Bon Iver Live

In late November, I purchased tickets to see Bon Iver at the Sydney Opera House. I cried tears of happiness when those sweet tickets arrived in the post and I tucked them away safely until that special day.

That special day came yesterday. I have been excited about this show for so long, that I was actually nervous on the drive into the city last night. Would the show be all I wanted it to be? Would they sing my favourite songs? 

After a pre-show drink at Opera Bar, we hurried over to the Concert Hall and took our seats.

What transpired for the next hour and 45 minutes was nothing short of miraculous. I started crying about 13 seconds into the first song. I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer.

The setlist was absolutely perfect. A mix of old and new. The crowd and myself were in awe, respectful and enchanted by what we were all witnessing. If I had to pick a favourite track, then Perth, Beth / Rest, Towers, Calgary, Blood Bank, The Wolves [Act I & II], Creature Fear and Re: Stacks would have to top the list. 

Tears flowed as my heart swelled with love as every song seemed better than the last.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that music is a passion of mine. Almost gospel like. It's my religion. It's all around me, always. In the car, on my ipod at the gym, when I blog, in my house, always on.

When I got in the car and digested what I had witnessed, I realised that I had just seen the best show of my life. It was utter perfection. And best of all? I am blessed enough to be seeing Bon Iver again in 4 weeks at Coachella Festival. 

If you haven't already heard the brilliant Bon Iver, I highly recommend that this video below be the first taste of their talent. 

The latest act to record a unique set are Bon Iver who recorded their set recently at Air Studios, February 2012 in London.

Speaking about the simply shot but stunning session, the filmmakers behind, artists Iain Forsythand Jane Pollard it told Q: "Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best - two remarkable musicians [Justin Vernon and Sean Carey] in one of the best recording studios in the world, both playing incredible Steinway pianos. No jiggery-pokery was needed, we just captured what happened in that special moment."

Valentine's Day Gifts

Less than 2 weeks till Valentine's Day. 

James and I don't really bother with V Day anymore. I remember the first year we were dating, I was 14 and he bought me a gold necklace from Goldmark. And a really cheesy card. It was hilarious. Then as we had more money to spend in our early 20's, we used to dine at fancy restaurants, exchange cards and flowers and trinkets. Now? I'll be happy to even get a card. From my card/stationary stash I have for emergencies. And I'm fine with that. We love each other 365 days of the year and February 14th is just another day. Save the puppy love for all those 14 yr old's out there.

Check out these rad gifts for people in L.O.V.E.

Images via urbanoutfitters

Image via Havaiana

Images via fredflare

Nursery Love

My husband James is a massive Star Wars fan. He agreed with me that this is a very hip place for a wee baby to rest their head.

I love the lightsaber nightlights, the wall decals, Boba Fett lamp and most of all, the "Wampa" character rug. 

This has inspired me to finally decorate Edward's room. And this nursery has me green with envy. Check out more photos and words about Rocky's nursery here.

I will miss the city

Sunrise

Date: 24/3/11

Time: 6:45am

Place: In bed feeding Edward

I've seen lots of sunrises in the last fortnight. I used to see many a sunrise in my clubbing days but it's been awhile since I would ever voluntarily rise before 8am.

I actually love this time of the day. Before the city is busy and bustling. Before the ferries and river cats toot their way down to the wharf. Before Abigail is up and about. James was up early this morning, preparing for an exam at Grad School. The days do feel SO much longer though when you start so early. But Edward's smile and gazes make up for the lost sleep.

Here is a lovely mellow song to get us through the day.

Prince Edward

Looking a little rough here, not much sleep yesterday

What I've learned about my son Edward in 9 days:

• He doesn't like being swaddled for bedtime.
• He loves hearing Abigail's voice and his eyes follow her around the room.
• He is very, very sweet.
• He seems more quiet and placid than his sister was when she was newborn.
• He loves to sleep in my arms.
• He loves being in the water and loves having his head massaged.
• He is so small that 0000 size clothes are baggy on him.
• He prefers to cluster feed than sit on 1 breast for 45 minutes.
• He is my little prince.

30 minutes old

1 day old

First bath at the hospital

My 3 loves

Father and son

Welcome Home

This made me cry. Everyone knows that feeling when you walk through the Arrivals Terminal after a long-haul flight and you feel like roadkill. Imagine being welcomed like this.

T Mobile have really outdone themselves with this production. I love it.

Just so you know, it was the last part that made me cry. When people are hugging loved ones and being greeted with kisses and cuddles. I greeted my parents like this when I lived in Singapore and my Dad met Abigail for the 1st time. We stood there hugging and crying for a few minutes, it was lovely.

I love... M83

M83 are an amazing electronic pop band, based in France.

The band consists of mastemind creator, Anthony Gonzalez, his brother Yann Gonzalez, Morgan Kibby, Loïc Maurin and Pierre-Marie Maulini.

Lots of special effects, perfect soft lyrics and sweet percussion make this band absolutely devine.

Since conception in 2001, the band has released 5 albums, all amazing, all unique. The album artwork is very unusual and a little crazy but still brilliant.

They have supported artists like Kings of Leon, The Killers and Depeche Mode.

I highly recommend this band to anyone who wants to listen to something different.

You can check them out here:

http://www.ilovem83.com/

M83 - We Own The Sky

I love... 90's girl groups!

I am a slave for girl groups from the 90's. I'm talking about real R&B, with cheesy lyrics and bad filmclips.

Here are some of my favourites that I still listen to:



One of my favourite TLC songs from their album 'Crazy Sexy Cool'. Other favourites are Kick Your Game, Creep and Diggin On You.



This song is awesome. I love the Michael Jackson remix too. I wasn't the biggest fan of SWV but this is my favourite track by far.



Monica was kind of like Christina Aguilera. She was big, but never really that popular. This song reminds me of Yr 8, hanging out by the lockers, with my discman, and my girls. I'm aware she wasn't in a girl group, but she did collaborations with so many female singers, I thought she was worthy of being on the list.



I loved, LOVED, Salt n Pepa. The album 'Very Necessary' is STILL on my ipod and I listen to it all the time. Probably the biggest girl band of the 90's, if you ask me. My other favourites from the album are Whatta Man, Shoop, Heaven or Hell, No-One Does it Better and Sexy Noises Turn me On.



This song wasn't that big, but I loved it. I had the CD single and I still remember the cover of it. Great band, they had a few big hits too.



This song is amazing. Practically my whole grade at school loved it and we would belt it out on the bus to camp, sports carnivals etc. We played this last year at the 10 yr reunion and it was hilarious. Drunken girls, knowing all the words, doing those hand gestures when you are trying to hit the high notes. Still a favourite of mine for sure.



Hey Mr DJ! I called my science teacher by this, because his name was Dr Jolly! So DJ, it was! This song is still cool, I love it. The filmclip is so tragic though, check it out.



Amazing song. Groove Theory had a few hits, but this is by far, the best!



I've loved Missy Elliott for quite some time. This is from her 2nd album, Da Real World which didn't produce many big hits at all. This is the standout track by far, and one of the best in her career too.

I love... Flash Mobs!

I love love love Flash Mobs. I'd love to be part of one someday. A few have popped up here and there in Sydney, but nothing amazing yet. They warm my heart. Watching people dance in unison, smiles on their faces, is just so simple and lovely.

Below are some of my favourite flash mob videos.



This flashmob is a large group of inmates from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in The Philippines. It's sad to see them dancing in their jumpsuits, but their spirit is amazing.




This is one of the 1st large professional flash mobs ever filmed. I love watching this over and over.




For all you Glee fans out there, this one is for you. I love this. The colourful clothes, the whole scene is fabulous!




Of course, Oprah has her finger in the flash mob pot. The sheer volume of this flash mob could ONLY be created for the big 'O' herself.




This is fantastic. BRAVO to all of these girls for dancing at Piccadilly Circus (London) in a leotard!




Brilliant. A flash mob with a song from my FAVOURITE movie of all time. I love all the young girls involved. Happy and sweet. Two thumbs up from me.

I love...First Wedding Dances

I love the idea, but don't know if J and I could have EVER pulled anything like this off on our special day.


This 1st video is my favourite and actually made me cry the 1st time I watched it. The bride's face as she finally dances down the aisle is so precious.





This is fantastic. They are both quite skilled dancers, and are having the time of their lives. Also, this dance lasts for 4 minutes and 31 seconds. There is NO WAY I could jive for that long!





This video, while not very flashy, is hilarious. If you have seen the movie 'Old Skool' you will know why. Listen to the lyrics of this song. It's an edited version of the original. This bride must have a terrific sense of humour to let her husband play a naughty song like this for her 1st dance.





I don't know why I like this one, I just do. The groom is pretty into it, bless his heart. Also, anything with Motownphilly by Boyz II Men has to rock.