A few weeks ago, a couple of my friends and I spent a glorious and sun-filled weekend in San Francisco. I had been keeping a small stash of original Polaroid film in my fridge since the day I found out they were no longer in production, and promised myself that I would use these precious packs of film sparingly. Well, after three plus years, I was finally down to my last two packs (just 20 exposures!) and decided to splurge.

One of my favorite things about San Francisco is that they have a huge food scene. I mean, don't get me wrong, Seattle is pretty up there with eateries, but it's more of a slow and steady culture. SF kind of engulfs you right off the bat and gives it to you in one big blow. So you can pretty much guess what my friends and I did all weekend. We ate (Fisherman's Wharf)...and ate (Ferry Plaza Farmers Market)...and ate (Smitten Ice Cream). I also got to meet the lovely Mindy, and we bonded over lunch at The Slanted Door.

We rented a car and drove quite a bit. It wasn't fun being stuck in traffic, or having to pay toll, but hey, it sure made us feel like locals. And I have to say, these photos are a little bittersweet to look at. Bitter because it means no more 10-pack, original Polaroid instant film, but sweet because I couldn't have thought of a better trip to use it on.

Springtime in Cairns, Australia. Circa August 2010.

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Isn't that cool? The word "Aloha," that is. It means "Hello" and "Goodbye," among many other things, in Hawaii.

And that's where I'm headed to right now. I'm joining a couple of friends who are already there to experience the island life for the first time. I have no set agenda, which means no time line to adhere to, which means anything can happen. As long as sun, sand, and waves are in the picture, I am a happy gal.

While I'm gone, I don't want my blog to collect any more dust than it already has, so I've prepared some vacation posts. Hope you guys enjoy, and have a fantastic week. Aloha!

Okay, so I thought I was a well organized person when it comes to packing for trips. I make a checklist of things I need to pack, and occasionally will add an extra check box for when I pack to head home. But then, I saw this link from @Etsy's tweet, and visited bugheart's Flickr stream, and OMGosh...

I am seriously blown away by how meticulous Gwen's travel planners are. Every single item, down to her accessories, are accounted for in these adorable illustrations. And to the right, she carefully selects which outfit and accessories she will wear each day. This makes me smile so, so much.

Okay, cuteness overload or what?! Aussie's fashion line for kids by Seed. There's also a women's line.

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If you're ever planning a trip to Australia, please be prepared for some amazing shopping. I mean, REALLY prepare. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

A few shops and eateries that I passed by, visited, and loved:

Card & Caboodle in Melbourne and Paper Couture and Paper2 (both in Sydney) for beautiful paper goods, accessories, and gifts. (Sadly, Paper Couture was closed on the day I visited, but Jo Neville's work is wonderful so her shop is nothing short of extraordinary.)

Lemon Twist Cafe in Sydney for some delicious breakfast served by a friendly staff with stick-on staches.

Bay Hong in Sydney for great Vietnamese food. All the waiters wear male ao dais.

Chee Soon & Fitzgerald in Sydney for international housewares, fabrics, and accessories.

And a big thanks to Justine of Upon A Fold for recommending some of these places. (Her shop is amazing, too, btw.)

One of my favorite discovered shops in Australia is Jigsaw. So feminine and beautiful, don't you agree?

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Australia does not use pennies. That's right. The iconic, copper-toned coin that us Americans more often than not find on the ground, between cushion covers, and any place immaginable that a penny can live, is nonexistent in the land of Down Under.

At first, I found this quite strange and somewhat illogical because prices in Australia end in odd-numbered change that would require the use of pennies. Like, how would $1.97 work? Either I'm short 3 cents or the shop loses out on 2.

But after a few transactions that left me short-changed, I finally caught on and realized that Aussies round their prices up or down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents.

Toward the end of my trip, I found this system to be quite convenient and practical. I mean, at least I wasn't collecting a handful of loose change in my purse, or holding up the line just so I could use up my pennies. Just saying...

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Edit: I just googled this and the ever-so-knowledgeable Wiki says this method of pricing is called "Swedish rounding."

Photos taken in Melbourne.

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One of the first things I noticed when I stepped on Australian soil (aside from the fact that Aussies drive on the left) is the different terminologies and symbols used on road signs and such.

For example,

footpath = sidewalk,

or takeaway = togo/takeout.

And the one that deems most bizarre by Australians and Americans alike is...

giveway = yield.

Anglesea, Cairns , Surry Hills, and Sydney.

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Hello friends!

I am finally back from the beautiful country of Australia, and I must say it has been one of the best trips I've taken in a while. (I actually got back a week ago, but really needed a vacation from my vacation. You know what I mean..?)

So, how was it? Pretty much A-MAZING!

I'm kinda suffering from separation anxiety to be honest. Saw so many things that I am missing at the moment, and so many more things I wish I had seen.

Oh Melbourne, how I wish I got to enjoy one of your alley cafes. Your historical city is quite charming, to say the least.

Cairns...your reefs are lovely and you really had me at the waving tortoise. Then came the lagoon and tamarind tree. You spoiled me.

And beautiful Sydney, pictures don't do you justice. And all your shops...oh, your wonderful, wonderful shops....swoon!

More things to share about Aussie in upcoming posts, including some great new shops I discovered.

Hello friends!

By the time you read this, I will be well on my way to Australia!

I am sorry that I did not prepare any vacay posts while I'm out, but I promise there will be many stories and pictures to share once I return.

Enjoy the rest of August and I will see you again in September.

SX-70 with 600 film. See larger images on my Flickr.

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Saturday was gorgeous, 75-ish with clear, blue skies—the perfect day to be on the water. And so I took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island, my favorite place away from the city, just to get away for a day.

Bainbridge Island is this quaint little town, west of Seattle, where life moves a little slower. It's only 30 minutes by ferry, not too removed, but there's something about being on an island that makes me feel like I'm on some kind of vacation, worlds away from home. The town is sprinkled with cafes, eateries, an old-school barbershop (barber pole included), and cute boutiques, all centered around the town square with a gazebo to complete it all.

After browsing through the shops on Winslow (the main street that cuts through town), I grabbed a quick lunch, then made my way down to Eagle Harbor to watch the locals set sail. Along the way, I passed by Grace & Company Paperie and couldn't help but go inside. A cute little shop with wonderful paper goods and delicious smelling candles. How I walked away empty handed, I have no idea, but this just means I have to come back the next time I'm in town.

Down by the water, I spotted a family getting ready to leave harbor for a picnic. Other locals kept their boats docked, and soaked in the sun with drinks and company. Witnessing moments like these solidifies my dream of someday owning my own boat. I'll give her a good name, take her out to sea, and let her enjoy the water, while I enjoy everything else. Sounds absolutely de-lightful! And Bainbridge is no less. I love this charming town and its quaint atmosphere. It's the one place that I can get away, without really going away, and that's pretty much the best part.

I hope all you lovelies had a wonderful weekend.

I know this is a tad bit past due, but I hope everyone had a warm and lovely Thanksgiving!

And if you're wondering, I had a splendid time with my family in California. Although the weather did not have that familiar holiday feel that comes with living in the Pacific Northwest (it was in the high 70s/low 80s in Southern California), the family atmosphere definitely made up for it. And hey, for once it wasn't raining on a major holiday, so I'm not complaining.

Anyway, here's a recap of the highs and lows of my trip.

The highs: Seeing old friends, family, oyster shooters, movie night with the kiddies, naps, lounging around, winning jackpots at Dave & Busters, playing old-school game of "Knock the Can" with the cousins, morning dim sum, a walk on the pier at Newport Beach, visited Cotton Idea Studio by Mindy Gayer, swinging on swings with the kiddies, playing pool, Black Friday shopping (twice), and catching up on some much needed sleep.

The lows: Missed out on In-N-Out Burger, didn't bring camera to Newport Beach, camera battery died during Thanksgiving, then realized I'd forgotten to bring the battery charger, food poisoning early morning before flying home, flying home on an empty stomach, and remembered after I got home that my Malcom Gladwell's The Tipping Point (which I still haven't finished) and recently purchased silver headband was still in California.