A New Do

Who doesn't love Meg Ryan, or at least one of her many Do's.
I used to wear my hair similar to this which practically makes her and I related, until I grew my locks a couple of years ago. Well I have a hair appointment booked before I head overseas and I'm contemplating ramping up the blonde factor, going shorter and channelling Meg.

I may not go quite as short but you get the idea. Then I only need to apply minimal product, scrunch under a soft dryer and I'm good to hit the sights each day without fussing over my locks.

Counting sleeps now folks till up up and away.....

Annie xx

Counting the Days until....!!!!!

Oh yeah we are leaving for New York in less than two weeks!! I am excited about this trip for many reasons...I have never been to the east coast of America, NY has been on my list of must see cities and it is Mr red roses and my 30th wedding anniversary. I know, that achievement is a miracle in itself! We have our plans all mapped out and it will be thoroughly wonderful and I dare say I will be hootin and hollerin just like the sailor boys (from one of my favourite musicals by the way). Photos will be taken with gay abandon which I shall be Instagraming like nobodies business. Free wi-fi in the hotel and hot spots will be utilized I assure you. Lots of action is happening at the house before we fly away so the remainder of this year makes for hectic times. Fun Fun Fun! *Apologies for the scrunched up post, the clip may have altered something or this new fangled blogger interface might be playing tricks on me? Annie xx

Pinch me Now

This past week I have been dreaming of a black and white/neutral travelling palette. Last obstacle I wish to experience before heading out the hotel door for a days sight seeing, fun and games is the dilemma of being left with a riff raff of miss matched apparel and bellowing I have nothing to wear!
So..I am gathering a few pieces in my mental check list and allowing myself to feel excited about a special holiday on the near horizon. Alas I can only tease and not divulge the destination because this decision is still in the 'omg pinch me now we are actually planning to do this' phase and there's countless dots to join before I scream my news over the Internet.

A go anywhere jacket, black ballet slippers, black backpack and tiny purse for the bare essentials while partaking of the glorious sights. And because I stick purely to a neutral theme I swish up an outfit with a scarf such as this pretty Italian leopard print.

So once again our luggage will be hauled out and put into service. Believe me I am bursting to share...
all in good time.

A big thank you to the team at The Decorating Forum for featuring my blog this week...it's been fun.

Annie xx

Wednesday Wanderings

 Hong Kong

Hong Kong is on my mind because we are planning on returning later this year and I am excited.

Honkers is one of my very favourite places and it was my first choice to revisit when Mr red roses and I discussed destinations.

The food

The shopping

The scenery

The buildings

The people 

The food.....

What's not to love about Hong Kong!

Next time I aim to pack minimal clothes (yeah right) so I can pack a empty suitcase inside a bigger suitcase.
The Countdown has begun!

 Annie xx                                                   

Wednesday Wanderings

Today we wander over to Japan, one of my favourite countries in the whole world.

While in Nagoya we travelled to Kyoto on the Shinkansen or more commonly called the 'Bullet Train' which travels at speeds up to 300km/h. 

Amazing speed and the most comfortable train ride imaginable. On par with Maglev in Shanghai. 

These trains are simply amazing!

This perfectly wonderful scene is 'Sando' a traditional shopping street located in Narita. This main road leads to the Nartiasan Shinshoji Temple.
A leisurely stroll stopping to admire the shops on the way to the temple is a must while visiting Narita. The shopkeepers are friendly and welcoming.
The temple itself is magnificent and a beautiful place of calm and serenity.

We have not returned to Japan since the 2011 tsunami and my heart aches.


I have included a second photo in today's post because next week I shall be interstate visiting relatives and having a computer free week so will miss posting a Wednesday travel pic.
I'm really looking forward to catching up with beloved family especially my two little nephews aged 5 and 1. There is going to be lots of cuddles, Lego building and books read by their auntie. It's been far too long between visits and I miss them like crazy.
Mind you I won't get on the plane unless I get cracking and pack. Did you know I loathe packing? Even after all the travelling I've done I still put myself through agony trying to decide what clothes to take!

So enjoy a fabulous week everyone, be good and I'll catch you when I return and answer
 '7 Random Things about Me', bestowed by my friend Lotus from Red Phoenix Style. I can use the week wisely to conjure up interesting random tidbits about moi.

Annie xx

This Little Frock Was Made For Me

You Are Mine!

Don't you just love it when a garment is On Sale, is designed and made in one's own country, is perfect for travelling, is comfy, wash and wear, non-crease and makes you feel fabulicious!

This little shift dress had my name written all over it and I dare say will be trotted out on high rotation while I'm on holidays.

I'm nowhere near packed but that's normal.

Packing under pressure is how I operate.

Are you a 'down to the wire /last minute packer' club member?


Annie xx

Hair Essentials

When travelling there are hair essentials that must be part of my kit. Tonight a quick check was in order to ensure I'm stocked up for final packing before we up, up and away to China.

The last two years I've been painstakingly growing my hair so I can stick it up in a ponytail or shove a clasp in an up do on those bad hair days.

I do not leave home without Argan oil, dry shampoo to get another day out of the blow dry and a bit of bling in the way of pretty clips.

Of course a leopard print hair band is an essential.

Would you believe I've had this comb (called an Afro comb back in the day) from when I started hairdressing   back in the seventies. Certainly got my moneys worth out of that purchase!
It's a major essential to drive through the bleached bits of my mane after shampooing.

So there you have it, the Red Roses and Crystal essential hair bits and bobs.
I'm not high maintenance.
Am I?

Annie xx

Travel Preparations

Introducing my suitcase.

I hauled it down today to start throwing a few items in so I don't feel tempted to wear them before we depart on our latest adventure. The week before we travel I rush around like a woman possessed washing and ironing so I have plenty of options when I pack the day before departure.

Anyway, my suitcase is my pal. Bought only two years ago but it's survived a good few kilometres in those years and has the battle scars to prove it. The day she curls up her roller wheels I will rush out and buy an identical style. See the extendable zips..never commence the trip with the suitcase full or you're in big trouble girls ie. no space for carting home some shopping. Plus it's far less stressful to pack light.

This wool coat is fab because it's lightweight, toasty warm and portable. Probably the best all round coat I had the good sense to buy. The first leg of our trip will be in a major city with coolish temps while the last stretch will be spent in another major city with warmer temps. Yep one of those shebangs requiring flexible options and ever so frustrating to pack for. Layering will be the focus no doubt.

Along with washing everything that stands still I need to alter some trousers for Mr redroses and of course they've been staring at me for weeks but now there is a sense of urgency to haul out my mother's old Singer sewing machine and get those babies hemmed and pressed.

                                
This old girl has outlasted two newer sewing machines. They don't make em like they used to!

                                     
 Hmmm do you think the boarding kennel will tuck her in like this each night? I swear she put her own head on the cushion.


All this activity tires out my darling pooch and she will be less than impressed once she spies the suitcase.
How do animals sense they are not invited on their masters travels?

Annie xx

Thai Curry and Preparations

Thought I'd hit you with my colourful and yummy dinner photo first up before I wax lyrical of the soothing properties of devouring Thai food. Involving coconut cream of course.
Thai is my number one comfort food (even when I don't require comforting).

I will not fib...running low or heaven forbid running out of these basic ingredients results in a mini meltdown. The green curry paste has a zesty bite and helps clear out the old sinuses and the massaman paste is milder and super delish. Topped with snipped home-grown coriander.....mmmmm
Oh and must be consumed with the aid of a Splayd.   Remember those retro utensils? Ours belonged to my parents. Purchased in the seventies.

Dead easy and probably the cheats way to cook Thai food but it will do me.
How about you...do you love love love lashings of coconut cream based recipes?

This is a first for RRC. I'm posting a department store fitting room iPhone photo. It's fun to see other bloggers' sharing fitting room reveals so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Yes I need some practice.
This little number is a cotton Esprit dress come long top over leggings that will come in handy when I go a travelling soon.
More to follow on that...

Do you find when planning a trip all of a sudden there is oodles of everyday stuff to hunt and gather eg. new underwear, toiletries, skincare etc. Mr redroses always reminds me that stuff can be purchased at ports of call but I prefer to be hyper-prepared.

 
                                        Honestly the box was so pretty, forget about the skincare!

Now because I should be a good girl and wear supportive footwear due to an injury I will need to gather a pair of sensible clod hoppers or I will be in a sore and sorry state from walking and sight-seeing. Of course I've bought sensible shoes before but never been terribly happy with my choices so the quest for a orthopedic yet stylish (is it possible?) pair is imminent.

But certainly Not like this pair I spied recently in a thrift shop. Am guessing the same vintage as the Splayds.

Hilarious!!

Annie xx