Some More Grouplove

Here are some videos to get you excited about Grouplove. I know I am.

Loving This Grouplove

I was on iTunes the other night, just perusing the music on offer and I came across a band (Grouplove) several times that other people had bought, as well as the bands I was searching. I resisted the purchase, but I was in JB Hi-Fi the next day or so and I asked a girl who looked cool and incidentally worked there what her most recent favourite band was. She said Grouplove. The same thing. So I bought it. It obviously had to be bought. And since then it's been playing in my car ever since and it's got all you need for a spring/summer road trip. Get yourself some good vibes today.

Aquapower Goodness

Someone said to me the other day, "You have really good skin. How come?" I took a moment to think and then remembered I bought BioTherm's Aquapower set while reduced a few months ago and have been using the regime on and off (actually to be honest, just when I remember to) but it's really improved the overall appearance and feel of my skin. So if you're looking a little dull, or no one has complimented you on your skin for a while give it a shot. It's much cheaper to buy in a set of three. And I believe you can get it from MYER. Do your skin a favour.

Preppy Jollification

I threw a hipster party just a few days ago to celebrate the end of term and the beginning of holidays and let me tell you, there were some seriously cool people there. Mainly due to the fact that I invited them of course, as you do, but the outfits were more than amazing. Here's a taste.

I'm Terribly Sorry

I know I say this every so often, but i've just been incredibly busy. I don't know how it happens. One minute you've got a few moments spare time lying on a mattress on your garage roof reading the latest Frankie Magazine in the sun, and the next thing you know you're worked off your feet and hating it. But as I'm on a holiday break I'll be blogging my heart out. So stay tuned for MANY new posts. Thanks for your patience.

Your Remix of the Day

Here's your remix of the day. It's a wonderful reinterpretation of Phoenix's Lisztomania. Get groovy. It's called the redial mix. I like.

By William's!

I just popped into the bottle'o on the way home for a quick six pack because I'm making Spaghetti Bolognese tonight for me and a few mates and beer would go nicely with. I came across William's Organic Pale Ale. You need to go get yourself one. It's crisp, citrusy, and full flavoured and refreshingly easy to drink. Ahh.

Boutique Shopping

Here is one little shop I found that is rather worth a look. The bits and pieces aren't cheap but it's the kind of stuff you ask other people to buy for as gifts. Have a look here: http://www.littlerockboutique.com/

Club Feet Strike Again

Just found this on YouTube. You need listen to it. Wait for the part with the singing. Uh, just so good.

Club Feet Find

I was listening to Triple R radio the other night (102.7 FM in Melbourne) and I heard this. It's by a group called Club Feet, and tis is the Munk remix. Give it a listen. If you prefer you music a bit grittier give the original version a bash.

Green Spot

This florist was across the road from where I scored an amazing amount of RayBans for a ridiclously low price. But the plastic sunnies will never match the beauty of nature, especially when you happen to have a florist shop on a tropical island. The flowers in here were amazing. If only I could bring a bunch back to Australia. Customs would not have a bar of it. So I took this photo for you to enjoy instead.

Rat Race

Here was a photo I took in this really cool little beachy store that sold over-priced t-shirts. The ad is for insight but I love the sign the guy is holding. So true. There are a lot of rats in this world and I don't like them, even if they drive a Ferrari. They're still a rat.

Deer Field Vintage

Hayley, a friend of mine has an eye for fabulous clothing. And she finds it in the most peculiar places, often in old, forgotten op-shops in the country. Places we'd never find. But because she's so clever she's set up an online store via facebook and you can peruse her various items at your leisure and drop her a line via a comment to notify her you want to purchase something. She has very recently opened up a mens line as well so I can get in on the action. Although, she's got plenty of things there for girls too (dresses, skirts, accessories, tops, hats, etc.). I just got a white cable-knit jumper. Very preppy. Very me. And at only $40 it was a steal. I can't wait to get it in the mail.

So do yourself, and your wardrobe a giant favour and check out her store here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deerfield-Vintage-Collection/121350894596349

Prodigal Blogger

I am terribly sorry but my private life ran away with me and I've had very little blogging time. And when I did, I slept instead. Or read trashy novels. So I'm sorry dear blog-reader and I'm back. And as curious as ever. And even better is the fact I've both moved into a new place (so I have more stories) and I'm just back from overseas (so I have plenty of curious photos to share). Thanks for being so patient. I've missed you all. I'll get back to blogging now.

CTULIIT

This is a public beach on Long Island. There's a reason why it's famous, Long Island Iced Tea. I can't get enough of them, as I'm sure you can't. It's the official drink of this blog (and the blog owner) so you need to know what to make if you find yourself holding the figurative reigns of a bar. Here's the official CTU recipe.

The Curiouser Than Usual Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

1 shot of Vodka (pref. SKYY)

1 shot of Gin (pref. Bombay Saphire)

1 shot of White Rum (pref. Bacardi)

1 shot of Silver Tequila (pref Gran Patron)

1 shot of Triple Sec (Grand Marnier of course)

1 and a half shots of Sweet & Sour Mix

plenty of Coca-Cola (pref. bottled Coke, not that silly on-tap stuff)

8 large ice cubes

Layer the drink into a very tall tumbler and add a stirrer and slice of lemon. Turn on Vampire Weekend's Mansard Roof and enjoy. Ah.

Bali Bound

I watched this just the other day on YouTube Movies for free. It's kind of kitsch, hilarious at times, and has those super-annoying yet somehow comforting parts where everyone bursts out into song. In TechniColor for your enjoyment, check it. Plus, I'm actually going to be in Bali soon, but perhaps on more of a flightpath than a road.

Two By Two

Lenka, the lovely lady who has already made her way into the Curiouser Than Usual blog on a few occasions has just released a new album. It's entitled Two and you need to download it off iTunes right now. I'm currently working on my laptop in my bedroom and listening to it and it's perfect. Well, I thought I'd take a break just to tell you about it. Seriously good. Have a wonderful long weekend in Australia, thanks to the ageing queen. And Lenka.

Pretend Polaroid Preppiness

I was on a blog search the other day, and now I can't for the life of me remember which blog it was. But the person uploaded various polaroid-esque images of their preppy adventures and I've got one here for you. Go and make yourself a long island iced tea and sip it in front of the heater and pretend it's summer and you're in this picture being too preppy for your own good. Cheers.

In My Jeans

I walked casually past a chemist store the other day and saw in the window Tommy Hilfiger's fragrances. Amongst them was Tommy Jeans for men. I'd never smelled it before, so I popped in, had a whiff, and bought it. Little did I know at the time that it would only cost me $29 for a 50ml bottle and a mini 7ml bottle to boot. And in the few days I've worn it I get comments every day. I suggest to go and get some yourself. Get on it.

Attn: Curiouser Than Usual Book Club Members

All you Curiouser Than Usual Book Club members (CTUBC) we're having another meet. We were going to read 1985 - George Orwell but I couldn't be motivated enough. So I'm searching for a slightly more engaging novel for all, one that we'll all enjoy reading. One that captures our imaginations in this hideously bland winter we're having. So, suggest away. If any friends think of anything I'll post them here too. Meeting adjourned.

Finishing First

The guy in this clip is Andre Pereira from Melbourne who has made Freerunning his way of life, almost as much as he has fitness. He has his own personal training business and designs an easy to follow work out specifically for you and you goals. He's also happy for you to call him for motivation, support and advice (when you're a client of his of course, not just in general). An all round great guy. So I am now a client and he's made a program that I'm going to work into my own workout schedule. It's going to be amazing. I've printed out each workout and I start tomorrow. Wish me luck. I'll be flipping head-over-heels in no time. Surely.

Find out more about his personal training programs and other information on his facebook page for Finish First Personal Training. Google it.

Resemblance

I was watching 'Murder, She Wrote' just the other day (as you do) and at one point during the episode Jessica Fletcher gets all tarted up to get some information she needs (as you do) and then solves the crime. It was at this point that I saw a remarkable resemblance between Angela Lansbury 1980s makeup job and Heath Ledger's creepy face in The Dark Knight. It was curioser than usual, that's for sure. Knew I had to share. Sweet dreams.

Jumpstart

These Kids Wear Crowns have just released their new single on iTunes. I downloaded it, Now I can't stop listening to it on repeat and rocking out to it in my Peter Alexander pajamas in the lounge room. Seriously. Check the video out. It's a bit lame, but the song is great.

Raw Fail

As aforementioned, I decided to try going "raw" by eating only non-processed whole foods, like non-cooked fruit and vegetables. Well, that did not happen. I instantly felt cravings for foods I don't even normally eat. Like Nutella. All of a sudden I am eating a box of Savoy biscuits slathered in Nutella like a pregnant woman with midnight cravings. Ugh.

I did however eat enormous amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, as well as fruit and/or vegetable juices. I did become more 'regular' in regards to toilet stops, and I do actually feel better. The cravings for ridiculously bad foods stopped towards the end of the week. The hardest thing to give up though is actually bread.

You don't realise how much bread you consume in a day. It's outrageous. But I'm going to cut that right out this coming week.

I think I've learnt that you can't just 'go raw'. You need to adapt slowly or else you'll just fail in the most spectacular way. Like I did. Just make small adjustments. Bring 6 or 7 pieces of fruit and vegetables and salads to work for snacks, allow yourself to eat a few bits and pieces of 'bad food' (e.g. bread) when you feel like it, but only a small piece. Then your cravings will slip away. Okay, here goes the next week of healthy eating.

What Would You Take?

If your house was burning to the ground, right now, what would you save? Photo albums? Your pet dog? A rare collection of antique babushka dolls? Well, I've found an amazing blog called The Burning House and it's basically a site where people from all over the world, just like your lovely selves, collect together the things they would save if their house was to burn down, photograph them, and upload them. Such a simple yet fascinating blog. Check it out at http://theburninghouse.com/

Going All Raw On You

I am not a fat person. In fact, I'd be considered rather trim. But when I started gym about seven months ago I really thought these amazing abs would just bulge out from my stomach and pectoral muscles would soon prevent me from seeing my feet. No such luck.

Don't get me wrong, gym has helped me enormously. I sleep better, feel better, and look better. I went from 69kg to 76kg in just a few months and have kept it there. People see me and ask whether I work out. It's like a commercial for protein powder, or seedy pickup lines. The problem lies, not with my muscle growth rate but with the fat I'm still carrying.

As a male I tend to carry just a little bit of fat around my gut which can shrink and expand with just a pint of beer. So, what I need to do before Bali, is cut out processed rubbish and ALL fastfoods. I have done this to a degree, cutting out McDonald's and the like from my diet. I eat far more vegetables, and although I'm not vegetarian I have cut out a lot of meat. But It's simply not enough. So, in order to get fantastic abs and popping pecs I'm going to try a raw diet.

Now, before anyone decides to tell me I'm going to die of B12 deprivation, calm down, I'm getting some supplements.

But, why raw? Well think about it. Raw food is still alive. An uncooked seed can be planted and grow into another plant. It's life energy still exists within it. Yet, a cooked seed won't grow. I want more energy, and to be more in tune with nature. A raw diet will do this. The benefit of a raw diet are extensive, and certainly weight loss is not the main attraction. You also have more energy and no longer need stimulants to feel good. You have better sleep and rarely feel groggy or tired in the morning. Your skin regenerates faster and acne or blemishes decrease or disappear. Your bowel movements (however gross this is) become more regular and you thus rid yourself of more toxins than you normally would. The list goes on. If you're finding this interesting then type in "raw diet benefits" into google and check out all of the benefits. They're very encouraging.

So, in short, I'm going to go raw. Wish me luck. I'll let you know How I feel and any changes I experience. So long.

Relax, Just Do It

Hey all you Curiouser Than Usual people. Are you feeling a little tired? Run down? Anxious? Stressed? Who isn't, right? Well in just 15 minutes you could be feeling a whole lot better thanks to a quick and simple 15 minute face reflexology massage. I tried it the other night and I felt amazing. You just use your fingers to apply firm, gentle pressure in little circles on the pints displayed on the diagram, starting with 1 and working your way to 15 spending 1 minute on each. Easy.

Chippy-Monster

Here at Curiouser Than Usual we are devoted to the offbeat things in life, but have a soft spot for cute things as well. Here's an example of the latter. Who is also a bit of a chippy-monster. Have a wonderful Thursday.

Your Fashion Planner

Here is exactly what you should be looking like this season. I for one am thrilled that the tartan shirt is still there because I am going to wear them until I'm 87 years old (whether they're 'in' or 'out') and quite frankly, I may need another one. Well, "need" is such a subjective word. Anyway, happy shopping. Talk soon.

A Forgetful Mystery

I am currently enthralled in my latest read, Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. I have no idea who the murderer is, nor where the novel is going really. But I do know that eventually one of these "elephants" will talk and remember something. Then I'll be on the case. And despite the rather hideous cover illustration it really is beauty. Get a copy and start discovering what lay just on the edge of your memory.

Got Milk?

I was at a party a while back and someone had milk. Like actually brought some. Awesome. Thought I'd share.

Something That'll Make Your Nan Proud

This year's trending for fashion-minded folk is all about tasteful fluorescents and toned up bleakness. The kind of this that would've made an eighties throwback working in an architectural firm in the late nineties go "Oh yes, darl, that's delightful."

If I'd been shown some of these things seven years ago I would have died on visual-impact, yet they carry a strangely hopeful appeal. Sort of wear something trendy, but throw one hideously over-coloured item in the mix. See how you go.

This may take some trial and error. If I hit the fashion jackpot I'll post an outfit. 'Til then, go mix and don't match, and perchance a quick trip to your nan's for a few last minute additions. Such as a faux silver/gold leather clutch, or neon orange silk blouse.

The Deez Knees

I went to see Darwin Deez perform the other night in Melbourne at the HiFi bar, and they didn't disappoint. In between songs Darwin and his Deez would jump around on stage to strangely choreographed dance breaks. He even rapped at one stage. If you haven't really heard his fabulous low-fi tunes go and have a listen. This photo was taken just before he started performing. Note the wonderfully hideous knit he sported. I want one.

Great Scott!

I have been watching lots of the Classic movies on YouTube Movies, many of which star Cary Grant. So, I naturally started stalking him on Google and the like and very quickly found out that he'd lived with Randolph Scott Jr. for 12 years. Nothing suss. Just two polo playing, tennis shorts wearing successful men shacking up together for company. And just before they were threatened by their respective film studios to either move out or get fired they had this photo shoot, and then quickly went and got married. Here's the shoot.

On a side note, I want their clothes. And maybe Randolph's hair.