Fashion from a backpack

Last Day in Melbourne

Posted on January 23, 2012 by erikamae82

Last day here in Melbourne. Went for walk just to take in a few last sights and sounds, what a cool city. If you were to tour it from one side to the other (including the outer towns) you would venture through what feels like London with the vibe of Davis and a touch of Folsom. Between the gorgeous high rise buildings, the family parks and the variety of eateries… I feel like this place would intrigue most travelers.

More street art!

I thought this was a creative concept. Makes one hesitate to spend a dime at other chain coffee shops (that might start with “star” and end with “bucks”. www.street.com.au

Ended the day out at a local beer garden called “The Penny Black”. Brilliant setting, scrumptious food (including one of my favorites, sweet potato fries) and a monster selection of unique beers and cider. www.thepennyblack.com.au

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: cool city, creative concept, high rise buildings, scrumptious food | Leave a comment

St. Kilda Beach

Posted on January 22, 2012 by erikamae82

Today was a layed back day of people watching, beach absorbing and a picnic. I started out at St.Kilda, a popular stretch that actually reminded me a lot of Southern California (except with more faux hawks and cool accents). I was shown around by a new friend that I had met during the playoff game last weekend. His story? Tate is from California and was actually working in Folsom (weird, I know). He decided that there had to be more out there so he’s now bar-tending on the beach in Australia while he figures out his next step (enter the “i don’t really feel sorry for you” face here). He’s beheron this area for a bit so with easy conversation, he pointed out some hot spots and lead the way towards the beach. It was extremely hot which is the reason this van-o-cold-goodness was parked right out front.

This was the not so populated side away from the shops and main beach.

Tate left for work and I met up with the girls for dinner and the drive home… Hmmm, why eat inside when it’s such a vibrant day? To the park we went!

Quick fashion note: I wore a cut off denim skirt so the wind couldn’t catch and give everyone a show (as if there wasn’t enough on the beach already) paired with a light fun t-shirt over the bikini top for color and comfort.

Categories: Art, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: hot spots, new friend, st kilda | Leave a comment

Mexican, Hawaiian, Irish, Turkish, and Dutch… Oh my!

Posted on January 21, 2012 by erikamae82

It’s been entertaining to see where the girls have gone out this week. Here’s a quick cap:

This was Chelsea’s birthday dinner at one of the top rated Mexican restaurant in Melbourne called “Gringo Vibes”. The owner came from San Francisco over 10 years ago and opened up shop. With decent prices (for Australia) and yummy food, it was a scrumptious touch of familiar for me. Thanks Ben! www.gringovibes.com

The girls were taken back by my “bazaar” order of fish tacos. “Fish on a taco?! That’s just weird.” They were also totally amused with the Corona bottle salt and pepper shakers. Below is the cheapest beer I’ve found so far (price is per can) and the trusty “Tapatio” had never been heard of at our table. “Wow! That’s good… What is it?”

Next was a Hawaiian Tiki lounge called “Luwow”. (Anyone else think it’s ironic that I fly half way around the planet to a brand new country and have Mexican followed by Hawaiian?) Makes me laugh. I will say it was absolutely entertaining to again watch the girls with their new findings. From the flowered shirts and beach decor to the drink menu that had our typical Rum drinks (for $20)… it was all Hawaii. www.theluwow.com

These finger puppets came in the umbrella drinks… Clever.

Finally, 4 guys walk into a bar… 2 Irish, 1 Turkish and a Dutchman. Can you tell who’s who?

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: finger puppets, tiki lounge | 1 Comment

Just a magnificent walk around Melbourne

Posted on January 20, 2012 by erikamae82

We took a walk around the city, saw neat sights and some cool random finds.

This one stood out to me (my grandfathers sir name is “Young” and my grams’s is “Jackson”.

Random! It was just sitting there, made me smile…

Chelsea took me to this beautiful place to “have a sit”.

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: beautiful place, neat sights, sir name, sit | Leave a comment

Welcome to the jungle… Gym!

Posted on January 17, 2012 by erikamae82

Since my flatmate fractured her rib (enter sad, pain filled, sympathetic face here) she has been limited on the extent of major movement. We decided to go on a walk to at least get her up and out, found a park along the way and you guessed it… A gym!

I’m just going to start with my favorite workout, laughter! The smiles on these kids were priceless! We were supposed to be hanging like monkeys which is the reason I look like I’m scratching myself, but I’m just thankful they all held on.

Personal thanks to the open minded parents (hiding behind the kids) who allowed their children to brighten my day!

I was stoked to find two bars that I could hook my feet for this tummy tightening move. I slowly lowered my torso to a horizontal position and held… Repeat several times or until you hear the parents whispering “No sweetie, that’s danger danger”.

No legged pole climb. Ultimate goal is to start sitting on the ground in a pike and pull from there till you reach the top.

Good ol’ lunges.

The lower guts must be stimulated too!

Look mom… No legs!

PS: 45 minutes in an Australian park during sunlight will give you an incredible tan line.

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: horizontal position, lunges | 3 Comments

Dog squats

Posted on January 15, 2012 by erikamae82

We took Chelsea’s dog for a walk and thought I’d get a couple of quick workouts in… no animals were harmed in the making of this post.

Found the perfect height for some other quickies along the way.

Side note, I’m wearing loose jeans, flip flops with a hoodie. Added the scarf for warmth and a contrasting color. No fashion statements…. Just clothes.

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: loose jeans, Scarf, workouts | 3 Comments

First day in Australia

Posted on January 13, 2012 by erikamae82

The flight was surprisingly more comfortable than I had imagined. (I dont mean lounge chairs and a foot massage). I sat next to two lovely ladies that spoke enough to make time pass but allowed for some restful peace and quiet as well. Qantas air did an excellent job of keeping up the smiles, offering food and wine and let’s not forget Daniel… He’s the charming Australian steward that remembered my name (also referred to me as “beautiful”). Oh dear… Haven’t even landed yet and I’m already blushing by the Aussie accent…uh oh!

Well first day out, I freshened up and through on a black lace shirt with skinny jeans and a clock necklace (Flava Flav would be proud). The purple scarf and turquoise ring is to add a splash of color.

The girls took me out for a delicious lebiniese dinner and then we hopped on a tram to the city for drinks on “The Roof Top”.
Here’s a pic of me and Chelsea in France followed by the most recent of us here in Australia.

This is Bridget, another wonderful girl I met in Europe, sitting with me on a ledge at “The Roof Top”

What a view!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: jeans, lace shirt | 4 Comments

Purple tee

Posted on January 13, 2012 by erikamae82

This was the perfect combo of clothes to wear just walking around town… Comfortable and casual and of course the scarf makes it a bit more snazzy then just jeans and a tee. I personally like how the cool tones of my camera compliment the purple shirt.