You’ve been a peach. You’ve brought me so many amazing adventures and new friends near and far.

Sure there have been headaches and heart breaks, but let’s not focus on the bad. There’s always a silver lining, and that’s what I’m choosing to hang onto during the last few hours of 2011, and into the new year – embracing those bright and shining moments throughout the past year that have put the biggest most dorkiest smile on my face.

Finding hidden beauty in whatever I might.

Traveling and experiencing as much of that great big world out there as I possibly could.

Persevering through a few rough semesters at university. I love what I do, and I can’t wait to start a new chapter in 2012 after graduation.

Bidding farewell to glasses!

Dying my hair red! 11 months and going strong. I think it’s getting serious. ;)

Made some bunny friends…

… and some wallaby friends…

… and some koala friends, too. And the real people kind, but they’re not quite as fluffy.

Experienced many incredible sights from lands far away.

Enough to fill many-a memory bank.

Went to my first opera at, none other than, the Sydney Opera House!

And took in as much art, music, architecture, etc. as I could possibly manage.

Rekindled my love of painting.

Hung out in dresses at any and all opportunities.

Continued to craft up a storm and be a DIY machine.

Began getting the finishing touches in place on my humble little abode.

Discovered and fell in love with a home away from home.

Began preparations for a new and exciting year ahead.

And now, here’s to lots of huge smiles in 2012! I hope yours are extra tooth-y. ;) Wishing you love, muffins, sparkles, bunnies, and all sorts of other lovely things… Happy New Year to all of you amazing blogging friends.

xo, Krissy.

All photos by me. Please credit/link back if you post elsewhere. Thanks.

It would be the greatest understatement of the century if I didn’t say this was the greatest adventure and experience of my entire life. It was amazing, and I’m forever changed for it. (Also, I’d go back in a second. I feel like Sydney is home.)

And that’s all folks! Hope you enjoyed! If you want more, I have 100 more pictures on my Flickr. (No obligation, I’m sure you guys are on Australia overload at the moment.)

In case you missed any, you can see the rest of my Australia pictures in the following entries: Australia, Part I – Melbourne & Canberra, Australia, Part II – Sydney Suburbs, and Australia, Part III – Downtown Sydney.

All photos by me.

And three pictures from my internship…

Last batch tomorrow – complete with lots of animals and beautiful landscapes.

Previous posts: Australia, Part I – Melbourne & Canberra, and Australia, Part II – Sydney Suburbs.

All photos by me.

Oh Sydney, I heart you. If you’re of the same mind as I am, you’ll want to check out tomorrow’s post as well. More Sydney! Yay! This time, the downtown area, iconic Opera House and all.

And in case you missed it… Australia, Part I – Melbourne & Canberra.

All photos by me.

So let’s recap, shall we? 89 days, approximately 25 000km, 12 flights, 4 states, 15+ cities/towns, a bajillion kangaroos, over 2000 photos… all culminated into 65 pictures, 4 posts. Fun times, ya? Hopefully this will give you a small taste of my travels in the land down unda.

Part I, as my post title so cleverly indicates, covers the beautiful cities of Melbourne & Canberra (and one picture from Adelaide). Total extremes. You’ve got Melbourne, your chill “arts & culture” hub, and Canberra, a man-made city built to house parliament. I won’t go into detail since I’d be here for an eternity and a half, but for a quick description of each picture, just hover over it. And if you want to know anything specific, gimme a shout in the comments. :)

Stay tuned for Part II – Sydney Suburbs tomorrow. xo.

All photos by me.

And the rest, you’ll have to see at Moxee. Check it:

Behind The Scenes / Krissy

Photos by me for Moxee.

On the plus, I’m very fortunately one of those people that can pull off and look good in glasses. So yay on that front (not sure whether to punctuate this with an ! or a ?) Anytheway, as I head off to the optometrist this afternoon to hear my verdict (though I’m about 95% sure I need to up my prescription as I can no longer recognize someone from across the street… I’m thinking that’s not a good sign), I’m finding myself on the market for some new frames. While I do quite like my current thick, black Chanel frames… (see below)

… after all, they go with everything. But I’d like a change. Something a little softer, a little more daring and that will compliment my red hair (which I don’t see going anywhere any time soon). I’m thinking the answer to my prayers may very well be… tortoise shell!

(And because I couldn’t resist… Elijah Wood being a major dreamboat (as per usual). Can I get a resounding, “yes, please!”)

Thoughts my fellow four-eyes? What style are you rocking? And for those blessed with bunny vision, perhaps share you favourite sunglasses style. (I’m presently mad about cat’s eye lenses.)

Click images for sources.

Morning light is the most exquisite. It’s a shame the majority of us sleep through it. And those awake at the crack of dawn are typically too occupied preparing for the day to take notice.

But some strange twist of fate, I found myself laying in bed yesterday morning, wide awake, at 5AM. Try as I might, I couldn’t fall back asleep, so I hopped out of bed and started on a massive cleaning spree of my apartment. Mid-way through washing my dishes, I noticed how incredibly beautiful this soft pink-ish-blue-ish light from the rising sun was peeking through my curtains. There’s so much beauty in the world we rarely take notice of. What a way to start the day…

All photos by me.