This month's desktop calendar has a distinctly Springy look to it, despite it being Autumn down here in NZ. I just thought it was too pretty to pass up! Besides, I can't forget about those of you in the Northern Hemisphere now can I?
If I were able to make one Christmas wish this year, I would without a doubt wish for snow. In New Zealand in December, fish would be more likely to fall from the sky– definitely not snow!
You guys in the Northern Hemisphere don't know how good you have it! Maybe I'm too influenced by cliche Hollywood Christmas films but I think there's something so magical about seeing the twinkling holiday lights reflect off the white snowy ground; being able to ice skate beside a massive Christmas tree; or sit in a cute little cafe on a wintery night, sipping on a toasty hot chocolate and listening to christmas carols– ah bliss!
I hope to have a Christmas like this one day. Honestly anywhere cold will do but if I had a choice, these are my top three white Christmas destinations...
...but first, some music to set the mood :)
1. Lapland, Finland
Lapland in northern Finland is known as the hub of all things Christmas. They have reindeer, elves, a toy workshop and Santa himself, who is said to live in the nearby Korva-tunturi mountains (so, not at the North Pole after all?)!
Hey, if it's good enough for Santa, it's good enough for me! Hopefully I would get to see the Northern Light's while I'm there too!
Frankfurt seems to become a bit of a winter wonderland in December. Their annual Christmas market looks as if it has an amazing, festive atmosphere– enough to fill any grinch with Christmas cheer! I think I would have a ball buying all kinds of cute knick knacks!
Also, the buildings seem to look a bit like giant gingerbread houses which adds to the christmassy look... that could be just me though ha!
I guess it is true... I am overly influenced by Christmas movies! In my defence, most good Christmas movies are set in New York City. Hello?– Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Serendipity!?
New York tends to make a big deal about Christmas, starting with the lighting of "the tree" at Rockefeller Centre. Shopping at Macy's or Bloomingdales with their amazing festive displays would be a surreal experience. One I'm sure I'd never forget!
Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree and ice rink (source)
Better late than never, right? It's been a crazy few weeks but I have finally got around to doing this month's wallpaper!
New York is one of the top destinations on my 'go to' list! I can't wait to go there one day– maybe this will inspire me to finally get saving this month!
The sun is finally starting to show its beautiful face here in Hamilton. It makes me so happy to be able to sit out in the sun and soak up some much-needed rays!
I wanted this month's desktop calendar to ooze sunny goodness! I really enjoyed collecting pictures of California for my 'California dreaming' post so much so that it has inspired this month's location– LA– more specifically, the Santa Monica Pier.
Is it just me or does it seem like California has Summer on a perpetual loop!? Do they even have Autumn or Winter over there!?
I've been looking at a lot of pictures of the sunny state lately. I love the retro and grainy vibe that the sun rays give to a photo. It's almost as if you can feel the warmth through the screen! This is making me even more eager for Summer, I wish it would stop taking its sweet time and get here already!
I am loving vimeo at the moment! I have found so many amazing short films. This one, entitled 'new york city.', shows a beautiful time-lapse of New York. It may be the great scenery, the pretty night lights and/or the wonderful music, but it's making me want to go there even more than usual!
Being back home in New Zealand has come as a bit of a shock to the system for me. It was so sunny and warm in Brisbane so I'm finding it hard to re-adjust to the cold, rainy, overcast and wintery days that are all too common in Hamilton.
But I'm trying to be positive about it! After all, there aren't many places around the world that can hide from the drizzle! I've found that looking at pictures of wonderful places on rainy days has romanticised the wet weather, thus making a bit more bearable!
Take a look at some of my favorites, maybe they can inspire you to be positive on a seemingly miserable day as well...
Today marks 75 years since America's most beloved bridge was opened to the public and I must say, it looks just as beautiful today as it did way back then, don't you agree?!...
The Golden Gate Bridge on opening day, 27th of May, 1937
Seventy-five years certainly is a long time so, it's strange to think that there was a time when the iconic 'Golden Gates' weren't there, guarding the passage to the Pacific! I have found some pictures, which I think are absolutely fascinating, taken during the construction of the bridge all those years ago...
Something the bridge is known for is the clouds and fog that often surrounds it. It is apparently something about the positioning of the bridge that seems to make the mist gravitate toward it. This makes things a bit tricky for motorists but also allows for some pretty amazing pictures to be taken...
However, even when it's not covered in clouds it is just as pretty! Have a look at these pictures of the bridge, captured over it's 75 year lifetime...
The bridge in 1950
Members of the San Francisco Ballet pose in front of the bridge in 1957
A couple gets their picture taken in front of the bridge in the 60's
Fireworks during the finale of the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1987
People gather to commemorate the bridge's 50th anniversary in 1987
Reflection of the bridge in raindrops
The bridge during a storm
I want to finish with a confession. As someone who has never seen the bridge in person (as of yet anyway!), one of my only connections with it growing up was through movies and television. So of course, when I think of the 'Golden Gate Bridge', this instantly comes to mind...
I'm sure I'm not the only one, am I?!
I'm not ashamed though... I LOVED Full House, almost as much as I love that bridge!
I’m Rachel, a 24-year-old Communications graduate from Hamilton, NZ. I love to read, write, watch movies and bake yummy treats. From time to time I also like to write down my thoughts and post them on the internet for all to see. Enjoy!
