Poetry: Onamatopoeia.

Sound words are sometimes called echoic because they echo or sound like the nature sounds of objects, people or actions. The use of such sound words in poetry is called onomatopoeia. The following poem puts this idea into practice.

The Onomatopoeia River

Glade...shade...pool...cool...

Fickle...trickle...supple...able

Yearning...trending...wending.

(Read each line faster)

Amble, addle, dawdle, dabble,

Babble, bubble, gurgle, gambol,

Bustle, hustle tussle, tumble,

Mumble, grumble-rumble, hurtle-

Lunge! Plunge!

Splash! Spray,

Flay, fume.

Gnash! Lash! Rage, wage.

(read each line slower)

Freed, speed...

Weed...reed...

Haze...laze...

Hide...glide...

Wide...tide.

By Max Dunn.

Some fun cheap holiday thrills.

Everyone (including myself) all have a wonderful long summer break ahead of us. Some people may have schedules which are just bursting at the brim, whilst others are struggling to find a cheap and simple holiday thrill. I like to think of myself as just in the middle of the two. Here is a list of some cheap (and chic) things to do in the holidays:

1. Have a picnic in Hyde Park or the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Grab your friends, a picnic blanket, basket and a pair of sunglasses and have a blast just chilling out in the beautiful grassy terrains of iconic parks in Sydney. Listen to the surrounding crowds and buskers for a true taste of the calmer city on the cheap. Sandwiches, baguettes and fresh fruit platters are a must.

2. Watch a movie at Dendy Cinemas on King Street in Newtown.

If you love anything out of the ordinary and alternative, Dendy Cinemas and Newtown is the place to be these holidays. Dendy Cinemas is my choice for the best place to watch movies (other than home) because there are usually less crowds and a lot of international and local films available to watch. It is less mainstream in content and far more interesting.

3. Visit Bondi, Glebe and/or Paddington markets

Visit some iconic Sydney markets and make the most of a budget savvy shopping day in the outskirts of Sydney city. Markets are perfect for cheap items, knick knacks, vintage, clothes, accesories and food. Affordable and stylish, markets are easy ways to go out and have a good time.

4. Go magazine shopping at Mag-nation on King Street.

Mag-nation is this new store which has recently opened with some great success. Supplying a large range of local and international magazines from all over the world, mag-nation is the tabloid lovers ideal inner city mecca. From the New York Times to Vogue Nippon, Dazed & Confused to Vanity Fair, you'll be able to spend hours pondering over these glossies for some time.

5. Eat Yum-Cha in Chinatown.

So cheap and so delicious, Yum-Cha would have to be the daily alternative to cocktails in the morning. Enjoy the fresh aromas of steaming tea along with the many exotic Asian influences in the dishes. Visit a Yum-Chas place with your friends as it's even cheaper.

I'm positive this short list will keep you busy for a little while, if you need any more ideas, let me know!

Kris Kringle Online.

So the Kris Kringle names are out and it's obviously time to start checking out cheap and chic gifts. Here are my favourite online sites which will have Christmas presents and cheaper than chips Kris Kringle sorted almost instantly!

- www.smiggle.com.au

- www.prettyinpink.com.au

- www.apple.com/itunes

- www.amazon.com/au

- www.thebodyshop.com.au

- www.toysonline.com.au

- www.sweetstems.com.au

So, a reminder that the budget is $10 and gifts should be wrapped/packaged/well presented with a Christmas card as it is just a polite thing to do. I hope no one gives their K.K a gift in a white Big W bag or whatnot as I will scream! Enjoy!

Instructions: How to make a stress ball?

I figured that since it is indeed the holidays for you all, it might be nice to get crafty every once in a while. I have come across the instructions on how to make stress balls as a completely random idea which will be great for examination periods and a fun activity to do when you have the time.

Need:
- Balloons (not water balloons)
- Flour/Sand/Rice/Corn starch
- Funnel
- Crafty things to decorate it with
Instructions:
1. Get your small round balloon and blow it up until it is about 4-5 inches around but do not tie it.
2. Pinch the top of the balloon shut whilst slowly placing a funnel into the tip.
3. Fill the top of the funnel with either flour/sand/rice/corn starch and slowly let go of the balloon so the filing is able to slide in.
4. Continue adding until you are happy with the amount and the firmness of the filled balloon.
5. Pull up the top of the balloon tightly and allow any excess air to be released.
6. Tie the balloon as closely to the tip as possible.
7. Decorate with permanent markers or whatever you wish.

Enjoy!

Gorgeous goodies for the girlies.

Just a completely random note for the lovely girls in my classes, I am totally in love with the amazingly sweet Pretty in Pink vanity cases which double perfectly as a cute pencil case, so perfect for back to school time. Priced at just $17.50, these vinyl cases will last forever as their style is timeless and the design is so chic. Buy them online at www.prettyinpinkdesigns.com.au/ or visit the gorgeous boutique at 533 King Street, Newtown. Enjoy!
PS: It did go through my mind as a possible XMAS present but I've resisted because I found something just as chic, if not more.