Miss Sandi

Sorry for being absent for five days or so, it’s just that I was off having a very wonderful and very relaxed time. The last post I wrote was about living for certain moments in life, wanting to pursue the idea of a ‘perfect life’ and looking for moments to shine in.

So, for the past little while, I’ve been off doing all of those things above. And yesterday, it got a whole lot better. Why? I’M ENGAGED!

Yes, that’s right, engaged to be married. To the most wonderful man. Hurrah!

Now, let’s get a few things straight before the questions start flooding in:

1. I will not be turning into a bridezilla. Nor will I be turning into one of those people that can only talk wedding, and not much else. Otherwise this blog would become mighty boring for you all!

2. Have we set a date? No, we’re just enjoying this time. We will set a date once we’ve come off Cloud 9 and have had a rockin’ engagement party.

3. How did he propose? Over a long, lazy lunch - with me having no idea. I was so surprised, in a little shock, but so happy! What did I say? Yes, of course. Closely followed by “now I can buy bridal magazines”…you can take the miss* out of a girl, but you can’t take the magazine out of an editor…

4. Is it exciting? Hell yeah! I’m so surprised by the entirely new level of questions and thought it’s opened up…it’s not just about a relationship, but also a wedding, and also a house, and also a life…

5. Is there a ring? You betcha! We chose one yesterday, design and diamonds, and it’s being made. I will post up a photo for your keen eyes in a month or so when it’s ready. For now, being the lucky girl that I am, I have an eternity ring to wear - a gorgeous band with seven diamonds - fitting for the number of years we’ve been together - on my finger, waiting, ever so patiently, for the accompanying friendship of Ms. Trilogy Rock a.k.a my engagement ring.

*Just so you know, this blog will always be known as Miss Sandi. Even when I’m no longer a Miss! As my darling fiance** said yesterday “you’ll always be Miss Sandi to me”.

** Fiance - the man you plan to marry. Fiancee - the woman you plan to marry. Just in case anyone thought I missed an ‘e’ on fiance. That goes for you, definitely ***guy.

*** Older Miss Sandi readers and subscribers will get the “in” joke.

I’m currently reading La Vie Parisienne by Janelle McCulloch, a book about the search for love and lingerie, as well as a whole lot more like culture, food and a perfect life in Paris. Janelle, born and raised in Castlemaine in Western Victoria, has fast become another writer to add to the list of those that I adore and admire.

Sometimes, when reading, you come across a paragraph so powerful that it actually has the ability to hold you in that moment. It makes you read the paragraph over and over again, almost as if you want it to be a wish that is granted. It doesn’t happen with every book, and it doesn’t mean the same thing to every person. But, every now and again, you read something that not only connects with the very core of you, but also, in some small way, actually alters the way you think and feel. Emily Dickinson once said “I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes, I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine”. Sometimes reading can make you feel that way too. Here’s a paragraph from La Vie Parisienne, a paragraph that made me shine:

“We live for certain moments in life. They’re usually the moments when happiness falls unexpectedly around us and we realise that, for that brief second in time, we are extraordinarily content. These moments can be potent. They can make us believe that all moments can be like this, even though the reality is that they are as rare as that other ideal: The Perfect Life. They are so potent we will do anything to prolong them, hoping against all hope that they will lead us into a kind of permanent beatitude”.

You may have seen this guy Heath Tully on the news lately:

He’s a young chap from Melbourne who decided that there were 183 things he needed to do before he turned 30. Rather than venture out on his quest alone, he decided he’d share his list, and subsequent adventures, with anyone willing to read about them.

Cue cult hero status coming soon. Or nutter status coming soon. Depending on how you look at it.

Me, I likey the idea a loty.

Check out the Project 183 website here.

You have until 5pm AEST today to win a $500 Dove hamper. Wanna know how? Click here to be directed to the post.

Good luck!

SEE: Kung Fu Panda

Opening this Thursday the 26th, it’s going to be one of those cute as pie, funny ha ha, full of spirit films. Don’t pretend you don’t want to see it. You know you do.

READ: Sex And The City: The Movie

The story from the film, accompanied with still shots, is not the feature of this book. The feature is the spread of each and every single outfit worn by the women, along with a list of the designers of the outfits, shoes and handbags. It’s fashion porn. Lap it up.

HEAR: All India Radio

Playing at The Northcote Social Club this Saturday the 28th at 8pm, the ambient trip hop group are previewing songs from their new album Fall (as well as supporting Mr. David Bridie). Check them out so that you can witness some seriously good tunes, and in turn support some seriously good talent. Find out more about them here.

EAT: Rather, drink, at the Chill On Ice Bar

The Chill On Ice Bar, located at 296 Russell Street, Melbourne is the place to be surrounded by 30 tonnes of carved ice. You’ll be provided with ski jackets, gloves and woollen boots so that you can caress your ice glass whilst standing at the bar completely made of ice, checking out sculptures made of, you guessed it, ice. Get the chilly details here.

BUY: Handbag Hangers

At last! A solution to a massive problem! Sassi Sam, queen of all things girly, has a range of utterly pretty, yet utterly practical handbag hangers to solve the dilemma of ‘where do all the bags go?’ Visit Sassi Sam here to snap some up.

I THINK, THEREFORE I AM: “Clear you mind of can’t” - Samuel Jackson

Yes? You do? Then thank heavens Miss Sandi has a blogger exclusive for you!

To win one of four $500 Dove hampers, or the big $20,000, all you need to do is get fresh.

How?

Keep reading.

Dove is launching a new Go Fresh range and it’s all about fun, fragrance and freshness. It will include everything from shampoo to conditioners and beauty bars to deodorants to body washes.

Only four blogs in Australia, yes, you read it right ONLY FOUR, have been offered the chance to participate in Dove’s exclusive pre-promotion. (You guys are so lucky). For a ten-day period - starting 5pm AEST on Monday June 16, 2008 and running until 5pm AEST on Wednesday June 25th, 2008 - you are THE ONLY ONES who can enter the Dove Fresh List. That means you are the only ones eligible to win the $500 hampers, bursting with all the Go Fresh products and, better still, are the first entrants in the major prize draw of $20,000. Boo yah!

To enter you need to visit the Dove Go Fresh site here and show the folk at Dove what refreshes your spirit by uploading a photo to The Fresh List. Does lying on the beach refresh your spirit? Is it jogging in the rain? Is it going on a girl’s night out? Being pampered? Sky diving? Volunteering your time to a charity? Reading in the bath? Laughing at a funny movie? Whatever refreshes your spirit, share it. Spread the spirit. By showing your fresh and fun side to the world, you can also inspire others to refresh in new ways they may not have considered before.

I love the concept of the new Go Fresh range. My spirit is refreshed after a big swim or snorkelling session at the beach. Emerging from the water, having the sun glisten on my shoulders, and feeling really relaxed but really alive. It’s also when I’m laughing with friends over a tasty dinner and a glass of red wine. Or when I go for a jog through the mountains and feel the icy air in my lungs. And what I love about this range is that it compliments that lifestyle so very well. By leaving us to feel cool and fresh all day long, we don’t have to worry and sweat the small stuff – it’s our beauty products’ job to take care of that.

So visit the Go Fresh website now and see how you can ‘Energise’, be ‘Cool’ and get the ‘Fresh Touch’. Oh, and win a pile of goodies.

Last week, I received a comment on this blog from a bloke who thought that I didn’t know how to spell definitely. You see, he thought definitely was spelled in some other way than its correct way, which, just to clarify is D E F I N I T E L Y. I know many people spell it definately, which, as an editor positively makes my eyeballs hurt, but I don’t care enough, and I’m not rude enough, to ever correct anyone on it. Unless you write for me, spell it any way you like.

What I thought was amusing about this bloke was that he was a. completely and utterly wrong (lesson one: really check your facts before you make accusations) and b. so willing to say that I couldn’t spell, and therefore shouldn’t have a job as an editor (heaven forbid you managed to let a typing error slip on a blog, this guy would be on your case in a jiffy).

The cack your pants with laughter best bit of it all is that he was wrong. Wrong, and looked like a fool. And, because this fella deserves a bit of a public beating (lesson two: if you act like a smart arse sometimes you’ll  meet someone with a smarter arse than yours) I had to make a big fat point about it. So, without naming, but having already done some shaming, here comes lesson three: Miss Sandi wins. And always will.

Discover, learn and be inspired

Above: Maximillia Cozijn, owner of Maximillia Store

You run the online store Maximillia. What inspired you to start an online store? When did the store launch?

I’m a bit of an online shopping addict and have always wanted to start my own business. Maximillia developed out of the combination of my love for fashion, marketing and online retailing. The store launched in April this year.

What are the pros and cons of running your own business?

The potential success of the business ultimately rests on my shoulders, which is a pro and a con in itself. Running your own business gives you freedom, but it also requires dedication and determination.

What advice would you have for anyone wanting to start their own online store?

Firstly, it’s very important to conduct a financial feasibility study. Clearly defining your target market, and therefore, the designers you’ll stock is also imperative.

What challenges did you face in starting your own business?

It’s definitely a shift working for yourself from home. Your priorities shift entirely.

Which are your favourite labels/designers?

I stock labels that I love and wear personally, so it’s hard to pick a favourite! I’ve always adored Betsey Johnson’s party dresses, Marchesa’s cocktail frocks and ball gowns, Chanel’s classic sophistication and Marc Jacobs’ quirky tailoring. Thai designers Sretsis and Senada Theory are also two of my favorites for well made, detailed and unusual pieces.

Which celebrities/public figures do you admire? Why?

I’ve always looked up to Richard Branson - he’s the ultimate business person. He’s translated his passion into a billion dollar empire whilst remaining humble and down to earth. I’ve read his autobiography four times - what an amazing life!

What are your hobbies/interests?

I (still) love shopping online, traveling (especially to New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Sydney), yoga and pilates.

You live in Western Australia. Where are your favourite places to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy?

My girlfriends and I love to meet for high tea at Leaf in Cottesloe on Sundays - especially during the summer as it’s close to the beach. My boyfriend and I often enjoy a romantic meal and cocktail at Balthazar or Rialtos. Even though I mainly shop online, I still like to wander through the boutiques along King Street in Perth City and Bayview Terrace in Claremont.

Enter the code SANDI at the Maximillia checkout and you’ll automatically get 10% off any purchase, anytime.

Above: Luke Feldman with a life-sized Skaff

Luke Feldman, Skaffs creator, is my favourite artist at the moment (and will probably stay in that place for quite a while longer). The easy-going Aussie splits his time between Melbourne and San Fransciso - and ventures to many places in between.

Luke has just launched a new Skaffs blog and you can check it out here. Also have a gander at his website and immerse yourself in all things gorgeous and peaceful.

Above: Luke Feldman in action

The Going Green Expo kicked off today and will run until this Sunday June 8th. Held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the event is sure to provide you with many ways to turn green (or greener…yes, you can always improve).

Entry is $15 for an adult, $10 for concession and free for under 15’s.

Be sure to visit Miss Sandi’s friend Eco Girl at Stall F34. She’s the greenest of them all.