Arabian Nights

"Arabian nights, Like Arabian days, More often than not,

Are hotter than hot, In a lot of good ways"

The annual Sydney Opera House Christmas party was upon us and this year's theme was, "Arabian Nights". Instant panic flooded mine and every woman's mind because all the typical Arabian nights costumes anyone could think of resembled Barbara Eden's in I Dream of Jeannie which meant...BARE MIDRIFF! And I said 'No way, Jose!' So off to Paddy's Markets I went and you wouldn't believe the outfits they have there! I settled on these amazing see-through blue genie pants with gold coins all over them, wristlets to match, a gold-coined necklace, and put my hair in a bun a-top my head. (and a gorgeous make-up job done by the amazing and beautiful Amanda!) But the BEST part of my outfit were the authentic genie/arabian shoes I got at the Salvation Army thrift store by my apartment for $8!!! Even thought it was pouring rain outside, Dancing and drinks and Arabian fun was had in plenty!!

Mark, Amanda and I ready to go! But no taxis in sight!

Traditional Arabian dance moves!?

Lawrence of Arabia?! No, that's Andre enjoying the food!!

Shelly, Jane, Tanya and I with the Genie's Lamp. But where's the Genie?

Leave it to Mark to find him...them?! That's right! There were 3 Genies there that night!

Camel Limbo!!

Rub the Lamp!

The following photos are of a traditional Arabian 'activity' involving a Shisha or hookah. It's a waterpipe, and the products we were 'smoking' were based on herbs, tea leaves, and sugar cane and they had a variety of flavours, Apple, Mint, and Grape. Enjoy! (We did!)

Puff the Magic Dragon! :-)

OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Sydney Shenanigans

So, I have been in Sydney just over 8 months (I can't believe it!) and I thought I'd share a few photos on here from family & friend times to random times and everything in-between. I will try to update this more often, but I guess I'm having too much fun that I just forget to take photos! :-)

Amanda & I going out on the town to see Emma Dean perform!!

Reuniting with an old friend, Jessie Pollack, in Sydney was amazing!

Just another day at work. Silly season is upon us!

Aunty Pam & I having lunch (Leigh is there too, behind the camera)

Oasis Ball with Mark & Joe

Soaking in the sun with Aunty Pam

Cousin Mat's Uni Graduation!!

Family Dinner with Aunty Pam, Cousin Mark, Nanna Joy and Great Aunt Joan

Sushi with Cousin Mat & Aunty Pam

Rainbow over Sydney

At the Movies with Aunty Pam

Fun with Eliza! Beautiful girls!

Mojitos!!

Opera Bar with Erik!

Getting an education at the Royal Botanic Gardens!

Just your typical drinking fountain in the Royal Botanic Gardens!

Tree Hugging in Royal Botanic Gardens with Eliza

JKW Harbour Cruise with Aunty Pam & Mel

11.11.11

My friend Mark had a "Wrong Hot" themed costume party at his house on 11.11.11! I'm not sure any explanation is necessary for these photos. Enjoy!

Thredbo Thanksgiving Getaway

This is the second year in a row that I have spent Thanksgiving outside of The United States. Last year's was spent in Australia somewhere between Brisbane and Rainbow Beach and my thanksgiving meal consisted of a Turkey Sandwich from Subway and a bottle of Cranberry-Apple Juice. That's all I could find at a rest stop! I made sure this year was different!

I went with my good friends Amanda and Lia down to Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains, about a 6 hour drive from Sydney. Thredbo is a small village ski resort set within Kosciuszko National Park in NSW. We stayed at Amanda's parents lodge and had a relaxing and much needed break from Sydney. On Thursday, we did a 5km mountain hike and Lia saw snow for the first time! We didn't make it up to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, a 12km roundtrip hike, we saved that for next time!

We got back around 5pm, lit the fire (it was 42ºF outside,) poured some wine and started to prepare for our Thanksgiving feast. We all worked so well in the kitchen and produced one of the yummiest meals I've ever had! We had Garlic, Sage & Rosemary Turkey cooked to perfection with Veggies (carrots, celery, onions), homemade from scratch onion & herb stuffing, Sweet Potato Wedges, Garlicky Green Beans, and Sweet Corn!! Everything was so delicious and we ate like Queens! I had a lot to be thankful for this year!! What a lovely holiday!!

Cheers!! Happy Thanksgiving!!