Thoughts - Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend

So I've been thinking about diamonds and engagement rings. Before you get all excited and start congratulating me, STOP. I'm not engaged, gosh I'm not even in a relationship but lets just say that from a tender young age I've loved weddings. So naturally I've looked into engagement rings, and this baby here is one that I designed earlier today on the Adiamor website, it's a pair cut diamond on a white gold setting with four prong set diamonds and 28 pave set diamonds. But the thing that's really been making me think is... I don't actually want a diamond!

Building engagement rings is almost as fun as hopping on the Apple website and building yourself a Mac Pro, I managed to make one ring with a $250,000 diamond and even the cheaper ones are still about $4000. For me, it seems excessive. Don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go at the ladies out there that want a genuine rock on their finger but its just not for me. There are a few reasons for this. 

Firstly it is because of the bad side of diamonds. The people who die to bring mine them and the military powers that they fund. Now this isn't all diamonds but if something has the potential to contribute to this, and it's something that I don't really want, then I'm quite happy to say no thanks!

Secondly, I struggle to see the value in a diamond. I don't really wear jewelry and as long as something looks nice I'm not really worried what it's value is. This is why I want a cubic zirconia, if there is a decent reason to want a diamond it's going to be lost on me and therefor I see it as a bit of a waste of money. I don't have a problem with people who like diamonds, but I think I'd be happier if a bit of that ring money was saved and went towards something that was more me. 

So what is your opinion? Are you a diamond girl?

Would you settle for anything less?

Have you secretly picked out your ring?

Things - iPhone Apps I'm Loving

So when I first heard the name "Four Square" I instantly got images of the childhood game I always dreaded (although in Vietnam we called it handball). After checking it out I realised that Four Square is definately not something to dread, but something really fun! 

Four Square describe themselves as "part friend finder, part social city guide, part nightlife game!" Basically when you go somewhere (anywhere) you 'check in'. You can write reviews of places, add new venues and check out what your friends are doing. The best bit about it is earning things: you earn points every time you check in somewhere and you can compete against friends, you can earn badges after you complete certain milestones and after you visit a place more than anyone else you become mayor!

I love finding out about interesting ways that people decide to use the internet and similar platforms like smart phones. I've got Four Square on my iPhone and I've currently got a bit of a competition going on with my housemate Kirby because she's become mayor of our house! Hint hint, Roxy jump on the bandwagon!

The other app I'm loving at the moment is the Ethical Shopping Guide Shop Ethical! I'm not crazy about following boycotts and choosing ethical products and most of my shopping is based on my wallet and my stomach as opposed to my head and my heart. I think that for anyone it's important to know about the products you are buying, whether you choose to make decisions based on these facts is up to you. You can check up on almost any grocery products to find out which are the most ethical brands to buy based on human rights, animal rights, environmental policies and how much these companies lie. Some of these profiles are enough to turn you off that jar of Milo! 

This app isn't free unfortunately, but I think that anyone in charge of their own grocery shopping should download it. I probably wont be revamping my entire shopping list straight away, but it'll definitely help me make some more informed decisions while cruising the aisles. 

Have you used any of these apps? Have I convinced you to download them? What are your favourite iPhone apps?

Food - Healthy BUT Tasty Snack

I just want to start by saying WOW Tash, look at all those colours! Those watches are fabulous. Are they not? But I think for me, I'll stick with my simple, silver DKNY watch (a birthday girt from the one and only Rowan. My Bf). Awww! How sweet.


Anyway, today I'm talking about food, again. And, I'm going to be banging on about the Bimby (thermomix), again. Sorry, but it is important.

I was peckish after a morning at Uni and I simply couldn't find anything in the fridge that was remotely interesting. So after a long while of aimless searching I decided I needed to create something. Fast. Then I rememebered the brilliant snack that my Aunty Sue told me about a while back... A tasty mix of Apple, Almond, Coconut and Pitted Dates.

How do I make it? Easily. I chop half a granny smith apple into four quarters, grab a handful of dates, shredded coconut and pitted dates and chuck it into the Bimby, press the 'pulse' button a few times and BAM, I've got a really yummy, healthy mix that I can nibble on while writing this blog. Awesome.

Honestly, it was goood.

Do you have any amazing yummy creations?
Are they healthy?
Or a little naughty?
Whatever it is, I want to hear about it.

P.S This mix doesn't necessarily reqire a Bimby, if you've got a food processor it is equally easily and will taste just a great. I assure you!