New Jelly beans for 2013!

Wearing: Leopard Print Jelly bean sandals thanks to Jelly Beans; Riders by Lee denim jeans thanks to Riders by Lee Australia; Sportsgirl top; Asos Boyfriend denim jacket; Sneaking Duck 'Red Comet' frames thanks to Sneaking Duck; Limecrime Velveteen Lipstick in Suedeberry

Even though I am all health and radiating smiles in these photos, the reality is that I am sitting under a blanket with a clogged nose nursing my lemon honey tea. I recently have come down with the common cold so I have to nurse myself to good health. What I really am annoyed the most is that in my last gym session I worked out triceps and back - meaning that with my cold I have aches in pains in my body with the added pain of my worked out muscles. I really can't tell what is causing more pain then others.

I am kind of grateful for the distractions though, this Monday I had some really immature arguments with old friends and it has been playing on my mind. Mean words and frustrations were let out and it wasted a good couple of hours with not much accomplished. But then again last night I managed to catch up with older friends over good dinner and red wine and it was laughs all around.

So all in all, an up and down week - let's hope it gets better from tomorrow and my sickness goes away soon.

Right now though- I am excited to announce that Jelly beans now come in pretty pastel colours and a new heel shape. They are cute and retro and I enjoy my printed leopard shoes  on my feet. They make me happy and cover as a good distraction from my cold.

Lunch and The Food Stalls at The Grounds of Alexandria

Lunch and The Food Stalls at The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A, 2 Huntly Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 (all photos taken by me with my Nikon D60 30mm f1.4 lens)

Finding out about this place a few months ago, my first visit to The Grounds was a spontaneous one where I found myself finishing work in the city at 8am on a Wednesday with a need to eat something fancy. Where I live there is a lack of nice breakfast places (unless you want to count Yum Cha and Pho) so it's always nice to venture out.

The Grounds of Alexandria is a wonderful place, not only being home to a top restaurant, but its also home to gourmet food stalls, a coffee stand, a pig sty (housing the famous pig Kevin Bacon), outdoor seating, beautiful lush gardens and quite frankly, to some very delicious food.

I sat down to lunch with my friend and I ordered myself 'The Grounds' burger, a mini burger with a beef patty, cheese, tomato relish and lettuce. The bread was sweet and warm. It came with fish-shop cut fries and garlic/mayo sauce to dip in. I then ordered fresh Apple Cider and a latte to top off the meal. My friend ordered fresh pan-fried salmon on a warm salad of quinoa and beans and we then chatted and gossiped away the long lunch hour.

It's true, the wait for a seat in the restaurant is long but its worth it, especially since you can pass the time by browsing the gourmet food stalls. My favourite is the Dessert cart - full of strawberry, chocolate and banana, caramel and pecan tarts, coconut macaroons, fruit pies, bread rolls, fresh jam and pastries all neatly laid out on quirky chopping boards.

It reminded me of  my time in Paris - in the scents, the friendly people, the display, the hustle and bustle, the passion for food and the quiet sunshine while you browse and taste the sweets. But The Grounds is more special to me because it's set in my favourite city - Good ol' Sydney.

There are always Second Chances

Wearing: Riders by Lee Australia Slouch Roll Up Shorts thanks to Riders by Lee; Cali & Cale Shelly Sandals thanks to Cali & Cale; H&M Pink Parka; Chiciabooti Lace top; May 28th 12.40PM Watch thanks to Surfdome; Sportsgirl's 'Spring Fling' Lipstick

Oh dear, my body hurts so much these days. I've been attending gym and doing weight exercises for my legs, arms, back, shoulders and chest. And I'm doing a whole lot of abwork and that painful exercise called 'planking' which makes me scream in my head so many stupid swear words.
It's also a whole lotta ugly when I leave the gym, red faced, sweaty chest and matted hair. Panting like a dog. I wouldn't want to bump into myself at the gym. But hey, I've been making up excuses for a whole year not to go to gym and take care of my body. I'm forever complaining that I lose my breath walking up a small flight of stairs and about my non-existent thigh gap.

But, that's why we're allowed second chances, when you cannot keep making up excuses any more (work, fatigue, heart-ache). Like my broken relationship right now, I feel I need a fresh start or at least to take care of myself first before opening up my heart to someone new or to cherished loves ones. First, I start with my health which brings about them natural endorphins and non-jiggly body parts which makes me feel good about myself and then that will reflect my mood, my mental health and the enthusiasm I have for blogging (self-conciousness out the door when taking photos). It's like a ripple of positive energy in my life.

Second chances. I don't want to screw up Life this time (well mainly, my relationships with men), I just want to move forward with commitment, courage and most importantly, honesty.

Thanking Riders by Lee (Australia and NZ) for providing me these beautiful slouch shorts that hug my hips nicely but allow for a slouchy loose fit for my relaxed and casual Aussie style.