Pink Patent Mary Janes

best ideas ever

2012-01-28T12:11:00.000+11:00

Browsing Pinterest this morning I saw this fabulous idea - storing sheet sets inside their pillow cases - genius! It's an idea I've heard before, but seeing it in action has inspired me to enter my black hole linen closet and do this.

The blog this originated on has some other fab ideas too. Go here to check it out. This daft scott's lass isn't so daft - love her work!

flowers for friday

2012-01-27T08:49:00.000+11:00

I'm feeling discombobulated today - because I kept thinking yesterday that it was Saturday... So I thought I'd throw us a little garden party to help get through the last working day of the week.

My gal's off to get her new Going To High School haircut today. To celebrate the transition between primary school and high school we dip-dyed her hair hot pink on the ends {so cute!} and that's getting cut off today

Bless her socks, she's very excited about going to high school: looking forward to the challenges and making new friends. Wow, does time zoom by...

Happy friday everyone.

j'adore dior

2012-01-24T14:59:00.000+11:00

Positively parfait non?

meal planning monday

2012-01-23T11:43:00.000+11:00

Okay, last week of the school holidays - can you believe it? Eep! Okay, to take my mind off it - here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: We didn't manage to have steaks on the bbq on the weekend, so that's what we'll be having tonight. With salad greens.

Tuesday: Jamie's Salmon and Prawn bake was also a no-go last Friday night {we had takeaway fish&chips instead} so that's on the menu tonight.

Wednesday: We're off to our in-laws for the night.

Thursday: I spent a bit of time browsing through my many cookbooks on the weekend. Shall make Nigella's poached chicken with puy lentils tonight. My gal loves poached chicken and puy lentils so win-win there.

Friday: I think we need a duck night. Tonight shall be duck night.

Saturday: Out to dinner to celebrate our gal starting high school in a few short days!

Sunday: Seven hour leg of lamb with roasted veg.

You? What's on your mealplan?

ooh, saturday? really?

2012-01-21T18:14:00.002+11:00

I'm finding it very difficult to believe that it's Saturday night already. Seriously?

So to help give me some breathing space, thought I'd best jazz up my blog with some crimson fleurs. Couldn't you just imagine squealing with delight every time you entered such a fabulous conservatory?

{and ps: check out the pompoms on the cushions - cuteness incorporated!}

flowers for friday

2012-01-20T09:36:00.001+11:00

Something pink and pretty for your Friday.

tom ford nail polish

2012-01-19T09:30:00.001+11:00

I swear that everything this man does is little short of perfection. My Tom Ford lippy I bought in Paris is undoubtedly my fave of all time, so don't you think I need some of his nail polish as well? I'm thinking that orange on the bottom row, second from the left.

For starters...

i need to have a cocktail party

2012-01-18T11:40:00.001+11:00

Just so I can hang one of these on my front door.

Cuteness!

meal planning

2012-01-17T11:16:00.000+11:00

Sorry, I got carried away with the Golden Globes yesterday and forgot to post this. Here's what we'll be eating this week:

Tonight: Spaghetti with homemade pesto. I have a stack of basil growing in the vegie garden, best use it up. I've also got some leftover chicken from last night's Chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, so I'll shred that up and toss it through too. Perhaps with a little crispy pancetta too.

Wednesday: The Divine Ms M is staying with us this week, and we're off to the movies tonight. So I'll make an early dinner of dukkah-crusted lamb fillet with a beetroot and feta salad.

Thursday: I'm off to a meeting in Sydney, so will have Mexican ingredients ready for my gal to whip up.

Friday: Jamie Oliver's salmon and prawn tray bake from his 30 minute meals is an essential. With salsa-verde potatoes and a spinach and mint salad. Yum.

Saturday: Steak and salad - bbq night.

Sunday: Roast. Last week we had pork belly, so it's probably time for chicken again do you think?

Ps: where's January going? My gal's due to start high school soon - eeek! We've got everything ready - uniform, shoes {yes - we finally found lace up shoes that weren't clunky and ugly. After 7 years of Mary Janes the girls have to wear lace-up shoes in high school - erk}

Enjoy your week - what's on your menu?

golden globes frock love

2012-01-16T13:54:00.002+11:00

Okay, you could have knocked me down with a feather when I realised that I liked what Nicole Kidman's wearing. And I do. Actually, I think I love it. It's so flattering, gives her curves and the gold adds oomph to the pale colour. Love her hair colour too - and the face isn't looking as frozen as usual.

Such a dramatic look for Angelina. LOVE the make-up {want that lippy!} and that slash of red is perfect on the frock. But damn, girl, please eat something.

Work with what you've got. This deceptively simple frock is many shades of fabulous. Love.

The image doesn't do this justice. A SPECTACULAR shade of green with a feathered shot of fabulosity. This was by far and away my fave look.

I also LOVED Sofia Vergara {who doesn't?} but couldn't find a shot of her smoking up the red carpet in Vera Wang. Kristen Wig is looking glorious as a brunette in peach, and oh, Heidi Klum wins the prize for best accessory with her fabulous turquoise neck piece. Reece Witherspoon also looked rather fabulous with messy, long hair and a deep red frock.

There's not enough Ricky in this Golden Globe coverage for my liking, but hey I'll take what I can get.

oooh, it's saturday {sigh}

2012-01-14T10:57:00.001+11:00

I've got a bit of a thing for green. I find it soothing, relaxing and very, very fresh. Our bedroom's green, the original colour from when we bought the house, and we've painted our living room in a colour very similar to this one. I think it'd work well in our kitchen too. Hubby wasn't too sure how well it'd go with the grey benchtops, but I think it works. Don't you?

Busy day today. I'm out to dig up the vegie gardens and add lots of manure ready for autumn planting. I'm also working on the inside of the house to get it back into shape for the working week. Then, tonight, we're off to visit our friends who went spent a week with in Provence. One couple, who live in Sweden, are out in Oz, so we're all catching up to reminisce, and hopefully plan the next trip... I'm saving my pennies as we speak.

flowers for friday

2012-01-13T11:23:00.001+11:00

Can't you just breathe in the prettiness with these gorgeous white fleurs and pretty palest of pale blue bottles? This image just about sums up serenity - which I could do with a spot of about now... I'm feeling a little blue, my English in-laws are flying back home tomorrow after a fabulous month. Last night there were tears from my gal who asked "Why can't they live closer?" Makes me want to save harder and get back over there again sooner...

On the bright side, we did have a wonderful month with them. Caught up many times, shared giggles and great conversation. The girls all adore each other, little Miss R was permanently attached to my gal at the family farewell last night, so that's something to be thankful for.

They mightn't be in our neighbourhood, but they're in our hearts, that's what matters isn't it?

school holiday awesome

2012-01-12T18:03:00.000+11:00

This.

This needs to be done.

a bit of pretty

2012-01-11T08:43:00.001+11:00

One thing I love about immersing myself in Pintrest is stumbling upon little bits of fabulous.

Like this.

online ease

2012-01-10T12:17:00.001+11:00

I'm finding it very difficult to justify shopping in-store. As you know, I loathe shopping, and it's never made easy. For example, for YONKS now, I've wanted one of these gorgeous cast-iron, enamelled pots. I have my large Le Crueset pot, but this lower one is idea for a wide range of dishes - and programs such as Donna Hay made me covet a pretty white number.

But was it easy to buy?

It was not.

About six months ago I called the company, who told me to GO INTO my local David Jones and order one. So I tried.

Oh I tried.

Since our David Jones in Hunter Street closed down {still sobbing one year on} we're left with the barren wasteland of David Jones Westfield. If, by some extraordinary stroke of luck you happen to stumble upon a salesperson you can be guaranteed that they do not normally work in the area in which you're looking so really, can't help you. So they'll take down your details and someone will call you back.

Or they won't.

So you'll call, and nobody will answer, until somebody does and they'll take a message.

Then apparently eat the paper because nobody calls you back. How can they? They don't have enough staff to serve the actual customer live in the store.

So I kept using my large pot, with dampened baking paper on top of the cooking so it felt like I had less space and kept everything moist and fabulous. Still coveting. Still bemoaning David Jones Hunter Street closing.

But today my inbox pinged with the Peters Of Kensington newsletter. With a sale. And the above very pretty Provence Blue {my name - but seriously, this is the colour of Provence skies - bliss} Chasseur pot for only $147. Considering the other one retails for over $400 this is seriously bargain-a-licious. And it'll last a lifetime and I'll use it weekly. And pass it onto my daughter on my deathbed. I will love it, I will pet it, I will call it...

Love.

Ordered in 3 minutes, shipped here for under $10 and I'll be cooking in it by the weekend.

So, tell me again Gerry Harvey WHY I should shop in-store?

PS: Knock on my door at 11am - it's my delivery. Yep, less than 24 hour turnaround. And oh, it's SO PRETTY in person. Just perfect for cooking's tonight's pilaf with the leftover chicken with 40 cloves of garlic {recipe going on other blog it was OMGood.}

meal planning monday

2012-01-09T09:23:00.001+11:00

Why hello there, how's your monday treating you? I'm determined to have a good week this week, so here's what's on the menu plan:

Monday: We're off to my mother-in-law's for dinner tonight for dinner with our English family before they head back home on the weekend.

Tuesday: I seem to keep ordering garlic from Aussie Farmers and then forgetting to use it, so tonight we'll have chicken with 40 cloves of garlic for dinner. Ha - that'll use it up. *Update: OH MY GOD - best chicken meal EVER. Please make it.

Wednesday: I'll make a pilaf with the leftover chicken from last night's dinner.

Thursday: Off to a bbq to say farewell to OS relatives {why yes, it is a long goodbye - but they're worth it}. I'm taking a salad, roasted vegies and couscous I think.

Friday: Would you believe my gal's been requesting meatloaf? So I'll make her one.

Saturday: I've been inspired by Jamie's 30 minute meals {finally got around to watching the series I had recorded} I'm dead keen to try his lamb and pistachio kofta - actually, I think that was from Jamie at Home, nevermind, it's a Jamie Oliver recipe...

Sunday: Really? Sunday night already? I'm going to do a twist on a roast and make salmon en papillote. Yum.

sweet sunday

2012-01-08T10:53:00.000+11:00

How pretty is this? Old galvanised buckets, trailing flowers and little glass lanterns on old grey shutters. Love, love, LOVE this look.

I feel the need to get out into the garden today. Sadly it'll mean ruining my nails which are prettily clad in Chanel's Lilac Sky {my Christmas nail polish}. But at least my nails had an outing to lunch yesterday at the new Merewether Surfhouse {fabbo venue}...

Yes, let's go for the long-term gain of great garden - I can re-do my nails later.

Enjoy your weekend x

cute beach babe

2012-01-06T14:44:00.001+11:00

There are so many things I love about Mischa Barton's beach attire. Those shorts, that jaunty polka dot halter top, her red lippy and those cute beach locks.

Love.

ps: need to get me to a beach with fabbo beach loungers stat.

pps: in that outfit.

flowers for friday

2012-01-06T09:26:00.000+11:00

Best rose ever. Never gets black spot, hardly needs pruning, flowers nearly all-year-round with delicate pink, nodding blooms that are deliciously musk-rose scented.

When we moved in we had one Duchess de Brabant rose in the corner, now we have five {sadly the original had to be removed when a sewer pipe burst, it was too big to dig up and relocate, but we replaced it}. The stems of these are teeny tiny, but that's good because they look perfect popped into milk jugs or old jam jars.

Should the weather stop being so windy and grey I might toddle out the front and snip a few to bring some sunshine in.

sew far...

2012-01-05T10:23:00.000+11:00

This is the year I resolve to learn to sew. Properly. I'm always searching for that ideal a-line skirt that only exists in my head - perhaps this year I could buy some fabulous jersey and make it myself. Or whip up a little something with vintage fabric. I have a sewing machine, I have my fabulous vintage Vogue Sewing book - I just need some fabric, a pattern and a wee bit of time.

Should, shouldn't I?

best bookmark ever

2012-01-03T20:37:00.003+11:00

Over the years I've been given {and have, ahem, misplaced} many, many bookmarks. See, I'm not a dog-earer. Nor I am a spine bender. However, rather than a fancy schmancy bookmark, I'm usually using an old ATM receipt, or a piece of cardboard torn from a foundation box, or a piece of ribbon found on the floor.

However, if I had THESE bookmarks from this fabulous etsy store I promise I'd take good care of them forever and ever.

I'd probably giggle forever and ever too - but that's okay isn't it?

love this...

2012-01-03T13:35:00.003+11:00

well, hello summer

2012-01-03T11:14:00.001+11:00

It might have taken its time getting here, but summer's finally arrived at my house - and I like it! I spent the last day of holidays yesterday swimming, lazing by the pool, gardening, cleaning and getting the house and myself in order for a new year of work. Everything seems easier when it's sunny.

meal planning monday

2012-01-02T11:24:00.001+11:00

Happy new year everyone, hope you're filled with positivity and optimism for the new year. I know I am, and this glorious weather is helping me get things off to a good start. My gal and I spent some time this morning filling out our calendars, transferring dates from last year to this year. As my gal's starting High School this year {eek!} I know things will be busy, so I bought a Kikki K family planner in the hope I'll keep things on track.

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: I bought ingredients to make a spanish tortilla for New Years, and didn't make it, so tonight we'll have a potato, chorizo and red pepper tortilla, with a green salad.

Tuesday: Chicken and glass noodle vietnamese salad.

Wednesday: BBQ with steak, and a salad

Thursday: Chicken larb salad

Friday: Salmon and salad on the bbq

Saturday: I'm off to lunch with old school friends at the Merewether SurfHouse, then drinks afterwards, so hubby and daughter shall fend for themselves. Homemade pizza night.

Sunday: I shall be making my roast chicken with simple stuffing again. Yum.

Enjoy your week my lovelies x

pink poodle in paris party

2012-01-01T11:10:00.000+11:00

Okay, first step to success involves making Nigella's Red Velvet Cake. We doubled her Red Velvet Cupcake recipe from Kitchen and made a large rectangular cake {and by we I mean, my gal, she does love her baking!}

Next, we found the perfect poodle pattern on-line. This was the basis of my decorating.

Um, yes I did.

The finished product, complete with very french pink and cream stripes around the edges. And lotsa glittery stuff. And pink patent poodle shoes {smarties}. And licorice eyelashes!

The inside story. So yum!

Pink, black and cream themed streamers on the back veranda.

And helium balloons bobbing on the living room ceiling. {one for each gal to take home - and a few extras just in case of pops!}

In this neck of the woods no party's complete without a swim. And thankfully the weather put on a rather beautiful show for the day!

The girls played Pin The Bow on the Poodle with sometimes hilarious results {when Madame Poodle became Monseur} My very talented niece drew the most amazing poodle and these gorgeous glittery bows for all the girls. They ended up sticking the bows to the balloons to take home. Then we had French Trivia, with teams proving their french knowledge {captains were gals who'd been to France} and then some Wii Dance. Sustenance was next.

The food was either pink, or French-inspired. Look at these macarons I found at Woolworths!

Mini baguettes to butter and fill with ham and brie.

I found some pretty fairy dust in the cake aisle at Coles, so I had to make some fairy bread. They're off to high school next year so it may be my last chance. It was gobbled up in seconds, proving that really, you're never too old for fairy bread {a piece may have dived in my mouth too}.

Pretty and nutritious.

Washed down with pink grapefruit, sparkling water, and iced water.

Then it was presents and party bags before home time. And that's it. A great party for my gorgeous gal. 12 friends, two and a half hours and lots of giggles. What more could you ask for?

happy new year lovelies

2011-12-31T14:49:00.001+11:00

So, the Pink French party yesterday was a success - now I just have to upload some photos. The poodle cake was ooooohed over and tasted pretty damned good - so success! We took around 5000 pictures of it, trying to find the perfect one to tweet to Nigella.

We've got our English relatives staying, so there's been lots of swimming taking place. Tonight it's celebrating new years by the pool with champagne, beer and tapas. I decided that a bbq style tapas is the easiest way to go {I know, I'm odd}.

Here's to the end of 2011 - an odd year. Had some amazing times {OS holiday, new job, great times with friends and family} and ended with a bang {or a crash, when my husband came off his bike}.

Happy new year my lovely friends, here's to a fabulous 2012 xx

simple summer pudding

2011-12-29T10:46:00.002+11:00

Now, it's not just because she's my new best friend {see post below - squee!} but I do tend to follow Nigella's advice when it comes to plating up desserts. Simple can still be spectacular. This recipe is one I've adapted to much applause from a Jamie Oliver recipe I caught out of the corner of my eye. And oh, it's so simple. I'm repeating the recipe from the other day - it's always better with pics isn't it?

There's no baking involved, just assembly. All you need to do is buy two packets of mini chocolate sponge rolls, 2 litres of good quality vanilla icecream, frozen raspberries, and your favourite dark chocolate (I used Lindt Passionfruit Intense). Soften the icecream, stir in as many raspberries as you like, cut the chocolate into long shards and mix chocolate and raspberries together through the icecream. If it's an adult's only dessert add a liqueur like Cassis, but if not, add some Monin Rose Syrup, or stir through some extra vanilla extract.

Unroll the mini sponges and use them to line a pudding basin {don't bother removing the icing, but place the icing side facing inwards}. Overlap if possible, otherwise bits of icecream seep out {which I don't mind - looks pretty}. Fill with icecream and top with sponge. Cover with gladwrap, weigh down with something {I used a packet of arborio rice that I had in the freezer to stave off weevils} and refreeze for at least two hours - but this keeps for days, so do it as far in advance as you need.

Remove from fridge around 10 minutes before serving. Using a butterknife, go around the outside edges of the sponge, easing it away from the bowl. Sometimes you almost have to 'pull' it away using the knife. Invert it onto a large plate and pull off the bowl to the gasps of your guests.

Now, you can sprinkle it with icing sugar and grated chocolate if you're feeling fancy. Next, cut it into wedges and serve.

Yum.

You could also add a raspberry coulis or chocolate sauce if you were in the mood to up the decadence factor. Also, you're only limited by your imagination. I've chopped up Picnics, used poached peaches and nectarines with a vanilla sponge, and thrown in some nuts as well. It's so simple, and yet looks so impressive. Give it a go.

i die.

2011-12-27T21:41:00.001+11:00

Nigella_Lawson Nigella Lawson

“@LindaDrummond: Baking @Nigella_Lawson red velvet cake for my daughter's birthday. It will become a pink french poodle on the day! Show me

1 hour ago

Oh yes, I have a retweet from my culinary hero.

Dying.

mmmm mason jars

2011-12-27T12:03:00.000+11:00

Look at this glorious image I found over at Pinterest. Don't you just adore Mason jars? The colour, the shape, the iconic font. I think I need to indulge myself in a few...

So, how's the post-Christmas weather treating you? It's hideous here. Cold, windy, kinda rainy - and of course we have the in-laws and overseas relatives coming for a bbq tonight. No swimming for the kidlets this afternoon. Oh well, I'll make it up to them with some yummy food. Am making my favourite icecream dessert tonight - lining a pudding basin with chocolate sponge cake, then filling it with softened vanilla icecream mixed with raspberries, rose syrup and some shards of dark lindt chocolate. More sponge goes on the top, it's covered with gladwrap, weighed down and frozen again. I turn it out onto a large, round dish and sprinkle it with grated chocolate and a little icing sugar. Serve cut into wedges.

Yummy.

a very french christmas

2011-12-26T10:01:00.001+11:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

oh christmas nails

2011-12-24T15:41:00.001+11:00

Hello Santa hat fingernails! A bit slapdash, but CUTE!

it's christmas eve eve!

2011-12-23T18:44:00.000+11:00

I have one excited gal here who can't stop singing Christmas carols. Bless. We do love a celebration in this family - and if singing's involved, well, got to love it more.

Tonight's plan involves driving around to look at Christmas lights, while tomorrow involves baking brownies and making caramelised onion and goat curd cigars for Christmas Eve supper at my in-laws. We always have dinner at my in-laws, with my mil's slow roasted beef quite the family favourite. I don't have to cook a thing, so I like to do something for supper that's a bit different. I'll also be making cocktails - pink christmas {champagne and rose syrup - yum - served in a pink-frosted martini glass!}

Enjoy your festive season, see you in a few days xx

only three more sleeps

2011-12-22T14:54:00.000+11:00

Oooh, it's nearly here isn't it? Do you feel all Christmassy? My gal's in the kitchen making cute Santa cookies from upside down lovehearts {the tip forms the hat and the bumps form his beard when iced - cute!} and we've finally finished wrapping. Our tree is a delight of red and white wrapped pressies. I mayn't do a themed Christmas tree, but I do love a themed wrapping.

We've also finally got my gal's birthday invites printed and ready to drop off tonight. We've told everyone to save the date so it should go okay. Fingers and toes crossed we'll have sunshine so the girls can do some swimming.

Enjoy your week x

meal planning monday

2011-12-19T18:53:00.000+11:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - isn't it? Eep! With that in mind, here's what we're eating this week.

Monday: Hubby was feeling a bit yuck tonight, so requested Thai takeaway. I'm with him - when I feel blah, thai always cheers me up.

Tuesday: Our gal's up at her grandparents with her cousins so it's only the two of us. I have some pork schnitzel from Aussie Farmers. I might crumb it with panko, sage, and lemon zest don't you think?

Wednesday: Our gal's back home, and my dad and step-mum are stopping in for dinner. I'll do a bbq - or I'll ask Dad to do a bbq. With a vietnamese-inspired coleslaw.

Thursday: Spaghetti carbonara?

Friday: So close to chrissy. Shall cook up some fish and salad.

Saturday: Christmas Eve! Squeeee! Supper at my in-laws. I'm taking something - goodness knows what. Savoury hot things perhaps?

Sunday: Christmas - have a merry one!

phew

2011-12-17T10:08:00.000+11:00

Well, it's been quite the week here. We already knew we were having a big week as it was our gal's last week of primary school, but on Wednesday morning I received a call from a Dr saying that my husband had an accident riding his bike. Thankfully it wasn't on the road, but he was taken to hospital in an ambulance where we had three pretty harrowing days. He was wearing his helmet {thank goodness} but still sustained quite a blow to the head, along with the broken collarbone, numerous severe grazing and general pain that comes from being thrown off a bike.

He's home now, and still in a lot of pain, but he's okay.

That's all I wanted for Christmas.

Makes you stop and think doesn't it? This time of year when we're racing around, striving for perfection. Really, good heath kind of covers it.

I managed to spend time with him in hospital while he slept and also got to all the beautiful events my daughter's school had organised for her final week. I'll miss that school. She was blessed with some incredible teachers, many friends and a staff who genuinely care for the students. That's rare. Let's hope her transition into high school is as successful.

My gal's at a birthday party today. Hubby's dozing and availing himself of all the sport channels on foxtel, and I'm going to try to get as much Christmas stuff organised as possible. Thank goodness I had most of my shopping done.

Merry Christmas everyone. I wish you, and your loved ones good health. x

arty farty

2011-12-16T19:45:00.001+11:00

There are many things awesome about Newcastle. This LiveSites night at the Art Gallery last weekend was one of them. Australian masterpieces introduced to a new audience in novel ways.

Here's my gal sketching her version of Dobell's The Strapper who just so happened to be celebrating his 70th birthday.

Bless.

have yourself a merry little christmas

2011-12-13T11:54:00.003+11:00

I need some adorable wee snow-topped Christmas trees to line all my window sills {although I imagine that a fat, fluffy kitty cat paw would have a rather splendid time knocking them all off...}

Adorable or what?

meal-planning monday

2011-12-12T18:30:00.000+11:00

We had a lovely week and a half visit with my mum and step-dad up from Melbourne, so I did a lot of vegetarian cooking {they're vegos}. They left this morning, so it's back to the usual. And, as it's a super-busy week {my gal's last week of primary school - eek!} I'd best plan down to the last detail.

Monday: it's cold, I'm feeling a little poorly, and I can't possibly cook another thing. I've sent hubby off to Coles for food. Let's see what he comes back with.

Tuesday: We've been invited to a neighbours across the road for Christmas drinks - bless. She's putting on some food, but I may take over some savory nibbles. Then I'm off to the Surf Club to help decorate in readiness for the Year 6 luncheon on Wednesday.

Wednesday: We have to have a good sit-down meal to celebrate that my gorgeous gal was awarded a prize for academic excellence on monday. In English bless her socks - she sure does have a way with words and a love of writing. She can supplement her dancing around the world with the odd article perhaps... I'll make her fave meal - duck confit.

Thursday: It's the school christmas night - please let the rain stop. We'll either have an early dinner if I'm organised, or, if not, a dinner of cheese, cold meats and breads - surely that's all the food groups covered.

Friday: My gal's last day of Primary School {hold me!} I think we should go out to dinner to celebrate this. I'll see if I can make a reservation at our fave special restaurant, Bistro Tartine.

Saturday: I'll be baking up a storm in preparation for a girls-only High Tea. My sister-in-law and her two gals are out from England for Christmas so I'm inviting all the girls in the family here for High Tea. Dinner may be a very easy bbq I think.

Sunday: Well, we'll be full from High Tea. Hubby, not-so-much. Best make him a roast dinner to end the weekend before the rush into Christmas{!!!!!}

sweet saturday, seriously

2011-12-10T13:37:00.001+11:00

Hey, how's your weekend treating you? Mine's good. Got up early and baked an apple and cinnamon teacake as my aunt and uncle were coming in for morning tea and damn, it was good. Shall have to post the recipe, but it was just a simple tea cake and I fanned the top with finely sliced apples and then sprinkled that with brown sugar and cinnamon and added a few dobs of butter.

Yum.

I'm off to the supermarket in a tic to buy my turkey {fingers and toes crossed that they have a fresh one for me!} I think I'm going to cook in on the bbq, rather than the oven. It's a big bugger with a hood so should be perfect.

Enjoy your weekend.

flowers for friday

2011-12-09T10:10:00.001+11:00

I found the most massive bunch of pretty pink peonies at Coles on Wednesday - anniversary flowers! And can you see the pretty pale green and pink roses just in the background of that second shot? They were an Olive Tree Market purchase on Saturday.

Fresh flowers are a necessary luxury don't you think?

Ps; review coming next week of Subo - the new restaurant we chose for our anniversary dinner last night. Can you say to-die-for? Absolutely sublime food, enthusiastic, friendly and professional owners and staff - top notch. Newy people must attend, and if you don't live in Newcastle, you must come to visit - just for Subo - seriously.

glee does grease

2011-12-08T13:48:00.001+11:00

Seems like the perfect match to me!

happy anniversary to US

2011-12-07T08:41:00.001+11:00

It's our ten year wedding anniversary today - awwww bless. To celebrate we're off to our gal's ballet concert tonight then going out for dinner tomorrow night to Subo - Newcastle's newest restaurant. We were tossing up between the beautiful Bacchus {where we've been a number of times} or the new and fabulous sounding Subo and hubby had the casting vote. I'm thrilled he chose Subo. I do like to try something new and I'm glad he does too.

meal planning monday

2011-12-05T17:01:00.001+11:00

Apologies for my tardiness - it's been quite the weekend. My mum and step-dad are up from Melbourne so we've been hanging out, having an early Christmas together and just doing stuff. Then last night I had some gal pals and their kidlets over for a few Christmas bubbles, that turned into a lot of Christmas bubbles... Whoopsies.

So here's what we've eating this week - vego meals as my parents are vegetarian.

Monday: My step-dad's plucking some corn from my garden and making corn and sweet potato fritters with avocada salsa {mmmm}

Tuesday: I'm going to cook roasted beetroot risotto - why the hell not? And stud it with goat cheese.

Wednesday: It's my gal's ballet concert at 6pm - we might just have a quick toasted sandwich dinner and supper afterwards.

Thursday: It's our 10th wedding anniversary on Wednesday night, so we're going out to celebrate tonight. Tossing up between two restaurants: Bacchus or the new kid on the block Subo. I might ask Twitter to help me decide.

Friday: It's my hubby's work Christmas party - woo hooo. I think I might wear my green Leona frock with a red rose in my hair {I do like to dress to a theme!}

Saturday: Last night with my parents, might cook up a vegie Japanese feast to celebrate.

Sunday: Having Sunday Christmas-esque lunch with my dad and step-mum. I'm determined to roast my first-ever turkey. Wish me luck!

flowers for friday

2011-12-02T10:14:00.001+11:00

It's grey, drizzly and 15 degrees. Oh, and did I mention it's the second day of summer?

Sigh.

So here's a picture of Tourtour in Provence, taken from our pool, rimmed in lavender.

Sigh.

I think I would like to go back again...

on the first day of christmas

2011-12-01T14:58:00.001+11:00

Tee hee.

One of my friends shared this on Facebook and I had to spread the love.

One for all the television-addicted children of the 70s.

ready freddie?

2011-12-01T12:10:00.001+11:00

Last night I watched the most awesome documentary {words you do not usually hear coming from me}. It was part 1 Queen: Days Of Our Lives on ABC2, and it was beyond fabulous. I've always had a soft-spot for Queen. I remember being entranced the first time I saw Bohemian Rhapsody on Countdown - it was so unlike anything I'd ever heard, and Freddie was just the most magnetic frontman I'd ever seen.

So I loved hearing about their history, how long it took them to finally make-it and make money and how all four of them played a role in creating their songs {yes, four. Are you like me and think Freddie, Brian May, Roger Taylor and, um, the bassist?}

What intrigued me was the history behind some of their hits. For example, Freddie created Bohemian Rhapsody by rushing from studio to studio to add bits and pieces, before putting it all together. At the time it was extraordinarily long and had no chance of being released until Kenny Everett stole a copy and played it eight times in one weekend on his radio show and it became the hit it was. {See, Kenny Everett, not just a comedic genius}.

I found out that one of my fave Queen numbers, Don't Stop Me Now, was inspired by Freddie's immersion in the US gay scene. I also discovered that their biggest hit is Another One Bites The Dust - written by the bassist, John Deacon. Oh, and guess who encouraged them to release it as a single? Michael Jackson. I know - fascinating stuff.

So, next week it's on ABC2, 9.30pm Wednesday - but in the meantime check out iView for last night's episode. If you're a Queen fan you'll love it. If you're a music fan you'll also adore it.

Now, if you'll excuse me I need to hunt me down a Lego Freddie Mercury...

oh christmas tree

2011-11-30T18:07:00.000+11:00

My gal will squeal so loudy when she spies this. It's the Eloise Christmas Tree at the New York Plaza, unveiled by Betsey Johnson no less. I love that it looks like a pink fairy's exploded all over it. I do like a fabulously gaudy Christmas tree. Beautifully colour-coordinated trees are much like an all-white room, while I love looking at them, in real life, for me, they just don't cut it.

My gal and I decorated our tree on the weekend, sneakily early, but hey, it was the first day of Advent... Our tree is a green plastic one {wish is were pink and sparkly like my friend Sara Rose...} as I can't do real trees - they play havoc with my allergies and asthma. Ours is covered with decorations that all have a special meaning. Each year my gal gets a new ornament, and when she leaves home she'll have a big box of memories to take with her and start her own tree. There are home-made items, baubles that we've had since we first moved in together 17 years ago, and various bits and pieces added to over the years. I love a tree that's decorated with love - while Christmas tunes play in the background.

Ooh, speaking of Christmas tunes, there is an AWESOME cd out this year: Now Christmas 2011. It has 43 songs on it - including some classics and my all-time fave Christmas tune, "Christmas is the time to say I love you" by Billy Squier. I bought that single when I was a teen and played it over, and over again. Every Christmas I tried to buy the CD version, without luck, so I was stuck with playing it over and over again on YouTube. Can you imagine the squeal when I saw it was available on iTunes this year {it was massive, dogs in nearby suburbs covered their ears saying "Love, quit it with that high-pitched noise will ya...}

Is your tree up or are you saving it for this weekend?

marriage equality

2011-11-29T13:51:00.001+11:00

I am genuinely bemused by Julia Gillard's stance on equal marriage. I honestly don't see why she wouldn't want to take the brave step of being the Prime Minister who goes down in history as allowing all consenting adult Australians the right to marry. More than 60 per cent of the electorate agree that equal marriage rights is something we should have in Australia - that's more than a majority - and certainly a higher figure than the 'majority vote' that sees labor as the ruling party.

It's not like it's breaking with an age-old tradition. It was only in 2004 when the Howard government inserted the clause "Between a man and a woman" into the marriage act.

Why Julia? Why deny people in love the right to marry and express their commitment to each other? You've chosen not to marry which is excellent, and your right, but what of all those who would love the right to marry but it's just not theirs?

Next week the Labor party will be having a conscience vote on this issue. If you, like me, believe that this law needs to change you need to let your local federal MP know how you feel. I've already emailed my support to my local MP - one of the fabulous ones who's spoken up in parliament in favour of the amendment.

After watching Ides of March last night I was reminded of the sad fact that the vast majority of politicians don't allow their conscience to be their guide. They're guided by numbers. And votes. If they think that the majority of voters in their electorate feel strongly about a certain position - they'll vote for it - even if it goes against their own views.

Here's how to find your local MP and send them an email. Just a simple one: "Hi, I live in your electorate, I vote and I am in favour of marriage equality, kindest regards, A Voter." That'll do. Go here to find your MP and let them know how you feel. Our Prime Minister's email's also on there if you'd like to double your influence. I've sent Julia Gillard an email expressing my views, and am hoping she'll take them into consideration.

Let's be the generation that just doesn't sit back and watch history march backwards. I believe in love. That's all. It's that simple.

harper seven: very squishy

2011-11-28T16:09:00.001+11:00

I do love a bub with squishy cheeks - so obviously I ADORE Harper Beckham. PS: Am loving Posh's long locks. Sigh. And those boots...

sweetie! darling! sneaky peeky!

2011-11-28T09:32:00.000+11:00

Okay, apparently they're screening on ABC1 early in the New Year: see here for more details {squeeeaaaaallllllll!}

meal planning monday

2011-11-27T17:21:00.001+11:00

Wow, what a weekend. Packed with so much fabulous. I got to catch-up with Kerry from Tranquil Townhouse who is just as lovely, fabulous and gorgeous in real life as she is on her blog. We went and had a coffee at the new Merewether Surfhouse where the dolphin pod I'd organised earlier put on a lovely display right outside our spot {magical non?}.

My lil fam also shopped till we dropped at the incredible Red Lantern Night Markets. Oh, what a night.

Now, for normality {or what poses for it in our house}. Here's what I've got on my meal plan this week:

Monday: Caramelised pork, bok choy and noodles {Aussie Farmers keep giving me bok choy in my mixed fruit and veg box, best use it as something other than compost this week}

Tuesday: My gal's requested burritos to sustain her after one of her last ballet lessons before the big concert.

Wednesday: I think I'll do a thai beef salad tonight.

Thursday: Glazed salmon on the bbq with a salad.

Friday: Kebabs on the bbq with salad.

Saturday: pistachio dukkah crusted lamb on the bbq. Yum.

Sunday: Hmmm, think I might round off the week with a roast on the bbq.

And that's it. Ps: how cute is this pic from housetohome.co.uk? I need me a reindeer head in my house. This is the second one I've spied this week and now I have a hankering...

PPS: Whoops, just hit publish instead of schedule. Please pretend you're reading this tomorrow. x

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

2011-11-26T09:51:00.001+11:00

Well, it's the weekend. And it's a tad on the soggy-side here in Newcastle. Apparently the rain's set to abate this afternoon in time for the Red Lantern Markets {fingers and toes crossed!}. My gal has a pal over for a sleepover, and they're still asleep as I write {at 9.52am!} They had a busy few days at school camp, with lots of late nights thanks to other girls chattering. Bless. When they do wake we're off to the movies to see Arthur Christmas. Then it's off to the markets tomorrow and putting up the tree and decorating the house tomorrow {how much do I want to decorate like this room above? Oh, a LOT!}

I'm also catching up with the gorgeous Kerry from Tranquil Townhouse on Sunday which makes me very excited. Don't you love meeting a blogger in real life?

oh miss haversham!

2011-11-25T13:52:00.001+11:00

Am loving this shot of Gillian Anderson from the upcoming Great Expectations {even if her gorgeous titan locks are covered}.

If this shot's anything to go by the film should be visually sumptuous.

Also, I think I need that frock.

on my christmas wishlist

2011-11-23T12:49:00.001+11:00

A bottle of piper in faux-crocodile wrapping? And only $38.90 from Dan Murphy's? Oh yes please.

PS: How on earth do I find out about deals like this? On twitter of course - source of everything. You could follow Dan Murphy's here and be in the know too ;)

dita von teese for target!!!!!

2011-11-23T10:59:00.001+11:00

I know where I'm going to be next February - lining up at my local Target store to stock up on the new Dita Von Teese lingerie line.

I can only imagine it'll all be twenty billion shades of fabulous.

meal planning monday

2011-11-21T18:35:00.001+11:00

There is no way on earth that I'm going to complain about how busy I've been. After all, I've had the most beautifully social weekend with the most fabulous people on earth, and now I'm busy in a job that I {mostly} love - so who can complain? Not this little black duck. But I'm not letting busyness get in the way of being organised. Here's this week's odd meal plan:

Tonight: I took some bolognaise sauce from the freezer and have cooked up some pasta. My gal's at her ballet concert theatre rehearsal from 4.30 to 8pm so she'll be starvin' marvin when she gets home. Fast, satisfying, easy and frugal.

Tuesday: It's my gal's last night at home before she heads off on her Year 6 retreat for three whole days! Best make her fave cottage pie for dinner {shhh, don't tell anyone we're having mince two nights in a row...}

Wednesday: Child-free, and we're off to see Seeker, Lover, Keeper. Perhaps we could call in at Bar Petite for nibbles and a champers before the show.

Thursday: I'm in Sydney and off to a snazzy wine bar with my workmates. Bliss!

Friday: My baby's home! She'll want another special meal to welcome her back. Salmon on the bbq I think.

Saturday: The Red Lantern Night Markets are on for one-night-only. I donated a little bit on Pozible to ensure this happened this year so best eat there to support the traders!

Sunday: Roast chicken - we haven't had a roast chook for a while.

Phew.

we had a ball...

2011-11-20T15:26:00.001+11:00

Me and my gals - love them to bits.

My gorgeous hubby and me - and a few stray sunbeams...

A view of the dance floor from our table. I spent far too long dancing the night away on that there floor - so much so that my knee's currently propped up on cushions with an icebag on it. Oh well, can't have pleasure without a little pain.

I think I have a few more shots of the preparations on my camera - shall have to check and update.

stage 1 ball preparation

2011-11-18T17:34:00.001+11:00

Left on my fingers, right on my toes. {A rather fabulous green and an uber-deep purple}

yes, you shall go to the ball

2011-11-18T11:37:00.001+11:00

I'm a wee bit excited as tonight I'm off to a ball. Yep, frocking up, taking the Manolos from their box - foofing up my hair and dancing the night away with friends.

Good times.

I wish I were wearing a bunny mask like Candace Bergen at Truman Capote's infamous black and white ball {if I could time travel, I'd go there, and then stop by the Algonquin round table - and to check out Hemmingway in Paris - seriously, how sexy was that man in Midnight In Paris...}

Shall try to sneak off some shots - it's at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, a place I've never been - but it should be M.A.G.N. I. F. I. C. E. N. T. Love a good location. I've spoken before about how the atmosphere when you first arrive at an event has to offer something special - and I'm pretty sure that tonight it will.

this deserves an award

2011-11-17T12:18:00.001+11:00

It's official! Ricky Gervais is hosting the next Golden Globe awards. Nice to see that common sense prevailed. Surely they had their highest ratings, and recognition, after his last hosting. And whoa boy, will people be tuning in for this one.

Will they try to reign him in? Doubt it - just as I'd doubt he'd be reigned.

You know I love me an awards ceremony {mainly for the frocks}, well now I'm doubly delighted {and there will be squeeing!}

that's sweet

2011-11-16T10:48:00.001+11:00

Look at what's appearing in selected Seed stores - cuteness! I do love an old fashioned lollyshop!

tedxnewy: ideas worth acting on

2011-11-14T08:55:00.001+11:00

On Saturday morning hubby dropped me off at the Civic Playhouse and I made my way to registration for TEDxNewy. There honestly was an excited buzz in the air, with genuine smiles being offered from the TAFE volunteers, to all the lucky audience members. Only 200 people were selected to buy tickets, and I was so lucky to be one of them.

As I worked my way around the foyer I spotted a friendly face, well, a friendly face that I recognised from an avatar on Twitter that is. The NewyTweeps were out in force at TEDxNewy and they were all as marvelous as they appear in 140 characters. I can now say that I've met some new friends I'll have for life.

So @drdrdr09 and I made our way to one of the rear two rows - the tweeting rows, along with @thegreenegg and settled into our seats - tweeting thumbs at the ready. The screen lit up, and so did our faces, it was here.

Speaker after speaker blew my mind. From the opening of Bernie Curran, followed by the awesome Marcus Westbury and my new crush, Gerry Bobsien - there was so much to take on board. Frantically watching, tweeting, reading other tweets and digesting, TEDxNewy was full of ideas and inspirational {sorry, this word's going to come up a lot} people who have a little idea and act on it - with great results.

I'm planning on writing posts on each of the speakers from the day, but before I do, I thought I'd share how I'm going to use my TEDxNewy experience. Each of the 16 speakers were punctuated with short films or pieces that enhanced the experienced even further - so what I'm going to do is take something from each - every day - and do my TEDxNewy: ideas worth acting on.

Yesterday, inspired by The Naked Runners I threw on my old trainers {my feet are too delicate for the barefoot running they also advocate} and took off. I'm nowhere near fit enough just to start running, but I went to the beach and walked briskly, and nakedly. No iPod to distract me, no fancy running clothes, no GPS - just me, my feet and the beach. I smiled at others, checked out the new SurfHouse at Merewether and then, when I got to Dixon Park - ran up the hill like a toddler - just for the fun of it.

Yesterday I knocked over two goals: I also followed the Take3 ethos. The theory described by Tim Silverwood is that every time you go to a beach, a waterway - or anywhere really - take three pieces of rubbish with you. Plastic is deadly for our wildlife, so every little bit counts {I kinda cheated and took 4...} This is one I'll be acting on daily. I've always picked up rubbish whenever I see it - but I love the idea of giving it a name. It's so simple, just take three things.

Guess how good I felt afterwards?

I'm planning on acting on every single speaker - in some small way. I'll let you know how I get on.

sunday suppers

2011-11-13T15:55:00.001+11:00

Wow, my head's still buzzing after the extraodinary TEDxNewy yesterday. Such a wonderful range of speakers, each of whom managed to plant a nugget of inspiration. LOVE. Full post to follow...

Meanwhile, life's pretty much back to normal in this neck of the woods, so here's the normal meals we're eating.

Sunday: There will be roast lamb, cooked on the bbq, with a lentil salad. It'll be yum.

Monday: Poached chicken, avocado and mango salad.

Tuesday: Ballet concert dress rehearsal. Best have a speedy meal ready to go when we get home. Burritos I think.

Wednesday: Hmmmm, I think I'll need a fish dish, with salad.

Thursday: Zucchini fritters, salad and some crispy pancetta slices

Friday: We're off to a ball - woo hooo!

Saturday: I have a catch-up with uni friends, best have the makings for home-made pizzas on hand for dinner.

Yep, that'll do.

tee hee rwoar

2011-11-11T22:43:00.001+11:00

Gimmicky shoes normally make me stabby, but Blake Lively's Lion Louboutin's make me ever-so-happy. Seriously, could you ever look down at these and not smile?

flowers for friday

2011-11-11T09:18:00.001+11:00

I'm off to a mum's night out tonight. Wouldn't it be nice if the tables were all set up with prettiness like this?

planes, trains and automobiles...

2011-11-10T20:52:00.000+11:00

Well, that was a busy few days - with a lot of transportation thrown into the mix. Sadly, no pretty little cars like these beauties spotted in the beachside town of Cassis in France {pretty town - home of my fave champagne-additive!}. There were issues when a thunderstorm hit Melbourne airport, which meant I didn't limp home till midnight last night - and then I drove down to Sydney today... But it was all good.

You know how somedays you just think, you know what? My job's pretty darned amazing? Well I had one of those days. I was inspired by two incredible women that I work for - and feel so energised and enthused that even all this travel hasn't sapped my desire to get things done. I also got to meet some really lovely people and feel some rooms so optimistic and inspired that it's hard not to get a bit of a glow on.

Tomorrow's going to be a busy day - but I'll be busy with a smile on my face.

Works for me...

2011-11-09T14:48:00.001+11:00

Can't complain when your working day involves looking out over a swishy pool in a rather fabulous Melbourne hotel (with really nice coffee - yay!)

On a jet plane

2011-11-08T08:57:00.001+11:00

Well, here I am in Melbourne. I woke at the obscene hour of 4.15am and just had the most awful coffee (in Melbourne! That's not right! But yes, it was at the airport). Lots to do: work, meetings and catch-up with my family. Bless.

newcastle - moving forward

2011-11-07T10:52:00.001+11:00

I love living where I do. Moving back from Sydney to Newcastle 10 years ago was one of the best decisions we've made. I still love Sydney, but oh, I adore Newcastle. Obviously our beaches are a primary attraction, but it's the people here that are making it so amazing. Next Saturday I'm off to TEDxNewy - an amazing event organised by one seriously inspirational woman - Siobhan Curran. I've never met Siobhan, but oh, I've admired her from afar. She's one of those people I love - one who gets an idea and doesn't say "Oh, somebody should do this" she does it. She started the fabulous blog The Novocastrian Files, and the delicious Cooking From The Heart and after attending TED last year applied for a licence and set up the independent series of talks at TEDx in newy - legend.

I applied for tickets and snaffled them up when I got the seal of approval - without knowing who was speaking. Now, after reading the list, I'm beyond excited. There's some speakers I know, such as Marcus Westbury who started This Is Not Art in Newcastle and then the extraordinary Renew Newcastle which has now spread to Renew Australia and is taking off globally. Legend. Some speakers I haven't heard of, so I can't wait to hear what they've got to say.

All the speakers are those who act. They don't wait for someone else to do it - they do it - and inspire others in their wake. I know I'm going to walk out of the Civic Playhouse inspired and energised - can't wait. So much talent in this town, it's extraordinary.

sunday suppers

2011-11-06T16:04:00.001+11:00

Okey doke, busy again this week - with a few trips away from work. But I can't let my family fend for themselves {I know!} so here's what I'll be cooking.

Sunday: tonight we're having fish and roasted beetroot, leaves and persian fetta salad. I love the new fresh range of crumbed fresh barramundi fillets from Coles. Bought them a few weeks ago and simply popped them in the oven to cook. Tasty and stupidly simple.

Monday: I'm going to bake up spanish chicken, and following Nigella's lead by grating orange zest over the chicken, potato, onion and chorizo before baking. Yum. We'll eat it with rice and some more salad {hey, you saw our garden, we're eating lotsa salad}.

Tuesday: Okay, am flying to Melbourne at 6am, so my in-laws are coming to stay the night to help take the gal to school as my hubby also has a busy week. To reward them I'll leave behind a shephard's pie that I'll bake on monday. I'll be having dinner with my mum, step-dad and baby bro in Melbourne somewhere. Woo hoo.

Wednesday: I'm catching an 8pm flight back from Melbourne, might grab an early dinner in a laneway somewhere...

Thursday: I have a meeting in Sydney today, so I'll be home late. Hubby and the gal can prepare dinner for me I think. Spaghetti bolognaise is always a good-un for re-heating etc.

Friday: I have the mum's night out for school - so I'll be eating there. Gal and hubby can cook themselves up a bbq.

Saturday: I'm at TedXNewy all day {Can. Not. WAIT!} There will be takeaway for dinner tonight.

Sunday: Shall make up for my neglect with a lovely home-cooked roast.

PS: Have totally stolen a shot of my own kitchen for this post - from an ancient blog post. Need to get out there now and make it look this tidy again - after I bake a week's worth of school lunch tarts {potato and chorizo this week}

homegrown vegies

2011-11-06T09:26:00.000+11:00

Good things are happening in our vegie garden. Look at those lettuce, and oh, the beetroot! Last night we ate the first of our baby carrots and YUM - the most deliciously 'carrotty' carrots I've ever eaten. Divine. Tonight I'm roasting some baby beetroot to serve with persian fetta and salad greens {and beetroot leaves!}. And my tomatoes - oh, you should see the tomatoes! They're still green at the moment {fried green tomatoes anyone?} but they'll be ruby red before I know it.

I'm loving this vegie gardening scenario {except perhaps for the weeding, best finish that off today and pop down some mulch}. Enjoy this beautiful sunday x

sunny saturdays

2011-11-05T14:55:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the earlier starts to our weekend that 9am tennis lessons begets. Sure, I'm not happy about getting out of bed to get my gal there, but once we're there and she's happily playing then it's all good. We're also home by 10.15am which makes for a great start to the weekend. Today hubby's been outside working on the garden and I've been cleaning inside while our gal potters around. I've finally caught up on all the washing that was neglected while I was on jury duty and the house should be nice and clean and ready for a new working week.

I'll have to get the camera out into our front cottage garden. The foxgloves are on their last flowering burst, but the delphiniums, scabiosa and bog sage are all starting their new flourish. So pretty! Okay, enough relaxing for me - time to finish cleaning this living room and move into the bedrooms! Enjoy your weekend. xx

my peonies

2011-11-04T17:24:00.001+11:00

So, had my eyes tested and yep, need glasses. Thought I'd never find anything I liked but I tried on three pairs I really liked {and about 30 I didn't} and am officially in love with one. The most expensive ones - naturally.

Afterwards we popped into the florist and bought a bunch of peonies - aren't they divine? Don't they look pretty against the pale green walls? Love.

Now all I need to make my friday complete is some champagne {currently chilling} and clean sheets {on line - ready to be made up}. Perfection.

pink peonies - woo hoo

2011-11-04T10:28:00.001+11:00

My favourite flower is currently in season, and after the week I've had {which was preceded by last week's nightmare} I'm going to treat myself. This afternoon I'm finally off to get my eyes checked at the optomotrist {hurrah!} and right next door happens to be a florist. Yep, hang the expense, a pretty bunch of pink peonies will be popped into my amethyst Mason jar this afternoon.

ps: guess how excited I am about the possibility of glasses? Finally, after years of those teeny rectangular numbers being in fashion there are finally glasses that suit my round face. I do covet the pretty numbers Miss Tallulah Porkchop posted yesterday, but might satisfy myself with a black-framed pair of geek glasses.

for me?

2011-11-03T12:19:00.003+11:00

Should my husband decide to follow my lead and shop on Etsy, I hope he goes here to buy this little pretty for me {it even has teeny tiny words on the paper - bless!}

going small

2011-11-03T10:09:00.000+11:00

This Christmas, as much as possible, I'm going to shop small and local. The Olive Tree Markets are on this weekend and I'm planning on buying as many pressies as possible there. I've already bought some fabulous hand-made Christmas cards from their last market, and I need to buy a few little bits and pieces for kids.

What I can't find locally I'm hoping to find on Etsy, or at some cool local stores such as Betty Mim or Blackbird Corner on Darby Street - and, of course, Greg & Audrey's Garage {for moi!}.

Where possible I'm avoiding the shopping centre - makes me shudder.

How about you?

just let me sleeeeeeep

2011-11-02T13:28:00.000+11:00

This is a bit how I feel today. After a week's worth of jury duty, a busy social weekend and a pile of work so high, so teetering, so scary that it makes me want to cry... of course I got a migraine.

However, for once in my life my migraine arrived at a respectable 6pm so I was able to medicate, get myself to bed and sleep for around 15 hours. And I slept it off - hurrah. Today I've just got the dopey migraine hangover - a pain, but at least I can still work.

Should be back to normal blog posting tomorrow...

halloween happenings

2011-11-01T09:28:00.001+11:00

My gal all dressed up as a black kitty cat. And her pal all decked out in Pirate garb.

At the party house, ready for trick or treating.

I loved this Zombie guy at one of the houses. The kids only trick or treat at houses that are decorated, where they know they're welcome. This guy even had Thriller playing over and over to get him in the mood - and broke out some serious zombie moves.

One of the scenes from my fave houses in the street. That's dedication right there.

And yep, that guy was fully into it - put on a show and offered up some great lollies for the kids.

Lil ghost fairy lights - so CUTE!

Loved this dude just lolling about on the front verandah, kicking back, enjoying the view of all the kids in costume happily wandering the streets...

It was an awesome Halloween. Once again I forgot to take photos of myself, or of the finished ribs {they were delish!}. Halloween in Australia can be done well if it's organised, and interested people take place. Most of the families we saw walking around were young kids, dressed up and excited to be playing. The decorated houses loved seeing the kids - and one elderly lady didn't decorate her house, but stood out the front with a tupperware container filled with lollies - enjoying the spectacle of her neighbourhood coming alive and loving the chance the speak to so many people.

Oh, and here's a good idea I heard last night. One of the mums went around to all the elderly people in her neighbourhood explaining halloween and giving them a bag of lollies to hand out, and a ribbon to tie to their front gate. The kids happily halloweened around the block, elderly people got to share the kids' joy without forking out for the lollies - and everyone was happy. Bless.

A chance to frock up, have fun and get out in the neighbourhood? Gotta love that.

happy halloween

2011-10-31T10:47:00.001+11:00

So, I'm alllllll ready for the Halloween party tonight. My hair's a rich shade of black {I heart hairdye}, my curls managed to form a Bellatrix-esqe form {just like in my profile pic - spooky huh!} and we have eyeball cupcakes and a graveyard cake ready to go. I've also got the ribs marinating in the fridge, and will thrown them in the oven at 2pm to slowly roast in time for the party tonight.

Can't wait to see how our friends' neighourhood has frocked up for the big day. Last year there were 20 or more houses brightly decorated and ready for Halloween. The kids only knock on the doors with decorations, so they know they'll be well-received. I've also got some halloween tattoos and brain popping candy to add to the supplies the trick or treaters will receive at our friends house. And thankfully it's cooler than last year - nothing like schlepping from house-to-house in full costume when it's 30 degrees.

sunday suppers

2011-10-30T10:49:00.001+11:00

This little baby's getting a workout today. We're making black velvet cake to create ~~little ghost and Jack O'Lantern cake pops~~ cake eyeballs {change of plans, couldn't find lollipop sticks to make cake pops} to take to the Halloween party tomorrow night. I'll have to take some photos to show you how they go - even if they're a bit crappy they'll still be fun.

I also have to dye my hair - jury duty gave me an extra thick layer of grey regrowth. Then I'll have to shop for ingredients. I did a shop last Sunday and had all the food I needed for the week of jury duty - made life a lot easier.

Here's what we're eating tonight:

Sunday: Roasted rack of pork, roast potatoes, roast pumpkin and cauliflower gratin.

Monday: Halloween party: we're taking Dead Man's Bones - slow roasted pork and lamb ribs. I'll marinate them in a bbq sauce, tomato sauce, herb and red wine mixture and slowly roast them in a low oven so they're tender and melty. All the parents are taking a hot dish to share for dinner, so there should be some yummy food. Love a bring-a-plate-dinner.

Tuesday: We have a parent's orientation night at my daughter's high school for next year {eep!} Spinach and feta pie with salad

Wednesday: Steak with pink peppercorn sauce {I brought back some pink peppercorns from Provence, am dying to use them} with salad - our vegie garden's totally going OFF.

Thursday: Rosé chicken, rice salad and steamed greens.

Friday: Salmon on the bbq with a salad.

Saturday: Lamb kebabs on the bbq, with a couscous salad.

And that's all folks. What are you eating?

wooo hooo hoooo

2011-10-29T09:24:00.000+11:00

Oh my goodness, it's the weekend - and my jury duty's FINISHED. Goodness, what a week. At first I found the process fascinating. We had a prosecutor and and defence attorney all dressed in robes and wigs, with associates writing copious notes to hand to make sure nothing was left un-asked. The judge happily filled us in on what was going on with interesting asides and it was a real insight into our legal system.

Then it got tired. In the courtroom it was interesting, but then we'd get locked in the jury room - not so good. I met some really interesting people on the jury, and then, like an event where random people are thrown together, there was one person who just rubbed me totally up the wrong way. Drove. Me. Nuts.

Eventually justice was served, but oh, it took ages. I bit my tongue far too many times, spoke up far more often than I'm used to and generally tried to get accustomed to a world in which different people see and hear different things - even when they're in the same room.

Sigh.

But luckily we'd organised to have friends over to dinner last night - on what I discovered was Champagne Day. So, naturally, we drank champagne - which helped wash away the feeling of being locked away for a week.

Today we'll be working on my gal's halloween costume, and we'll be making some spooky halloween cake pops {glittery jack o'lanterns!}. We're also taking along a hot dish to share with all the families at the Halloween party, we're making Dead Man's Bones... {slow roasted pork ribs!}.

I know that some people aren't fond of Halloween in Australia - but I love any opportunity to dress up. Also, our friends live in a neighbourhood where Halloween is embraced, and the kids only Trick or Treat at houses with a decoration on the front gate {the sign that trick or treating is encouraged}. Last year was a hoot - with so many people dressing up, and some of the house decorations were amazing. I've also finally worked out my costume - I'm frocking up as Bellatrix from Harry Potter. It's a bit too easy really, I've got the hair already...

Have a great weekend everyone x

flowers for friday

2011-10-28T06:30:00.000+11:00

Why yes, as a matter of fact I am counting down the days till I don't have to do this thing that I'm doing any more.

Fresh air, sunlight, the ability to leave a room when ever you're in the mood - we take it for granted don't we? Guess it reminds us what we're all here for doesn't it.

PS: this pic - just have a look at so many of my fave blooms all gathered in the one spot {and, freakishly, one for each day of my tenure...}

sleepy, sleepy, sleepy

2011-10-26T20:47:00.000+11:00

I shall never complain about work again - seriously, this jury duty stuff sure takes it out of you.

I can't wait for the weekend: I plan on sleeping through it.

three ps

2011-10-25T17:40:00.001+11:00

So, as I'm not allowed to talk about jury duty {the first rule of jury duty is that you can't talk about jury duty...} I thought I'd hold this place with a cute pic. Three ps: a puppy, on a pushie, in Provence.

Cute non?

shopping serendipity

2011-10-23T12:37:00.002+11:00

A few weeks ago I went to a work conference. It was actually really, really interesting {not something I can normally say about these things}. Anyway, one of the speakers was discussing social media and winning an audience and said that on-line social media is no different to real-life social situations: the same things still apply.

And then he recommended a book, written in the 1930s, Dale Carnegie's How To Win Friends And Influence People. Now, this has always been on my read-one-day lists, so I thought it'd be good if I tracked down a copy...

Anyway, so I'm driving home to Newcastle, and spied an op-shop I've been dying to check out. With a park right out the front. I know! So I called in, and there, on the bookshelf was the book! Pristine - with a fabulous vintage hard cover. How's that for serendipity?

I grabbed a few more books, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, Nick Hornby's How To Be Good and a fabulous shirt for my hubby. Then, as I'm waiting to pay I spy pure gold on the shelf behind the cashier...

A perfect set of hallway skittles.

Now we have a hallway that's just designed for hallway skittles, but I've never seen such a set. These balls are some kind of amazing weighted foam - so are the skittles, not those crappy plastic ones.

And the price?

$9.

I know, obscene. I nearly paid $70 for a crappy plastic set that were ON-SALE!

See here? There'll be some bowling tournaments taking place here...

Now, to find the perfect bowling outfit {I'm thinking poodle skirt non?}

sweet, sweet saturday

2011-10-22T08:38:00.002+11:00

Hey, how's your weekend panning out so far? We're headed off to tennis lessons shortly - and it's a glorious day to get out and about. There will also be the odd spot of gardening, and, groan, cleaning.

Sadly I'll also be doing a bit of work on the weekend as I've been called for Jury Duty on Monday {sob!} and there are just some things that have to be done.

Have a lovely weekend x

Love thyself

2011-10-21T12:40:00.001+11:00

Just a little note to myself via my coffee...

I've had one of those weeks. Nothing life-shattering, just annoying and inconvenient. Rather than wallowing I thought I'd remind myself to "cheer up buttercup" and my coffee seconded the motion.

Good coffee. I love you too x

love this

2011-10-20T13:30:00.000+11:00

happy 40th Willy Wonka

2011-10-20T08:53:00.000+11:00

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the movie, some of the cast of Wily Wonka and the Chocolate Factory rocked out. Here's, from left to right, Mike TeeVee, Violet Beauregard, the Director (Mel Stuart) Veruca Salt and an Oompa Loompa.

I lost count of how many time I watched this as a kidlet, and my daughter watched it for the first time last weekend. The sheer simplicity of this film still resonates strongly - and there are some killer lines that I still find myself using {I said 'good day' Sir! I said 'Good Day'} I love how 40 years hasn't dimmed these familiar faces - if Mike TeeVee were wearing a cowboy hat you'd recognise him straight away.

Bless.

wowee, it's wednesday?

2011-10-19T11:51:00.001+11:00

Oh me oh my this year is speeding by. I kind of feel like I'm riding a bicycle, by pedalling backwards, while in the ocean, at the moment. So. Much. To. Do. Meal planning's saving my sanity as usual - so thank goodness I have that.

If only I had this dressing room to sit on that fabulous chair, my neck tickled by that glorious apricot number and ponder a while.

That's what I need. A little time to ponder a while {or at least synchronise all my dates so I don't keep double-booking myself - I did it TWICE yesterday. TWICE!}

Okay, off to breathe and write a to-do list.

macramé anyone?

2011-10-17T09:15:00.002+11:00

As a child of the 70s I have very strong visions of the fashions of the time. From the olive green and burnt orange kitchens {ours was a rather fabbo red and white} to the flares, mateus rosé bottles with candles inserted for the romantic ambience to macramé hanging pot holders.

So these gave me quite the giggle. However, will I be shelling out one thousand, four hundred and thirty pounds {and fifty five pence} for these Proenza Shouler numbers?

Um, think not.

{Also, do you think that funny brush thingy at the back would tickle your calves while you walk?}

sunday suppers

2011-10-16T14:49:00.001+11:00

Okay, I'm pretty sure that my best day for meal planning is a Sunday. That way I get to the shops and buy everything I need for the week ahead. Here's what's cooking this week:

Tonight: I have some mince in the fridge that hubby bought on friday on a two for $10 special. As I also have some white corn chips in the pantry, and loads of ripe tomatoes, I'll be making nachos for dinner. As I also have a cob of corn and some coriander, best serve it with a corn salsa...

Monday: My father-in-law dropped off a bag of lemons on friday - best make baked lemon chicken don't you think?

Tuesday: I have a standing rib roast that needs cooking. Complete with baked chats and roasted pumpkin and sweet potato and some greens.

Wednesday: I feel like making calzone. Should I? Salami should be one of the ingredients don't you think?

Thursday: Turkish lamb meatballs, salad and couscous.

Friday: Hubby's at a golf day all day - he'll need serious sustenance when he gets home - I'll do a chorizo pasta bake.

Saturday: I enjoyed last Saturday's bbq so much that I think I'd best do it again.

sweet, sweet saturday

2011-10-15T10:31:00.001+11:00

Well, we were up-and-at-'em early this morning. My gal had her first tennis lesson at 9am, which now means we've got the whole day spread out before us. I'm trying to think of an excuse to head to Bunnings, due to an inexplicable sausage sandwich craving. Perhaps we need some more herbs to fill out the herb garden...

I do know that there will be some house cleaning in my future - those darned cleaning fairies have flown off to greener pastures apparently.

So, whatcha doin' this weekend?

blossoms for friday

2011-10-14T18:50:00.001+11:00

Sorry I'm late with my post, I drove down to Sydney at 6am for a meeting, and got home around 6pm... Tired. So here's a shot through my blossom tree, with the dovecote in the background. Pretty isn't it?

Hope you have a lovely weekend x

nailed it

2011-10-13T11:25:00.000+11:00

My hot-coral nails from Saturday night are looking a little worse for wear, so I'll need to update them. If only I had this gorgeous pearly white nail as seen at Chanel - touted to be next season's hot colour. {Oh, and the bag would just highlight it nicely wouldn't it?}

Love it when my email pings me with a message from Chanel - a bit of beauty always makes a day seem brighter don't you think?

Are you a toe or finger painter? My toes never, ever, EVER go naked, but my constant typing - and handwashing of vintage kitchen items {seriously, my 50s egg lift can't go in the dishwasher...} plays havoc with fingertips.

love is...

2011-10-12T16:34:00.000+11:00

Another couple I love is Ellen Degeneres and Portia. Just look at this shot of their shoe closet taken from a series of images from their home featured in Architectural Digest.

Doesn't it just bring out the awwww bless!

just because...

2011-10-11T13:45:00.001+11:00

It's always a good time for a little Audrey...

meal planning monday

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000+11:00

Back to school - woooooo hoooooooooooooo! And don't worry, it's not just me doing a happy dance - it's my school-loving gal too. To celebrate, let's eat well this week shall we?

Monday: I've got some dory fillets that are begging to be served with oven fries and a green salad.

Tuesday: Ballet's back: so I should do pickled pork with mash, leftover cauliflower gratin from Sunday's roast dinner and wilted greens.

Wednesday: I have a big jar of fresh chicken stock thanks to Sunday night's roast chicken dinner {seriously, simmering the leftover chicken with onions, carrots and herbs for two hours results in the most amazing stock} so I'd best make a risotto. Chicken and crispy pancetta perhaps.

Thursday: Another night of late ballet - followed by tennis shoe shopping. Dinner at the shopping mall {I'm going to plug for Charlestown so I can see dumplings in my future}

Friday: My gal's been asking for salmon patties - best oblige. So simple, so healthy, so tasty.

Saturday: I really am going to bring out the bbq this weekend - I swear. Steaks - big, fat juicy ones and lotsa salad.

Sunday: Roast lamb this week, with the usual vegie suspects.

sweet sunday

2011-10-09T11:31:00.002+11:00

Don't you love the morning after a great night out? We caught up with a fab group of friends last night in one of our friends' amazing new house {it's just perfection - I plan on sneaking over and moving into their sun-room - don't think they'll notice...} We had gorgeous food, lotsa champagne and lots of laughs. Don't you just love that?

So we're taking it slowly this morning {well, hubby's not - he's been up since 5am and ridden far too many kilometres - craziness}. My gal and I slept in, and now we're off to Coles to buy a few essentials and check out the new clothing range some of my fave bloggers have been raving about.

This afternoon will involve leisurely bike riding down to the tennis courts so the gal can have a few practice hits before she starts tennis lessons next weekend. A bit of gardening might also be involved. Bliss.

How's your weekend panning out?

delightfully dita

2011-10-08T14:01:00.002+11:00

David Jones is launching the Dita Von Teese muse range in November. Squeeee!

Can you imagine? This divine collection is available in sizes 8 - 20 and contains in-built corsetry to get a Dita-esque waist.

Love!

Thanks to my friend Nikki for sending me the link xx