo

 - Brooke

Grand Final here we come!

I don't think I'll ever tire of watching these two moments from Friday nights game - Luke Balls game saving goal and Dale Thomas and his mighty tackle.

Today I'm going to pick up my Grand Final tickets after a mini-heart attack yesterday we've managed to secure our tickets. I'm not sure where we are sitting but just the knowledge that we will be there watching the match is causing spontaneous smiles to creep onto my face.

Oh I love this time of the year!!!!!

*EEEP*

 - Brooke

Side by Side

Friday night my beloved Collingwood Magpies played in and won the preliminary final against the Hawthorn Football Club. It was the most intense game of football that I have ever seen. We won by 3 points with a last minute goal kicked in the final minutes and a massive tackle securing our win. 

This means we'll be playing in the Grand Final on Saturday afternoon and I found out today that I will be attending and have secured a ticket (thank goodness). I'm so excited and nervous and am going a bit crazy anytime I think about it. 

This was my sister Crystal, our friend Lauren and myself not long after the win. We've been to pretty much every game this year (apart from the games that were interstate) and have watched these boys play amazing football throughout the year. 

I've been a lifelong supporter of this team and it's nice to experience  this crazy fun time first hand. I mean we won the Grand Final last year but this year it's different because we'll actually BE there. I'm so excited for this week to come and whatever happens on Saturday I hope we walk away with massive smiles on our faces.

*squee* 

- Brooke

P.S Happy 200th post - I can barely believe that I've stuck with this little blog for so long. I'm kind of happy that this post is about something that I love to pieces. It just seems right.

Coach Taylor FTW

Was I the only one beaming from ear to ear when they read online (being at work it was my Emmy update) that Kyle Chandler WON Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Friday Night Lights? I don't think I was...

Thank you trusty YouTube for my ability to look this up and find the super cute and sweet acceptance speech. I think it was WAY cute that Minka Kelly got to present dear Coach Taylor with his well deserved award. 

I have been obsessed with this show for a VERY long time. I've watched the characters grow and learn and have cheered and cried through their wins and losses. I don't really know much about American Football but anything I do know I learnt it from Friday Night Lights and Coach Taylor (who could motivate with a perfectly timed speech, or just a look).  It's nice to see after all these years it's finally getting the recognition it deserves.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FOREVER!!!

 - Brooke 

Cambodia Pt 1 (starting near the end)

I'll post about the easier less emotional part of the trip - which also happens to be what we did on the second last day (third day) in Siem Reap. 

We woke up early-ish (after drinking until 3am the morning before) to pile into our big pink bus to head out to visit Angkor Wat and one other temple (the "Angelina Jolie temple - aka where they filmed Tomb Raider) in the Angkor Wat Archeological Park. 

The temples were built between the 9th to 15th century near Siem Reap in Cambodia. These temples remained hidden and forgotten in the jungle until around 150 years ago it was rediscovered by a frenchman. It was placed on the World Heritage list in 1992.

It's a sight to behold. The sheer size of these temples is breathtaking. I don't think words will do it much more justice so I'll just post a bunch of photos.

See what I meant?!?!? I have a ton more photos from these temples. There was something peaceful and magical about walking around structures that were created so long ago. Plus they were so beautiful - because of all the stone every other colour looked magnified. I even made the comment "the moss looks photoshopped"

We spent a few hours wandering around these temples and I can see how people spend entire days exploring. Unfortunately our time was limited so we only saw two of the temples, but it was a nice taste.

 - Brooke

Where I've been

I've been M.I.A. online for the past couple of weeks. There has been a reason for it - I've been dealing with some things at work which has taken up a lot of my time and left me feeling mentally exhausted and unable to blog. I've also been to Cambodia last week for a conference with work (there wasn't much conferencing happening but that's what we'll call it). 

A part of the conference was spent in Battambang in northwestern Cambodia. The reason for this unusual stop in Cambodia was to spend some time at an orphanage and donate a whole bunch of clothes and toys to some very special kids.

I'll post pictures and stories in another blog but I thought I'd share the inspiring story of Tara Winkler and the creation of CCT (Cambodian Children's Trust):

For more information on the Cambodian Children's Trust and to find ways that you can help, please visit http://www.cambodianchildrenstrust.org

It was a truly inspiring journey to Battambang meeting all the kids who smile despite the hardships they have faced. 

x x x

 - Brooke

You're strong

FIRST LOOK!!!! Oh man I hope they get this right. PLEASE get it right!

x x x

 - Brooke

R.I.P Aaliyah

I can't believe it's been 10 years since her death.

I couldn't let this day go without comment.

R.I.P. Aaliyah - you beautiful, talented soul

x x x x

Brooke

blergh

I had a feeling this week there was something not right in the universe. Last night I read on twitter that yesterday was the final day that Mercury was in retrograde. I feel like today I was experiencing the hangover from that too. It's been a tough  sucky week for sure.

I'm ready for a new week to begin but first I have one more day of work tomorrow before a rest on Sunday. At least I have babysitting to look forward to tomorrow night. That is sure to relax and reduce the feeling of blergh that seems to have enveloped me and taken over this week. 

It hasn't helped that football is in Western Australia and I have to watch it on the TV tonight rather than experience it live like I'm used to. I don't know how I feel about the home & away season finishing next week and finals beginning. I'm excited about finals football but I don't think I'm ready for it to be over come October. 

I'm sidetracking now and I think if I keep typing it's just going to turn into more of a mess of a post. I usually like to stay positive on this blog but today it has all been about the blergh.

This will pass - a bit of Jay Z always helps (must be played extremely LOUD)

Love love

 - Brooke

Feeling blergh too? Read this post by Gala Darling on 100 things to do when you're upset (the sad trombone list). I'm going to do this one:

"Sing. Loudly. Badly. Off-key..."

Amy, I

Simply because music this good needs to be shared.

Happy Wednesday!

x x x x 

 - Brooke

A little trip down memory lane

Today I re-organised my bedroom. 

My mum managed to get some bedside tables and a dresser for free from her work and since I had a day off it seemed a perfect chance to fill the drawers and make these new pieces of furniture feel more me.

As I was cleaning out the drawers of my old bedside table I stumbled upon a collection of mine that has been growing for years now - ticket stubs from gigs and concerts I've been to. I found tickets from as early as 2004, tickets from shows I'd forgotten about and tickets from shows that were so amazing I can still remember crazy details about them. I also found a bunch of old set-lists that I've been fortunate to collect from some of these shows too.

After the pain of organising my bedroom this was a nice little trip down memory lane. My instagram feed was taking a beating today because as soon as I found something that was fun I took a photo and posted it.

This is why I've been collecting these ticket stubs all these years - so that I have something tangible to remind myself years down the track how I lived through my 20's.

Smiles & love

 - Brooke

The right kind of weekend

It's always a fun night when spent with nieces and nephews. Especially when they are as cute as this.

How was you weekend?

 - Brooke

Scenes from Splendour in the Grass

Music festivals make me happy. I'm not going to pretend to be one of those people who go to experience the atmosphere or to go hang out with my friends for a weekend (though its a fun part of it). I'm not there to spend hundreds of dollars drinking alcohol in the bars or to sit around in one of the "experimental art" areas. 

I'm there for the music - to see and experience the bands and songs that I listen to day to day in my life. I will gladly forgo food and water to stand around for hours in the front of a crowd so that I can see and feel without distraction while some of my most favourite bands in the world perform in front of me. 

Splendour in the Grass gave me the ability to finally see Kanye West live, I got to go back to being 15 by seeing Jebediah, I got to dance to Architecture in Helsinki and The Vaccines and Kele, I had Jarvis Cocker blind me with a flashlight and camera, I got to see the Kaiser Chiefs again (LOVE) and I got to see some of Coldplays new songs performed live before so many other people in the world. 

It was an exhausting weekend but I would do it all again.

Smiles

 - Brooke

Hate to say I told you so

The Hives are one super band. 

They performed at Splendour in the Grass and while I've seen them maybe 3 or 4 times before this show I never tire of their onstage antics. They have a cockiness and swagger that would normally annoy me but they are so unapologetic it's addictive. 

Plus they have the songs and talent to back up the talk.

Enjoy this really old video from when they performed on the Dave Letterman show.

Love love

 - Brooke

P.S With all the craziness in the world I just want to send out my love and thoughts to anyone impacted by any of the riots in the UK. I know there's a lot of anger and confusion and I don't even want to pretend to understand any of it so I'm just sending love and thoughts to any friends in the UK. Stay safe

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Last weekend (or was it two weekends ago) I attended the Splendour in the Grass music festival in Woodford Queensland. Coldplay headlined the final night and it was a beautifully epic final performance of the weekend.

I don't think there is many words to describe exactly how perfect their set was. We were treated to a lot of old songs as well as a few new new songs from their forthcoming album. 

These photos aren't traditionally right when looking at concert photography but there was something magical about how these turned out. I used my point & shoot Canon and I've realised over the past few shows I've been to that I am in desperate need to upgrade again as it's far too slow for low light situations.  

I'll have some more photos from the festival in another post. I just loved these ones so much I felt they deserved their own post. 

Just for good measure and to get your week started right here's the video for their latest single "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall"

Happy smiles

 - Brooke

A new development

Just as I was beginning to think our Hawaii holiday was almost completely organised, a little spanner is thrown into the mix with the announcement of a tour by the much loved Jack's Mannequin. They are playing in San Francisco the night after my sister Crystals birthday and I think there is no better way to celebrate and enjoy our holiday quite like a quick 1 night stop in San Francisco. I mean it's only a 5 hour flight from Hawaii.

I tried to buy pre-sale tickets today but since I'm not American and can't get tickets posted out I can't buy them yet. I have to wait until Sunday (Monday afternoon for me) to buy tickets from Ticketmaster (which usually means extra fees *blergh*)

I will be booking flights and locking in accommodation on Monday at the Hotel Vertigo (which is a 7 minute walk to the venue) *potentially - I may find something else between now and Monday*. 

Either way I think this was a nice way to start my weekend. I looked up flights and have adjusted our Hawaii stuff so that the 1 night fits in nicely without costing too much extra. I'm so excited that we've added this to our trip - it wouldn't feel like an American holiday without seeing them (this will be the 4th time I'll have seen Andrew McMahon in the USA). 

Did I mention they're touring because they're releasing a new album on the 4th of October? Here's the first single - it's beautiful (which is to be expected).

You can pre-order the new album from the website www.jacksmannequin.com . Tour dates can also be found on their site - I suggest VERY strongly if they are visiting a town/city near you that you should go see them. 

Cool cool,

Brooke

P.S I write about Andrew/Jack's Mannequin SO much on this blog that I feel like I should make a label for post related to him/them.