Paper Re-Decorating

Maybe you have the redecorating bug, but you're not allowed to paint. So here's what you do, use paper. You are probably thinking what! I'm serious, you can do almost anything you'd want to paint or tile with paper. My dream was a kitchen back splash, my issue nothing permanent. I was able to create the look and you can too, keep reading to learn how.

In this picture you will see some of the project and little pieces looking like tiles cut off.  Since I decided to to do a back splash in another way, I went to the local art store and found a work around. Picked up the prettiest paper you've seen and start to make it happen. Since my idea is a backslash I had to imitate tiles I was dreaming of in my head.

I got different types of paper cut them into equal sized strips. I picked a range of blues to pull and compliment the blue accent wall and the gold and lighter brown to bring out the wood grains. Then I started to leave them together in a pattern pulling them tight. This created a place mat almost with some loose ends, which I cut to clean up the edges.  

Then it was about getting tape and some thumb tacks and sticking it to the wall, trying to mix and match some of the paper strips. It also helped to take off the electrical light plug box and put it back on, over the paper. 

This helped give the nice finish look, that from far one would never guess it was paper. 

NYE 2012/13 in Sydney

 

I have been planning my trip to New Zealand and Australia, decided that NYE should be in Sydney. That was the easy part! Afterwards I have tried to figure out what to do and looks like it I am flying solo. Which put another twist, how do I want to spend NYE alone? I will be hanging with my good friend Ms.V the days before and most likely not making great friends in the Hostel. Leaving to wonder, what to do?

Not wanting to be alone at least with out good tunes I started to look for a party and feel like I am doing it in the blind. I keep researching and checking out places to go, parties to see... Sydney has so much going on! Their are like 6 firework shows the most prominent being over Darling Harbor and a ton of boats all light up; reminding me of Burning Man's Playa! I did not want to be stuck on a boat, in case I did not like or find anyone to be friends with. Knowing I would be on my own, I have been researching and cannot seem to make up my mind. Thus blogging to help work through the processes.

1. Jackson on the George: Aimed to be an imitation Full Moon Party from Thailand, the VIP ticket includes pass-out to the Circular Quay Fireworks - which seems like one of the best viewing spots. The VIP also included open bar with beer, wine or soda... but I am good with the wine and some light snacks from 6-8pm! The music is pretty mix and the venue is well known holds 1000 people with 4 floors.

2. Harbour Party: On The harbor and will have great views of the main firework show, plus unlimited carnival rides. There is a bar but the VIP only gets you a comp drink or two not open bar and VIP tickets are pretty pricey $250 + but come with exclusive waterfront viewing. I am hesitant about this, not sure if carnival rides and drinking is a great idea or if I want that.

3. Shore Thing: On Bondi Beach, a huge party.. probably one of the most famous for Sydney. They have great major name artists every year and this year is no different. With The Chemical Brothers, Knife Party and Fredde Le Grande as the main draw. It seems massive. They have of course their own firework show and it is a party on a beach, which really is a Full Moon Party. This would be higher on the list if it were not so expensive and seeming so crowded.

4.  Retro Party: A "Fire and Ice" themed, boast of a good firework viewing of Darling Harbour and the city - note it is similar to #5. The VIP has access to the roof top, snacks, open bar with beer, vodka and soda till midnight. This could be a free party but when is free there is no roof top access or firework view. Note the free aspect could make it kind of crappy and extremely crowded.

5. Hedkandi Party: Has a few levels of tickets, boast of over 14 artist on two levels and harbourside to see the fireworks. It is "White Party" theme which could be fun. Tries to be an oasis and has an outside area. The VIP packages vary with a side area, snacks and access to the bar.

I am starting to lean towards #1 but it is very hard for me to choose... so many good options! Any opinions? I would love to hear them and yes I do now have to worry about a budget (GRR!).

Live right for all your life

No one likes to budget, or put money aside not to be used right now. Unless it is for a specific reason and the sooner it arrives the better, right?

Yet when it comes to your retirement, that is just what you have to do. If you don't put money aside then you are screwing up your retired years and life; this is supposed to be when you get to kick back and enjoy. I know I have some big plans for my future, which means I am going to need money. Thus should start saving for it sooner than later. So then why don't we all procrastinate saving for it? Too much we want to use the money on right now. Or maybe we cannot face up the fact that one day we might get old.

I know better. I try to live life like I will die tomorrow and plan to live to 100. Either way, I am getting back on the horse and aim to max out my companies 401k match program. I figured this would be a good place to start. Don't worry, I remember to diversify my portfolio. Though doing this part of my future planning has gotten me thinking about budgeting better. I think it is going to be a real priority in 2013.